N-CSR 1 fp0080610-1_ncsr.htm

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 11/3/2022

 

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

 

FORM N-CSR

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

811-05518

Investment Company Act file number

 

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

 

615 East Michigan Street

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

 

Steven Plump, President

c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services

615 East Michigan Street

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

 

(609) 731-6256

Registrant's telephone number, including area code

 

Date of fiscal year end: August 31

 

Date of reporting period: August 31, 2022

 

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

 

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

of

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.

 

 

Annual Report

 

 

 

 

August 31, 2022

 


 

 

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund (the “Fund”) Class I Shares returned +17.72% net of fees for the 12-month fiscal year ended August 31, 2022.

 

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

 

Average Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2022 (unless otherwise noted)

 

 

2022
YTD

1 Year

SEP. 1, 2020 TO
Aug. 31, 2021

5 Years
Annualized

ANNUALIZED
SINCE
INCEPTION ON
JULY 1, 2014

Class I Shares

18.80%

17.72%

7.74%

7.00%

5.98%

Class A Shares*

18.55%

17.40%

7.42%

6.71%

5.71%

Class A Shares (max load)*

11.71%

10.64%

1.23%

5.46%

4.95%

Class C Shares**

18.00%

16.48%

6.72%

5.92%

4.93%

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

0.36%

0.37%

0.08%

1.12%

0.79%

S&P 500® Total Return Index***

-16.14%

-11.23%

31.17%

11.82%

11.07%

Barclay CTA Index***

7.94%

8.44%

7.30%

4.27%

3.02%

 

Barclay CTA numbers are based on the estimates available on the BarclayHedge website as of September 9, 2022

Source: Abbey Capital, Bloomberg and BarclayHedge

 

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

 

Please note the above is shown for illustrative purposes only

 

*

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

 

**

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

 

***

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

 

Abbey Capital Limited (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 1.79%, 2.04% and 2.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to

 

1

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Class I Shares, Class A Shares, and Class C Shares, respectively. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2022, and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. In addition, the Adviser may recoup any waived or reimbursed amounts from the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made by the Adviser, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Without the expense limitation agreement, the expense ratios are 1.89%, 2.14% and 2.89% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, Class A Shares, and Class C Shares, respectively, as stated in the Fund’s current prospectus dated December 31, 2021, as supplemented (and which may differ from the actual expense ratios for the period covered by this report). The quoted performance would have been lower without the expense limitation.

 

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

 

Performance Analysis

 

The 12-month period ended August 31, 2022 was positive overall for Fund performance. The Fund’s Trendfollowing sub-advisers recorded gains for the period, while the non-Trendfollowing trading styles were positive in aggregate.

 

This period was characterised by high inflation and hawkish monetary policy, with supply constraints across commodity sectors and the Russia-Ukraine conflict other notable themes that impacted markets. These factors contributed to sharp moves and heightened volatility across both financial and commodity markets at different times during the period.

 

Inflation in the US and Europe reached multi-decade highs during the period, with US inflation rising to +9.1% per annum in June 2022, its highest level since 1981. Central banks were initially slow to react to signs of increasing price pressures. The US Federal Reserve initially viewed rising inflation as a “transitory” effect of the global economy re-opening following COVID-19 disruptions and supply bottlenecks in various sectors. However, as high inflation proved more persistent than expected, global central banks began to hike rates in 2022 and scale back monetary policy supports such as quantitative easing.

 

Rising inflation weighed on both bond and equity prices over the period, with the relationship between the two asset classes shifting as the bond/equity correlation turned positive.

 

Supply concerns were a persistent theme across commodity markets, contributing to a rally in various energy, metal and agricultural markets in the first half of the 12-month period. The outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in Q1 2022 led to supply disruptions and an acceleration in price uptrends across many commodity contracts. However, as we moved into Q2 2022, uptrends in commodities began to weaken as concerns about slower global growth became more prominent and the stronger USD weighed on metals prices.

 

Fund performance from September to December 2021 was negative, with choppy price moves in longer-dated bonds proving challenging for the Fund’s Trendfollowing and Value sub-advisers. Notable losses occurred in late November 2021, when the emergence of the Omicron COVID-19 variant resulted in a sharp reversal of trends in several sectors, most notably in equities and energy.

 

Fund performance was positive from January to August 2022. Strong trends occurred in both financial and commodity markets in the early part of 2022, which provided a favourable environment for the Fund’s Trendfollowing sub-advisers. As the year progressed, price trends became more prominent in financial contracts, particularly in fixed income and currencies. While Trendfollowing sub-advisers were the primary source of positive Fund performance in the first eight months of 2022, the increased volatility in fixed income markets provided profitable opportunities for the Fund’s Short-term Systematic (“Short-term”) sub-adviser.

 

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

 

2

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

The Fund’s largest gains occurred in fixed income over the 12-month period as high inflation and aggressive policy tightening by global central banks led to a significant repricing in global bond and interest rate markets. Some of the most pronounced moves occurred in the US, where the US 2-year Treasury yield rose by over +320 basis points during the 12-month period as investors anticipated US interest rates of approximately 3.75% by the end of 2022. Trendfollowing sub-advisers transitioned to an aggregate short position across bonds and interest rates in late 2021, which resulted in gains as trends in global yields accelerated in the early part of 2022. The Short-term sub-adviser also recorded gains in fixed income from short positions in US Treasuries during the period, while the Value sub-adviser had negative performance due to losses from longs in 3-month Eurodollar contracts.

 

In currencies, the Fund held long USD positions throughout the period, which resulted in gains. Hawkish guidance from the US Federal Reserve and higher US yields supported the US currency, with long USD positions against the EUR and JPY leading to gains in the sector. A widening US-Japan yield differential helped the USD reach a 24-year high against the JPY during the period. Meanwhile, the USD hit a 20-year high against the EUR during the period. The EUR weakened as the US Federal Reserve was more aggressive in tightening monetary policy than the European Central Bank and as a supply crunch in European energy markets weighed on the growth outlook for the eurozone. The allocations to Trendfollowing and Global Macro sub-advisers were responsible for the majority of the Fund’s gains in currencies during the period.

 

Supply concerns were a prominent theme in energy markets over the 12-month period. OPEC+ supply restrictions, combined with strong global demand, were a tailwind for crude oil prices in the first half of the period. Disruptions to Russian energy supplies following the imposition of economic sanctions also impacted prices. In August 2022, US natural gas futures hit their highest level since 2008 on concerns about low inventory levels. European natural gas and electricity prices reached record highs in August 2022 amid severe energy supply shortages as Russia restricted natural gas exports to the region. The Fund’s long positions in energy resulted in gains for the period, with longs in crude oil, distillates and natural gas all contributing positively to performance.

 

The Fund’s performance in metals was mixed during the period, with gains in base metals partially offset by losses in precious metals. Low inventories were an important theme across many base metals markets, with the Fund’s largest gains occurring from longs in aluminium and nickel as both metals hit record highs in March 2022 before uptrends reversed. Both metals were supported by uncertainty about supplies from Russia. Aluminium prices were also boosted at times by high energy costs, while nickel prices were impacted by a short squeeze that took place at the London Metal Exchange. Meanwhile, the Fund’s losses in precious metals were primarily the result of investments in gold.

 

Modest gains were also recorded in agricultural commodities. The Fund’s Trendfollowing allocation was the primary source of gains in this sector during the period, with longs in corn, wheat and cotton contributing positively to returns. Wheat and corn prices were supported by disruptions to agricultural exports from Russia and Ukraine, with concerns about growing conditions in the US and Brazil serving as a further tailwind to corn prices. Meanwhile, droughts in key US growing regions saw cotton futures rally.

 

Equities were the largest detractor from Fund performance at the sector level during the period. Losses mostly occurred in early 2022 from long positions as global equities began to decline from record highs. High inflation and concerns about the impact of tighter monetary policy weighed on global stocks during the period. The Russia-Ukraine conflict, COVID-19 lockdowns in China, signs of slowing global growth and some mixed earnings data also impacted risk sentiment at times. The S&P 500 Total Return Index returned -11.2% for the 12- month period overall, with the index entering a bear market in June 2022.

 

3

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Concluded)

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

This reversal in the long-term uptrend in equities proved challenging for the Fund’s Trendfollowing sub-advisers, while its Short-term sub-adviser recorded partially offsetting gains in the sector.

 

Key to Currency Abbreviations

USD

US Dollar

JPY

Japanese Yen

EUR

Euro

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

4

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Performance Data

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

 

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

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2022

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception††

 

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

17.40%

7.44%

6.71%

5.71%*

 

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

10.64%

5.34%

5.46%

4.95%*

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index

-11.23%

12.39%

11.82%

11.07%**

 

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

0.37%

0.57%

1.12%

0.79%**

 

Barclay CTA Index***

8.44%

5.29%

4.27%

3.02%**

 

 

††

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

 

*

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

 

**

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

 

***

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

 

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

 

5

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 2.04% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares. Without the limitation arrangement, the gross expense ratio is 2.14% for Class A Shares as stated in the current prospectus, as supplemented (and which may differ from the actual expense ratio for the period covered by this report). This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2022 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Please see the Consolidated Financial Highlights for current figures.

 

6

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

 

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

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2022

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception††

 

Class I Shares

17.72%

7.74%

7.00%

5.98%

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index

-11.23%

12.39%

11.82%

11.07%*

 

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

0.37%

0.57%

1.12%

0.79%*

 

Barclay CTA Index**

8.44%

5.29%

4.27%

3.02%*

 

 

††

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

 

*

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

 

**

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

 

The performance data quoted reflects fee waivers in effect and would have been less in their absence. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 1.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares. Without the limitation arrangement, the gross expense ratio is 1.89% for Class I Shares, as stated in the current prospectus, as supplemented (and which may differ from the actual expense ratios for the period covered by this report). This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2022 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Please see the Consolidated Financial Highlights for current figures.

 

7

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

 

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

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2022

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception††

 

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

16.48%

6.65%

5.92%

4.93%*

 

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

15.48%

6.65%

5.92%

4.93%*

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index

-11.23%

12.39%

11.82%

11.07%**

 

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

0.37%

0.57%

1.12%

0.79%**

 

Barclay CTA Index***

8.44%

5.29%

4.27%

3.02%**

 

 

††

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

 

*

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

 

**

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

 

***

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

 

8

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

The performance data quoted reflects fee waivers in effect and would have been less in their absence. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 2.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares. Without the limitation arrangement, the gross expense ratio is 2.89% for Class C Shares, as stated in the current prospectus, as supplemented (and which may differ from the actual expense ratios for the period covered by this report). This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2022 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Please see the Consolidated Financial Highlights for current figures.

 

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

 

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

 

 

9

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Performance Data (Concluded)

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Barclay CTA Index

 

The Barclay CTA Index is a leading industry benchmark of representative performance of commodity trading advisors. There are currently 416 programs included in the calculation of the Barclay CTA Index for 2022. The Barclay CTA Index is equally weighted and rebalanced at the beginning of each year.

 

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

 

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

 

The S&P 500® Total Return Index

 

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

 

A basis point is one hundredth of one percent.

 

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

 

10

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Fund Expense Examples

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022, and held for the entire period.

 

ACTUAL EXPENSES

 

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

 

HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES

 

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

 

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

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
March 1, 2022

Ending
Account Value
August 31, 2022

Expenses Paid
During
Period
(1)

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
(2)

Actual Six-
Month Total
Investment
Returns for the
Fund

Actual

         

Class A Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,153.20

$ 11.07

2.04%

15.32%

Class I Shares

1,000.00

1,154.00

9.72

1.79%

15.40%

Class C Shares

1,000.00

1,148.00

15.11

2.79%

14.80%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

Class A Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,014.92

$ 10.36

2.04%

N/A

Class I Shares

1,000.00

1,016.18

9.10

1.79%

N/A

Class C Shares

1,000.00

1,011.14

14.14

2.79%

N/A

 

 

(1)

Expenses are equal to the Funds’ Class A Shares, Class I Shares, and Class C Shares annualized six-month expense ratios for the period March 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one half year period. The Fund’s ending account values in the first section in the table are based on the actual six-month total investment return for the Fund’s respective share classes.

 

(2)

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

 

11

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

 

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS:

               

U.S. Treasury Obligations

    81.6 %   $ 2,192,165,632  

Money Market Deposit Account

    5.4       146,992,169  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

               

(including futures and forward foreign currency contracts)

    13.0       348,100,769  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 2,687,258,570  

 

 

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

 

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

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

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

 

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

 

12

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2022

 

   

Coupon*

   

Maturity
Date

   

Par
(000’s)

   

Value

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 87.0%

                               

U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS - 81.6%

                               

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.661 %     09/01/22     $ 54,025     $ 54,025,000  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.752 %     09/08/22       35,197       35,183,243  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.801 %     09/15/22       63,429       63,375,985  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.907 %     09/22/22       78,407       78,313,100  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    1.032 %     09/29/22       57,221       57,126,661  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    1.111 %     10/06/22       121,652       121,392,392  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    1.185 %     10/13/22       99,190       98,922,682  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    1.287 %     10/20/22       122,276       121,864,414  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    1.356 %     10/27/22       100,212       99,813,711  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    1.331 %     11/03/22       118,843       118,298,366  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    1.408 %     11/10/22       89,773       89,320,662  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    1.471 %     11/17/22       80,083       79,623,888  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    1.504 %     11/25/22       24,261       24,100,236  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    1.649 %     12/01/22       93,723       93,043,926  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    2.141 %     12/08/22       116,013       115,137,013  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    2.227 %     12/15/22       105,823       104,970,816  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    2.418 %     12/22/22       34,722       34,399,252  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    2.472 %     12/29/22       82,459       81,648,572  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    2.641 %     01/05/23       84,059       83,186,433  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    2.905 %     01/12/23       95,239       94,193,110  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    2.950 %     01/19/23       84,808       83,817,749  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    2.882 %     01/26/23       44,818       44,267,606  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    3.009 %     02/02/23       83,973       82,853,499  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    3.034 %     02/09/23       122,822       121,098,062  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    3.120 %     02/16/23       56,391       55,550,384  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    3.224 %     02/23/23       159,120       156,638,870  

TOTAL U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS (Cost $2,195,271,049)

                            2,192,165,632  
                                 
                   

Number
of Shares
(000’s)

         

MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT - 5.4%

                               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.0% (United States)(a)

                    146,992       146,992,169  

TOTAL MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT (Cost $146,992,169)

                            146,992,169  
                                 

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

                               

(Cost $2,342,263,218)

                            2,339,157,801  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 87.0%

                               

(Cost $2,342,263,218)

                            2,339,157,801  
                                 

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES - 13.0%

                            348,100,769  

NET ASSETS - 100.0%

                          $ 2,687,258,570  

 

 

*

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

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.

 

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

 

13

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Futures contracts outstanding as of August 31, 2022 were as follows:

 

Long Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Mar-23       952     $ 233,725,868     $ (1,539,138 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Jun-23       472       115,655,581       (630,044 )

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Dec-23       420       102,934,968       (617,507 )

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Mar-23       912       218,583,599       (987,738 )

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Jun-23       628       150,570,849       (971,675 )

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Sep-23       1       240,188       (88 )

Amsterdam Index Futures

    Sep-22       191       26,107,383       (1,812,750 )

AUD/USD Currency Futures

    Sep-22       418       28,622,550       (360,013 )

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Mar-23       117       21,334,783       (79,130 )

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Jun-23       78       14,222,446       (76,550 )

BIST 30 Index Futures

    Oct-22       850       1,691,660       8,756  

Brent Crude Futures

    Nov-22       111       10,616,040       (36,860 )

Brent Crude Futures

    Dec-22       31       2,920,510       (89,830 )

Brent Crude Futures

    Jan-23       11       1,022,230       (38,990 )

Brent Crude Oil Last Day

    Nov-22       4       382,560       (15,450 )

CAC40 10 Euro Futures

    Sep-22       570       35,079,743       (2,497,804 )

CAD Currency Futures

    Sep-22       926       70,551,939       (1,005,565 )

Cattle Feeder Futures

    Oct-22       4       366,950       (8,113 )

CHF Currency Futures

    Sep-22       340       43,592,250       (783,950 )

Cocoa Futures ICE

    Dec-22       4       87,267       1,336  

Cocoa Futures ICE

    Mar-23       10       214,217       1,406  

Cocoa Futures ICE

    May-23       1       21,247       825  

Coffee ‘C’ Futures

    Dec-22       345       30,435,469       1,423,031  

Coffee ‘C’ Futures

    Mar-23       12       1,028,700       8,325  

Coffee ‘C’ Futures

    May-23       3       253,125       (3,394 )

Coffee Robusta Futures

    Nov-22       114       2,565,000       (930 )

Coffee Robusta Futures

    Jan-23       64       1,432,320       17,370  

Corn Futures

    Dec-22       444       14,885,100       670,388  

Corn Futures

    Mar-23       321       10,857,825       238,825  

Corn Futures

    May-23       19       644,338       2,688  

Cotton No.2 Futures

    Dec-22       213       12,056,865       163,810  

Cotton No.2 Futures

    Mar-23       13       715,910       (13,410 )

DAX Index Futures

    Sep-22       1       322,766       (4,648 )

DJIA Mini E-CBOT

    Sep-22       256       40,360,960       (2,277,706 )

Dollar Index

    Sep-22       58       6,302,570       170,820  

Dutch TTF Gas Futures

    Oct-22       5       898,081       (263,270 )

E-Mini Crude Oil

    Oct-22       3       134,325       (7,225 )

E-Mini Energy Select Futures

    Sep-22       2       167,660       12,180  

E-Mini Natural Gas

    Oct-22       12       273,810       (12,365 )

E-Mini Utilities Select Futures

    Sep-22       4       299,680       (3,190 )

Euro STOXX 50

    Sep-22       537       18,996,051       (1,242,516 )

Euro/JPY Futures

    Sep-22       138       17,299,046       (60,383 )

Euro-Bobl Futures

    Sep-22       62       7,668,767       (6,231 )

Euro-BTP Futures

    Sep-22       418       50,202,679       (1,964,555 )

Euro-Bund Futures

    Sep-22       120       17,844,373       (243,189 )

Euro-Oat Futures

    Sep-22       371       51,459,114       (163,958 )

European Climate Exchange Futures

    Dec-22       43       3,458,340       (478,268 )

FTSE 100 Index Futures

    Sep-22       2,166       183,370,607       (2,173,354 )

FTSE/JSE TOP 40

    Sep-22       3       106,414       (5,745 )

 

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

 

14

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Long Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

FTSE/MIB Index Futures

    Sep-22       67     $ 7,261,077     $ (480,413 )

Gasoline RBOB Futures

    Oct-22       68       6,942,365       (832,490 )

Gasoline RBOB Futures

    Nov-22       4       401,167       (29,463 )

Gasoline RBOB Futures

    Jan-23       1       98,322       (9,395 )

Gold 100 Oz Futures

    Dec-22       119       20,541,780       (219,230 )

Hang Seng Index Futures

    Sep-22       40       5,051,537       1,174  

JPN 10-Year Bond (Osaka Securities Exchange)

    Sep-22       42       45,206,118       (274,249 )

JPY Currency Futures

    Sep-22       2       180,450       294  

Lean Hogs Futures

    Oct-22       34       1,244,740       (96,160 )

Lean Hogs Futures

    Dec-22       84       2,818,200       (6,530 )

Live Cattle Futures

    Oct-22       155       8,839,650       (127,000 )

Live Cattle Futures

    Dec-22       22       1,306,580       (20,020 )

Live Cattle Futures

    Feb-23       11       674,630       (2,070 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-22       1       59,131       131  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-22       1       59,119       (1,806 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-22       10       591,188       1,700  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-22       1,984       117,291,599       (11,905,452 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-22       1       59,119       206  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-22       1       59,147       (1,828 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-22       4       236,610       (6,793 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-22       2       118,350       (3,727 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-22       12       710,100       600  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-22       1       59,175       (1,338 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-22       2       118,350       (4,488 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-22       18       1,065,150       (14,850 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-22       1       59,013       (1,425 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-22       7       412,067       (17,183 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-22       1       58,872       (1,491 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-22       7       412,694       (23,144 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-22       7       412,808       (16,580 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Dec-22       980       57,869,000       (1,584,339 )

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-22       4       784,750       (128,744 )

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-22       3       588,750       (69,675 )

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-22       3       588,563       28,688  

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-22       874       171,467,874       (10,808,444 )

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-22       1       196,100       4,425  

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-22       1       196,025       4,322  

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-22       1       195,988       (16,450 )

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-22       5       979,938       25,913  

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-22       2       391,975       12,375  

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-22       1       195,988       (63 )

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-22       1       195,881       (5,475 )

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-22       4       783,300       9,065  

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-22       1       195,666       (5,579 )

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-22       3       586,688       (16,886 )

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-22       1       195,494       2,206  

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-22       3       586,232       (13,569 )

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-22       4       781,067       (7,483 )

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-22       1       195,100       (6,188 )

LME Copper Forward

    Dec-22       340       66,253,249       (1,312,078 )

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-22       1       48,796       (704 )

 

 

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

 

15

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Long Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-22       1     $ 48,804     $ (696 )

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-22       15       732,844       3,469  

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-22       134       6,546,738       (517,584 )

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-22       7       341,381       (11,004 )

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-22       1       48,789       651  

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-22       1       48,797       309  

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-22       1       48,816       666  

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-22       3       146,472       3,685  

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-22       2       97,680       (1,813 )

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-22       15       732,656       (75,086 )

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-22       1       48,788       (888 )

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-22       1       48,788       (1,463 )

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-22       2       97,575       (2,900 )

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-22       2       97,575       (5,325 )

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-22       1       48,788       (888 )

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-22       4       195,150       (19,950 )

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-22       1       48,788       (5,963 )

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-22       1       48,788       (5,740 )

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-22       1       48,744       (894 )

LME Lead Forward

    Dec-22       9       438,750       (50,153 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-22       1       128,022       (1,338 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-22       14       1,792,308       (395,335 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-22       3       384,274       (7,233 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-22       1       128,181       4,268  

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-22       5       641,010       (32,892 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Nov-22       2       256,602       (34,128 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Nov-22       1       128,326       (4,334 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Nov-22       1       128,466       (294 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Dec-22       2       257,244       (16,994 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-22       5       441,063       59,188  

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-22       236       20,818,150       (47,118 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Oct-22       9       787,838       (26,893 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Oct-22       27       2,363,513       10,109  

LME Zinc Forward

    Nov-22       3       260,438       (13,837 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Dec-22       112       9,637,600       (237,594 )

Low Sulphur Gasoil G Futures

    Sep-22       68       7,469,800       554,950  

Low Sulphur Gasoil G Futures

    Oct-22       135       14,515,875       137,750  

Low Sulphur Gasoil G Futures

    Nov-22       21       2,187,150       38,775  

Low Sulphur Gasoil G Futures

    Dec-22       6       602,700       (18,050 )

Low Sulphur Gasoil G Futures

    Jan-23       5       492,500       (27,475 )

Micro E-mini Nasdaq 100 Index Futures

    Sep-22       1       24,571       213  

Mill Wheat Euro

    Sep-22       3       50,084       (8,982 )

Mill Wheat Euro

    Dec-22       25       407,635       (2,801 )

Mill Wheat Euro

    Mar-23       12       195,815       (301 )

Mill Wheat Euro

    May-23       1       16,305       (25 )

Mini TOPIX Index Futures

    Sep-22       15       211,841       (387 )

MXN Currency Futures

    Sep-22       987       24,408,510       (86,955 )

Nasdaq 100 E-Mini

    Sep-22       60       14,742,300       (1,037,180 )

Natural Gas Futures

    Oct-22       267       24,369,090       (380,297 )

Natural Gas Futures

    Nov-22       114       10,475,460       800,050  

Natural Gas Futures

    Dec-22       9       839,340       23,890  

 

 

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

 

16

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Long Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

Natural Gas Futures

    Jan-23       5     $ 469,800     $ 10,300  

Natural Gas Futures ICE

    Oct-22       5       705,197       (43,809 )

Natural Gas Futures ICE

    Nov-22       5       823,505       12,755  

Nikkei 225 (Chicago Mercantile Exchange)

    Sep-22       4       557,100       (8,875 )

Nikkei 225 (Osaka Securities Exchange)

    Sep-22       235       47,566,672       (212,993 )

Nikkei 225 (Singapore Exchange)

    Sep-22       198       20,006,658       (557,009 )

Nikkei/Yen Futures

    Sep-22       17       1,704,283       4,373  

NY Harbor Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Futures

    Oct-22       106       16,327,265       (1,252 )

NY Harbor Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Futures

    Nov-22       24       3,637,872       8,266  

NY Harbor Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Futures

    Dec-22       6       893,743       (7,770 )

NY Harbor Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Futures

    Jan-23       4       585,228       (12,936 )

OMX Stockholm 30 Index Futures

    Sep-22       280       5,040,525       (363,768 )

Orange Juice Futures

    Nov-22       16       444,840       48,398  

Palm Oil Futures

    Nov-22       2       46,297       (922 )

Palm Oil Futures

    Jan-23       1       23,545       (290 )

Rapeseed Euro

    Nov-22       1       30,978       (2,136 )

Rough Rice Futures

    Nov-22       12       428,160       10,110  

Russell 2000 E-Mini

    Sep-22       113       10,421,990       (512,575 )

S&P 500 E-Mini Futures

    Sep-22       131       25,915,075       (1,537,863 )

S&P Mid 400 E-Mini

    Sep-22       4       972,120       (37,210 )

S&P/TSX 60 IX Futures

    Sep-22       35       6,209,312       (130,655 )

SGX Nifty 50

    Sep-22       382       13,377,640       (59,273 )

Soybean Futures

    Nov-22       590       41,963,750       (874,798 )

Soybean Futures

    Jan-23       21       1,499,138       413  

Soybean Futures

    Mar-23       129       9,223,500       156,138  

Soybean Meal Futures

    Dec-22       222       9,215,220       127,650  

Soybean Meal Futures

    Jan-23       18       737,820       (12,070 )

Soybean Oil Futures

    Dec-22       159       6,437,592       (121,812 )

Soybean Oil Futures

    Jan-23       11       439,296       (108 )

Soybean Oil Futures

    Mar-23       1       39,300       1,470  

SPI 200 Futures

    Sep-22       506       59,794,177       (228,780 )

STOXX Dividend Futures

    Dec-23       4       44,620       (794 )

STOXX Europe 600 Utilities Index

    Sep-22       1       17,868       (1,146 )

Topix Index Futures

    Sep-22       294       41,520,820       132,769  

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

    Dec-22       1,256       146,834,249       (257,172 )

USD/BRL Futures

    Oct-22       1       19,065       (545 )

USD/CNH Futures

    Sep-22       2       199,994       3,168  

USD/NOK Futures

    Sep-22       32       3,201,127       126,825  

USD/SEK Futures

    Sep-22       5       499,780       37,622  

USD/TRY Futures

    Oct-22       127       133,341       (216 )

Wheat (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-22       45       1,870,875       61,875  

White Sugar ICE

    Oct-22       56       1,542,240       3,400  

White Sugar ICE

    Dec-22       51       1,333,650       (2,985 )

White Sugar ICE

    Mar-23       6       150,600       (785 )

WTI Crude Futures

    Oct-22       339       30,357,450       212,955  

WTI Crude Futures

    Nov-22       16       1,424,480       (12,350 )

WTI Crude Futures

    Dec-22       43       3,797,330       (86,240 )

WTI Crude Futures

    Jan-23       8       700,160       (24,480 )
                            $ (51,335,422 )

 

 

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

 

17

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

10-Year Mini Japanese Government Bond Futures

    Sep-22       12     $ (1,291,517 )   $ (2,203 )

1-Month SOFR Future

    Jan-23       6       (2,408,193 )     4,667  

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Mar-23       21       (5,155,718 )     40,550  

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Jun-23       216       (52,927,131 )     279,289  

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Sep-23       117       (28,661,514 )     195,514  

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Dec-23       119       (29,164,908 )     181,419  

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Mar-24       118       (28,942,059 )     161,245  

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Jun-24       179       (43,939,610 )     180,038  

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Sep-24       119       (29,232,177 )     127,076  

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Dec-24       107       (26,296,491 )     104,993  

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Mar-25       91       (22,366,592 )     69,455  

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Jun-25       140       (34,406,625 )     94,252  

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Sep-25       32       (7,861,959 )     27,448  

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Dec-25       2       (491,171 )     427  

3-Month SARON Futures

    Dec-22       6       (1,519,488 )     2,890  

3-Month SARON Futures

    Mar-23       3       (756,752 )     2,148  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Dec-22       44       (10,588,050 )     62,613  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Mar-23       206       (49,506,950 )     101,263  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Jun-23       454       (109,158,624 )     315,550  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Sep-23       53       (12,764,388 )     51,850  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Dec-23       1,178       (284,266,124 )     216,388  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Mar-24       197       (47,634,600 )     96,675  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Jun-24       29       (7,023,438 )     24,088  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Sep-24       33       (8,000,438 )     27,150  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Dec-24       26       (6,307,925 )     21,450  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Mar-25       113       (27,432,163 )     34,763  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Jun-25       7       (1,700,038 )     1,963  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Sep-25       7       (1,700,563 )     1,850  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Dec-25       7       (1,700,913 )     1,725  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Mar-26       6       (1,458,000 )     1,300  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Jun-26       5       (1,215,063 )     763  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Sep-26       5       (1,215,125 )     750  

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Dec-22       71       (48,177,985 )     (17,658 )

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Mar-23       347       (235,225,591 )     5,670  

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Jun-23       88       (59,628,990 )     19,768  

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Sep-23       50       (33,881,763 )     17,156  

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Dec-23       16       (10,843,753 )     7,455  

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Mar-24       12       (8,134,205 )     3,780  

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Jun-24       9       (6,101,250 )     4,160  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Dec-22       50       (11,991,875 )     112,625  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Mar-23       54       (12,942,450 )     200,100  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Jun-23       695       (166,634,937 )     659,113  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Sep-23       141       (33,866,438 )     105,975  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Dec-23       154       (37,062,025 )     99,963  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Mar-24       154       (37,137,100 )     77,413  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Jun-24       184       (44,442,900 )     130,800  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Sep-24       141       (34,092,038 )     53,213  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Dec-24       123       (29,761,388 )     40,513  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Mar-25       743       (179,889,587 )     22,250  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Jun-25       110       (26,643,375 )     68,988  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Sep-25       61       (14,779,538 )     47,788  

 

 

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

 

18

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Jun-26       3     $ (727,088 )   $ 150  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Sep-26       2       (484,750 )     1,413  

Amsterdam Index Futures

    Sep-22       5       (683,439 )     17,948  

AUD/USD Currency Futures

    Sep-22       2,216       (151,740,599 )     5,565,104  

Australian 10-Year Bond Futures

    Sep-22       1,158       (95,051,338 )     (1,943 )

Australian 3-Year Bond Futures

    Sep-22       1,230       (90,653,105 )     (66,239 )

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Dec-22       17       (3,100,088 )     14,905  

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Mar-23       134       (24,434,709 )     34,416  

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Jun-23       42       (7,658,240 )     30,980  

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Sep-23       27       (4,924,696 )     26,916  

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Dec-23       25       (4,562,759 )     24,660  

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Mar-24       18       (3,288,442 )     16,865  

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Jun-24       14       (2,560,209 )     11,621  

Brent Crude Futures

    Nov-22       20       (1,912,800 )     17,497  

CAC40 10 Euro Futures

    Sep-22       34       (2,092,476 )     18,989  

CAD Currency Futures

    Sep-22       885       (67,428,150 )     977,536  

Canadian 10-Year Bond Futures

    Dec-22       1,291       (122,469,783 )     660,083  

Canadian 5-Year Bond Futures

    Dec-22       2       (171,729 )     274  

Canola Futures (Winnipeg Commodity Exchange)

    Nov-22       50       (636,083 )     3,225  

Canola Futures (Winnipeg Commodity Exchange)

    Jan-23       3       (38,567 )     (227 )

Cattle Feeder Futures

    Oct-22       2       (183,475 )     650  

CHF Currency Futures

    Sep-22       14       (1,794,975 )     17,531  

Cocoa Futures

    Dec-22       209       (5,043,170 )     (46,112 )

Cocoa Futures

    Mar-23       107       (2,563,720 )     (14,200 )

Cocoa Futures ICE

    Sep-22       43       (899,153 )     (39,323 )

Cocoa Futures ICE

    Dec-22       82       (1,788,966 )     (95,027 )

Cocoa Futures ICE

    Mar-23       1       (21,422 )     (964 )

Copper Futures

    Dec-22       183       (16,097,138 )     499,525  

Copper Futures

    Mar-23       1       (87,925 )     6,413  

Corn Futures

    Dec-22       92       (3,084,300 )     (317,125 )

DAX Index Futures

    Sep-22       205       (66,157,476 )     1,308,344  

DAX-Mini Futures

    Sep-22       3       (193,660 )     1,005  

DJIA Mini E-CBOT

    Sep-22       114       (17,973,240 )     459,412  

E-Mini Consumer Discretionary Select Futures

    Sep-22       1       (157,080 )     11,390  

E-Mini Consumer Staples Select Futures

    Sep-22       2       (147,020 )     1,410  

E-Mini Financial Select Futures

    Sep-22       1       (101,550 )     663  

E-Mini Industrial Select Futures

    Sep-22       1       (93,430 )     670  

E-Mini Materials Select Futures

    Sep-22       1       (79,710 )     600  

E-Mini S&P 500 Futures

    Sep-22       1       (51,075 )     1  

E-Mini Technology Select Futures

    Sep-22       1       (136,250 )     3,009  

EUR Foreign Exchange Currency Futures

    Sep-22       2,407       (302,559,899 )     11,560,906  

Euro BUXL 30-Year Bond Futures

    Sep-22       101       (16,706,965 )     574,774  

Euro E-Mini Futures

    Sep-22       2       (125,700 )     5,269  

Euro STOXX 50

    Sep-22       453       (16,024,602 )     296,135  

Euro/GBP Futures

    Sep-22       1       (125,688 )     (1,953 )

Euro-Bobl Futures

    Sep-22       893       (110,454,982 )     1,250,285  

Euro-BTP Futures

    Sep-22       313       (37,591,958 )     1,045,487  

Euro-Bund Futures

    Sep-22       1,189       (176,807,994 )     5,516,222  

Euro-Oat Futures

    Sep-22       381       (52,846,152 )     1,052,357  

Euro-Schatz Futures

    Sep-22       1,325       (144,621,232 )     1,027,334  

 

 

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

 

19

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

FTSE 100 Index Futures

    Sep-22       297     $ (25,143,615 )   $ 161,536  

FTSE China A50 Index

    Sep-22       618       (8,356,596 )     899  

FTSE KLCI Futures

    Sep-22       11       (182,924 )     (799 )

FTSE Taiwan Index

    Sep-22       51       (2,666,280 )     32,918  

FTSE/JSE TOP 40

    Sep-22       26       (922,255 )     (3,238 )

FTSE/MIB Index Futures

    Sep-22       32       (3,467,977 )     347  

Gasoline RBOB Futures

    Oct-22       133       (13,578,449 )     1,547,426  

GBP Currency Futures

    Sep-22       1,178       (85,537,524 )     3,162,713  

Gold 100 Oz Futures

    Dec-22       657       (113,411,339 )     1,369,686  

Gold 100 Oz Futures

    Feb-23       5       (869,450 )     3,250  

Hang Seng China Enterprises Index Futures

    Sep-22       226       (9,816,071 )     (42,963 )

Hang Seng Index Futures

    Sep-22       413       (52,157,122 )     218,902  

IBEX 35 Index Futures

    Sep-22       6       (475,776 )     11,909  

Ice Three Miont SONIA Index Futures

    Dec-22       95       (26,570,831 )     168,083  

Ice Three Miont SONIA Index Futures

    Mar-23       510       (141,806,553 )     1,824,284  

Ice Three Miont SONIA Index Futures

    Jun-23       126       (34,988,819 )     358,514  

Ice Three Miont SONIA Index Futures

    Sep-23       84       (23,335,638 )     296,247  

Ice Three Miont SONIA Index Futures

    Dec-23       327       (90,984,754 )     631,948  

Ice Three Miont SONIA Index Futures

    Mar-24       187       (52,134,225 )     541,554  

Ice Three Miont SONIA Index Futures

    Jun-24       83       (23,186,795 )     246,831  

Ice Three Miont SONIA Index Futures

    Sep-24       76       (21,274,323 )     212,910  

Ice Three Miont SONIA Index Futures

    Dec-24       105       (29,442,473 )     258,855  

Ice Three Miont SONIA Index Futures

    Mar-25       149       (41,840,853 )     249,634  

Ice Three Miont SONIA Index Futures

    Jun-25       31       (8,715,948 )     68,482  

Ice Three Miont SONIA Index Futures

    Sep-25       19       (5,346,999 )     37,363  

JPN 10-Year Bond (Osaka Securities Exchange)

    Sep-22       58       (62,427,497 )     (164,621 )

JPY Currency Futures

    Sep-22       2,227       (200,931,074 )     4,904,386  

Kansas City Hard Red Winter Wheat Futures

    Dec-22       123       (5,611,875 )     (276,675 )

Kansas City Hard Red Winter Wheat Futures

    Mar-23       8       (364,500 )     (13,900 )

Lean Hogs Futures

    Oct-22       9       (329,490 )     (3,850 )

Lean Hogs Futures

    Dec-22       6       (201,300 )     (5,230 )

Lean Hogs Futures

    Feb-23       3       (105,360 )     (2,800 )

Live Cattle Futures

    Oct-22       1       (57,030 )     350  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-22       1       (59,131 )     6,206  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-22       1       (59,119 )     2,906  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-22       1,984       (117,291,599 )     11,338,747  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-22       10       (591,188 )     23,277  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-22       1       (59,119 )     3,369  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-22       1       (59,147 )     3,841  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-22       4       (236,610 )     2,371  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-22       2       (118,350 )     5,300  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-22       12       (710,100 )     20,943  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-22       7       (414,225 )     170  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-22       1       (59,175 )     (175 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-22       7       (414,225 )     (850 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-22       2       (118,350 )     3,625  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-22       87       (5,148,225 )     81,185  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-22       18       (1,065,150 )     14,707  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-22       1       (59,013 )     1,663  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-22       7       (412,067 )     23,508  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-22       1       (58,872 )     1,495  

 

 

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

 

20

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-22       7     $ (412,694 )   $ 12,831  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-22       3       (176,963 )     5,606  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-22       19       (1,120,763 )     14,703  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-22       2       (117,950 )     913  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Dec-22       1,295       (76,469,750 )     1,913,224  

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-22       4       (784,750 )     114,472  

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-22       3       (588,750 )     92,050  

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-22       895       (175,587,812 )     9,400,676  

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-22       3       (588,563 )     38,895  

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-22       1       (196,100 )     21,650  

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-22       1       (196,025 )     13,238  

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-22       1       (195,988 )     (4,283 )

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-22       5       (979,938 )     (14,774 )

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-22       2       (391,975 )     (24,572 )

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-22       1       (195,988 )     (12,219 )

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-22       1       (195,881 )     (12,181 )

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-22       9       (1,762,425 )     14,913  

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-22       4       (783,300 )     (27,494 )

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-22       1       (195,666 )     (14,178 )

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-22       6       (1,173,375 )     (40,824 )

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-22       1       (195,494 )     5,662  

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-22       4       (781,067 )     23,008  

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-22       3       (585,600 )     10,358  

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-22       3       (585,300 )     17,300  

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-22       1       (195,063 )     6,838  

LME Copper Forward

    Dec-22       428       (83,401,150 )     2,470,363  

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-22       1       (48,796 )     3,442  

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-22       1       (48,804 )     3,533  

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-22       134       (6,546,738 )     227,076  

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-22       15       (732,844 )     (4,027 )

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-22       7       (341,381 )     (5,931 )

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-22       1       (48,789 )     362  

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-22       1       (48,797 )     391  

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-22       1       (48,816 )     272  

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-22       3       (146,472 )     4,958  

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-22       2       (97,680 )     2,035  

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-22       53       (2,588,719 )     38,120  

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-22       15       (732,656 )     (8,213 )

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-22       1       (48,788 )     1,250  

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-22       1       (48,788 )     1,550  

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-22       4       (195,150 )     6,100  

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-22       1       (48,788 )     2,875  

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-22       4       (195,150 )     3,250  

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-22       1       (48,788 )     888  

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-22       14       (683,025 )     47,705  

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-22       1       (48,763 )     4,950  

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-22       1       (48,738 )     2,763  

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-22       2       (97,463 )     2,700  

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-22       1       (48,744 )     (106 )

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-22       4       (195,000 )     3,038  

LME Lead Forward

    Dec-22       60       (2,925,000 )     193,788  

 

 

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

 

21

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-22       19     $ (2,432,418 )   $ 206,857  

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-22       1       (128,022 )     15,522  

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-22       3       (384,274 )     5,036  

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-22       1       (128,122 )     (4,301 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-22       1       (128,181 )     (5,481 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-22       5       (641,010 )     5,253  

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-22       2       (256,404 )     4,581  

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-22       1       (128,253 )     5,787  

LME Nickel Forward

    Nov-22       1       (128,359 )     1,511  

LME Nickel Forward

    Nov-22       1       (128,400 )     10,800  

LME Nickel Forward

    Nov-22       6       (770,472 )     14,613  

LME Nickel Forward

    Nov-22       3       (385,218 )     6,561  

LME Nickel Forward

    Dec-22       3       (385,866 )     5,840  

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-22       236       (20,818,150 )     (1,234,972 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-22       5       (441,063 )     (50,428 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Oct-22       20       (1,750,750 )     (245,023 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Oct-22       9       (787,838 )     (105,910 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Nov-22       19       (1,649,438 )     (18,658 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Nov-22       3       (260,438 )     11,663  

LME Zinc Forward

    Dec-22       46       (3,958,300 )     18,322  

Long Gilt Futures

    Dec-22       1,736       (217,662,991 )     4,139,953  

Lumber Futures

    Nov-22       6       (319,176 )     (1,331 )

Micro E-mini Dow Jones Industrial Index Futures

    Sep-22       1       (15,766 )     320  

Micro E-mini Russell 200 Index Futures

    Sep-22       1       (9,223 )     61  

Micro E-mini S&P 500 Index Futures

    Sep-22       1       (19,783 )     1,043  

Micro EUR/USD Futures

    Sep-22       11       (138,270 )     7,531  

Milk Futures

    Oct-22       7       (274,820 )     6,440  

Mini FTSE/MIB Pound Futures

    Sep-22       3       (65,025 )     353  

Mini H-Shares Index Futures

    Sep-22       7       (60,808 )     (42 )

Mini HSI Index Futures

    Sep-22       53       (1,338,657 )     3,388  

MSCI EAFE Index Futures

    Sep-22       46       (4,202,330 )     101,235  

MSCI Emerging Markets Index Futures

    Sep-22       164       (8,051,580 )     101,405  

MSCI Singapore Exchange ETS

    Sep-22       102       (2,107,224 )     35,709  

MXN Currency Futures

    Sep-22       340       (8,408,200 )     (19,742 )

Nasdaq 100 E-Mini

    Sep-22       129       (31,695,945 )     18,260  

New Zealand 3-Month Bank Bill Futures

    Dec-22       9       (528 )     1  

New Zealand 3-Month Bank Bill Futures

    Mar-23       13       (760 )     1  

Nikkei 225 (Singapore Exchange)

    Sep-22       420       (42,438,366 )     (527,666 )

NY Harbor Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Futures

    Oct-22       170       (26,185,236 )     1,474,417  

NZD Currency Futures

    Sep-22       282       (17,265,450 )     635,402  

OMX Stockholm 30 Index Futures

    Sep-22       1,013       (18,235,901 )     925,313  

Palladium Futures

    Dec-22       2       (415,780 )     (380 )

Palm Oil Futures

    Oct-22       1       (23,037 )     (793 )

Palm Oil Futures

    Nov-22       6       (138,890 )     (514 )

Palm Oil Futures

    Dec-22       3       (69,981 )     (1,061 )

Platinum Futures

    Oct-22       133       (5,499,550 )     217,590  

Rapeseed Euro

    Nov-22       8       (247,822 )     6,130  

Rapeseed Euro

    Feb-23       3       (93,951 )     (528 )

Red Wheat Futures (Minneapolis Grain Exchange)

    Dec-22       14       (650,650 )     (21,825 )

Red Wheat Futures (Minneapolis Grain Exchange)

    Mar-23       4       (188,300 )     (5,663 )

Rubber TSR20 Futures

    Oct-22       1       (6,825 )     620  

 

 

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

 

22

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

Russell 2000 E-Mini

    Sep-22       132     $ (12,174,360 )   $ 240,628  

S&P 500 E-Mini Futures

    Sep-22       373       (73,788,725 )     1,969,036  

S&P Mid 400 E-Mini

    Sep-22       2       (486,060 )     (12,950 )

S&P/TSX 60 IX Futures

    Sep-22       12       (2,128,907 )     (24,563 )

SA Rand Currency Futures

    Sep-22       1       (29,150 )     113  

SGX Iron Ore 62% Futures

    Sep-22       13       (131,508 )     6,912  

SGX Iron Ore 62% Futures

    Oct-22       131       (1,317,991 )     19,799  

SGX Iron Ore 62% Futures

    Nov-22       36       (360,792 )     15,928  

SGX Iron Ore 62% Futures

    Dec-22       18       (179,784 )     2,001  

Short BTP Future

    Sep-22       249       (27,005,215 )     54,860  

Silver Futures

    Dec-22       646       (57,758,860 )     2,901,976  

Silver Futures

    Mar-23       2       (180,360 )     13,980  

Soybean Futures

    Nov-22       12       (853,500 )     (9,800 )

Soybean Oil Futures

    Dec-22       1       (40,488 )     (3,894 )

STOXX Europe 600 Banks Index

    Sep-22       4       (25,134 )     (490 )

STOXX Europe 600 Index

    Sep-22       24       (500,708 )     6,527  

STOXX Europe 600 Institutional Index

    Sep-22       1       (14,572 )     327  

Sugar No. 11 (World)

    Oct-22       1,197       (23,984,050 )     16,543  

Sugar No. 11 (World)

    Mar-23       372       (7,403,693 )     26,701  

Sugar No. 11 (World)

    May-23       3       (57,960 )     3,965  

Sugar No. 11 (World)

    Jul-23       1       (19,085 )     (235 )

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

    Dec-22       1,858       (217,211,812 )     736,069  

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

    Dec-22       927       (193,120,172 )     187,155  

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

    Dec-22       2,707       (299,990,586 )     651,405  

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

    Dec-22       746       (101,339,437 )     403,794  

U.S. Treasury Ultra 10-Year Notes

    Dec-22       309       (38,682,938 )     119,430  

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

    Dec-22       267       (39,916,500 )     18,827  

Wheat (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-22       424       (17,627,800 )     (269,225 )

Wheat (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Mar-23       22       (932,525 )     (44,238 )

Wheat (Chicago Board of Trade)

    May-23       1       (42,838 )     (1,150 )

WTI Crude Futures

    Oct-22       38       (3,402,900 )     (109,087 )
                            $ 90,117,009  

Total Futures Contracts

                          $ 38,781,587  

 

Forward foreign currency contracts outstanding as of August 31, 2022 were as follows:

 

 

Currency Purchased

   

   

Currency Sold

   

   

Expiration
Date

   

Counterparty

   

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

AUD

    12,749,520          

USD

    8,754,479               Sep 01 2022       BOA     $ (30,480 )

AUD

    9,176,654          

USD

    6,282,337               Sep 02 2022       BOA       (3,028 )

AUD

    20,923,714          

EUR

    14,375,000               Sep 15 2022       BOA       (140,228 )

AUD

    23,626,585          

GBP

    13,625,000               Sep 15 2022       BOA       337,623  

AUD

    14,400,000          

JPY

    1,352,237,436               Sep 15 2022       BOA       110,611  

AUD

    40,000,000          

NZD

    44,200,000               Sep 15 2022       BOA       334,254  

AUD

    5,700,000          

USD

    4,016,373               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (114,810 )

AUD

    25,275,000          

USD

    17,675,297               Sep 23 2022       BOA       (374,331 )

AUD

    12,556,000          

USD

    8,818,923               Oct 19 2022       BOA       (221,316 )

BRL

    27,131,726          

USD

    5,174,964               Sep 02 2022       BOA       38,007  

BRL

    52,814,075          

USD

    10,200,000               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (101,043 )

 

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

 

23

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

 

Currency Purchased

   

   

Currency Sold

   

   

Expiration
Date

   

Counterparty

   

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

BRL

    17,075,007          

USD

    3,300,000               Oct 04 2022       BOA     $ (45,994 )

CAD

    11,423,987          

USD

    8,706,023               Sep 01 2022       BOA       (7,691 )

CAD

    24,257,570          

AUD

    27,000,000               Sep 15 2022       BOA       (10,963 )

CAD

    21,460,970          

EUR

    16,375,000               Sep 15 2022       BOA       (133,578 )

CAD

    12,000,000          

JPY

    1,254,759,084               Sep 15 2022       BOA       93,590  

CAD

    5,490,879          

USD

    4,286,673               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (106,518 )

CAD

    13,939,000          

USD

    10,959,864               Sep 23 2022       BOA       (348,443 )

CHF

    25,000,000          

USD

    25,812,127               Sep 01 2022       BOA       (234,837 )

CHF

    9,673,927          

USD

    9,893,564               Sep 02 2022       BOA       4,463  

CHF

    15,471,827          

EUR

    16,000,000               Sep 15 2022       BOA       (248,565 )

CHF

    3,296,866          

GBP

    2,875,000               Sep 15 2022       BOA       35,921  

CHF

    8,500,000          

JPY

    1,204,681,455               Sep 15 2022       BOA       24,441  

CHF

    43,389,176          

EUR

    44,500,000               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (320,038 )

CHF

    3,953,129          

USD

    4,200,000               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (148,985 )

CHF

    30,172,000          

USD

    31,180,421               Sep 23 2022       BOA       (256,019 )

CHF

    7,120,000          

USD

    7,482,025               Oct 19 2022       BOA       (169,157 )

CLP

    180,194,982          

USD

    200,000               Sep 06 2022       BOA       812  

CLP

    91,180,856          

USD

    100,000               Sep 12 2022       BOA       1,499  

CLP

    89,231,193          

USD

    100,000               Sep 20 2022       BOA       (819 )

CLP

    1,666,995,423          

USD

    1,850,000               Sep 21 2022       BOA       2,525  

CLP

    88,073,480          

USD

    100,000               Sep 30 2022       BOA       (2,288 )

CLP

    267,746,568          

USD

    300,000               Oct 03 2022       BOA       (3,131 )

CNH

    3,000,000          

USD

    433,456               Sep 01 2022       BOA       857  

CNH

    500,000          

USD

    72,486               Sep 02 2022       BOA       (100 )

CNH

    36,290,730          

USD

    5,375,318               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (120,564 )

COP

    1,513,231,025          

USD

    350,000               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (9,444 )

CZK

    2,455,097          

USD

    100,000               Sep 15 2022       BOA       477  

CZK

    184,634,540          

EUR

    7,450,000               Sep 21 2022       BOA       53,081  

EUR

    102,623          

NOK

    1,000,000               Sep 01 2022       BOA       2,511  

EUR

    105,572          

PLN

    500,000               Sep 01 2022       BOA       (268 )

EUR

    563,454          

SEK

    6,000,000               Sep 01 2022       BOA       3,404  

EUR

    51,028,078          

USD

    51,125,031               Sep 01 2022       BOA       159,175  

EUR

    44,411,342          

GBP

    38,149,342               Sep 02 2022       BOA       317,566  

EUR

    907,485          

NOK

    9,000,000               Sep 02 2022       BOA       6,438  

EUR

    105,739          

PLN

    500,000               Sep 02 2022       BOA       (79 )

EUR

    561,696          

SEK

    6,000,000               Sep 02 2022       BOA       1,647  

EUR

    7,016,736          

USD

    7,048,311               Sep 02 2022       BOA       4,100  

EUR

    800,000          

GBP

    679,499               Sep 15 2022       BOA       15,168  

EUR

    1,100,000          

HUF

    451,980,738               Sep 15 2022       BOA       (23,301 )

EUR

    7,700,000          

JPY

    1,054,938,346               Sep 15 2022       BOA       143,458  

EUR

    1,300,000          

PLN

    6,154,993               Sep 15 2022       BOA       1,277  

EUR

    16,250,000          

SEK

    171,342,678               Sep 15 2022       BOA       261,561  

EUR

    18,400,000          

CHF

    17,724,381               Sep 21 2022       BOA       353,998  

EUR

    2,600,000          

CZK

    64,404,675               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (17,235 )

EUR

    15,150,000          

GBP

    12,902,640               Sep 21 2022       BOA       251,440  

EUR

    5,000,000          

HUF

    2,030,582,554               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (36,308 )

EUR

    14,950,000          

JPY

    2,044,003,766               Sep 21 2022       BOA       307,566  

EUR

    9,240,962          

NOK

    93,013,521               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (63,376 )

EUR

    14,925,229          

PLN

    71,677,327               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (177,224 )

EUR

    28,524,982          

SEK

    303,083,124               Sep 21 2022       BOA       245,223  

EUR

    7,200,000          

USD

    7,247,525               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (1,639 )

EUR

    56,245,000          

USD

    58,127,159               Sep 23 2022       BOA       (1,515,958 )

 

 

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

 

24

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

 

Currency Purchased

   

   

Currency Sold

   

   

Expiration
Date

   

Counterparty

   

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

EUR

    93,361,000          

USD

    93,614,351               Oct 19 2022       BOA     $ 523,553  

GBP

    17,798,733          

USD

    20,839,652               Sep 01 2022       BOA       (162,548 )

GBP

    430,887          

EUR

    500,000               Sep 02 2022       BOA       (1,964 )

GBP

    38,005,599          

USD

    44,212,568               Sep 02 2022       BOA       (59,983 )

GBP

    10,108,169          

EUR

    12,000,000               Sep 15 2022       BOA       (325,491 )

GBP

    7,500,000          

JPY

    1,218,086,798               Sep 15 2022       BOA       (62,918 )

GBP

    18,526,670          

EUR

    21,950,000               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (558,678 )

GBP

    5,000,000          

USD

    5,941,103               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (130,234 )

GBP

    24,099,000          

USD

    29,243,721               Sep 23 2022       BOA       (1,235,363 )

GBP

    91,932,000          

USD

    111,270,149               Oct 19 2022       BOA       (4,367,648 )

HUF

    841,438,912          

EUR

    2,100,000               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (13,218 )

HUF

    8,385,500,000          

USD

    20,795,788               Oct 19 2022       BOA       (16,361 )

IDR

    3,707,588,439          

USD

    250,000               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (390 )

IDR

    40,006,558,000          

USD

    2,700,000               Sep 30 2022       BOA       (7,406 )

ILS

    18,197,974          

USD

    5,600,000               Sep 15 2022       BOA       (132,487 )

ILS

    14,043,581          

USD

    4,300,000               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (79,501 )

INR

    3,125,512,230          

USD

    39,511,834               Sep 02 2022       BOA       (183,579 )

INR

    3,563,746,065          

USD

    44,700,000               Sep 06 2022       BOA       126,427  

INR

    3,420,019,600          

USD

    42,800,000               Sep 12 2022       BOA       195,308  

INR

    99,922,794          

USD

    1,250,000               Sep 21 2022       BOA       5,176  

INR

    3,426,375,056          

USD

    42,800,000               Sep 23 2022       BOA       232,515  

INR

    3,420,014,120          

USD

    42,800,000               Sep 29 2022       BOA       129,420  

INR

    112,085,060          

USD

    1,400,000               Sep 30 2022       BOA       6,811  

INR

    1,332,500,608          

USD

    16,700,114               Oct 03 2022       BOA       20,224  

JPY

    166,199,320          

EUR

    1,196,955               Sep 01 2022       BOA       (6,557 )

JPY

    1,641,235,764          

USD

    11,828,993               Sep 01 2022       BOA       (14,355 )

JPY

    2,787,042,696          

USD

    20,073,866               Sep 02 2022       BOA       (9,618 )

JPY

    339,021,432          

AUD

    3,600,000               Sep 15 2022       BOA       (20,720 )

JPY

    63,362,034          

CAD

    600,000               Sep 15 2022       BOA       (182 )

JPY

    201,496,488          

GBP

    1,250,000               Sep 15 2022       BOA       (453 )

JPY

    75,000,000          

USD

    549,827               Sep 15 2022       BOA       (9,338 )

JPY

    818,972,364          

EUR

    6,000,000               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (133,269 )

JPY

    611,911,429          

USD

    4,534,329               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (122,315 )

JPY

    10,808,085,000          

USD

    80,545,037               Sep 22 2022       BOA       (2,609,735 )

JPY

    623,100,000          

USD

    4,575,210               Oct 19 2022       BOA       (71,283 )

KRW

    803,958,285          

USD

    600,000               Sep 02 2022       BOA       1,085  

KRW

    19,267,370,354          

USD

    14,400,000               Sep 06 2022       BOA       6,172  

KRW

    3,666,150,268          

USD

    2,750,000               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (8,140 )

MXN

    192,500,000          

USD

    9,560,152               Sep 15 2022       BOA       (32,701 )

MXN

    431,922,310          

USD

    21,250,000               Sep 21 2022       BOA       101,740  

MXN

    443,425,000          

USD

    21,990,892               Sep 23 2022       BOA       (79,238 )

NOK

    1,000,000          

EUR

    102,584               Sep 01 2022       BOA       (2,472 )

NOK

    8,256          

USD

    846               Sep 01 2022       BOA       (15 )

NOK

    9,000,000          

EUR

    906,371               Sep 02 2022       BOA       (5,318 )

NOK

    125,918,720          

EUR

    12,750,000               Sep 15 2022       BOA       (151,818 )

NOK

    121,500,000          

SEK

    129,756,897               Sep 15 2022       BOA       48,108  

NOK

    341,152,316          

EUR

    34,339,503               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (216,163 )

NOK

    6,178,400          

USD

    639,848               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (17,898 )

NZD

    11,800,000          

JPY

    1,002,916,220               Sep 15 2022       BOA       (8,115 )

NZD

    400,000          

USD

    249,176               Sep 15 2022       BOA       (4,450 )

NZD

    8,200,000          

USD

    5,218,805               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (201,865 )

NZD

    16,224,000          

USD

    10,146,207               Sep 23 2022       BOA       (219,971 )

 

 

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

 

25

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

 

Currency Purchased

   

   

Currency Sold

   

   

Expiration
Date

   

Counterparty

   

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

PEN

    583,815          

USD

    150,000               Sep 21 2022       BOA     $ 1,407  

PHP

    2,811,787          

USD

    50,000               Sep 21 2022       BOA       49  

PHP

    11,245,600          

USD

    200,000               Sep 30 2022       BOA       123  

PLN

    500,000          

EUR

    105,648               Sep 01 2022       BOA       192  

PLN

    500,000          

EUR

    105,781               Sep 02 2022       BOA       37  

PLN

    108,450,576          

EUR

    22,856,724               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (7,875 )

PLN

    150,280,000          

USD

    32,225,856               Oct 19 2022       BOA       (519,714 )

SEK

    6,000,000          

EUR

    563,396               Sep 01 2022       BOA       (3,346 )

SEK

    19,738          

USD

    1,851               Sep 01 2022       BOA       1  

SEK

    6,000,000          

EUR

    561,871               Sep 02 2022       BOA       (1,824 )

SEK

    156,302,744          

EUR

    14,947,858               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (365,240 )

SEK

    4,004,260          

USD

    389,329               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (13,302 )

SGD

    2,059,928          

USD

    1,500,000               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (25,812 )

THB

    38,864,762          

USD

    1,100,000               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (32,849 )

TRY

    82,812,604          

USD

    4,500,000               Sep 15 2022       BOA       3,782  

TRY

    5,500,000          

USD

    297,113               Sep 21 2022       BOA       423  

TRY

    652,760,000          

USD

    34,366,686               Oct 19 2022       BOA       49,660  

TWD

    5,998,009          

USD

    200,000               Sep 02 2022       BOA       (2,916 )

TWD

    6,001,529          

USD

    200,000               Sep 06 2022       BOA       (2,752 )

TWD

    185,306,400          

USD

    6,200,000               Sep 08 2022       BOA       (109,051 )

TWD

    40,582,212          

USD

    1,350,000               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (15,359 )

TWD

    6,020,340          

USD

    200,000               Sep 30 2022       BOA       (1,933 )

USD

    8,804,946          

AUD

    12,749,520               Sep 01 2022       BOA       80,947  

USD

    8,723,197          

CAD

    11,423,986               Sep 01 2022       BOA       24,865  

USD

    25,775,587          

CHF

    25,000,000               Sep 01 2022       BOA       198,297  

USD

    433,450          

CNH

    3,000,000               Sep 01 2022       BOA       (864 )

USD

    49,839,395          

EUR

    49,831,123               Sep 01 2022       BOA       (241,848 )

USD

    20,746,203          

GBP

    17,798,733               Sep 01 2022       BOA       69,099  

USD

    13,030,030          

JPY

    1,807,435,084               Sep 01 2022       BOA       18,986  

USD

    842          

NOK

    8,257               Sep 01 2022       BOA       11  

USD

    1,848          

SEK

    19,738               Sep 01 2022       BOA       (4 )

USD

    6,772,803          

AUD

    9,876,654               Sep 02 2022       BOA       14,505  

USD

    5,263,833          

BRL

    27,131,726               Sep 02 2022       BOA       50,862  

USD

    6,955,321          

CAD

    9,128,896               Sep 02 2022       BOA       4,513  

USD

    9,943,008          

CHF

    9,673,927               Sep 02 2022       BOA       44,981  

USD

    72,488          

CNH

    500,000               Sep 02 2022       BOA       102  

USD

    51,128,430          

EUR

    51,028,099               Sep 02 2022       BOA       (159,110 )

USD

    72,652          

GBP

    62,500               Sep 02 2022       BOA       43  

USD

    39,300,000          

INR

    3,125,512,230               Sep 02 2022       BOA       (28,255 )

USD

    20,358,563          

JPY

    2,822,643,573               Sep 02 2022       BOA       38,020  

USD

    618,971          

KRW

    803,958,286               Sep 02 2022       BOA       17,886  

USD

    221,128          

NOK

    2,193,630               Sep 02 2022       BOA       385  

USD

    735,272          

NZD

    1,200,000               Sep 02 2022       BOA       1,068  

USD

    108,239          

SEK

    1,151,573               Sep 02 2022       BOA       201  

USD

    200,493          

TWD

    5,998,009               Sep 02 2022       BOA       3,409  

USD

    6,282,746          

AUD

    9,176,654               Sep 06 2022       BOA       3,105  

USD

    9,896,398          

CHF

    9,673,927               Sep 06 2022       BOA       (4,483 )

USD

    200,000          

CLP

    183,118,000               Sep 06 2022       BOA       (4,070 )

USD

    7,050,136          

EUR

    7,016,736               Sep 06 2022       BOA       (4,099 )

USD

    22,728,508          

GBP

    19,571,882               Sep 06 2022       BOA       (10,571 )

USD

    44,700,000          

INR

    3,539,204,400               Sep 06 2022       BOA       182,270  

USD

    20,035,835          

JPY

    2,781,028,590               Sep 06 2022       BOA       9,380  

 

 

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

 

26

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

 

Currency Purchased

   

   

Currency Sold

   

   

Expiration
Date

   

Counterparty

   

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

USD

    14,400,000          

KRW

    18,838,560,550               Sep 06 2022       BOA     $ 314,448  

USD

    200,000          

TWD

    5,997,740               Sep 06 2022       BOA       2,877  

USD

    6,200,000          

TWD

    185,860,029               Sep 08 2022       BOA       90,853  

USD

    100,000          

CLP

    90,726,720               Sep 12 2022       BOA       (993 )

USD

    42,800,000          

INR

    3,415,743,880               Sep 12 2022       BOA       (141,555 )

USD

    9,070,663          

AUD

    13,000,000               Sep 15 2022       BOA       173,306  

USD

    14,458,888          

CAD

    18,700,000               Sep 15 2022       BOA       221,903  

USD

    8,029,196          

CHF

    7,625,000               Sep 15 2022       BOA       219,403  

USD

    18,100,000          

CNH

    123,226,048               Sep 15 2022       BOA       258,336  

USD

    200,000          

CZK

    4,857,042               Sep 15 2022       BOA       1,222  

USD

    12,339,782          

EUR

    12,125,000               Sep 15 2022       BOA       142,521  

USD

    10,133,918          

GBP

    8,375,000               Sep 15 2022       BOA       401,892  

USD

    3,400,000          

HUF

    1,397,229,540               Sep 15 2022       BOA       (92,780 )

USD

    7,000,000          

ILS

    22,785,385               Sep 15 2022       BOA       154,216  

USD

    9,660,561          

JPY

    1,300,000,000               Sep 15 2022       BOA       292,088  

USD

    99,956          

MXN

    2,000,000               Sep 15 2022       BOA       970  

USD

    10,200,000          

NOK

    98,966,916               Sep 15 2022       BOA       238,627  

USD

    9,223,973          

NZD

    14,600,000               Sep 15 2022       BOA       291,472  

USD

    10,400,000          

PLN

    48,519,234               Sep 15 2022       BOA       101,219  

USD

    11,700,000          

SEK

    121,338,517               Sep 15 2022       BOA       309,000  

USD

    29,600,000          

SGD

    40,778,567               Sep 15 2022       BOA       417,713  

USD

    13,400,000          

TRY

    254,810,989               Sep 15 2022       BOA       (457,953 )

USD

    6,200,000          

TWD

    185,246,867               Sep 15 2022       BOA       109,241  

USD

    8,500,000          

ZAR

    140,467,243               Sep 15 2022       BOA       310,402  

USD

    100,000          

CLP

    90,646,144               Sep 20 2022       BOA       (753 )

USD

    13,177,565          

AUD

    18,900,000               Sep 21 2022       BOA       240,802  

USD

    2,900,000          

BRL

    14,974,807               Sep 21 2022       BOA       36,560  

USD

    17,269,303          

CAD

    22,319,263               Sep 21 2022       BOA       277,855  

USD

    23,600,000          

CHF

    22,518,149               Sep 21 2022       BOA       524,268  

USD

    4,100,000          

CLP

    3,791,720,232               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (113,723 )

USD

    21,574,562          

CNH

    145,962,549               Sep 21 2022       BOA       439,767  

USD

    1,700,000          

COP

    7,475,467,515               Sep 21 2022       BOA       17,631  

USD

    23,246,687          

EUR

    22,700,000               Sep 21 2022       BOA       402,021  

USD

    26,364,972          

GBP

    21,800,000               Sep 21 2022       BOA       1,029,584  

USD

    850,000          

IDR

    12,669,837,488               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (2,987 )

USD

    6,800,000          

ILS

    22,518,979               Sep 21 2022       BOA       32,400  

USD

    6,000,000          

INR

    480,352,875               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (33,933 )

USD

    25,885,038          

JPY

    3,474,278,069               Sep 21 2022       BOA       834,741  

USD

    14,950,000          

KRW

    19,535,120,403               Sep 21 2022       BOA       339,971  

USD

    7,850,000          

MXN

    157,892,438               Sep 21 2022       BOA       44,711  

USD

    3,185,485          

NOK

    30,496,527               Sep 21 2022       BOA       115,545  

USD

    20,718,257          

NZD

    32,900,000               Sep 21 2022       BOA       589,314  

USD

    50,000          

PEN

    193,505               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (184 )

USD

    400,000          

PHP

    22,291,072               Sep 21 2022       BOA       3,223  

USD

    5,172,431          

SEK

    52,943,213               Sep 21 2022       BOA       200,706  

USD

    8,900,000          

SGD

    12,310,449               Sep 21 2022       BOA       90,022  

USD

    3,850,000          

THB

    137,355,719               Sep 21 2022       BOA       78,478  

USD

    455,475          

TRY

    9,000,000               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (31,403 )

USD

    5,950,000          

TWD

    178,408,888               Sep 21 2022       BOA       82,608  

USD

    8,854,706          

ZAR

    148,623,249               Sep 21 2022       BOA       194,759  

USD

    92,697,228          

JPY

    12,490,675,000               Sep 22 2022       BOA       2,629,049  

USD

    30,727,464          

AUD

    44,421,000               Sep 23 2022       BOA       320,888  

 

 

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

 

27

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

 

Currency Purchased

   

   

Currency Sold

   

   

Expiration
Date

   

Counterparty

   

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

USD

    19,067,766          

CAD

    24,134,000               Sep 23 2022       BOA     $ 695,140  

USD

    73,483,639          

CHF

    71,211,000               Sep 23 2022       BOA       496,842  

USD

    121,950,399          

EUR

    117,455,000               Sep 23 2022       BOA       3,730,672  

USD

    79,723,073          

GBP

    65,373,000               Sep 23 2022       BOA       3,745,217  

USD

    42,800,000          

INR

    3,424,085,600               Sep 23 2022       BOA       (203,761 )

USD

    4,833,011          

MXN

    99,044,000               Sep 23 2022       BOA       (61,205 )

USD

    31,379,432          

NZD

    49,239,000               Sep 23 2022       BOA       1,253,817  

USD

    200,000          

CLP

    190,571,966               Sep 26 2022       BOA       (11,585 )

USD

    14,200,000          

KRW

    19,022,606,358               Sep 26 2022       BOA       (27,930 )

USD

    42,800,000          

INR

    3,428,242,336               Sep 29 2022       BOA       (232,704 )

USD

    100,000          

CLP

    95,099,000               Sep 30 2022       BOA       (5,507 )

USD

    600,000          

INR

    47,960,650               Sep 30 2022       BOA       (1,968 )

USD

    1,600,000          

KRW

    2,114,456,960               Sep 30 2022       BOA       18,388  

USD

    3,900,000          

TWD

    118,464,210               Sep 30 2022       BOA       2,574  

USD

    100,000          

CLP

    88,235,144               Oct 03 2022       BOA       2,168  

USD

    42,800,000          

INR

    3,421,731,600               Oct 03 2022       BOA       (136,198 )

USD

    18,690,656          

AUD

    27,082,000               Oct 19 2022       BOA       146,504  

USD

    12,172,411          

CAD

    15,892,000               Oct 19 2022       BOA       75,847  

USD

    126,519,704          

CHF

    120,036,000               Oct 19 2022       BOA       3,232,149  

USD

    92,687,300          

EUR

    90,675,000               Oct 19 2022       BOA       1,257,748  

USD

    9,703,678          

GBP

    8,207,000               Oct 19 2022       BOA       160,224  

USD

    3,104,842          

HUF

    1,264,500,000               Oct 19 2022       BOA       (28,613 )

USD

    64,244,220          

JPY

    8,775,800,000               Oct 19 2022       BOA       810,494  

USD

    3,540,204          

PLN

    16,880,000               Oct 19 2022       BOA       (21,145 )

USD

    6,539,501          

SEK

    69,350,000               Oct 19 2022       BOA       18,669  

USD

    909,805          

TRY

    17,665,000               Oct 19 2022       BOA       (21,571 )

ZAR

    64,361,551          

USD

    3,970,850               Sep 21 2022       BOA       (220,645 )

Total Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

                  $ 13,875,017  

 

 

 

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

 

28

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Concluded)

August 31, 2022

 

AUD

Australian Dollar

 

JSE

Johannesburg Stock Exchange

BOA

Bank of America

 

KRW

Korean Won

BRL

Brazilian Real

 

LME

London Mercantile Exchange

BUXL

German Bond

 

MIB

Milano Indice di Borsa

CAD

Canadian Dollar

 

MXN

Mexican Peso

CHF

Swiss Franc

 

NOK

Norwegian Krone

CLP

Chilean Peso

 

NZD

New Zealand Dollar

CNH

Chinese Yuan Renminbi

 

OMX

Stockholm Stock Exchange

COP

Colombian Peso

 

PHP

Philippine Peso

CZK

Czech Koruna

 

PLN

Polish Zloty

DAX

German Stock Exchange

 

RBOB

Reformulated Blendstock for Oxygenate Blending

DJIA

Dow Jones Industrial Average

 

SEK

Swedish Krona

EUR

Euro

 

SGD

Singapore Dollar

FTSE

Financial Times Stock Exchange

 

THB

Thai Baht

GBP

British Pound

 

TRY

Turkish Lira

HUF

Hungarian Forint

 

TSX

Toronto Stock Exchange

IBEX

Index of the Bolsa de Madrid

 

TWD

Taiwan Dollar

ICE

Intercontinental Exchange

 

USD

United States Dollar

ILS

Israeli New Shekel

 

WTI

West Texas Intermediate

INR

Indian Rupee

 

ZAR

South African Rand

JPY

Japanese Yen

     

 

 

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

 

29

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Statement of Assets And Liabilities

August 31, 2022

 

ASSETS

       

Investments, at value (cost $2,342,263,218)

  $ 2,339,157,801  

Foreign currency deposits with broker for futures contracts (Cost $29,951,341)

    29,898,792  

Deposits with broker for forward foreign currency contracts

    59,773,374  

Deposits with broker for futures contracts

    196,268,854  

Receivables for:

       

Capital shares sold

    14,747,648  

Interest receivable

    191,336  

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts

    33,550,906  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts

    99,531,155  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    168,118  

Total assets

    2,773,287,984  
         

LIABILITIES

       

Payables for:

       

Advisory fees

    3,754,462  

Capital shares redeemed

    1,643,082  

Administration and accounting services fees

    91,171  

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts

    19,675,889  

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts

    60,749,568  

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    115,242  

Total liabilities

    86,029,414  

Net assets

  $ 2,687,258,570  
         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

       

Par value

  $ 196,026  

Paid-in capital

    2,733,489,260  

Total distributable earnings/(losses)

    (46,426,716 )

Net assets

  $ 2,687,258,570  
         

CLASS A SHARES:

       

Net assets

  $ 113,480,252  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    8,368,808  

Net asset value and redemption price per share

  $ 13.56  

Maximum offering price per share (100/94.25 of $13.56)

  $ 14.39  
         

CLASS I SHARES:

       

Net assets

  $ 2,564,700,768  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 300,000,000 shares authorized)

    186,965,080  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 13.72  
         

CLASS C SHARES:

       

Net assets

  $ 9,077,550  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    691,750  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 13.12  

 

 

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

 

30

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended August 31, 2022

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Interest

  $ 10,673,453  

Total investment income

    10,673,453  

EXPENSES

       

Advisory fees (Note 2)

    33,014,789  

Administration and accounting services fees (Note 2)

    516,158  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    174,793  

Legal fees

    136,074  

Directors fees

    136,067  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    120,027  

Officers fees

    117,898  

Registration and filing fees

    114,111  

Distribution fees (Class A Shares) (Note 2)

    96,620  

Audit and tax service fees

    88,687  

Custodian fees (Note 2)

    72,574  

Distribution fees (Class C Shares) (Note 2)

    50,287  

Other expenses

    95,095  

Total expenses before waivers and/or reimbursements

    34,733,180  

Less: waivers and/or reimbursements (Note 2)

    (1,164,300 )

Net expenses after waivers and/or reimbursements

    33,568,880  

Net investment income/(loss)

    (22,895,427 )

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

       

Net realized gain/(loss) from:

       

Investments

    (863,000 )

Futures contracts

    277,980,162  

Foreign currency transactions

    (399,048 )

Forward foreign currency contracts

    21,706,645  

Written options

    (666,500 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:

       

Investments

    (2,418,825 )

Futures contracts

    22,453,247  

Foreign currency translations

    (77,182 )

Forward foreign currency contracts

    18,130,330  

Written options

    (290,787 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    335,555,042  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 312,659,615  

 

 

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

 

31

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ (22,895,427 )   $ (18,106,716 )

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments, futures contracts, foreign currency transactions, forward foreign currency contracts and written options

    297,758,259       86,022,119  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments, futures contracts, foreign currency translations, forward foreign currency contracts and written options

    37,796,783       515,678  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    312,659,615       68,431,081  

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (54,275,724 )     (13,983,998 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (54,275,724 )     (13,983,998 )

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class A Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    96,389,889       12,728,012  

Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions

    594,933       162,829  

Shares redeemed

    (11,764,526 )     (6,757,552 )

Total from Class A Shares

    85,220,296       6,133,289  

Class I Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    1,705,791,826       441,183,123  

Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions

    35,649,949       7,562,347  

Shares redeemed

    (560,126,349 )     (253,394,878 )

Total from Class I Shares

    1,181,315,426       195,350,592  

Class C Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    4,075,349       1,494,157  

Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions

    147,425       48,938  

Shares redeemed

    (1,516,356 )     (1,457,804 )

Total from Class C Shares

    2,706,418       85,291  

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

    1,269,242,140       201,569,172  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    1,527,626,031       256,016,255  

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    1,159,632,539       903,616,284  

End of period

  $ 2,687,258,570     $ 1,159,632,539  

 

 

 

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

 

32

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Concluded)

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021

 

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class A Shares

               

Shares sold

    7,470,600       1,071,456  

Shares reinvested

    51,509       14,551  

Shares redeemed

    (943,646 )     (578,862 )

Total Class A Shares

    6,578,463       507,145  

Class I Shares

               

Shares sold

    134,098,707       37,193,765  

Shares reinvested

    3,054,837       669,827  

Shares redeemed

    (44,029,159 )     (21,694,016 )

Total Class I Shares

    93,124,385       16,169,576  

Class C Shares

               

Shares sold

    326,237       132,823  

Shares reinvested

    13,117       4,481  

Shares redeemed

    (123,867 )     (130,069 )

Total Class C Shares

    215,487       7,235  

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    99,918,335       16,683,956  

 

 

 

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

 

33

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class A Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

   

Class A Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2018

 

Per Share Operating Performance

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.95     $ 11.28     $ 12.45     $ 11.28     $ 11.15  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    (0.19 )     (0.24 )     (0.11 )     (0.01 )     (0.07 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    2.20       1.07       (0.14 )     1.18       0.20  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    2.01       0.83       (0.25 )     1.17       0.13  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.27 )     (0.16 )     (0.64 )            

Net realized capital gains

    (0.13 )           (0.28 )            

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.40 )     (0.16 )     (0.92 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 13.56     $ 11.95     $ 11.28     $ 12.45     $ 11.28  

Total investment return/(loss)(2)

    17.40 %     7.42 %     (1.64 )%     10.37 %     1.08 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 113,480     $ 21,395     $ 14,469     $ 12,434     $ 15,539  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(3)

    2.04 %     2.04 %     2.04 %     2.04 %     2.04 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (excluding interest expense)(3)

    2.04 %     2.04 %     2.04 %     2.04 %     2.04 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(3)

    2.10 %     2.14 %     2.15 %     2.14 %     2.13 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (1.47 )%     (2.03 )%     (0.98 )%     (0.05 )%     (0.65 )%

Portfolio turnover rate(4)

    0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %

 

 

(1)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(2)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each year reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any. Total return does not reflect any applicable sales charge.

(3)

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired Fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 2.04% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares.

(4)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

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

 

34

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Financial Highlights (Continued)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class I Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

   

Class I Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2018

 

Per Share Operating Performance

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 12.07     $ 11.38     $ 12.55     $ 11.36     $ 11.20  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    (0.15 )     (0.21 )     (0.09 )     0.02       (0.05 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    2.22       1.08       (0.14 )     1.19       0.21  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    2.07       0.87       (0.23 )     1.21       0.16  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.29 )     (0.18 )     (0.66 )     (0.02 )      

Net realized capital gains

    (0.13 )           (0.28 )            

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.42 )     (0.18 )     (0.94 )     (0.02 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 13.72     $ 12.07     $ 11.38     $ 12.55     $ 11.36  

Total investment return/(loss)(2)

    17.72 %     7.74 %     (1.39 )%     10.63 %     1.34 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 2,564,701     $ 1,132,714     $ 883,997     $ 707,564     $ 913,437  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(3)

    1.79 %     1.79 %     1.79 %     1.79 %     1.79 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (excluding interest expense)(3)

    1.79 %     1.79 %     1.79 %     1.79 %     1.79 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(3)

    1.85 %     1.89 %     1.90 %     1.89 %     1.88 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (1.22 )%     (1.78 )%     (0.73 )%     0.20 %     (0.40 )%

Portfolio turnover rate(4)

    0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %

 

 

(1)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(2)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(3)

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired Fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 1.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares.

(4)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

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

 

35

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Consolidated Financial Highlights (Concluded)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class C Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

   

Class C Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2018

 

Per Share Operating Performance

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.60     $ 10.98     $ 12.11     $ 11.06     $ 11.01  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    (0.27 )     (0.32 )     (0.19 )     (0.08 )     (0.16 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    2.13       1.05       (0.14 )     1.13       0.21  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1.86       0.73       (0.33 )     1.05       0.05  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.21 )     (0.11 )     (0.52 )            

Net realized capital gains

    (0.13 )           (0.28 )            

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.34 )     (0.11 )     (0.80 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 13.12     $ 11.60     $ 10.98     $ 12.11     $ 11.06  

Total investment return/(loss)(2)

    16.48 %     6.72 %     (2.40 )%     9.49 %     0.36 %

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 9,078     $ 5,524     $ 5,151     $ 4,487     $ 8,481  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(3)

    2.79 %     2.79 %     2.79 %     2.79 %     2.79 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (excluding interest expense)(3)

    2.79 %     2.79 %     2.79 %     2.79 %     2.79 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(3)

    2.85 %     2.89 %     2.90 %     2.89 %     2.88 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (2.22 )%     (2.78 )%     (1.73 )%     (0.80 )%     (1.40 )%

Portfolio turnover rate(4)

    0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %

 

 

(1)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(2)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(3)

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired Fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 2.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares.

(4)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

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

 

36

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements

August 31, 2022

 

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has forty-eight separate investment portfolios, including the Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund (the “Fund”), which commenced investment operations on July 1, 2014. The Fund is authorized to offer four classes of shares, Class A Shares, Class I Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares. Class A Shares are sold subject to a front-end maximum sales charge of 5.75%. Front-end sales charges may be reduced or waived under certain circumstances. Class T Shares are not currently available for sale.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 90.023 billion shares are currently classified into two hundred and eleven classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

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

 

The Fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services – Investment Companies.”

 

The end of the reporting period for the Fund is August 31, 2022, and the period covered by these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements is the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

CONSOLIDATION OF SUBSIDIARIES – The Managed Futures strategy is achieved by the Fund investing up to 25% of its total assets in Abbey Capital Master Offshore Fund Limited (the “Cayman Subsidiary”), a wholly-owned and controlled subsidiary of the Fund organized under the acts of the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Subsidiary invests all or substantially all of its assets in segregated portfolios of the Abbey Capital Offshore Fund SPC (the “SPC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Cayman Subsidiary organized under the acts of the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Subsidiary serves solely as an intermediate entity through which the Fund invests in the SPC and makes no independent investment decisions and has no investment or other discretion over the Fund’s investable assets.

 

The Fund may also invest a portion of its assets in segregated series of another wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund, the Abbey Capital Onshore Series LLC (the “Onshore Subsidiary”), a Delaware series limited liability company.

 

The consolidated financial statements of the Fund include the financial statements of the Cayman Subsidiary, the Onshore Subsidiary and SPC. The Fund consolidates the results of subsidiaries in which the Fund holds a controlling financial interest. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated. As of the end of the reporting period, the net assets of the Cayman Subsidiary and SPC were $563,002,713, which represented 20.95% of the Fund’s net assets. As of the end of the reporting period, the net assets of the Onshore Subsidiary were $581,211,287, which represented 21.63% of the Fund’s net assets.

 

Portfolio Valuation — The Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Fund are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Forward exchange contracts are valued by interpolating between spot and forward currency rates as quoted by an independent pricing service. Futures contracts are generally valued using the settlement price determined by the relevant exchange. Options for which the primary market is a national securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which they are traded, or, in the absence of any sale, will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices

 

37

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

prior to the market close. Options not traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last quoted bid price for long option positions and the closing ask price for short option positions. If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

 

Fair Value Measurements — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

● Level 1 –

Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

● Level 2 –

Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

● Level 3 –

Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the reporting period, in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value:

 

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

 

Short-Term Investments

  $ 2,339,157,801     $ 2,339,157,801     $     $  

Commodity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    39,643,554       39,643,554              

Equity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    6,109,157       6,109,157              

Foreign Currency Contracts

                               

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    33,550,906             33,550,906        

Futures Contracts

    27,175,220       27,175,220              

Interest Rate Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    26,603,224       26,603,224              

Total Assets

  $ 2,472,239,862     $ 2,438,688,956     $ 33,550,906     $  

 

38

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

 

Commodity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

  $ (34,567,013 )   $ (34,567,013 )   $     $  

Equity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    (15,799,345 )     (15,799,345 )            

Foreign Currency Contracts

                               

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    (19,675,889 )           (19,675,889 )      

Futures Contracts

    (2,319,322 )     (2,319,322 )            

Interest Rate Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    (8,063,888 )     (8,063,888 )            

Total Liabilities

  $ (80,425,457 )   $ (60,749,568 )   $ (19,675,889 )   $  

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Fund’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Fund may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires the Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when the Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for all Level 3 transfers are disclosed if the Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund had no Level 3 transfers.

 

Disclosures about Derivative instruments and Hedging Activities — Derivative instruments are defined as financial instruments whose value and performance are based on the value and performance of another security or financial instrument. Derivative instruments that the Fund used during the period include options, forward foreign currency contracts and futures contracts.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund used long and short contracts on U.S. and foreign equity market indices, U.S. and foreign government bonds, foreign currencies, interest rates and commodities (through investment in the Cayman Subsidiary, the SPC and the Onshore Subsidiary), to gain investment exposure in accordance with its investment objective.

 

The following tables provide quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of, and gains and losses on, the Fund’s derivative instruments as of and for the current fiscal period.

 

39

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

The following tables list the fair values and location on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities of the Fund’s derivative holdings as of the end of the reporting period, grouped by derivative type and primary risk exposure category by contract type.

 

Derivative Type

 

Consolidated
Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities
Location

   

Equity
Contracts

   

Interest
Rate
Contracts

   

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

   

Commodity
Contracts

   

Total

 

Asset Derivatives

Forward Contracts (a)

    Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts                   33,550,906             33,550,906  

Futures Contracts (a)

    Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts       6,109,157       26,603,224       27,175,220       39,643,554       99,531,155  

Total Value- Assets

          $ 6,109,157     $ 26,603,224     $ 60,726,126     $ 39,643,554     $ 133,082,061  
                                                 

Liability Derivatives

Forward Contracts (a)

    Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts                   (19,675,889 )           (19,675,889 )

Futures Contracts (a)

    Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts       (15,799,345 )     (8,063,888 )     (2,319,322 )     (34,567,013 )     (60,749,568 )

Total Value- Liabilities

          $ (15,799,345 )   $ (8,063,888 )   $ (21,995,211 )   $ (34,567,013 )   $ (80,425,457 )

 

(a)

This amount represents the cumulative appreciation/(depreciation) of forwards and futures contracts as reported on the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments.

 

The following table lists the amounts of realized gains/(losses) included in net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations during the current fiscal period, grouped by derivative type and primary risk exposure category by contract type.

 

Derivative Type

 

Consolidated
Statement of
Operations
Location

   

Equity
Contracts

   

Interest
Rate
Contracts

   

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

   

Commodity
Contracts

   

Total

 

Realized Gain/(Loss)

Purchased Options

    Net realized gain/(loss) from investments     $     $ 268,900           $     $ 268,900  

Futures Contracts

    Net realized gain/(loss) from futures contracts       (5,465,173 )     122,404,544       74,712,052       86,328,739       277,980,162  

Forward Contracts

    Net realized gain/(loss) from forward foreign currency contracts                   21,706,645             21,706,645  

Written Options

    Net realized gain/(loss) from written options             (598,100 )     (68,400 )           (666,500 )

Total Realized Gain/(Loss)

  $ (5,465,173 )   $ 122,075,344     $ 96,350,297     $ 86,328,739     $ 299,289,207  

 

40

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

The following table lists the amounts of change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) included in net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations during the current fiscal period, grouped by derivative type and primary risk exposure category by contract type.

 

Derivative Type

 

Consolidated
Statement of
Operations
Location

   

Equity
Contracts

   

Interest
Rate
Contracts

   

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

   

Commodity
Contracts

   

Total

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation)

Purchased Options

    Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments     $     $ 586,487     $ 67,450     $     $ 653,937  

Futures Contracts

    Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on futures contracts       (16,481,372 )     19,640,034       20,730,010       (1,435,425 )     22,453,247  

Forward Contracts

    Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on forward foreign currency contracts                   18,130,330             18,130,330  

Written Options

    Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on written options             (290,787 )                 (290,787 )

Total Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation)

  $ (16,481,372 )   $ 19,935,734     $ 38,927,790     $ (1,435,425 )   $ 40,946,727  

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund’s quarterly average volume of derivatives was as follows:

 

Purchased
Options
(Cost)

Written
Options
(Proceeds)

Long Futures
Notional
Amount

Short Futures
Notional
Amount

Forward Foreign
Currency
Contracts — Payable
(Value at Trade Date)

Forward Foreign
Currency
Contracts —
Receivable
(Value at Trade Date)

$153,535

$(62,535)

$3,317,342,604

$(5,200,441,644)

$ (3,677,795,662)

$ 3,679,054,451

 

For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments and fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral (receivables) or the obligation to return cash collateral (payables) arising from derivative instruments recognized at fair value executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement.

 

41

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

The following is a summary of financial and derivative instruments that are subject to enforceable master netting agreements (or similar arrangements) and collateral received and pledged in connection with the master netting agreements (or similar arrangements).

 

           

Gross Amount Not
Offset in Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and Liabilities

                           

Gross Amount Not
Offset in Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and Liabilities

         

Description

 

Gross Amount
Presented
in the
Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Collateral
Received

   

Net
Amount
(1)

           

Gross Amount
Presented
in the
Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Collateral
Pledged
(2)

   

Net
Amount
(3)

 
   

Assets

           

Liabilities

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

  $ 33,550,906     $ (19,675,889 )   $     $ 13,875,017             $ 33,550,906     $ (33,550,906 )   $     $  

 

 
 

(1)

Net amount represents the net amount receivable from the counterparty in the event of default.

 

 

(2)

Actual collateral pledged may be more than the amount shown.

 

 

(3)

Net amount represents the net amount payable to the counterparty in the event of default.

 

Use of Estimates — The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

Investment Transactions, Investment Income and Expenses — The Fund records security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The Fund’s investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with The RBB Fund Trust (formerly, PENN Capital Funds Trust) (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Fund.

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders — Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually to shareholders and recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

U.S. Tax Status — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is the Fund’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

42

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

The Cayman Subsidiary is registered as an “exempted company” and the SPC as an “exempted segregated portfolio company” pursuant to the Companies Act (Revised) of the Cayman Islands (as amended). Each of the Cayman Subsidiary and the SPC has received an undertaking from the Governor in Cabinet of the Cayman Islands to the effect that, for a period of twenty years from the date of the undertaking, no act that thereafter is enacted in the Cayman Islands imposing any tax or duty to be levied on profits, income or on gains or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, will apply to any property comprised in or any income arising under the Cayman Subsidiary or the SPC, or to the shareholders thereof, in respect of any such property or income. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Cayman Subsidiary is treated as a “controlled foreign corporation.” The SPC is treated as an entity disregarded from its owner, the Cayman Subsidiary, for U.S. income tax purposes. The Onshore Subsidiary is treated as an entity disregarded from its owner, the Fund, for U.S. income tax purposes.

 

Foreign Currency Translation — Assets and liabilities initially expressed in non-U.S. currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based on the applicable exchange rates at the date of the last business day of the financial statement period. Purchases and sales of securities, interest income, dividends, variation margin received and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect on the transaction date.

 

The Fund does not separately report the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from changes in market prices of securities held. Such changes are included with the net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Other foreign currency transactions resulting in realized and unrealized gain or loss are reported separately as net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on foreign currencies in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

Currency Risk —Investment in foreign securities involves currency risk associated with securities that trade or are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and which may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. An increase in the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to a foreign currency may cause the U.S. dollar value of an investment in that country to decline. Foreign currencies also are subject to risks caused by inflation, interest rates, budget deficits and low savings rates, political factors and government controls. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts may limit potential gains from a favorable change in value between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Unanticipated changes in currency pricing may result in poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not engaged in these contracts.

 

Commodity Sector Risk — Exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-linked derivative instruments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. The prices of energy, industrial metals, precious metals, agriculture and livestock sector commodities may fluctuate widely due to factors such as changes in value, supply and demand and governmental regulatory policies. The commodity-linked securities in which the Fund invests may be issued by companies in the financial services sector, and events affecting the financial services sector may cause the Fund’s share value to fluctuate.

 

Foreign Securities Market Risk — A substantial portion of the trades of the Fund are expected to take place on markets or exchanges outside the United States. There is no limit to the amount of assets of the Fund that may be committed to trading on foreign markets. The risk of loss in trading foreign futures and options on futures contracts can be substantial. Participation in foreign futures and options on futures contracts involves the execution and clearing of trades on, or subject to the rules of, a foreign board of trade or exchange. Some of these foreign markets, in contrast to U.S. exchanges, are so-called principals’ markets in which performance is the responsibility only of the individual counterparty with whom the trader has entered into a commodity interest transaction and not of the exchange or clearing corporation. In these kinds of markets, there is risk of bankruptcy or other failure or refusal to perform by the counterparty.

 

43

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Counterparty Risk — The derivative contracts entered into by the Fund, the SPC or Onshore Subsidiary may be privately negotiated in the over-the-counter market. These contracts also involve exposure to credit risk, since contract performance depends in part on the financial condition of the counterparty. Relying on a counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. If a counterparty defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease.

 

Credit Risk — Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of the security or a counterparty in respect of a derivative instrument will not be able to satisfy its payment obligations to the Fund when due. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in that issuer. Securities rated in the four highest categories by the rating agencies are considered investment grade, but they may also have some speculative characteristics. Investment grade ratings do not guarantee that bonds will not lose value or default. In addition, the credit quality of securities may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition changes.

 

Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic — The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. Although vaccines for COVID-19 are available, the ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual companies are not known. The operational and financial performance of individual companies and the market in general depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and the pace of recovery which may vary from market to market, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

Ukraine-Russia Conflict Risk — In February 2022, Russia commenced a military attack on Ukraine. The outbreak of hostilities between the two countries and the threat of wider-spread hostilities could have a severe adverse effect on the region and global economies, including significant negative impacts on the markets for certain securities and commodities, such as oil and natural gas. In addition, sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States and other countries, and any sanctions imposed in the future, could have a significant adverse impact on the Russian economy and related markets. The price and liquidity of investments may fluctuate widely as a result of the conflict and related events. How long the armed conflict and related events will last cannot be predicted. These tensions and any related events could have a significant impact on Fund performance and the value of Fund investments, even beyond any direct exposure the Fund may have to issuers located in these countries.

 

Options — An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in exchange for a premium, to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price during the term of the option. The Fund may use futures contracts and related options for: bona fide hedging; attempting to offset changes in the value of securities held or expected to be acquired or be disposed of; attempting to minimize fluctuations in foreign currencies; attempting to gain exposure to a particular market, index or instrument; or other risk management purposes. The risk associated with purchasing an option is that the Fund pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. Additionally, the Fund bears the risk of loss of premium and change in market value should the counterparty not perform under the contract. Put and call options are accounted for in the same manner as other securities owned. The cost of securities acquired through the exercise of call options is increased by the premiums paid. The proceeds from securities sold through the exercise of put options are decreased by the premiums paid.

 

Options Written — The Fund may enter into options written for: bona fide hedging; attempting to offset changes in the value of securities held or expected to be acquired or be disposed of; attempting to minimize fluctuations in foreign currencies; attempting to gain exposure to a particular market, index or instrument; or other risk management purposes. Such options may relate to particular securities or domestic stock indices, and may or may not be listed on exchanges regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission or on other non-U.S. exchanges. An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in the contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put) at a specified exercise price at any time during the option exercise period. The writer of the option is required upon exercise to assume a short futures position (if the option is a call) or a long futures position

 

44

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

(if the option is a put). Upon exercise of the option, the accumulated cash balance in the writer’s futures margin account is delivered to the holder of the option. That balance represents the amount by which the market price of the futures contract at exercise exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option. The maximum risk of loss associated with writing put options is limited to the exercised fair value of the option contract. The maximum risk of loss associated with writing call options is potentially unlimited. The Fund also has the additional risk of being unable to enter into a closing transaction at an acceptable price if a liquid secondary market does not exist. The Fund also may write over-the-counter options where completing the obligation depends upon the credit standing of the other party. Option contracts also involve the risk that they may result in loss due to unanticipated developments in market conditions or other causes. Written options are initially recorded as liabilities to the extent of premiums received and subsequently marked to market to reflect the current value of the option written. Gains or losses are realized when the option transaction expires or closes. When an option is exercised, the proceeds on sales for a written call option or the purchase cost for a written put option is adjusted by the amount of the premium received. Listed option contracts present minimal counterparty credit risk since they are exchange traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded options, guarantees the options against default. As of the end of the reporting period, the Fund has no written options.

 

Futures Contracts — The Fund uses futures contracts in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund must deposit initial margin in addition to segregating cash or liquid assets sufficient to meet its obligation to purchase or provide securities, or to pay the amount owed at the expiration of an index-based futures contract. Such liquid assets may consist of cash, cash equivalents, liquid debt or equity securities or other acceptable assets. Pursuant to the futures contract, the Fund agrees to receive from, or pay to the broker, an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such a receipt of payment is known as “variation margin” and is recorded by the Fund as an unrealized gain or loss. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds from (or cost of) the closing transactions and the Fund’s basis in the contract. Futures contracts have market risks, including the risk that the change in the value of the contract may not correlate with changes in the value of the underlying securities. Use of long futures contracts subjects the Fund to risk of loss in excess of the amount shown on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities, up to the notional value of the futures contract. Use of short futures contracts subjects the Fund to potentially unlimited risk of loss.

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts — In the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives, the Fund is subject to foreign investment and currency risk. The Fund uses forward foreign currency contracts (“forward contracts”) for purposes of hedging, duration management, as a substitute for securities, to increase returns, for currency hedging or risk management, or to otherwise help achieve the Fund’s investment objective. These contracts are marked-to-market daily at the applicable translation rates. The Fund records realized gains or losses at the time the forward contract is closed. A forward contract is extinguished through a closing transaction or upon delivery of the currency or entering an offsetting contract. Risks may arise upon entering these contracts from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of their contracts and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar or other currencies. The Fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk related to forward foreign currency contracts is the fair value of the contract. The risk may be mitigated to some extent if a master netting arrangement between the Fund and the counterparty is in place and to the extent the Fund obtains collateral to cover the Fund’s exposure to the counterparty.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

Other — In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Fund in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Fund expects the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

45

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

2. Investment Adviser and Other Services

 

Abbey Capital Limited (“Abbey Capital” or the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund and the Cayman Subsidiary, Onshore Subsidiary and SPC. The Adviser allocates the assets of the Onshore Subsidiary and SPC (via the Cayman Subsidiary) to one or more Trading Advisers unaffiliated with the Adviser to manage. The Adviser also has the ultimate responsibility to oversee the Trading Advisers, and to recommend their hiring, termination and replacement, subject to approval by the Board. The Fund compensates the Adviser for its services at an annual rate based on the Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears, as shown in the following table. The Adviser compensates the Trading Advisers out of the Advisory Fee.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) to the rates (“Expense Caps”) shown in the following table of the Fund’s average daily net assets. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed the Expense Caps as applicable: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses, interest and taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2022 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board. The Adviser may discontinue these arrangements at any time after December 31, 2022.

 

Advisory
Fee

Expense Caps

 

Class A

Class I

Class C

Class T

1.77%

2.04%

1.79%

2.79%

2.04%

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued, waived and/or reimbursed were as follows:

 

Gross
Advisory
Fees

Waivers and/or
Reimbursements

Net
Advisory
Fees

$33,014,789

$(1,164,300)

$31,850,489

 

If at any time the Fund’s total annual fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than the relevant share class’s Expense Cap, the Adviser may recoup any waived or reimbursed amounts from the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

As of the end of the reporting period, the Fund had amounts available for recoupment as follows:

 

Expiration

August 31,
2023

August 31,
2024

August 31,
2025

Total

$843,630

$1,020,929

$1,164,300

$3,028,859

 

Aspect Capital Limited, Crabel Capital Management, LLC, Eclipse Capital Management, Inc., Episteme Capital Partners (UK), LLP, Graham Capital Management, LP, P/E Global, LLC, R.G. Niederhoffer Capital Management, Inc., Revolution Capital Management, LLC, Systematica Investments Limited (acting as the general partner of Systematica Investments LP), Tudor Investment Corporation, Welton Investment Partners, LLC and Winton Capital Management Limited each served as a Trading Adviser to the Fund during the current fiscal period.

 

Effective June 29, 2022, Systematica Investments Limited (acting as the general partner of Systematica Investments LP), serves as a Trading Adviser to the Fund.

 

46

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as administrator for the Fund. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Fund’s transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Fund. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

The Board has adopted a Plan of Distribution for the Class A Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Fund’s distributor is entitled to receive from the Fund a distribution fee with respect to the Shares, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, of up to 0.25% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Class A Shares and Class T Shares and up to 1.00% of the Class C Shares. The actual amount of such compensation under the Plan is agreed upon by the Board and by the Distributor. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. Amounts paid to the Distributor under the Plan may be used by the Distributor to cover expenses that are related to (i) the sale of the Shares, (ii) ongoing servicing and/or maintenance of the accounts of shareholders, and (iii) sub-transfer agency services, subaccounting services or administrative services related to the sale of the Shares, all as set forth in the Fund’s 12b-1 Plan.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

3. Director And Officer Compensation

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as Chief Compliance Officer of the Company and served as President of the Company until August 2022. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Fund or the Company. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

4. Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities

 

During the current fiscal period, there were no purchases or sales of investment securities or long-term U.S. Government securities (excluding short-term investments and derivative transactions) by the Fund.

 

5. Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Fund has followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Fund to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Fund has determined that there was no effect on the consolidated financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Fund is subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

47

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

As of August 31, 2022, the federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by the Fund were as follows(a):

 

Federal Tax
Cost

Unrealized
Appreciation

Unrealized
(Depreciation)

Net
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

$2,757,733,831

$172,613,883

$(388,732,523)

$(216,118,640)

 

 

(a)

The difference between the book basis and tax basis cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments is attributable primarily to timing differences related to taxable income from a wholly-owned controlled foreign corporation.

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

Permanent differences as of August 31, 2022, primarily attributable to disallowed book income from the Cayman Subsidiary, were reclassified to the following accounts:

 

Distributable
Earnings/(Loss)

Paid-In
Capital

$(219,606,329)

$219,606,329

 

As of August 31, 2022, the components of distributable earnings/(deficits) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains

Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

Capital Loss
Carryforwards

Qualified
Late-Year
Losses

Other
Temporary
Differences

$269,747,537

$39,610,965

$(355,785,218)

$—

$—

$—

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings/(deficits) relate principally to the timing of recognition of income and gains of the Cayman Subsidiary for federal income tax purposes.

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2021 and August 31, 2022 was as follows:

 

   

Ordinary
Income

Long-Term
Gains

Total

 

2022

$44,586,281

$9,689,443

$54,275,724

 

2021

$13,983,998

$—

$13,983,998

 

The Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period. Capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of August 31, 2022, the Fund had no unlimited short-term or long-term capital loss carryovers to offset future capital gains.

 

 

48

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Concluded)

August 31, 2022

 

6. New Accounting Pronouncements and Regulatory Updates

 

In October 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted new regulations governing the use of derivatives by registered investment companies (“Rule 18f-4”). Rule 18f-4 imposes limits on the amount of derivatives a fund can enter into, eliminates the asset segregation framework previously used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, and requires funds whose use of derivatives is greater than a limited specified amount to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager.The Fund is required to comply with Rule 18f-4 and has adopted procedures for investing in derivatives and other transactions in compliance with Rule 18f-4. Rule 18f-4 may require the Fund to observe more stringent requirements than were previously imposed by the 1940 Act, which could adversely affect the ability of the Fund to engage in certain derivatives transactions and/or increase the costs of such derivatives transactions, which could adversely affect the Fund’s performance and increase costs related to the Fund’s use of derivatives.

 

In December 2020, the SEC adopted a new rule providing a framework for fund valuation practices (“Rule 2a-5”). Rule 2a-5 establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the 1940 Act. Rule 2a-5 will permit fund boards to designate certain parties to perform fair value determinations, subject to board oversight and certain other conditions. Rule 2a-5 also defines when market quotations are “readily available” for purposes of the 1940 Act and the threshold for determining whether a fund must fair value a security. In connection with Rule 2a-5, the SEC also adopted related recordkeeping requirements and is rescinding previously issued guidance, including with respect to the role of a board in determining fair value and the accounting and auditing of fund investments. The Fund will be required to comply with the rules by September 8, 2022. Effective September 8, 2022 and pursuant to the requirements of Rule 2a-5, the Board designated the Adviser as its valuation designee to perform fair value determinations and approved new valuation procedures for the Fund.

 

In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments on the financial statements.

 

7. Subsequent Events

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no significant events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

49

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund
and Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of assets and liabilities of Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”)), including the consolidated portfolio of investments, as of August 31, 2022, and the related consolidated statement of operations for the year then ended, the consolidated statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the consolidated financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Fund (one of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc.) at August 31, 2022, the consolidated results of its operations for the year then ended, the consolidated changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its consolidated financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

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

 

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

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2022, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Abbey Capital investment companies since 2014.

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 28, 2022

 

50

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Shareholder Tax Information

(Unaudited)

 

Certain tax information regarding the Fund is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Fund’s income and distributions for the taxable year ended August 31, 2022. The information and distribution reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ended December 31, 2022. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, the Fund paid no ordinary income dividends that are designated as “qualified dividend income” to its shareholders. Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

The percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions that are designated as short-term capital gain distributions under Internal Revenue Section 871(k)(2)(c) for the Fund is 0.00%.

 

Because the Fund’s fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2022. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2023.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Fund, if any.

 

In general, dividends received by tax exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Fund.

 

51

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Other Information

(Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling (844) 261-6484 and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

 

The Company files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Approval of Investment Advisory Agreements and Trading Advisory Agreements

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the renewal of (1) the investment advisory agreement between Abbey Capital and the Company on behalf of the Fund (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”), (2) each of the separate advisory agreements between the Cayman Subsidiary, the Onshore Subsidiary and SPC (the “Subsidiaries”) and Abbey Capital (collectively, the “Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreements”), and (3) the trading advisory agreements between Abbey Capital and Aspect Capital Limited, Crabel Capital Management, LLP, Eclipse Capital Management, Inc., Episteme Capital Partners (UK), LLP, Graham Capital Management, LP, P/E Global, LLC, Revolution Capital Management, LLC, R.G. Niederhoffer Capital Management, Inc., Tudor Investment Corporation, Welton Investment Partners LLC, and Winton Capital Management Limited (each, a “Trading Adviser”) (the “Trading Advisory Agreements”), at a meeting of the Board held on May 11-12, 2022 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Advisory Agreement, the Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreements, and the Trading Advisory Agreements for an additional one-year term ending August 16, 2023. The Board’s decision to approve the Advisory Agreement, the Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreements, and the Trading Advisory Agreements reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Advisory Agreement, Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreements, and the Trading Advisory Agreements, the Board considered information provided by Abbey Capital and each of the Trading Advisers with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Company and Abbey Capital with respect to the Fund, the Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreements, and the Trading Advisory Agreements between Abbey Capital and each Trading Adviser with respect to the Fund, the Directors took into account all materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of services provided to the Fund by Abbey Capital and each Trading Adviser; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of the personnel providing those services; (iii) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ advisory fee arrangements with the Company and other similarly managed clients, as applicable; (vii) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ compliance procedures; (viii) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ financial information and insurance coverage, as applicable, and Abbey Capital’s profitability analysis; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Fund; (x) a report prepared by Broadridge/Lipper comparing the Fund’s management fees and total expense ratio to those of its Lipper Group and comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its Lipper Group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its benchmark.

 

52

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Other Information (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Abbey Capital and each Trading Adviser. The Directors concluded that Abbey Capital and each Trading Adviser had substantial resources to provide services to the Fund and the Subsidiaries, as applicable.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Fund, noting that the Fund had underperformed its benchmark, the S&P 500 Total Return Index, for the one-year, five-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2022. The Directors considered the Fund’s investment performance in light of its investment objective and investment strategies. The Directors noted that the Fund ranked in the 2nd quintile within its Lipper Performance Group for the three-year and four-year periods ended December 31, 2021.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Fund and the Fund’s total operating expense ratio (before and after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) were compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms. The Directors noted that the Fund’s actual advisor fees ranked in the 5th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 5th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group. The Directors also considered the fees payable to each Trading Adviser under the Trading Advisory Agreements and the information provided by Abbey Capital on the services provided by the different Trading Advisers. In this regard, the Directors noted that the fees for each Trading Adviser were paid directly by Abbey Capital and not by the Fund. The Directors noted that Abbey Capital had contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses through at least December 31, 2022, to limit total annual operating expenses to agreed upon levels for the Fund.

 

After reviewing the information regarding Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering the services to be provided by Abbey Capital and each Trading Adviser, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees to be paid by the Fund to Abbey Capital and the trading advisory fees to be paid by Abbey Capital to each Trading Adviser were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreement, Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreements and Trading Advisory Agreements should be approved and continued for additional one-year period ending August 16, 2023.

 

APPROVAL OF NEW TRADING ADVISORY AGREEMENT

 

In considering the approval of the Trading Advisory Agreement between Abbey Capital and Systematica, the Board took into account all materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Board considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of services to be provided to the Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund (the “Fund”) by Systematica; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of the personnel providing those services; (iii) Systematica’s investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Systematica’s assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Systematica’s soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies; (vi) Systematica’s advisory fee arrangements with the Company and other similarly managed clients, as applicable; (vii) Systematica’s compliance procedures; and (viii) Systematica’s financial information and insurance coverage.

 

The Board also considered the fees payable to Systematica under the proposed Trading Advisory Agreement with Systematica and the services to be provided by Systematica. In this regard, the Board noted that the fees for Systematica were payable by Abbey Capital.

 

After reviewing the information regarding the Adviser’s and Systematica’s costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering the services to be provided by Systematica, the Board concluded that the trading advisory fees to be paid by Abbey Capital to Systematica were fair and reasonable, that the Trading Advisory Agreement is in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders and does not involve a conflict of interest from which the Adviser derives an inappropriate advantage, and that the Trading Advisory Agreement should be approved for an initial period ending August 16, 2023.

 

53

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Other Information (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

Liquidity Risk Management Program

 

The Company has adopted and implemented a Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Company Program”) as required by rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Company Program, the Adviser has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Adviser Program” and together with the Company Program, the “Programs”) on behalf of the Fund. The Programs seek to assess, manage and review the Fund’s Liquidity Risk. “Liquidity Risk” is defined as the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interest in the Fund.

 

The Board has appointed Vigilant Compliance, LLC (“Vigilant”) as the program administrator for the Company Program and the Chief Risk Officer of the Adviser as the program administrator for the Adviser Program. The process of monitoring and determining the liquidity of the Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party vendors.

 

At meetings held during the current fiscal period, the Board and its Regulatory Oversight Committee received and reviewed a written report (the “Report”) of Vigilant and the Adviser concerning the operation of the Programs for the period from July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 (the “Period”). The Report summarized the operation of the Programs and the information and factors considered by Vigilant and the Adviser in reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the implementation of the Programs with respect to the Fund. Such information and factors included, among other things: (i) the methodology used to classify the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio investments and the Adviser’s assessment that the Fund’s strategy remained appropriate for an open-end mutual fund; (ii) analyses of the Fund’s trading environment and reasonably anticipated trading size; (iii) that the Fund held primarily highly liquid assets (investments that the Fund anticipates can be converted to cash within 3 business days or less in current market conditions without significantly changing their market value); (iv) that the Fund held a percentage of highly liquid assets above its highly liquid investment minimum at all times during the Period; (v) confirmation that the Fund did not breach the 15% maximum illiquid security threshold (investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven days or less in current market conditions without the sale of the investment significantly changing the market value of the investment) during the Period and the procedures for monitoring compliance with the limit; (vi) that the processes, technologies and third-party vendors used to assess, manage, and/or periodically review the Fund’s Liquidity Risk functioned appropriately during the Period; and (vii) that the Programs operated adequately during the Period. The Report also described material changes made to the Adviser Program during the Period and indicated that there were no material changes made to the Company Program during the Period.

 

Based on the review, the Report concluded that the Programs were being implemented effectively and reasonably designed to assess and manage Liquidity Risk in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company Program or the Adviser Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Fund’s prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

 

54

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Company Management

(Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (844) 261-6484.

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Independent Directors

Julian A. Brodsky

615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 89

Director

1988 to present

From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications).

55

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

Gregory P. Chandler

615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 55

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

55

FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018).

Lisa A. Dolly
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI, 53202
Age: 56

Director

October 2021 to present

From July 2019-December 2019, Chairman, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm); January 2016-June 2019, Chief Executive Officer, Pershing, LLC.

55

Allfunds Group PLC (United Kingdom wealthtech and fund distribution provider); Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (trade association for broker dealers, investment banks and asset managers); Hightower Advisors (wealth management firm).

Nicholas A. Giordano

615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 79

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

55

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until 2021); Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017).

 

55

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Company Management (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Arnold M. Reichman

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 74

Chairman

 

Director

2005 to present

 

1991 to present

Retired.

55

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until August 2022).

Brian T. Shea

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 62

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

55

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company); WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019).

Robert A. Straniere

615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 81

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

55

None.

Interested Director2

Robert Sablowsky

615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 84

Vice Chairman

 

Director

2016 to present

 

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

55

None.

Officers

Steven Plump
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 63

President

August 2022 to present

From 2011 to 2021, Executive Vice President, PIMCO Investments LLC.

N/A

N/A

Salvatore Faia, JD, CPA, CFE

Vigilant Compliance, LLC

Gateway Corporate Center, Suite 216

223 Wilmington West Chester Pike

Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Age: 59

Chief Compliance Officer

2004 to present

 

 

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, Chief Compliance Officer of The RBB Fund Trust; President of The RBB Fund Trust from 2021 to 2022; President of The RBB Fund, Inc. from 2009 to 2022.

N/A

N/A

 

 

56

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Company Management (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 61

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

Chief Operating Officer

2016 to present

 

 

 

 

 

2022 to present

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2016) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2021) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund Trust; from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 48

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and The RBB Fund Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC (an investment advisory firm).

N/A

N/A

Jennifer Witt
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 39

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services; from 2007 to 2016, Supervisor, Nuveen Investments (registered investment company).

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 51

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 63

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 43

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 55 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company and The RBB Fund Trust (7 portfolios).

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

57

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Company Management (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his or her qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Ms. Dolly has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, and she has demonstrated her leadership and management abilities by serving in numerous senior executive-level positions. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing, and investment services industry, including service on the boards of industry regulatory organizations and a university. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company.

 

58

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Privacy Notice

(Unaudited)

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

FACTS

WHAT DOES THE ABBEY CAPITAL FUTURES STRATEGY FUND DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

 

● Social Security number

● account balances

● account transactions

● transaction history

● wire transfer instructions

● checking account information

 

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

How?

All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

       

Reasons we can share your information

Does the Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund share?

Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purpose —
such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal
investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes —
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial companies

No

We don’t share.

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

 

Questions?

Call 1-844-261-6484 or go to www.abbeycapital.com

 

59

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Privacy Notice (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

What we do

How does the Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund protect my personal information?

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

How does the Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

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

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation

In addition to the above information, where applicable, you have the following rights under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and U.S. Privacy Laws, as applicable and to the extent permitted by law, to

 

● Check whether we hold personal information about you and to access such data (in accordance with our policy)

 

● Request the correction of personal information about you that is inaccurate

 

● Have a copy of the personal information we hold about you provided to you or another “controller” where technically feasible

 

● Request the erasure of your personal information

 

● Request the restriction of processing concerning you

 

The legal grounds for processing of your personal information is for contractual necessity and compliance with law.

 

If you wish to exercise any of your rights above, please call: 1-844-261-6484. You are required to ensure the personal information we hold about you is up-to-date and accurate and you must notify us of any changes to the personal data you provided to us.

 

 

60

 

 

Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund

 

Privacy Notice (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

 

The Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund shall retain your personal data for as long as you are an investor in the Fund and thereafter as long as necessary to comply with applicable laws that require the Fund to retain your personal data, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission’s data retention rules. Your personal data will be transferred to the United States so that the Fund may provide the agreed upon services for you. No adequacy decision has been rendered by the European Commission as to the data protection of your personal data when transferring it to the United States. However, the Fund does take the security of your personal data seriously.

 

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the appropriate regulatory authority with respect to issues you may have.

Definitions

Affiliates

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

 

Our affiliates include Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund’s investment adviser, Abbey Capital Limited, and each sub-adviser.

Nonaffiliates

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

 

The Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund doesn’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

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

 

The Abbey Capital Futures Strategy Fund does not jointly market.

Controller

“Controller” means the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data; where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by European Union or European Member State law, the controller or the specific criteria for its nomination may be provided for by European Union or European Member State law.

 

 

61

 

 

Investment Adviser
Abbey Capital Limited
1-2 Cavendish Row
Dublin 1, Ireland

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Principal Underwriter
Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 E Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Custodian
U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP
One Commerce Square
2005 Market Street, Suite 700
Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

Legal Counsel
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

AFS-AR22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

of

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.

 

 

Annual Report

 

 

 

 

August 31, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Unaudited)

August 31, 2022

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund (the “Fund”) Class I Shares returned +10.31% net of fees for the 12-month fiscal year ended August 31, 2022.

 

Positive performance was driven by the managed futures component of the Fund’s investment strategy, with gains stemming from trading in fixed income, currency and energy contracts. The Fund’s long US equity component had negative returns over the 12-month period. The Fund targets approximately 100% exposure of its net assets to its managed futures strategy and approximately 50% exposure to its long US equity strategy. The Fund’s remaining net assets are allocated to its fixed income strategy. The managed futures strategy is achieved by the Fund investing up to 25% of its total assets in ACMAF Master Offshore Limited (the “ACMAF Master”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund that invests substantially all of its assets in ACMAF Offshore SPC, which is a wholly-owned and controlled segregated portfolio company that invests in managed futures and foreign exchange contracts. As part of its managed futures strategy, the Fund may also invest a portion of its assets in ACMAF Onshore Series LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund which is a multi-adviser fund that invests in managed futures and foreign exchange contracts.

 

Abbey Global, LP (the “Predecessor Fund”), transferred all of its assets to the Fund on April 11, 2018.

 

Average Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2022 (unless otherwise noted)

 

 

2022 YTD

1 Year

SEP. 1, 2020
TO Aug. 31,
2021

5 Years
Annualized

10 Years
Annualized

ANNUALIZED
SINCE
INCEPTION ON
MAY 14, 2002

Class I Shares* (inclusive of Predeccesor Fund performance)

7.95%

10.40%

19.72%

13.79%

12.75%

11.09%

Class A Shares**

7.73%

9.99%

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Class A Shares (max load)**

1.53%

3.67%

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Class C Shares***

7.25%

9.18%

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

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

0.36%

0.37%

0.08%

1.12%

0.66%

1.25%

S&P 500® Total Return Index****

-16.14%

-11.23%

31.17%

11.82%

13.08%

8.75%

Barclay CTA Index****

7.94%

8.44%

7.30%

4.27%

2.08%

3.89%

 

Barclay CTA numbers are based on the estimates available on the BarclayHedge website as of September 9, 2022

 

Source: Abbey Capital, Bloomberg and BarclayHedge

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. Additionally, the Predecessor Fund was not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”), and thus was not subject to certain investment and operational restrictions that are imposed by the 1940 Act. If the Predecessor Fund had been registered under the 1940 Act, its performance may have been adversely affected. Accordingly, Fund performance may be different than the Predecessor Fund’s restated past performance, which is included in the table above where indicated for the period between inception of the Fund on May 14, 2002 and April 11, 2018. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the returns quoted. Visit www.abbeycapital.com for returns updated daily. Call (US Toll Free) 1-844-261-6484 or (international callers) + 1-508-871-3276 for returns current to the most recent month-end.

 

Please note the above is shown for illustrative purposes only.

 

1

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Unaudited) (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

*

Performance from May 14, 2002 to April 11, 2018 is performance of the Predecessor Fund. The Fund commenced operations as a series of The RBB Fund, Inc. on April 11, 2018, when all of the assets of the Predecessor Fund transferred to Class I Shares of the Fund. The Fund’s objectives, policies, guidelines and restrictions are in all material respects equivalent to the Predecessor Fund. Performance of the Predecessor Fund is not an indicator of future Fund results. Performance from April 2014 to April 2018 represents proprietary performance as the only investors for that period were Abbey Capital Limited and its officers.

 

**

Class A Shares performance prior to its inception on February 16, 2022 is the performance of Class I Shares, adjusted for the Class A Shares expense ratio. There is a maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) of 5.75% on Class A Shares.

 

***

Class C Shares performance prior to its inception on November 8, 2021 is the performance of Class I Shares, adjusted for the Class C Shares’ expense ratio. The Fund charges a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% on certain redemptions of Class C Shares made within 12 months of purchase. The CDSC is assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the offering price at the time of purchase of the Class C Shares redeemed or the net asset value of the Class C Shares redeemed at the time of redemption.

 

****

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

 

Abbey Capital Limited (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 1.79%, 2.04% and 2.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, Class A Shares and Class C Shares, respectively. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2022, and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. In addition, the Adviser may recoup any waived or reimbursed amounts from the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made by the Adviser, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Without the expense limitation agreement, the expense ratios are 2.28%, 2.53% and 3.28% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, Class A Shares and Class C Shares, respectively, as stated in the Fund’s current prospectus dated December 31, 2021 (and which may differ from the actual expense ratios for the period covered by this report). The quoted performance would have been lower without the expense limitation.

 

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

 

Performance Analysis

 

The 12-month fiscal period ended August 31, 2022 was positive overall for Fund performance, as gains for the managed futures allocation outweighed losses for the long US equity allocation.

 

This period was characterised by high inflation and hawkish monetary policy, with supply constraints across commodity sectors and the Russia-Ukraine conflict other notable themes that impacted markets. These factors contributed to sharp moves and heightened volatility across both financial and commodity markets at different times during the period.

 

Inflation in the US and Europe reached multi-decade highs during the period, with US inflation rising to +9.1% per annum in June 2022, its highest level since 1981. Central banks were initially slow to react to signs of increasing price pressures. The US Federal Reserve initially viewed rising inflation as a “transitory” effect of the global economy re-opening following COVID-19 disruptions and supply bottlenecks in various sectors. However, as high inflation proved more persistent than expected, global central banks began to hike rates in 2022 and scale back monetary policy supports such as quantitative easing.

 

Equities prices rose at the start of the period, despite concerns about higher inflation and the emergence of the Omicron COVID-19 variant, as strong corporate earnings helped the S&P 500 Index to hit record highs in December 2021. However, long-term uptrends in global stocks began to unwind in early 2022 alongside high inflation and concerns about the impact of tighter monetary policy on the global economy.

 

2

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Unaudited) (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Supply concerns were a persistent theme across commodity markets, contributing to a rally in various energy, metal and agricultural markets in the first half of the 12-month period. The outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in Q1 2022 led to supply disruptions and an acceleration in price uptrends across many commodity contracts. However, as we moved into Q2 2022, uptrends in commodities began to weaken as concerns about slower global growth became more prominent and the stronger USD weighed on metals prices.

 

From September to December 2021, positive Fund performance was driven by gains for the long equity allocation as US equities rose. Performance for the managed futures allocation was close to flat for the period. The managed futures allocation saw notable losses in late November 2021 when the emergence of the Omicron COVID-19 variant resulted in a sharp reversal of trends in several sectors. However, uptrends in energy contracts and the USD led to offsetting gains for the allocation.

 

Fund performance from January to August 2022 was also positive, however the drivers of performance shifted. The managed futures allocation recorded positive returns as notable trends in both financial and commodity markets provided a favourable environment for the Fund’s Trendfollowing sub-advisers. Meanwhile the long equity allocation experienced losses as US stocks declined from record highs, with the S&P 500 index entering a bear market in June 2022.

 

The Fund’s largest gains occurred in fixed income over the 12-month period as high inflation and aggressive policy tightening by global central banks led to a significant repricing in global bond and interest rate markets. Some of the most pronounced moves occurred in the US, where the US 2-year Treasury yield rose by over +320 basis points during the 12-month period as investors anticipated US interest rates of approximately 3.75% by the end of 2022. The Fund transitioned to an aggregate short position across bonds and interest rates in late 2021, which resulted in gains as trends in global yields accelerated in the early part of 2022. The largest gains in fixed income occurred from short positions in US Treasury and 3-month Eurodollar contracts during the period.

 

In currencies, the Fund held long USD positions throughout the period, which resulted in gains. Hawkish guidance from the US Federal Reserve and higher US yields supported the US currency, with long USD positions against the EUR and JPY leading to gains in the sector. A widening US- Japan yield differential helped the USD reach a 24-year high against the JPY during the period. Meanwhile, the USD hit a 20-year high against the EUR during the period. The EUR weakened as the US Federal Reserve was more aggressive in tightening monetary policy than the European Central Bank and as a supply crunch in European energy markets weighed on the growth outlook for the eurozone.

 

Supply concerns were a prominent theme in energy markets over the 12-month period. OPEC+ supply restrictions, combined with strong global demand, were a tailwind for crude oil prices in the first half of the period. Disruptions to Russian energy supplies following the imposition of economic sanctions also impacted prices. In August 2022, US natural gas futures hit their highest level since 2008 on concerns about low inventory levels. European natural gas and electricity prices reached record highs in August 2022 amid severe energy supply shortages as Russia restricted natural gas exports to the region. The Fund’s long positions in energy resulted in gains for the period, with longs in crude oil, distillates and natural gas all contributing positively to performance.

 

The Fund’s performance in metals was positive during the period, with gains concentrated in base metals. Low inventories were an important theme across many base metals markets, with the Fund’s largest gains occurring from long nickel positions. Prices rose amid uncertainty about supplies from Russia and a short squeeze that took place at the London Metal Exchange. Short copper positions also contributed positively to returns late in the period, as a stronger USD and demand fears arising from slowing global growth and Chinese COVID-19 lockdowns helped prices to fall to their lowest level since Q4 2020. The Fund’s performance in precious metals was close to flat for the 12-month period.

 

Further gains were recorded in agricultural commodities as the managed futures allocation saw gains from longs in corn, wheat and cotton. Wheat and corn prices were supported by disruptions to agricultural exports from Russia and Ukraine, with concerns about growing conditions in the US and Brazil serving as a further tailwind to corn prices. Meanwhile, droughts in key US growing regions saw cotton futures rally.

 

3

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Unaudited) (Concluded)

August 31, 2022

 

Equities were the largest detractor from Fund performance at the sector level during the period, with both the managed futures and the long equity allocations producing negative returns in the sector. Stocks rose to record highs in December 2021, but trends reversed in early 2022 as concerns about high inflation and more hawkish central bank policy weighed on risk sentiment. In addition, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, COVID-19 lockdowns in China, signs of slowing global growth and some mixed earnings data also negatively impacted global stocks at times during the period.

 

This reversal in the long-term uptrend in equities proved challenging for the managed futures allocation, which recorded losses from long positions in early 2022. The long equity allocation experienced losses from holding long positions in S&P 500 Index futures throughout the 12- month period as the S&P 500 Total Return Index returned -11.2% during the period. The Fund’s long equity allocation was maintained below its 50% target level throughout the period, which helped to moderate losses for the long equity allocation somewhat.

 

Key to Currency Abbreviations

USD

US Dollar

JPY

Japanese Yen

EUR

Euro

 

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

 

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

 

The Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund is distributed by Quasar Distributions, LLC.

 

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

 

4

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Performance Data

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

 

The chart illustrates the performance of a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund made on April 11, 2018 and reflects Fund expenses and reinvestment of dividends and distributions (performance shown prior to February 16, 2022 is Class I Shares performance adjusted for Class A shares expense ratio). Class A Shares growth of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 is adjusted for the maximum sales charge of 5.75%. This results in a net initial investment of $9,425. Performance does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder may pay on dividends, distributions or redemptions.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2022

 
 

One
Year

Since
Inception††

 

Class A Shares (without sales charge) (Pro forma April 11, 2018 to February 16, 2022)

9.99%*

14.00%*

 

Class A Shares (with sales charge) (Pro forma April 11, 2018 to February 16, 2022)

3.67%*

12.48%*

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index

-11.23%

8.75%**

 

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

0.37%

1.25%**

 

Barclay CTA Index***

8.44%

3.89%**

 

 

††

Inception date of Class A Shares of the Fund was February 16, 2022 and the inception date of the Fund was April 11, 2018. Performance information is from the inception date of the Fund.

*

Class A Shares performance prior to its inception on February 16, 2022 is the performance of Class I Shares, adjusted for the Class A Shares expense ratio.

**

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

***

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

 

5

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

The Fund charges a 5.75% maximum sales charge on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) of Class A Shares. The performance data quoted reflects fee waivers in effect and would have been less in their absence. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 2.04% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares. Without the limitation arrangement, the gross expense ratio is 2.53% for Class A Shares as stated in the current prospectus (and which may differ from the actual expense ratio for the period covered by this report). This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2022 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Please see the Consolidated Financial Highlights for current figures.

 

6

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

 

The chart illustrates the performance of a hypothetical $1,000,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2012 and reflects Fund expenses and reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Performance does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder may pay on dividends, distributions or redemptions.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2022

 
 

One
Year

Five
Years

Ten
Years

Since
Inception

 

Class I Shares

10.40%

13.79%*

12.75%*

11.09%*

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index

-11.23%

11.82%

13.08%

8.75%**

 

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

0.37%

1.12%

0.66%

1.25%**

 

Barclay CTA Index***

8.44%

4.27%

2.08%

3.89%**

 

 

*

Performance from May 14, 2002 to April 10, 2018 is performance of Abbey Global LP (the “Predecessor Fund”). The Fund commenced operations as a series of The RBB Fund, Inc. on April 11, 2018, when all the assets of the Predecessor Fund transferred to Class I Shares of the Fund.

**

Performance is from the inception date of the Predecessor Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

***

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

 

The performance quoted reflects fee waivers in effect and would have been less in their absence. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 1.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares. Without the limitation arrangement, the gross expense ratio is 2.28% for Class I Shares, as stated in the current prospectus (and which may differ from the actual expense ratio for the period covered by this report). This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2022 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Please see the Consolidated Financial Highlights for current figures.

 

7

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

 

The chart illustrates the performance of a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on April 11, 2018 and reflects Fund expenses and reinvestment of dividends and distributions (performance shown prior to November 8, 2021 is Class I Shares performance adjusted for Class C Shares expense ratio). Performance does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder may pay on dividends, distributions or redemptions.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2022

 
 

One
Year

Since
Inception††

 

Class C Shares (without contingent deferred sales charge) (Pro forma April 11, 2018 to November 8, 2021)

9.18%*

13.16%*

 

Class C Shares (with contingent deferred sales charge) (Pro forma April 11, 2018 to November 8, 2021)

8.20%*

13.16%*

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index

-11.23%

8.75%**

 

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

0.37%

1.25%**

 

Barclay CTA Index***

8.44%

3.89%**

 

 

††

Inception date of Class C Shares of the Fund was November 8, 2021 and the inception date of the Fund was April 11, 2018. Performance information is from the inception date of the Fund.

*

Class C Shares performance prior to its inception on November 8, 2021 is the performance of Class I Shares, adjusted for the Class C Shares expense ratio.

**

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

***

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

 

8

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Performance Data (Concluded)

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

The performance data quoted reflects fee waivers in effect and would have been less in their absence. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 2.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares. Without the limitation arrangement, the gross expense ratio is 3.28% for Class C Shares, as stated in the current prospectus (and which may differ from the actual expense ratios for the period covered by this report). This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2022 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Please see the Consolidated Financial Highlights for current figures.

 

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

 

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

 

Barclay CTA Index

 

The Barclay CTA Index is a leading industry benchmark of representative performance of commodity trading advisors. There are currently 416 programs included in the calculation of the Barclay CTA Index for 2022. The Barclay CTA Index is equally weighted and rebalanced at the beginning of each year.

 

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

 

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

 

The S&P 500® Total Return Index

 

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

 

A basis point is one hundredth of one percent.

 

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

 

9

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Fund Expense Example

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022, and held for the entire period.

 

ACTUAL EXPENSES

 

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

 

HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES

 

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

 

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

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
March 1, 2022

Ending
Account Value
August 31, 2022

Expenses Paid
During Period(1)

Annualized
Expense Ratio(2)

Actual Six-Month
Total Investment Returns
for the Fund

Actual          
Class A Shares $ 1,000.00 $ 1,092.40 $ 10.76 2.04% 9.24%
Class I Shares 1,000.00 1,093.30 9.44 1.79% 9.33%
Class C Shares 1,000.00 1,088.20 14.68 2.79% 8.82%
Hypothetical
(5% return before expenses)
   
Class A Shares $ 1,000.00 $ 1,014.92 $ 10.36 2.04% N/A
Class I Shares 1,000.00 1,016.18 9.10 1.79% N/A
Class C Shares 1,000.00 1,011.14 14.14 2.79% N/A

 

(1)Expenses are equal to the Fund’s Class A Shares, Class I Shares, and Class C Shares annualized six-month expense ratios for the period March 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one half year period. The Fund’s ending account values in the first section in the table are based on the actual six-month total investment return for the Fund’s respective share classes.

 

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

 

10

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

 

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS:

               

U.S. Treasury Obligations

    79.7 %   $ 273,455,973  

Money Market Deposit Account

    6.9       23,811,796  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

               

(including futures and forward foreign currency contracts)

    13.4       45,979,517  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 343,247,286  

 

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by allocating its assets between a “Managed Futures” strategy, a “Long U.S. Equity” Strategy and a “Fixed Income” strategy.

 

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

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

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

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
11

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2022

 

   

Coupon*

   

Maturity
Date

   

Par
(000’s)

   

Value

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 86.6%

                               

U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS — 79.7%

                               

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.629%       09/01/22     $ 1,900     $ 1,900,000  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.760%       09/08/22       5,718       5,715,766  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.818%       09/15/22       6,193       6,187,825  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    0.940%       09/22/22       6,056       6,048,748  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    1.036%       09/29/22       11,001       10,982,864  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    1.125%       10/06/22       12,138       12,112,097  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    1.200%       10/13/22       11,055       11,025,207  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    1.291%       10/20/22       8,985       8,954,756  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    1.367%       10/27/22       11,465       11,419,433  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    1.346%       11/03/22       8,261       8,223,142  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    1.395%       11/10/22       12,001       11,940,530  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    1.461%       11/17/22       6,433       6,396,119  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    1.506%       11/25/22       13,739       13,647,960  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    1.653%       12/01/22       11,699       11,614,234  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    2.215%       12/08/22       2,894       2,872,148  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    2.222%       12/15/22       6,677       6,623,230  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    2.465%       12/22/22       15,090       14,949,734  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    2.477%       12/29/22       2,812       2,784,363  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    2.659%       01/05/23       7,651       7,571,580  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    2.893%       01/12/23       6,721       6,647,191  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    2.953%       01/19/23       12,305       12,161,322  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    2.859%       01/26/23       15,603       15,411,385  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    3.001%       02/02/23       17,272       17,041,736  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    3.028%       02/09/23       33,674       33,201,348  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    3.120%       02/16/23       4,503       4,435,875  

U.S. Treasury Bills

    3.225%       02/23/23       23,961       23,587,380  

TOTAL U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS (Cost $273,836,709)

                            273,455,973  

 

                   

Number of
Shares
(000’s)

         

MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT — 6.9%

                               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.0% (United States)(a)

            23,812       23,811,796  

TOTAL MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT (Cost $23,811,796)

                            23,811,796  
                                 

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

                               

(Cost $297,648,505)

                            297,267,769  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 86.6%

                               

(Cost $297,648,505)

                            297,267,769  
                                 

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 13.4%

                            45,979,517  

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

                          $ 343,247,286  

 

 

*

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

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
12

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Futures contracts outstanding as of August 31, 2022 were as follows:

 

Long Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

10-Year Mini Japanese Government Bond Futures

    Sep-22       71     $ 7,641,476     $ (46,845 )

Amsterdam Index Futures

    Sep-22       53       7,244,457       (500,130 )

AUD/USD Currency Futures

    Sep-22       9       616,275       (1,570 )

Brent Crude Futures

    Nov-22       7       669,480       (6,320 )

Brent Crude Futures

    Dec-22       5       471,050       (15,340 )

Brent Crude Futures

    Jan-23       2       185,860       (6,920 )

Brent Crude Oil Last Day

    Nov-22       1       95,640       (3,980 )

CAC40 10 Euro Futures

    Sep-22       93       5,723,537       (413,147 )

CAD Currency Futures

    Sep-22       208       15,847,520       (180,290 )

Cattle Feeder Futures

    Oct-22       1       91,738       600  

CHF Currency Futures

    Sep-22       88       11,282,700       (182,956 )

Cocoa Futures ICE

    Dec-22       1       18,788       58  

Cocoa Futures ICE

    Mar-23       1       18,438       (12 )

Coffee ‘C’ Futures

    Dec-22       23       2,029,031       13,463  

Coffee ‘C’ Futures

    Mar-23       1       85,725       (1,575 )

Coffee ‘C’ Futures

    May-23       1       84,375       (1,388 )

Coffee Robusta Futures

    Nov-22       1       22,500       (140 )

Copper Futures

    Dec-22       1       87,963       (6,138 )

Corn Futures

    Dec-22       40       1,341,000       25,488  

Corn Futures

    Mar-23       63       2,130,975       35,313  

Corn Futures

    May-23       4       135,650       1,713  

Cotton No.2 Futures

    Dec-22       18       1,018,890       (33,620 )

DJIA Mini E-CBOT

    Sep-22       32       5,045,120       (330,477 )

Dollar Index

    Sep-22       4       434,660       15,989  

E-Mini Crude Oil

    Oct-22       2       89,550       (5,288 )

E-Mini Natural Gas

    Oct-22       2       45,635       (2,065 )

E-Mini Utilities Select Futures

    Sep-22       1       74,920       (970 )

Euro STOXX 50

    Sep-22       156       5,518,406       (359,864 )

Euro/JPY Futures

    Sep-22       27       3,384,596       756  

Euro-Bobl Futures

    Sep-22       17       2,102,726       (1,799 )

Euro-Bund Futures

    Sep-22       34       5,055,906       (60,378 )

European Climate Exchange Futures

    Dec-22       6       482,559       (49,062 )

FTSE 100 Index Futures

    Sep-22       249       21,080,000       (446,557 )

FTSE/JSE TOP 40

    Sep-22       1       35,471       (1,803 )

FTSE/MIB Index Futures

    Sep-22       19       2,059,111       (132,795 )

Gasoline RBOB Futures

    Oct-22       9       918,842       (99,767 )

Gold 100 Oz Futures

    Dec-22       29       5,005,980       (54,330 )

JPY Currency Futures

    Sep-22       1       90,225       (119 )

Lean Hogs Futures

    Dec-22       15       503,250       2,880  

Live Cattle Futures

    Oct-22       16       912,480       (13,480 )

Live Cattle Futures

    Dec-22       2       118,780       (1,610 )

Live Cattle Futures

    Feb-23       3       183,990       (2,070 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-22       1       59,141       (6,559 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-22       1       59,131       (1,769 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-22       414       24,475,162       (2,372,930 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-22       2       118,350       309  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-22       1       59,175       (1,613 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-22       1       58,867       (2,458 )

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
13

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Long Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-22       1     $ 58,956     $ (3,306 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-22       1       58,973       (2,403 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Dec-22       269       15,884,450       (429,919 )

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-22       181       35,509,937       (2,210,316 )

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-22       1       195,988       (15,025 )

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-22       1       195,563       (5,629 )

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-22       1       195,411       (4,390 )

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-22       1       195,267       (1,821 )

LME Copper Forward

    Dec-22       96       18,706,800       (369,412 )

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-22       10       488,563       (50,449 )

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-22       1       48,769       19  

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-22       1       48,793       (1,755 )

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-22       1       48,824       387  

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-22       2       97,575       (2,975 )

LME Lead Forward

    Dec-22       2       97,500       (11,345 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-22       1       128,022       (39,924 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-22       1       128,178       (1,602 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-22       1       128,181       4,268  

LME Nickel Forward

    Nov-22       1       128,301       (17,499 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Nov-22       1       128,466       (294 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-22       15       1,323,188       (23,136 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Dec-22       9       774,450       (24,517 )

Low Sulphur Gasoil G Futures

    Oct-22       12       1,290,300       (18,125 )

Low Sulphur Gasoil G Futures

    Nov-22       3       312,450       1,775  

Low Sulphur Gasoil G Futures

    Dec-22       2       200,900       5,725  

Low Sulphur Gasoil G Futures

    Jan-23       1       98,500       (10,100 )

Mill Wheat Euro

    Dec-22       4       65,222       (113 )

Mill Wheat Euro

    Mar-23       3       48,954       (100 )

Mini TOPIX Index Futures

    Sep-22       4       56,491       (130 )

MXN Currency Futures

    Sep-22       169       4,179,370       (4,010 )

Natural Gas Futures

    Oct-22       21       1,916,670       (51,320 )

Natural Gas Futures

    Nov-22       15       1,378,350       170,110  

Natural Gas Futures

    Dec-22       2       186,520       (7,560 )

Natural Gas Futures ICE

    Oct-22       5       704,846       (46,330 )

Nikkei 225 (Osaka Securities Exchange)

    Sep-22       26       5,262,696       (14,756 )

Nikkei 225 (Singapore Exchange)

    Sep-22       39       3,940,705       (116,340 )

Nikkei/Yen Futures

    Sep-22       4       401,008       972  

NY Harbor Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Futures

    Oct-22       13       2,002,400       (35,662 )

NY Harbor Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Futures

    Nov-22       4       606,312       32,537  

NY Harbor Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Futures

    Jan-23       1       146,307       1,772  

OMX Stockholm 30 Index Futures

    Sep-22       82       1,476,154       (102,414 )

Orange Juice Futures

    Nov-22       1       27,803       3,075  

Palm Oil Futures

    Dec-22       1       23,327       (363 )

Rough Rice Futures

    Nov-22       1       35,680       470  

S&P 500 E-Mini Futures

    Sep-22       786       155,490,449       5,367,886  

S&P/TSX 60 IX Futures

    Sep-22       7       1,241,862       (27,624 )

SET50 Index Futures

    Sep-22       33       179,089       1,756  

SGX Nifty 50

    Sep-22       48       1,680,960       (5,827 )

Soybean Futures

    Nov-22       14       995,750       (3,700 )

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
14

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Long Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

Soybean Futures

    Jan-23       3     $ 214,163     $ 1,488  

Soybean Futures

    Mar-23       25       1,787,500       20,013  

Soybean Meal Futures

    Dec-22       11       456,610       (1,650 )

Soybean Meal Futures

    Jan-23       1       40,990       (1,660 )

Soybean Oil Futures

    Dec-22       8       323,904       3,234  

Soybean Oil Futures

    Jan-23       1       39,936       (426 )

SPI 200 Futures

    Sep-22       40       4,726,812       (59,923 )

STOXX Dividend Futures

    Dec-23       1       11,155       (220 )

Topix Index Futures

    Sep-22       37       5,225,409       (1 )

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

    Dec-22       4       467,625       (1,000 )

Wheat (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-22       1       41,575       (100 )

Wheat (Chicago Board of Trade)

    May-23       1       42,838       25  

White Sugar ICE

    Oct-22       3       82,620       (375 )

White Sugar ICE

    Dec-22       2       52,300       90  

WTI Crude Futures

    Oct-22       9       805,950       (39,770 )

WTI Crude Futures

    Nov-22       2       178,060       (7,880 )

WTI Crude Futures

    Dec-22       8       706,480       (15,960 )

WTI Crude Futures

    Jan-23       1       87,520       (3,050 )

WTI Crude Futures IPE

    Oct-22       1       89,550       (4,950 )
                            $ (3,433,119 )

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

10-Year Mini Japanese Government Bond Futures

    Sep-22       28     $ (3,013,540 )   $ (3,801 )

1-Month SOFR Future

    Jan-23       2       (802,731 )     1,667  

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Mar-23       4       (982,041 )     8,165  

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Jun-23       29       (7,105,957 )     31,556  

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Sep-23       10       (2,449,702 )     17,737  

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Dec-23       8       (1,960,666 )     16,192  

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Mar-24       8       (1,962,174 )     14,270  

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Jun-24       21       (5,154,926 )     20,212  

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Sep-24       9       (2,210,837 )     11,632  

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Dec-24       9       (2,211,854 )     10,753  

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Jun-25       17       (4,177,947 )     7,449  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Dec-22       8       (1,925,100 )     8,725  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Mar-23       42       (10,093,650 )     21,263  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Jun-23       123       (29,573,812 )     50,388  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Sep-23       11       (2,649,213 )     10,150  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Dec-23       124       (29,922,749 )     31,750  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Mar-24       39       (9,430,200 )     20,250  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Jun-24       6       (1,453,125 )     4,913  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Sep-24       7       (1,697,063 )     5,175  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Dec-24       5       (1,213,063 )     4,900  

3-Month SOFR Futures

    Mar-25       21       (5,098,013 )     6,563  

3-Month SONIA Index Futures

    Dec-22       19       (5,314,166 )     34,023  

3-Month SONIA Index Futures

    Mar-23       131       (36,424,820 )     454,368  

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
15

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

3-Month SONIA Index Futures

    Jun-23       22     $ (6,109,159 )   $ 49,663  

3-Month SONIA Index Futures

    Sep-23       8       (2,222,442 )     24,367  

3-Month SONIA Index Futures

    Dec-23       38       (10,573,152 )     89,291  

3-Month SONIA Index Futures

    Mar-24       27       (7,527,402 )     70,108  

3-Month SONIA Index Futures

    Jun-24       7       (1,955,513 )     16,685  

3-Month SONIA Index Futures

    Sep-24       6       (1,679,552 )     12,822  

3-Month SONIA Index Futures

    Dec-24       5       (1,402,023 )     10,034  

3-Month SONIA Index Futures

    Mar-25       22       (6,177,844 )     32,702  

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Mar-23       37       (25,081,690 )     (1,504 )

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Jun-23       5       (3,388,011 )     2,285  

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Sep-23       5       (3,388,176 )     1,838  

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Dec-23       3       (2,033,204 )     1,574  

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Mar-24       2       (1,355,701 )     249  

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Jun-24       2       (1,355,833 )     (231 )

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Dec-22       8       (1,918,700 )     17,075  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Mar-23       8       (1,917,400 )     26,063  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Jun-23       164       (39,321,049 )     151,238  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Sep-23       1       (240,188 )     (100 )

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Jun-24       5       (1,207,688 )     5,150  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Jun-25       2       (484,425 )     2,988  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Jun-26       1       (242,363 )     288  

90-DAY Eurodollar Futures

    Sep-26       1       (242,375 )     313  

AUD/USD Currency Futures

    Sep-22       94       (6,436,650 )     180,670  

Australian 10-Year Bond Futures

    Sep-22       155       (12,722,761 )     21,685  

Australian 3-Year Bond Futures

    Sep-22       142       (10,465,643 )     12,067  

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Mar-23       14       (2,552,880 )     5,282  

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Jun-23       8       (1,458,712 )     5,606  

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Sep-23       6       (1,094,377 )     5,016  

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Dec-23       5       (912,552 )     4,635  

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Mar-24       4       (730,765 )     3,997  

Bank Acceptance Futures

    Jun-24       3       (548,616 )     2,484  

CAC40 10 Euro Futures

    Sep-22       7       (430,804 )     4,065  

CAD Currency Futures

    Sep-22       130       (9,904,700 )     164,380  

Canada 5-Year Bond Futures

    Dec-22       1       (85,864 )     137  

Canadian 10-Year Bond Futures

    Dec-22       73       (6,925,092 )     29,276  

Canola Futures (Winnipeg Commodity Exchange)

    Nov-22       1       (12,722 )     59  

CHF Currency Futures

    Sep-22       2       (256,425 )     381  

Cocoa Futures

    Dec-22       11       (265,430 )     (5,330 )

Cocoa Futures

    Mar-23       5       (119,800 )     920  

Cocoa Futures ICE

    Dec-22       1       (21,817 )     (1,173 )

Copper Futures

    Dec-22       29       (2,550,913 )     66,588  

Corn Futures

    Dec-22       27       (905,175 )     (88,513 )

DAX Index Futures

    Sep-22       23       (7,423,624 )     191,355  

DAX-Mini Futures

    Sep-22       1       (64,553 )     578  

DJIA Mini E-CBOT

    Sep-22       18       (2,837,880 )     42,815  

E-Mini Consumer Staples Select Futures

    Sep-22       2       (147,020 )     1,530  

E-Mini Health Care Select Futures

    Sep-22       1       (125,890 )     5,190  

E-Mini Industrial Select Futures

    Sep-22       1       (93,430 )     4,310  

E-Mini Materials Select Futures

    Sep-22       1       (79,710 )     580  

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
16

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

EUR Foreign Exchange Currency Futures

    Sep-22       238     $ (29,916,599 )   $ 874,423  

Euro BUXL 30-Year Bond Futures

    Sep-22       10       (1,654,155 )     80,095  

Euro STOXX 50

    Sep-22       29       (1,025,858 )     8,060  

Euro-Bobl Futures

    Sep-22       110       (13,605,877 )     202,970  

Euro-BTP Futures

    Sep-22       28       (3,362,859 )     96,767  

Euro-Bund Futures

    Sep-22       73       (10,855,327 )     250,816  

Euro-Oat Futures

    Sep-22       29       (4,022,410 )     84,014  

European Climate Exchange Futures

    Dec-23       1       (83,111 )     (211 )

Euro-Schatz Futures

    Sep-22       112       (12,224,587 )     78,050  

FTSE 100 Index Futures

    Sep-22       81       (6,857,350 )     46,503  

FTSE China A50 Index

    Sep-22       57       (770,754 )     (4,011 )

FTSE KLCI Futures

    Sep-22       1       (16,629 )     (89 )

FTSE Taiwan Index

    Sep-22       2       (104,560 )     920  

FTSE/JSE TOP 40

    Sep-22       2       (1,218,757 )     223  

FTSE/MIB Index Futures

    Sep-22       5       (541,871 )     1,005  

Gasoline RBOB Futures

    Oct-22       1       (102,094 )     5,275  

GBP Currency Futures

    Sep-22       145       (10,528,813 )     371,943  

Gold 100 Oz Futures

    Dec-22       58       (10,011,960 )     138,160  

Gold 100 Oz Futures

    Feb-23       1       (173,890 )     790  

Hang Seng China Enterprises Index Futures

    Sep-22       25       (1,085,849 )     5,772  

Hang Seng Index Futures

    Sep-22       61       (7,703,594 )     49,808  

IBEX 35 Index Futures

    Sep-22       1       (79,296 )     2,005  

JPN 10-Year Bond (Osaka Securities Exchange)

    Sep-22       5       (5,381,681 )     (18,067 )

JPY Currency Futures

    Sep-22       223       (20,120,175 )     479,473  

Kansas City Hard Red Winter Wheat Futures

    Dec-22       2       (91,250 )     (5,988 )

Kansas City Hard Red Winter Wheat Futures

    Mar-23       1       (45,563 )     (1,200 )

Lean Hogs Futures

    Oct-22       4       (146,440 )     (1,410 )

Lean Hogs Futures

    Dec-22       2       (67,100 )     (500 )

Lean Hogs Futures

    Feb-23       1       (35,120 )     (1 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-22       1       (59,141 )     6,171  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-22       1       (59,131 )     6,219  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Sep-22       414       (24,475,162 )     2,293,578  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-22       2       (118,350 )     3,491  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-22       1       (59,175 )     (185 )

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-22       2       (118,350 )     75  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Oct-22       1       (59,175 )     1,813  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-22       1       (58,867 )     3,358  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Nov-22       1       (58,956 )     1,819  

LME Aluminum Forward

    Dec-22       337       (19,899,850 )     491,079  

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-22       181       (35,509,937 )     1,877,224  

LME Copper Forward

    Sep-22       1       (195,988 )     (4,283 )

LME Copper Forward

    Oct-22       2       (391,125 )     (12,067 )

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-22       1       (195,267 )     5,752  

LME Copper Forward

    Nov-22       1       (195,056 )     8,556  

LME Copper Forward

    Dec-22       101       (19,681,113 )     640,545  

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-22       10       (488,563 )     29,030  

LME Lead Forward

    Sep-22       1       (48,769 )     481  

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-22       1       (48,793 )     608  

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-22       1       (48,824 )     1,653  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
17

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

LME Lead Forward

    Oct-22       2     $ (97,575 )   $ 3,050  

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-22       1       (48,731 )     1,356  

LME Lead Forward

    Nov-22       1       (48,750 )     775  

LME Lead Forward

    Dec-22       12       (585,000 )     40,526  

LME Nickel Forward

    Sep-22       1       (128,022 )     25,106  

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-22       1       (128,178 )     (4,264 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-22       1       (128,181 )     (5,931 )

LME Nickel Forward

    Oct-22       1       (128,253 )     5,787  

LME Nickel Forward

    Nov-22       2       (256,719 )     4,071  

LME Zinc Forward

    Sep-22       15       (1,323,188 )     (21,407 )

LME Zinc Forward

    Dec-22       1       (86,050 )     1,121  

Long Gilt Futures

    Dec-22       125       (15,672,739 )     277,006  

Lumber Futures

    Nov-22       2       (106,392 )     374  

Micro E-mini Dow Jones Index Futures

    Sep-22       1       (15,766 )     322  

Micro EUR/USD Futures

    Sep-22       2       (25,140 )     468  

Milk Futures

    Sep-22       1       (39,260 )     360  

Mill Wheat Euro

    Dec-22       1       (16,305 )     (930 )

Mini H-Shares Index Futures

    Sep-22       1       (8,687 )     13  

Mini HSI Index Futures

    Sep-22       12       (303,092 )     928  

MSCI EAFE Index Futures

    Sep-22       7       (639,485 )     13,285  

MSCI Emerging Markets Index Futures

    Sep-22       13       (638,235 )     3,420  

MSCI Singapore Exchange ETS

    Sep-22       7       (144,613 )     2,623  

Nasdaq 100 E-Mini

    Sep-22       15       (3,685,575 )     (54,550 )

Nikkei 225 (Singapore Exchange)

    Sep-22       15       (1,515,656 )     3,401  

NY Harbor Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel Futures

    Oct-22       6       (924,185 )     36,284  

NZD Currency Futures

    Sep-22       31       (1,897,975 )     74,970  

OAT Futures

    Dec-22       1       (19,788 )     338  

OMX Stockholm 30 Index Futures

    Sep-22       34       (612,064 )     25,714  

Platinum Futures

    Oct-22       5       (206,750 )     8,210  

Rapeseed Euro

    Nov-22       1       (30,978 )     1,683  

Rapeseed Euro

    Feb-23       1       (31,317 )     2,123  

Red Wheat Futures (Minneapolis Grain Exchange)

    Dec-22       1       (46,475 )     (550 )

Russell 2000 E-Mini

    Sep-22       2       (184,460 )     (12,770 )

S&P 500 E-Mini Futures

    Sep-22       21       (4,154,325 )     22,168  

S&P Mid 400 E-Mini

    Sep-22       1       (243,030 )     1,540  

S&P/TSX 60 IX Futures

    Sep-22       1       (177,409 )     3,624  

SGX Iron Ore 62% Futures

    Oct-22       14       (140,854 )     616  

Short BTP Future

    Sep-22       34       (3,687,459 )     13,085  

Silver Futures

    Dec-22       104       (9,298,640 )     338,664  

Silver Futures

    Mar-23       1       (90,180 )     7,190  

STOXX Europe 600 Index

    Sep-22       5       (104,314 )     1,357  

Sugar No. 11 (World)

    Oct-22       268       (5,369,862 )     30,653  

Sugar No. 11 (World)

    Mar-23       55       (1,094,632 )     5,029  

Sugar No. 11 (World)

    May-23       1       (19,320 )     (302 )

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

    Dec-22       168       (19,640,250 )     87,672  

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

    Dec-22       152       (31,665,874 )     24,906  

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

    Dec-22       220       (24,380,468 )     62,016  

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

    Dec-22       63       (8,558,156 )     49,383  

U.S. Treasury Ultra 10-Year Notes

    Dec-22       13       (1,627,438 )     11,078  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
18

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

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

    Dec-22       12     $ (1,794,000 )   $ (1,500 )

Wheat (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Dec-22       66       (2,743,950 )     (32,475 )

Wheat (Chicago Board of Trade)

    Mar-23       3       (127,163 )     (6,075 )

WTI Crude Futures

    Oct-22       10       (895,500 )     (31,944 )
                            $ 11,079,897  

Total Futures Contracts

                          $ 7,646,778  

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
19

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Forward foreign currency contracts outstanding as of August 31, 2022 were as follows:

 

Currency Purchased

 

   

Currency Sold

   

   

Expiration
Date

   

Counterparty

   

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

AUD

    3,735,555          

USD

    2,565,025               Sep 01 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE     $ (8,930 )

AUD

    2,688,720          

USD

    1,840,698               Sep 02 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (887 )

AUD

    4,366,289          

EUR

    3,000,000               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (29,538 )

AUD

    4,342,284          

GBP

    2,500,000               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       66,830  

AUD

    2,800,000          

JPY

    262,516,072               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       24,527  

AUD

    8,000,000          

NZD

    8,837,009               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       68,681  

AUD

    800,000          

USD

    563,974               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (16,386 )

BRL

    10,612,146          

USD

    2,050,000               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (20,776 )

CAD

    400,000          

JPY

    42,594,856               Sep 01 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (2,061 )

CAD

    3,176,097          

USD

    2,420,232               Sep 01 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (1,922 )

CAD

    4,846,856          

AUD

    5,400,000               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (5,739 )

CAD

    3,774,392          

EUR

    2,875,000               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (18,553 )

CAD

    3,000,000          

JPY

    313,939,460               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       21,598  

CAD

    769,101          

USD

    600,000               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (14,490 )

CHF

    405,187          

USD

    416,121               Sep 01 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (1,578 )

CHF

    2,834,419          

USD

    2,898,772               Sep 02 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       1,308  

CHF

    3,143,433          

EUR

    3,250,000               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (49,755 )

CHF

    429,218          

GBP

    375,000               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       3,857  

CHF

    1,500,000          

JPY

    212,651,775               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       3,874  

CHF

    8,674,430          

EUR

    8,900,000               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (67,497 )

CHF

    848,541          

USD

    900,000               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (30,448 )

CLP

    90,601,746          

USD

    100,000               Sep 06 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       968  

CLP

    90,662,246          

USD

    100,000               Sep 08 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       996  

CLP

    91,180,856          

USD

    100,000               Sep 12 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       1,499  

CLP

    360,251,563          

USD

    400,000               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       346  

CLP

    89,248,856          

USD

    100,000               Oct 03 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (1,044 )

CNH

    2,050,550          

USD

    300,000               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (3,089 )

COP

    218,999,075          

USD

    50,000               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (714 )

CZK

    35,922,508          

EUR

    1,450,000               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       9,797  

EUR

    14,951,008          

USD

    14,979,415               Sep 01 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       46,637  

EUR

    12,895,134          

GBP

    11,076,851               Sep 02 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       92,287  

EUR

    2,055,874          

USD

    2,065,125               Sep 02 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       1,201  

EUR

    200,000          

GBP

    169,947               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       3,708  

EUR

    300,000          

HUF

    123,075,420               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (5,875 )

EUR

    1,400,000          

JPY

    191,917,516               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       25,287  

EUR

    200,000          

PLN

    949,888               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (433 )

EUR

    3,125,000          

SEK

    33,005,109               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       45,175  

EUR

    3,700,000          

CHF

    3,565,020               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       70,285  

EUR

    500,000          

CZK

    12,386,558               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (3,357 )

EUR

    3,000,000          

GBP

    2,555,245               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       49,480  

EUR

    1,000,000          

HUF

    407,337,238               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (10,308 )

EUR

    3,050,000          

JPY

    417,207,291               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       61,282  

EUR

    800,000          

NOK

    7,804,447               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       19,462  

EUR

    2,250,000          

PLN

    10,782,819               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (21,916 )

EUR

    2,000,000          

SEK

    21,254,320               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       16,822  

EUR

    1,300,000          

USD

    1,309,027               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (742 )

GBP

    5,214,953          

USD

    6,105,929               Sep 01 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (47,626 )

GBP

    86,141          

EUR

    100,000               Sep 02 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (435 )

GBP

    11,076,851          

USD

    12,885,942               Sep 02 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (17,532 )

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
20

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Currency Purchased

 

   

Currency Sold

   

   

Expiration
Date

   

Counterparty

   

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

GBP

    2,022,949          

EUR

    2,400,000               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE     $ (63,570 )

GBP

    1,500,000          

JPY

    243,459,700               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (11,447 )

GBP

    3,672,298          

EUR

    4,350,000               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (109,872 )

GBP

    900,000          

USD

    1,065,125               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (19,168 )

HUF

    161,192,358          

EUR

    400,000               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (226 )

IDR

    743,406,376          

USD

    50,000               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       49  

ILS

    3,246,256          

USD

    1,000,000               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (24,675 )

ILS

    2,281,709          

USD

    700,000               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (14,281 )

INR

    508,437,440          

USD

    6,427,364               Sep 02 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (29,706 )

INR

    606,001,474          

USD

    7,600,000               Sep 06 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       22,563  

INR

    607,289,400          

USD

    7,600,000               Sep 12 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       34,633  

INR

    48,042,600          

USD

    600,000               Sep 19 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       3,594  

INR

    19,983,550          

USD

    250,000               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       1,023  

INR

    608,457,459          

USD

    7,600,000               Sep 23 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       41,736  

INR

    48,071,700          

USD

    600,000               Sep 26 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       3,579  

INR

    607,392,167          

USD

    7,600,000               Sep 29 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       24,236  

INR

    250,395,620          

USD

    3,138,764               Oct 03 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       3,223  

JPY

    42,363,400          

CAD

    400,000               Sep 01 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       394  

JPY

    48,695,720          

EUR

    350,703               Sep 01 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (1,921 )

JPY

    475,388,516          

USD

    3,426,222               Sep 01 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (4,079 )

JPY

    42,262,800          

CAD

    400,000               Sep 02 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (308 )

JPY

    814,829,530          

USD

    5,868,838               Sep 02 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (2,785 )

JPY

    56,641,560          

AUD

    600,000               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (2,459 )

JPY

    40,391,705          

GBP

    250,000               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       575  

JPY

    170,689,414          

EUR

    1,250,000               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (27,258 )

JPY

    108,624,717          

USD

    800,000               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (16,792 )

KRW

    2,812,557,060          

USD

    2,100,000               Sep 06 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       2,943  

KRW

    3,090,073,588          

USD

    2,300,000               Sep 19 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       10,942  

KRW

    732,861,926          

USD

    550,000               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (1,903 )

MXN

    39,000,000          

USD

    1,936,194               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (5,957 )

MXN

    86,301,087          

USD

    4,250,000               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       16,227  

NOK

    23,451,296          

EUR

    2,375,000               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (28,698 )

NOK

    25,500,000          

SEK

    27,265,263               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       7,061  

NOK

    39,204,562          

EUR

    3,950,000               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (28,636 )

NZD

    1,800,000          

JPY

    152,914,824               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (716 )

NZD

    1,200,000          

USD

    760,135               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (25,949 )

PEN

    193,214          

USD

    50,000               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       108  

PHP

    2,811,787          

USD

    50,000               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       49  

PLN

    19,932,262          

EUR

    4,200,000               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (577 )

SEK

    7,274,738          

EUR

    700,000               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (21,314 )

SGD

    412,038          

USD

    300,000               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (5,125 )

THB

    7,055,033          

USD

    200,000               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (6,282 )

TRY

    12,791,452          

USD

    700,000               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (4,334 )

TWD

    26,907,522          

USD

    900,000               Sep 08 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (15,560 )

TWD

    9,019,019          

USD

    300,000               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (3,389 )

USD

    2,579,812          

AUD

    3,735,555               Sep 01 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       23,717  

USD

    2,425,233          

CAD

    3,176,097               Sep 01 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       6,922  

USD

    418,480          

CHF

    405,187               Sep 01 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       3,937  

USD

    14,602,729          

EUR

    14,600,305               Sep 01 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (70,860 )

USD

    6,078,549          

GBP

    5,214,953               Sep 01 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       20,246  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
21

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Currency Purchased

 

   

Currency Sold

   

   

Expiration
Date

   

Counterparty

   

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

USD

    3,776,500          

JPY

    523,852,780               Sep 01 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE     $ 5,482  

USD

    1,843,686          

AUD

    2,688,720               Sep 02 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       3,876  

USD

    2,037,879          

CAD

    2,674,727               Sep 02 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       1,322  

USD

    2,913,259          

CHF

    2,834,419               Sep 02 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       13,179  

USD

    14,980,405          

EUR

    14,951,008               Sep 02 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (46,619 )

USD

    6,400,000          

INR

    508,437,440               Sep 02 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       2,342  

USD

    5,877,073          

JPY

    814,829,530               Sep 02 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       11,020  

USD

    1,840,817          

AUD

    2,688,720               Sep 06 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       910  

USD

    2,899,602          

CHF

    2,834,419               Sep 06 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (1,313 )

USD

    100,000          

CLP

    91,319,000               Sep 06 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (1,767 )

USD

    2,065,660          

EUR

    2,055,874               Sep 06 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (1,201 )

USD

    6,659,323          

GBP

    5,734,450               Sep 06 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (3,097 )

USD

    7,600,000          

INR

    601,752,200               Sep 06 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       30,886  

USD

    5,870,414          

JPY

    814,829,530               Sep 06 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       2,748  

USD

    2,100,000          

KRW

    2,755,158,000               Sep 06 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       39,974  

USD

    100,000          

CLP

    90,653,470               Sep 08 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (987 )

USD

    900,000          

TWD

    26,977,254               Sep 08 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       13,268  

USD

    100,000          

CLP

    90,741,430               Sep 12 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (1,009 )

USD

    7,600,000          

INR

    606,443,626               Sep 12 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (24,000 )

USD

    1,742,543          

AUD

    2,500,000               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       31,512  

USD

    2,865,756          

CAD

    3,700,000               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       48,813  

USD

    1,317,398          

CHF

    1,250,000               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       37,104  

USD

    3,700,000          

CNH

    25,197,343               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       51,725  

USD

    2,165,951          

EUR

    2,125,000               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       28,286  

USD

    1,890,898          

GBP

    1,562,500               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       75,222  

USD

    500,000          

HUF

    205,462,870               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (13,614 )

USD

    1,300,000          

ILS

    4,225,628               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       30,426  

USD

    1,856,649          

JPY

    250,000,000               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       55,019  

USD

    2,000,000          

NOK

    19,367,688               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       50,573  

USD

    1,640,209          

NZD

    2,600,000               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       49,490  

USD

    1,800,000          

PLN

    8,406,243               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       15,675  

USD

    2,200,000          

SEK

    22,882,525               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       51,838  

USD

    6,000,000          

SGD

    8,267,651               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       83,437  

USD

    2,300,000          

TRY

    43,837,492               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (84,112 )

USD

    900,000          

TWD

    26,898,570               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       15,598  

USD

    1,400,000          

ZAR

    23,212,140               Sep 15 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       46,673  

USD

    600,000          

INR

    47,983,877               Sep 19 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (2,856 )

USD

    2,300,000          

KRW

    3,072,992,665               Sep 19 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       1,832  

USD

    100,000          

CLP

    90,585,144               Sep 20 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (686 )

USD

    1,736,946          

AUD

    2,500,000               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       25,734  

USD

    600,000          

BRL

    3,097,562               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       7,693  

USD

    2,200,000          

CAD

    2,847,760               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       32,027  

USD

    4,800,000          

CHF

    4,578,912               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       107,707  

USD

    850,000          

CLP

    784,802,277               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (22,147 )

USD

    3,100,000          

CNH

    20,918,287               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       71,115  

USD

    300,000          

COP

    1,320,289,829               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       2,866  

USD

    3,578,785          

EUR

    3,500,000               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       56,479  

USD

    3,988,737          

GBP

    3,300,000               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       153,563  

USD

    150,000          

IDR

    2,237,307,249               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (625 )

USD

    1,200,000          

ILS

    3,977,021               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       4,791  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
22

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Concluded)

August 31, 2022

 

Currency Purchased

 

   

Currency Sold

   

   

Expiration
Date

   

Counterparty

   

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

USD

    1,200,000          

INR

    96,059,320               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE     $ (6,645 )

USD

    4,200,000          

JPY

    564,596,790               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       129,135  

USD

    3,000,000          

KRW

    3,920,392,947               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       67,996  

USD

    1,600,000          

MXN

    32,186,481               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       8,887  

USD

    3,012,700          

NZD

    4,800,000               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       75,954  

USD

    50,000          

PEN

    193,505               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (184 )

USD

    100,000          

PHP

    5,574,931               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       767  

USD

    1,800,000          

SGD

    2,489,822               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       18,158  

USD

    750,000          

THB

    26,755,328               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       15,350  

USD

    1,200,000          

TWD

    35,973,303               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       16,934  

USD

    1,450,000          

ZAR

    24,368,399               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       30,108  

USD

    7,600,000          

INR

    607,973,400               Sep 23 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (35,657 )

USD

    100,000          

CLP

    95,336,144               Sep 26 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (5,848 )

USD

    600,000          

INR

    48,077,400               Sep 26 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (3,650 )

USD

    7,600,000          

INR

    608,765,928               Sep 29 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (41,480 )

USD

    600,000          

INR

    48,088,200               Sep 30 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (3,568 )

USD

    1,200,000          

TWD

    36,449,480               Sep 30 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       826  

USD

    7,600,000          

INR

    607,641,964               Oct 03 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (24,746 )

USD

    2,300,000          

KRW

    3,089,226,025               Oct 04 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (10,911 )

ZAR

    6,597,151          

USD

    400,000               Sep 21 2022       SOCIETE GENERALE       (15,599 )

Total Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

                          $ 1,206,185  

 

AUD

Australian Dollar

 

LME

London Mercantile Exchange

BRL

Brazilian Real

 

MIB

Milano Indice di Borsa

CAD

Canadian Dollar

 

MXN

Mexican Peso

CHF

Swiss Franc

 

NOK

Norwegian Krone

CLP

Chilean Peso

 

NZD

New Zealand Dollar

CNH

Chinese Yuan Renminbi

 

OMX

Stockholm Stock Exchange

COP

Colombian Peso

 

PHP

Philippine Peso

CZK

Czech Koruna

 

PLN

Polish Zloty

DAX

Deutscher Aktienindex

 

RBOB

Reformulated Blendstock for Oxygenate Blending

DJIA

Dow Jones Industrial Average

 

SEK

Swedish Krona

EUR

Euro

 

SGD

Singapore Dollar

FTSE

Financial Times Stock Exchange

 

THB

Thai Baht

GBP

British Pound

 

TRY

Turkish Lira

HUF

Hungarian Forint

 

TWD

Taiwan Dollar

ILS

Israeli New Shekel

 

USD

United States Dollar

INR

Indian Rupee

 

WTI

West Texas Intermediate

JPY

Japanese Yen

 

ZAR

South African Rand

KRW

Korean Won

     

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
23

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Statement of Assets And Liabilities

August 31, 2022

 

ASSETS

       

Investments, at value (cost $297,648,505)

  $ 297,267,769  

Foreign currency deposits with broker for futures contracts (cost $1,385,454)

    1,384,926  

Deposits with broker for forward foreign currency contracts

    5,214,517  

Deposits with broker for futures contracts

    25,148,008  

Receivables for:

       

Capital shares sold

    5,863,482  

Interest receivable

    26,493  

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts

    2,487,984  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts

    17,113,430  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    39,947  

Total assets

  $ 354,546,556  
         

LIABILITIES

       

Payables for:

       

Captial shares redeemed

    13,568  

Advisory fees

    454,103  

Administration and accounting services fees

    13,600  

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts

    1,281,799  

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts

    9,466,652  

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    69,548  

Total liabilities

  $ 11,299,270  

Net assets

  $ 343,247,286  
         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

       

Par value

  $ 28,707  

Paid-in capital

    355,315,782  

Total distributable earnings/(losses)

    (12,097,203 )

Net assets

  $ 343,247,286  
         

CLASS A SHARES:

       

Net assets

  $ 808,012  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    67,645  

Net asset value and redemption price per share

  $ 11.94  

Maxium offering price per share (100/94.25 of $11.94)

  $ 12.67  
         

CLASS I SHARES:

       

Net assets

  $ 341,814,954  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    28,587,068  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 11.96  
         

CLASS C SHARES:

       

Net assets

  $ 624,320  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    52,688  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 11.85  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
24

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Statement of Operations

For the YEAR Ended August 31, 2022

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Interest

  $ 1,126,076  

Total investment income

    1,126,076  

EXPENSES

       

Advisory fees (Note 2)

    2,974,871  

Administration and accounting services fees (Note 2)

    99,906  

Audit and tax service fees

    73,898  

Registration and filing fees

    50,640  

Legal fees

    41,861  

Director fees

    22,377  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    15,701  

Custodian fees (Note 2)

    14,132  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    8,737  

Officer fees

    8,148  

Distribution fees (Class C Shares) (Note 2)

    1,713  

Distribution fees (Class A Shares) (Note 2)

    499  

Other expenses

    12,859  

Total expenses before waivers and/or reimbursements

    3,325,342  

Less: waivers and/or reimbursements (Note 2)

    (312,567 )

Net expenses after waivers and/or reimbursements

    3,012,775  

Net investment income/(loss)

    (1,886,699 )

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

       

Net realized gain/(loss) from:

       

Investments

    (57,311 )

Futures contracts

    7,605,515  

Foreign currency transactions

    36,083  

Forward foreign currency contracts

    2,243,127  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:

       

Investments

    (378,047 )

Futures contracts

    4,666,933  

Foreign currency translations

    (1,337 )

Forward foreign currency contracts

    1,436,474  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    15,551,437  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ $13,664,738  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
25

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ (1,886,699 )   $ (1,040,349 )

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments, futures contracts, foreign currency transactions and forward foreign currency contracts

    9,827,414       10,135,593  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments, futures contracts, foreign currency translations and forward foreign currency contracts

    5,724,023       (7,494 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    13,664,738       9,087,750  

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (10,931,120 )     (4,134,208 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (10,931,120 )     (4,134,208 )

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class A Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    1,346,515        

Shares redeemed

    (541,920 )      

Total from Class A Shares

    804,595        

Class I Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    278,631,362       52,031,717  

Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions

    10,666,118       4,109,948  

Shares redeemed

    (44,846,418 )     (4,018,611 )

Total from Class I Shares

    244,451,062       52,123,054  

Class C Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    709,761        

Shares redeemed

    (99,936 )      

Total from Class C Shares

    609,825        

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

    245,865,482       52,123,054  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    248,599,100       57,076,596  

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    94,648,186       37,571,590  

End of period

  $ 343,247,286     $ 94,648,186  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
26

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Concluded)

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021

 

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class A Shares

               

Shares sold

    112,990        

Shares redeemed

    (45,345 )      

Total Class A Shares

    67,645        

Class I Shares

               

Shares sold

    23,584,424       4,470,348  

Shares reinvested

    957,461       397,480  

Shares redeemed

    (3,858,008 )     (359,377 )

Total Class I Shares

    20,683,877       4,508,451  

Class C Shares

               

Shares sold

    61,350        

Shares redeemed

    (8,662 )      

Total Class C Shares

    52,688        

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    20,804,210       4,508,451  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
27

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class A Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the period. This information has been derived from information provided in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

   

For The
Period
February 16,
2022
to august 31,
2022
(1)

 

Per Share Operating Performance

       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.21  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    (0.06 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    0.79  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    0.73  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

       

Net investment income

     

Net realized capital gains

     

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

     

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.94  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    6.51 %(4)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 808  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(6)

    2.04 %(5)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (excluding interest expense)(6)

    2.04 %(5)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(6)

    2.23 %(5)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (0.87 )%(5)

Portfolio turnover rate(7)

    0 %(4)

 

 

(1)

Inception date of Class A Shares of the Fund was February 16, 2022.

(2)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each year reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any. Total return does not reflect any applicable sales charge.

(4)

Not Annualized

(5)

Annualized

(6)

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired Fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 2.04% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares.

(7)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
28

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Financial Highlights (Continued)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class I Shares outstanding, total investment return, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

   

For the
Period
Ended
August 31,
2018
(1)

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.98     $ 11.07     $ 10.94     $ 10.65     $ 10.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    (0.13 )     (0.21 )     (0.08 )     0.02       (0.01 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    1.29       2.21       1.38       1.09       0.66  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    1.16       2.00       1.30       1.11       0.65  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.34 )     (0.17 )     (0.96 )     (0.36 )      

Net realized capital gains

    (0.84 )     (0.92 )     (0.21 )     (0.46 )      

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (1.18 )     (1.09 )     (1.17 )     (0.82 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.96     $ 11.98     $ 11.07     $ 10.94     $ 10.65  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    10.40 %     19.72 %     13.97 %     12.20 %     6.50 %(4)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 341,815     $ 94,948     $ 37,572     $ 28,242     $ 21,608  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(6)

    1.79 %     1.84 %     1.79 %     1.79 %     1.79 %(5)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (excluding interest expense)(6)

    1.79 %     1.79 %     1.79 %     1.79 %     1.79 %(5)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(6)

    1.98 %     2.28 %     2.45 %     2.27 %     2.84 %(5)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (1.12 )%     (1.80 )%     (0.76 )%     0.25 %     (0.25 )%(5)

Portfolio turnover rate(7)

    0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %     0 %(4)

 

 

(1)

Inception date of Class I Shares of the Fund was April 11, 2018.

(2)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(3)

Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of the period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

Not annualized.

(5)

Annualized.

(6)

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired Fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 1.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares.

(7)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
29

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Consolidated Financial Highlights (Concluded)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class C Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the period. This information has been derived from information provided in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

   

For The
Period
November 8,
2021
To August 31,
2022
(1)

 

Per Share Operating Performance

       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 12.51  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    (0.18 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    0.70  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    0.52  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

       

Net investment income

    (0.34 )

Net realized capital gains

    (0.84 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (1.18 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.85  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    4.84 %(4)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 624  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(6)

    2.79 %(5)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements (excluding interest expense)(6)

    2.79 %(5)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and/or reimbursements (including interest expense)(6)

    2.98 %(5)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (1.88 )%(5)

Portfolio turnover rate(7)

    0 %(4)

 

 

(1)

Inception date of Class C Shares of the Fund was November 8, 2021.

(2)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of the period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

Not annualized.

(5)

Annualized.

(6)

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired Fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 2.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares.

(7)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
30

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements

August 31, 2022

 

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has forty-eight separate investment portfolios, including the Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund (the “Fund”), which commenced investment operations on April 11, 2018. The Fund is authorized to offer three classes of shares, Class A Shares, Class I Shares and Class C Shares. Class A Shares are sold subject to a front-end maximum sales charge of 5.75%. Front-end sales charges may be reduced or waived under certain circumstances.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 90.023 billion shares are currently classified into two hundred and eleven classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

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

 

The Fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services – Investment Companies.”

 

The end of the reporting period for the Fund is August 31, 2022, and the period covered by these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements is the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

Consolidation of Subsidiaries — The Managed Futures strategy is achieved by the Fund investing up to 25% of its total assets in ACMAF Master Offshore Limited (the “Cayman Subsidiary”), a wholly-owned and controlled subsidiary of the Fund organized under the acts of the Cayman Islands. Effective on or about November 12, 2020, the Fund’s previous wholly-owned subsidiary, the Abbey Capital Multi Asset Offshore Fund Limited, became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Cayman Subsidiary through a share exchange between the Fund and the Cayman Subsidiary and registered as a segregated portfolio company under the acts of the Cayman Islands under the name ACMAF Offshore SPC (the “SPC”). The Cayman Subsidiary invests all or substantially all of its assets in segregated portfolios of the SPC. The Cayman Subsidiary serves solely as an intermediate entity through which the Fund invests in the SPC and makes no independent investment decisions and has no investment or other discretion over the Fund’s investable assets.

 

Effective on or about July 8, 2021, the Fund may also invest a portion of its assets in segregated series of another wholly-owned subsidiary of the Fund, the ACMAF Onshore Series LLC (the “Onshore Subsidiary”), a Delaware series limited liability company.

 

The consolidated financial statements of the Fund include the financial statements of the Cayman Subsidiary, the Onshore Subsidiary and SPC. The Fund consolidates the results of subsidiaries in which the Fund holds a controlling financial interest. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated. As of the end of the reporting period, the net assets of the Cayman Subsidiary and SPC were $70,845,220 which represented 20.64% of the Fund’s net assets. As of the end of the reporting period, the net assets of the Onshore Subsidiary were $49,154,657, which represented 14.32% of the Fund’s net assets.

 

Portfolio Valuation — The Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Fund are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Forward exchange contracts are valued by interpolating between spot and forward currency rates as quoted by an independent pricing service. Futures contracts are generally valued using the settlement price determined by the relevant exchange. If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued in accordance with

 

31

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

 

Fair Value Measurements — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

● Level 1 –

Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

● Level 2 –

Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

● Level 3 –

Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the reporting period, in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value:

 

 

Total

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Short-Term Investments

  $ 297,267,769     $ 297,267,769     $     $  

Commodity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    6,421,372       6,421,372              

Equity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    5,813,728       5,813,728              

Foreign Currency Contracts

                               

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    2,487,984             2,487,984        

Futures Contracts

    2,163,453       2,163,453              

Interest Rate Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    2,714,877       2,714,877              

Total Assets

  $ 316,869,183     $ 314,381,199     $ 2,487,984     $  

 

 

Total

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Commodity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

  $ (6,378,084 )   $ (6,378,084 )   $     $  

Equity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    (2,584,398 )     (2,584,398 )            

Foreign Currency Contracts

                               

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    (1,281,799 )           (1,281,799 )      

Futures Contracts

    (368,945 )     (368,945 )            

Interest Rate Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    (135,225 )     (135,225 )            

Total Liabilities

  $ (10,748,451 )   $ (9,466,652 )   $ (1,281,799 )   $  

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

32

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Fund’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Fund may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires the Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when the Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for Level 3 transfers are disclosed if the Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund had no Level 3 transfers.

 

Disclosures about Derivative instruments and Hedging Activities — Derivative instruments are defined as financial instruments whose value and performance are based on the value and performance of another security or financial instrument. Derivative instruments that the Fund used during the period include forward foreign currency contracts and futures contracts.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund used long and short contracts on U.S. and foreign equity market indices, U.S. and foreign government bonds, foreign currencies, interest rates and commodities (through investment in the Cayman Subsidiary, the SPC and the Onshore Subsidiary), to gain investment exposure in accordance with its investment objective.

 

The following tables provide quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of, and gains and losses on, the Fund’s derivative instruments as of and for the current fiscal period.

 

The following tables list the fair values of the Fund’s derivative holdings and location on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of the end of the reporting period, grouped by derivative type and primary risk exposure category by contract type.

 

Derivative Type

 

Consolidated
Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities
Location

   

Equity
Contracts

   

Interest
Rate
Contracts

   

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

   

Commodity
Contracts

   

Total

 

Asset Derivatives

Forward Contracts (a)

    Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts     $     $     $ 2,487,984     $     $ 2,487,984  

Futures Contracts (a)

    Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts       5,813,728       2,714,877       2,163,453       6,421,372       17,113,430  

Total Value- Assets

          $ 5,813,728     $ 2,714,877     $ 4,651,437     $ 6,421,372     $ 19,601,414  

Liability Derivatives

Forward Contracts (a)

    Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts     $     $     $ (1,281,799 )   $     $ (1,281,799 )

Futures Contracts (a)

    Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts       (2,584,398 )     (135,225 )     (368,945 )     (6,378,084 )     (9,466,652 )

Total Value- Liabilities

  $ (2,584,398 )   $ (135,225 )   $ (1,650,744 )   $ (6,378,084 )   $ (10,748,451 )

 

(a)

This amount represents the cumulative appreciation/(depreciation) of forwards and futures contracts as reported on the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments.

 

33

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

The following table lists the amounts of realized gains/(losses) included in net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations during the current fiscal period, grouped by derivative type and primary risk exposure category by contract type.

 

Derivative Type

 

Consolidated
Statement of
Operations
Location

   

Equity
Contracts

   

Interest
Rate
Contracts

   

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

   

Commodity
Contracts

   

Total

 

Realized Gain/(Loss)

Futures Contracts

    Net realized gain/(loss) from Futures Contracts     $ (15,702,697 )   $ 10,589,314     $ 6,539,138     $ 6,179,760     $ 7,605,515  

Forward Contracts

    Net realized gain/(loss) from Forward Foreign Currency Contracts                   2,243,127             2,243,127  

Total Realized Gain/(Loss)

  $ (15,702,697 )   $ 10,589,314     $ 8,782,265     $ 6,179,760     $ 9,848,642  

 

The following table lists the amounts of change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) included in net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations during the current fiscal period, grouped by derivative type and primary risk exposure category by contract type.

 

Derivative Type

 

Consolidated
Statement of
Operations
Location

   

Equity
Contracts

   

Interest
Rate
Contracts

   

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

   

Commodity
Contracts

   

Total

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation)

Futures Contracts

    Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on futures contracts     $ 436,363     $ 2,692,183     $ 1,839,186     $ (300,799 )   $ 4,666,933  

Forward Contracts

    Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on forward foreign currency contracts                   1,436,474             1,436,474  

Total Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation)

  $ 436,363     $ 2,692,183     $ 3,275,660     $ (300,799 )   $ 6,103,407  

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund’s quarterly average volume of derivatives was as follows:

 

Long Futures
Notional
Amount

Short Futures
Notional
Amount

Forward Foreign
Currency
Contracts — Payable
(Value at Trade Date)

Forward Foreign
Currency
Contracts —
Receivable
(Value at Trade Date)

$344,945,646

$(444,681,026)

$(281,910,250)

$281,998,277

 

For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments and fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral (receivables) or the obligation to return cash collateral (payables) arising from derivative instruments recognized at fair value executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement.

 

34

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

The following is a summary of financial and derivative instruments that are subject to enforceable master netting agreements (or similar arrangements) and collateral received and pledged in connection with the master netting agreements (or similar arrangements).

 

           

Gross Amount Not
Offset in Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and Liabilities

                           

Gross Amount Not
Offset in Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and Liabilities

         

Description

 

Gross Amount
Presented
in the
Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Collateral
Received

   

Net
Amount
(1)

           

Gross Amount
Presented
in the
Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Collateral
Pledged
(2)

   

Net
Amount
(3)

 
   

Assets

           

Liabilities

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

  $ 2,487,984     $ (1,281,799 )   $     $ 1,206,185             $ 1,281,799     $ (1,281,799 )   $     $  

 

 
 

(1)

Net amount represents the net amount receivable from the counterparty in the event of default.

 

 

(2)

Actual collateral pledged may be more than the amount shown.

 

 

(3)

Net amount represents the net amount payable to the counterparty in the event of default.

 

Use of Estimates — The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

Investment Transactions, Investment Income and Expenses — The Fund records security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The Fund’s investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with The RBB Fund Trust (formerly, PENN Capital Funds Trust) (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Fund.

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders — Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually to shareholders and recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

U.S. Tax Status — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is the Fund’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

35

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

The Cayman Subsidiary is registered as an “exempted company” and the SPC as an “exempted segregated portfolio company” pursuant to the Companies Act (Revised) of the Cayman Islands (as amended). Each of the Cayman Subsidiary and the SPC has received an undertaking from the Governor in Cabinet of the Cayman Islands to the effect that, for a period of twenty years from the date of the undertaking, no act that thereafter is enacted in the Cayman Islands imposing any tax or duty to be levied on profits, income or on gains or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, will apply to any property comprised in or any income arising under the Cayman Subsidiary or the SPC, or to the shareholders thereof, in respect of any such property or income. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Cayman Subsidiary is treated as a “controlled foreign corporation” and the SPC is treated as disregarded from its owner, the Cayman Subsidiary, for U.S. income tax purposes. The Onshore Subsidiary is treated as an entity disregarded from its owner, the Fund, for U.S. income tax purposes.

 

Foreign Currency Translation — Assets and liabilities initially expressed in non-U.S. currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based on the applicable exchange rates at the date of the last business day of the financial statement period. Purchases and sales of securities, interest income, dividends, variation margin received and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect on the transaction date.

 

The Fund does not separately report the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from changes in market prices of securities held. Such changes are included with the net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Other foreign currency transactions resulting in realized and unrealized gain or loss are reported separately as net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on foreign currencies in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

Currency Risk —Investment in foreign securities involves currency risk associated with securities that trade or are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and which may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. An increase in the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to a foreign currency may cause the U.S. dollar value of an investment in that country to decline. Foreign currencies also are subject to risks caused by inflation, interest rates, budget deficits and low savings rates, political factors and government controls. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts may limit potential gains from a favorable change in value between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Unanticipated changes in currency pricing may result in poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not engaged in these contracts.

 

Commodity Sector Risk — Exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-linked derivative instruments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. The prices of energy, industrial metals, precious metals, agriculture and livestock sector commodities may fluctuate widely due to factors such as changes in value, supply and demand and governmental regulatory policies. The commodity-linked securities in which the Fund invests may be issued by companies in the financial services sector, and events affecting the financial services sector may cause the Fund’s share value to fluctuate.

 

Foreign Securities Market Risk — A substantial portion of the trades of the Fund are expected to take place on markets or exchanges outside the United States. There is no limit to the amount of assets of the Fund that may be committed to trading on foreign markets. The risk of loss in trading foreign futures and options on futures contracts can be substantial. Participation in foreign futures and options on futures contracts involves the execution and clearing of trades on, or subject to the rules of, a foreign board of trade or exchange. Some of these foreign markets, in contrast to U.S. exchanges, are so-called principals’ markets in which performance is the responsibility only of the individual counterparty with whom the trader has entered into a commodity interest transaction and not of the exchange or clearing corporation. In these kinds of markets, there is risk of bankruptcy or other failure or refusal to perform by the counterparty.

 

36

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Counterparty Risk — The derivative contracts entered into by the Fund, the Cayman Subsidiary, Onshore Subsidiary or the SPC may be privately negotiated in the over-the-counter market. These contracts also involve exposure to credit risk, since contract performance depends in part on the financial condition of the counterparty. Relying on a counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. If a counterparty defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease.

 

Credit Risk — Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of the security or a counterparty in respect of a derivative instrument will not be able to satisfy its payment obligations to the Fund when due. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in that issuer. Securities rated in the four highest categories by the rating agencies are considered investment grade, but they may also have some speculative characteristics. Investment grade ratings do not guarantee that bonds will not lose value or default. In addition, the credit quality of securities may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition changes.

 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic — The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. Although vaccines for COVID-19 are available, the ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual companies are not known. The operational and financial performance of individual companies and the market in general depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and the pace of recovery which may vary from market to market, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

UKRAINE-RUSSIA CONFLICT RISK — In February 2022, Russia commenced a military attack on Ukraine. The outbreak of hostilities between the two countries and the threat of wider-spread hostilities could have a severe adverse effect on the region and global economies, including significant negative impacts on the markets for certain securities and commodities, such as oil and natural gas. In addition, sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States and other countries, and any sanctions imposed in the future, could have a significant adverse impact on the Russian economy and related markets. The price and liquidity of investments may fluctuate widely as a result of the conflict and related events. How long the armed conflict and related events will last cannot be predicted. These tensions and any related events could have a significant impact on Fund performance and the value of Fund investments, even beyond any direct exposure the Fund may have to issuers located in these countries.

 

Futures Contracts — The Fund uses futures contracts in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund must deposit initial margin in addition to segregating cash or liquid assets sufficient to meet its obligation to purchase or provide securities, or to pay the amount owed at the expiration of an index-based futures contract. Such liquid assets may consist of cash, cash equivalents, liquid debt or equity securities or other acceptable assets. Pursuant to the futures contract, the Fund agrees to receive from, or pay to the broker, an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such a receipt of payment is known as “variation margin” and is recorded by the Fund as an unrealized gain or loss. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds from (or cost of) the closing transactions and the Fund’s basis in the contract. Futures contracts have market risks, including the risk that the change in the value of the contract may not correlate with changes in the value of the underlying securities. Use of long futures contracts subjects the Fund to risk of loss in excess of the amount shown on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities, up to the notional value of the futures contract. Use of short futures contracts subjects the Fund to potentially unlimited risk of loss.

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts — In the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives, the Fund is subject to foreign investment and currency risk. The Fund uses forward foreign currency contracts (“forward contracts”) for purposes of hedging, duration management, as a substitute for securities, to increase returns, for currency hedging or risk management, or to otherwise help achieve the Fund’s investment objective. These contracts

 

37

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

are marked-to-market daily at the applicable translation rates. The Fund records realized gains or losses at the time the forward contract is closed. A forward contract is extinguished through a closing transaction or upon delivery of the currency or entering an offsetting contract. Risks may arise upon entering these contracts from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of their contracts and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar or other currencies. The Fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk related to forward foreign currency contracts is the fair value of the contract. The risk may be mitigated to some extent if a master netting arrangement between the Fund and the counterparty is in place and to the extent the Fund obtains collateral to cover the Fund’s exposure to the counterparty.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

Other — In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Fund in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Fund expects the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

2. Investment Adviser and Other Services

 

Abbey Capital Limited (“Abbey Capital” or the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund, the Cayman Subsidiary, Onshore Subsidiary and the SPC. The Adviser allocates the assets of the Onshore Subsidiary and SPC (via the Cayman Subsidiary) to one or more Trading Advisers unaffiliated with the Adviser to manage. The Adviser also has the ultimate responsibility to oversee the Trading Advisers, and to recommend their hiring, termination and replacement, subject to approval by the Board. The Fund compensates the Adviser for its services at an annual rate based on the Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears, as shown in the following table. The Adviser compensates the Trading Advisers out of the Advisory Fee.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) to the rates (“Expense Caps”) shown in the following table of the Fund’s average daily net assets. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed the Expense Caps as applicable: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses, interest and taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2022 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board. The Adviser may discontinue these arrangements at any time after December 31, 2022.

 

Advisory
Fee

Expense Caps

 

Class A

Class I

Class C

1.77%

2.04%

1.79%

2.79%

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued, waived and/or reimbursed were as follows:

 

Gross
Advisory
Fees

Waivers and/or
Reimbursements

Net
Advisory
Fees

$2,974,871

$(312,567)

$2,662,304

 

38

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

If at any time the Fund’s total annual fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than the relevant share class’s Expense Cap, the Adviser may recoup any waived or reimbursed amounts from the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

As of the end of the reporting period, the Fund had amounts available for recoupment as follows:

 

Expiration

August 31,
2023

August 31,
2024

August 31,
2025

Total

$195,654

$254,268

$312,567

$762,489

 

Aspect Capital Limited, Crabel Capital Management, LLC, Eclipse Capital Management, Inc., Revolution Capital Management, LLC, Tudor Investment Corporation and Welton Investment Partners, LLC each served as a Trading Adviser to the Fund during the period.

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as administrator for the Fund. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Fund’s transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Fund. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

The Board has adopted a Plan of Distribution for the Class A Shares and Class C Shares (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Fund’s distributor is entitled to receive from the Fund a distribution fee with respect to the Shares, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, of up to 0.25% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Class A Shares and up to 1.00% of the Class C Shares. The actual amount of such compensation under the Plan is agreed upon by the Board and by the Distributor. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. Amounts paid to the Distributor under the Plan may be used by the Distributor to cover expenses that are related to (i) the sale of the Shares, (ii) ongoing servicing and/or maintenance of the accounts of shareholders, and (iii) sub-transfer agency services, subaccounting services or administrative services related to the sale of the Shares, all as set forth in the Fund’s 12b-1 Plan.

 

3. Director And Officer Compensation

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as Chief Compliance Officer of the Company and served as President of the Company until August 2022. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Director of Marketing &

 

39

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Fund or the Company. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

4. Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities

 

During the current fiscal period, there were no purchases or sales of investment securities or long-term U.S. Government securities (excluding short-term investments and derivative transactions) by the Fund.

 

5. Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Fund has followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Fund to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Fund has determined that there was no effect on the consolidated financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Fund is subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

As of August 31, 2022, the federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by the Fund were as follows(a):

 

Federal Tax
Cost

Unrealized
Appreciation

Unrealized
(Depreciation)

Net
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

$335,548,310

$11,447,106

$(25,688,872)

$(14,241,766)

 

 

(a)

The difference between the book basis and tax basis cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments is attributable primarily to timing differences related to taxable income from a wholly-owned controlled foreign corporation.

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

Permanent differences as of August 31, 2022, primarily attributable to disallowed book income from the Cayman Subsidiary, were reclassified to the following accounts:

 

Distributable
Earnings/(Loss)

Paid-In
Capital

$(15,918,422)

$15,918,422

 

As of August 31, 2022, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains

Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

Capital Loss
Carryforwards

Qualified
Late-Year
Losses

Other
Temporary
Differences

$14,228,148

$—

$(24,300,369)

$—

$2,024,982

$—

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate principally to the timing of recognition of income and gains of the Cayman Subsidiary for federal income tax purposes.

 

40

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2021 and August 31, 2022 was as follows:

 

 

Ordinary
Income

Long-Term
Gains

Total

2022

$7,325,763

$3,605,357

$10,931,120

2021

$2,064,972

$2,069,235

$4,134,207

 

Pursuant to federal income tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies, the Fund may elect to treat certain capital losses between November 1 and August 31 and late year ordinary losses ((i) ordinary losses between January 1 and August 31, and (ii) specified ordinary and currency losses between November 1 and August 31) as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, any amount of losses elected within the tax return will not be recognized for federal income tax purposes until September 1, 2022. The Fund deferred qualified late-year losses of $2,024,982 which will be treated as arising on the first business day of the following fiscal year.

 

The Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period. Capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of August 31, 2022, the Fund had no unlimited short-term or long-term capital loss carryovers to offset future capital gains.

 

6. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In October 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted new regulations governing the use of derivatives by registered investment companies (“Rule 18f-4”). Rule 18f-4 imposes limits on the amount of derivatives a fund can enter into, eliminates the asset segregation framework previously used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, and requires funds whose use of derivatives is greater than a limited specified amount to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager. The Fund is required to comply with Rule 18f-4 and has adopted procedures for investing in derivatives and other transactions in compliance with Rule 18f-4. Rule 18f-4 may require the Fund to observe more stringent requirements than were previously imposed by the 1940 Act, which could adversely affect the ability of the Fund to engage in certain derivatives transactions and/or increase the costs of such derivatives transactions, which could adversely affect the Fund’s performance and increase costs related to the Fund’s use of derivatives.

 

In December 2020, the SEC adopted a new rule providing a framework for fund valuation practices (“Rule 2a-5”). Rule 2a-5 establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the 1940 Act. Rule 2a-5 will permit fund boards to designate certain parties to perform fair value determinations, subject to board oversight and certain other conditions. Rule 2a-5 also defines when market quotations are “readily available” for purposes of the 1940 Act and the threshold for determining whether a fund must fair value a security. In connection with Rule 2a-5, the SEC also adopted related recordkeeping requirements and is rescinding previously issued guidance, including with respect to the role of a board in determining fair value and the accounting and auditing of fund investments. The Fund will be required to comply with the rules by September 8, 2022. Effective September 8, 2022 and pursuant to the requirements of Rule 2a-5, the Board designated the Adviser as its valuation designee to perform fair value determinations and approved new valuation procedures for the Fund.

 

In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and

 

41

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Concluded)

August 31, 2022

 

establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments on the financial statements.

 

7. Subsequent Events

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no significant events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

42

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund and
Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of assets and liabilities of Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”)), including the consolidated portfolio of investments, as of August 31, 2022, and the related consolidated statement of operations for the year then ended, the consolidated statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the consolidated financial highlights for each of the four years in the period then ended and the period from April 11, 2018 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2018 and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Fund (one of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc.) at August 31, 2022, the consolidated results of its operations for the year then ended, the consolidated changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its consolidated financial highlights for each of the four years in the period then ended and the period from April 11, 2018 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2018, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

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

 

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

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2022, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Abbey Capital investment companies since 2014.

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 28, 2022

 

43

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Shareholder Tax Information

(Unaudited)

 

Certain tax information regarding the Fund is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Fund’s income and distributions for the taxable year ended August 31, 2022. The information and distribution reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ended December 31, 2022. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, the Fund paid no ordinary income dividends that are designated as “qualified dividend income” to its shareholders. Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

The percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions that are designated as short-term capital gain distributions under Internal Revenue Section 871(k)(2)(c) for the Fund is 49.26%.

 

Because the Fund’s fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2022. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2023.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Fund, if any.

 

In general, dividends received by tax exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Fund.

 

44

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Other Information

(Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling (844) 261-6484 and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

 

The Company files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Approval of Advisory Agreement and Trading Advisory Agreements

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the renewals of (1) the investment advisory agreement between Abbey Capital and the Company on behalf of the Fund (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”), (2) each of the separate advisory agreements between the Cayman Subsidiary, the Onshore Subsidiary and SPC (the “Subsidiaries”) and Abbey Capital (collectively, the “Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreements”), and (3) the trading advisory agreements between Abbey Capital and Aspect Capital Limited, Crabel Capital Management, LLC, Eclipse Capital Management, Inc., Revolution Capital Management, LLC, Tudor Investment Corporation and Welton Investment Partners LLC (each, a “Trading Adviser”)(the “Trading Advisory Agreements”), at a meeting of the Board held on May 11-12, 2022 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Advisory Agreement, the Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreements, and the Trading Advisory Agreements for an additional one-year term ending August 16, 2023. The Board’s decision to approve the Advisory Agreement, the Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreements, and the Trading Advisory Agreements reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Advisory Agreement, Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreements, and the Trading Advisory Agreements, the Board considered information provided by Abbey Capital and each of the Trading Advisers with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Company and Abbey Capital with respect to the Fund, the Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreements, and the Trading Advisory Agreements between Abbey Capital and each Trading Adviser with respect to the Fund, the Directors took into account all materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of services provided to the Fund by Abbey Capital and each Trading Adviser; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of the personnel providing those services; (iii) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ advisory fee arrangements with the Company and other similarly managed clients, as applicable; (vii) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ compliance procedures; (viii) Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ financial information and insurance coverage, as applicable, and Abbey Capital’s profitability analysis; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Fund; (x) a report prepared by Broadridge/Lipper comparing the Fund’s management fees and total expense ratio to those of its Lipper Group and comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its Lipper Group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its benchmark.

 

45

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Other Information (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Abbey Capital and each Trading Adviser. The Directors concluded that Abbey Capital and each Trading Adviser had substantial resources to provide services to the Fund and the Subsidiaries, as applicable.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Fund, noting that the Fund had outperformed its benchmark, the S&P 500 Total Return Index, for the year-to-date, one-year and three-year periods, and underperformed its benchmark for the five-year and ten-year periods, each ended March 31, 2022. The Directors considered the Fund’s investment performance in light of its investment objective and investment strategies. The Directors noted that the Fund ranked in the 1st quintile within its Lipper Performance Group for the two-year, three-year and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2021.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Fund and the Fund’s total operating expense ratio (before and after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) were compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms. The Directors noted that the Fund’s actual advisor fee ranked in the 5th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 4th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group. The Directors also considered the fees payable to each Trading Adviser under the Trading Advisory Agreements and the information provided by Abbey Capital on the services provided by the different Trading Advisers. In this regard, the Directors noted that the fees for each Trading Adviser were payable by Abbey Capital and not the Fund. The Directors noted that Abbey Capital had contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses through at least December 31, 2022 to limit total annual operating expenses to agreed upon levels for the Fund.

 

After reviewing the information regarding Abbey Capital’s and the Trading Advisers’ costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering the services to be provided by Abbey Capital and each Trading Adviser, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees to be paid by the Fund to Abbey Capital and the trading advisory fees to be paid by Abbey Capital to each Trading Adviser were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreement, Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreements and Trading Advisory Agreements should be approved and continued for additional one-year period ending August 16, 2023.

 

Liquidity Risk Management Program

 

The Company has adopted and implemented a Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Company Program”) as required by rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Company Program, the Adviser has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Adviser Program” and together with the Company Program, the “Programs”) on behalf of the Fund. The Programs seek to assess, manage and review the Fund’s Liquidity Risk. “Liquidity Risk” is defined as the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interest in the Fund.

 

The Board has appointed Vigilant Compliance, LLC (“Vigilant”) as the program administrator for the Company Program and the Chief Risk Officer of the Adviser as the program administrator for the Adviser Program. The process of monitoring and determining the liquidity of the Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party vendors.

 

At meetings held during the current fiscal period, the Board and its Regulatory Oversight Committee received and reviewed a written report (the “Report”) of Vigilant and the Adviser concerning the operation of the Programs for the period from July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 (the “Period”). The Report summarized the operation of the Programs and the information and factors considered by Vigilant and the Adviser in reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the implementation of the Programs with respect to the Fund. Such information and factors included, among other things: (i) the methodology used to classify the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio investments and the Adviser’s assessment that the Fund’s strategy remained appropriate for an open-end mutual fund; (ii) analyses of the Fund’s trading environment and reasonably anticipated trading size; (iii) that the Fund held primarily highly liquid assets (investments that the Fund anticipates can be converted to cash within 3 business days or less in current market conditions without significantly changing their market value); (iv) that the Fund held a percentage of highly liquid

 

46

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Other Information (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

assets above its highly liquid investment minimum at all times during the Period; (v) confirmation that the Fund did not breach the 15% maximum illiquid security threshold (investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven days or less in current market conditions without the sale of the investment significantly changing the market value of the investment) during the Period and the procedures for monitoring compliance with the limit; (vi) that the processes, technologies and third-party vendors used to assess, manage, and/or periodically review the Fund’s Liquidity Risk functioned appropriately during the Period; and (vii) that the Programs operated adequately during the Period. The Report also described material changes made to the Adviser Program during the Period and indicated that there were no material changes made to the Company Program during the Period.

 

Based on the review, the Report concluded that the Programs were being implemented effectively and reasonably designed to assess and manage Liquidity Risk in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company Program or the Adviser Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Fund’s prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

 

47

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Company Management

(Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (844) 261-6484.

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Independent Directors

Julian A. Brodsky

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 89

Director

1988 to present

From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications).

55

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

Gregory P. Chandler

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 55

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); from 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

55

FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios)(registered investment company); Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018).

Lisa A. Dolly

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI, 53202

Age: 56

Director

October 2021 to present

From July 2019-December 2019, Chairman, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm); January 2016-June 2019, Chief Executive Officer, Pershing, LLC.

55

Allfunds Group PLC (United Kingdom wealthtech and fund distribution provider); Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (trade association for broker dealers, investment banks and asset managers); Hightower Advisors (wealth management firm).

 

48

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Company Management (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Nicholas A. Giordano

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 79

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

55

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance); Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017).

Arnold M. Reichman 615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 74

Chairman

 

Director

2005 to present

 

1991 to present

From 2006-2016, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Lifebooker, LLC (online beauty and health appointment booking service).

55

Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until August 2022).

Brian T. Shea

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 62

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm).

55

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company); WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019).

Robert A. Straniere

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 81

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

55

Reich and Tang Group (asset management) (until 2015).

Interested Director2

Robert Sablowsky

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 84

Vice Chairman

 

Director

2016 to present

 

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

55

None

Officers

Steven Plump

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 63

President

August 2022 to present

From 2011 to 2021, Executive Vice President, PIMCO Investments LLC.

N/A

N/A

 

 

49

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Company Management (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Salvatore Faia, JD,

CPA, CFE

Vigilant Compliance, LLC

Gateway Corporate Center

Suite 216

223 Wilmington West

Chester Pike

Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Age: 59

Chief Compliance Officer

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, Chief Compliance Officer of The RBB Fund Trust; President of The RBB Fund Trust from 2021 to 2022; President of The RBB Fund, Inc. from 2009 to 2022.

N/A

N/A

James G. Shaw

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 61

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

Chief Operating Officer

2016 to present

 

 

 

 

2022 to present

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2016) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2021) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund Trust; from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 48

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and The RBB Fund Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC (an investment advisory firm).

N/A

N/A

Jennifer Witt

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 39

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2016, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm); from 2007 to 2016, Supervisor, Nuveen Investments (registered investment company).

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 51

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy

One Logan Square

Ste. 2000

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 63

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann

One Logan Square

Ste. 2000

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 43

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm) (2017-Present); Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (2006-Present).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 55 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series of the Company and The RBB Fund Trust (7 portfolios).

 

50

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Company Management (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his or her qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Ms. Dolly has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, and she has demonstrated her leadership and management abilities by serving in numerous senior executive-level positions. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing, and investment services industry, including service on the boards of industry regulatory organizations and a university. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company.

 

51

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Privacy Notice

(Unaudited)

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

FACTS

WHAT DOES THE ABBEY CAPITAL MULTI ASSET FUND DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

 

● Social Security number

● account balances

● account transactions

● transaction history

● wire transfer instructions

● checking account information

 

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

How?

All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

       

Reasons we can share your information

Does the Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund share?

Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purpose —
such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal
investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes —
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial companies

No

We don’t share.

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

 

Questions?

Call 1-844-261-6484 or go to www.abbeycapital.com

 

52

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Privacy Notice (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

What we do

How does the Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund protect my personal information?

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

How does the Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

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

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation

In addition to the above information, where applicable, you have the following rights under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and U.S. Privacy Laws, as applicable and to the extent permitted by law, to

 

● Check whether we hold personal information about you and to access such data (in accordance with our policy)

 

● Request the correction of personal information about you that is inaccurate

 

● Have a copy of the personal information we hold about you provided to you or another “controller” where technically feasible

 

● Request the erasure of your personal information

 

● Request the restriction of processing concerning you

 

The legal grounds for processing of your personal information is for contractual necessity and compliance with law.

 

If you wish to exercise any of your rights above, please call: 1-844-261-6484.

 

You are required to ensure the personal information we hold about you is up-to-date and accurate and you must notify us of any changes to the personal data you provided to us.

 

 

53

 

 

Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund

 

Privacy Notice (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

 

The Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund shall retain your personal data for as long as you are an investor in the Fund and thereafter as long as necessary to comply with applicable laws that require the Fund to retain your personal data, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission’s data retention rules. Your personal data will be transferred to the United States so that the Fund may provide the agreed upon services for you. No adequacy decision has been rendered by the European Commission as to the data protection of your personal data when transferring it to the United States. However, the Fund does take the security of your personal data seriously.

 

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the appropriate regulatory authority with respect to issues you may have.

Definitions

Affiliates

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

 

Our affiliates include Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund’s investment adviser, Abbey Capital Limited, and each sub-adviser.

Nonaffiliates

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

 

The Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund doesn’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

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

 

The Abbey Capital Multi Asset Fund does not jointly market.

Controller

“Controller” means the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data; where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by European Union or European Member State law, the controller or the specific criteria for its nomination may be provided for by European Union or European Member State law.

 

 

54

 

 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 

Investment Adviser
Abbey Capital Limited
1-2 Cavendish Row
Dublin 1, Ireland

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Principal Underwriter
Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 E Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Custodian
U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP
One Commerce Square
2005 Market Street, Suite 700
Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

Legal Counsel
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP.
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

AMA-AR22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 

of

 

The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

August 31, 2022

 

This report is submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the Fund. It is not authorized for distribution unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus for the Fund.

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 

ANNUAL INVESTMENT ADVISER’S REPORT

AUGUST 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Adara Smaller Companies Fund (the “Fund”) generated a return of -16.93% for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, and outperformed its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Index, which returned -17.88% over the same period.

 

The past fiscal year was a challenging period for markets as investors became increasingly concerned about higher inflation and a more hawkish U.S. Federal Reserve. The negative investor sentiment impacted companies with smaller market capitalizations the most.

 

The Fund’s assets were allocated to five underlying sub-advisers during the fiscal year: microcap managers Driehaus Capital Management, LLC (“Driehaus”) and Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC (“Pacific Ridge”); small-cap managers Pier Capital, LLC (“Pier”) and River Road Asset Management, LLC (“River Road”); and tax-loss harvesting manager Aperio Group, LLC (“Aperio”). River Road was the top performing sub-adviser for the period, with a return of -1.56%, followed in order by Pacific Ridge with a return of -11.68%, Aperio with a return of -13.47%, Driehaus with a return of -25.47% and Pier with a return of -34.44%. As of August 31, 2022 , Driehaus had the largest proportion of the Fund’s assets allocated to it with 27%, followed by Pacific Ridge with 26%, Aperio with 20%, River Road with 15% and Pier with 7%.

 

Despite their significant losses of the past year, we continue to believe that small and microcap stocks offer potential rewards that justify their higher risk. It is our view that this smaller space of the market remains highly inefficient, with little analyst coverage or institutional ownership. We believe these inefficiencies provide the potential for active managers to generate meaningful outperformance over the long term.

 

Sincerely,
Altair Advisers LLC

 

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

 

The Fund invests in small and micro companies, which involve additional risks such as limited liquidity and greater volatility than larger companies.

 

Fund holdings are subject to change and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security. Please see the Schedule of Investments in this report for a complete list of fund holdings.

 

1

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 

ANNUAL report
Performance Data

August 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Invested in
ADARA Smaller Companies Fund vs. Russell 2000
® Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund made on October 21, 2014 (commencement of operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the Russell 2000® Index is unmanaged, and does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31,2022

 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception

 

Adara Smaller Companies Fund

-16.93%

13.28%

11.68%

10.86%*

 

Russell 2000® Index

-17.88%

8.59%

6.95%

8.06%**

 

 

*

The Fund commenced operations on October 21, 2014.

 

**

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the returns quoted. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling (844) 261-6482.

 

The Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2021, are 0.84% of average daily net assets. This ratio may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report.

 

The Fund invests in common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stocks and securities convertible into common stocks. Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

The Fund evaluates performance as compared to that of the Russell 2000® Index. The Russell 2000® Index is a widely-recognized, capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the smallest 2,000 companies in the Russell 3000® Index and is considered representative of small-cap stocks. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

Investment Considerations

 

Investing in the Fund involves risk and an investor may lose money. The success of the Fund’s strategy depends on the Adviser’s ability to select Sub-Advisers and each manager’s ability to select investments for the Fund. The Fund may invest in riskier types of investments including small and micro-cap stocks, Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), special situations and illiquid securities all of which may be more volatile and less liquid.

 

2

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Fund Expense Example

August 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

This example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022 and held for the entire period.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

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

 

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

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
March 1, 2022

Ending
Account Value
August 31, 2022

Expenses Paid
During Period*

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual Six Month
Total Investment
Return

Class I Shares

         

Actual

$ 1,000.00

$ 909.60

$ 4.04

0.84%

-9.04%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

1,020.97

4.28

0.84%

N/A

 

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized six-month expense ratio in the table above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one-half year period. The Fund’s ending account value on the first line in the table is based on the actual six-month total investment return for the Fund.

 

3

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

August 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

The following table presents a summary by security type of the portfolio holdings of the Fund:

 

Security Type/Sector Classification

 

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS:

               

Banks

    8.6 %   $ 38,173,274  

Commercial Services

    7.5       32,818,134  

Biotechnology

    6.0       26,294,983  

Retail

    5.3       23,417,160  

Semiconductors

    4.3       18,941,650  

Healthcare-Products

    3.7       16,431,447  

REITS

    3.2       13,954,245  

Oil & Gas

    2.8       12,527,432  

Software

    2.8       12,306,280  

Computers

    2.8       12,179,271  

Engineering & Construction

    2.7       12,016,591  

Insurance

    2.7       11,938,066  

Electronics

    2.0       8,781,740  

Transportation

    2.0       8,663,618  

Telecommunications

    1.7       7,609,630  

Pharmaceuticals

    1.7       7,426,999  

Food

    1.7       7,417,785  

Metal Fabricate/Hardware

    1.5       6,719,945  

Savings & Loans

    1.5       6,535,449  

Auto Parts & Equipment

    1.5       6,533,382  

Diversified Financial Services

    1.5       6,487,573  

Beverages

    1.3       5,820,567  

Internet

    1.2       5,374,401  

Oil & Gas Services

    1.2       5,284,162  

Machinery-Diversified

    1.1       5,013,395  

Building Materials

    1.1       4,664,447  

Healthcare-Services

    1.0       4,493,694  

Distribution/Wholesale

    0.9       4,130,666  

Agriculture

    0.9       3,900,951  

Cosmetics/Personal Care

    0.8       3,752,236  

Chemicals

    0.8       3,390,870  

Miscellaneous Manufacturing

    0.7       3,264,589  

Aerospace/Defense

    0.7       3,120,881  

Home Builders

    0.7       3,092,252  

Real Estate

    0.7       2,900,439  

Environmental Control

    0.6       2,752,525  

Leisure Time

    0.6       2,670,642  

Energy-Alternate Sources

    0.6       2,458,365  

Apparel

    0.5 %   $ 2,283,898  

Textiles

    0.5       2,083,265  

Mining

    0.5       2,044,584  

Iron/Steel

    0.4       1,973,176  

Lodging

    0.4       1,951,858  

Packaging & Containers

    0.4       1,919,506  

Entertainment

    0.4       1,794,476  

Machinery-Construction & Mining

    0.4       1,725,961  

Pipelines

    0.4       1,717,328  

Hand/Machine Tools

    0.4       1,695,466  

Housewares

    0.4       1,655,138  

Toys/Games/Hobbies

    0.4       1,602,552  

Investment Companies

    0.3       1,507,989  

Food Service

    0.3       1,385,120  

Gas

    0.3       1,137,102  

Home Furnishings

    0.2       720,363  

Media

    0.1       661,638  

Airlines

    0.1       628,510  

Household Products/Wares

    0.1       537,718  

Auto Manufacturers

    0.1       469,828  

Electrical Components & Equipment

    0.1       422,228  

Coal

    0.1       362,794  

Water

    0.1       359,863  

Electric

    0.1       345,721  

Forest Products & Paper

    0.0       243,499  

Office Furnishings

    0.0       66,506  

Office/Business Equipment

    0.0       39,607  

RIGHTS:

               

Machinery -Diversified

    0.0        

WARRANTS:

               

Biotechnology

    0.0       15,254  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

    10.4       45,905,618  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

    0.2       961,388  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 441,477,690  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
4

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2022

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS — 89.4%

               

Aerospace/Defense — 0.7%

               

AAR Corp.*

    43,040     $ 1,845,555  

AeroVironment, Inc.*

    1,433       127,035  

Curtiss-Wright Corp.

    2,004       294,969  

Hexcel Corp.

    10,414       610,989  

Mercury Systems, Inc.*

    2,290       110,218  

Moog, Inc., Class A

    1,762       132,115  
              3,120,881  

Agriculture — 0.9%

               

Alico, Inc.

    59,890       2,033,265  

Darling Ingredients, Inc.*

    8,943       680,205  

Universal Corp.

    2,252       114,942  

Vector Group Ltd.

    9,371       91,836  

Vital Farms, Inc.*

    75,730       980,703  
              3,900,951  

Airlines — 0.1%

               

Allegiant Travel Co.*

    3,731       360,042  

Hawaiian Holdings, Inc.*

    6,353       95,231  

SkyWest, Inc.*

    8,137       173,237  
              628,510  

Apparel — 0.5%

               

Capri Holdings, Ltd.*

    5,836       275,342  

Crocs, Inc.*

    5,776       425,691  

Kontoor Brands, Inc.

    4,168       155,175  

Lakeland Industries, Inc.*

    95,490       1,289,115  

Skechers U.S.A., Inc., Class A*

    3,666       138,575  
              2,283,898  

Auto Manufacturers — 0.1%

               

Wabash National Corp.

    28,561       469,828  

Auto Parts & Equipment — 1.5%

       

Cooper-Standard Holdings, Inc.*

    33,680       263,714  

Dorman Products, Inc.*

    2,957       268,052  

Fox Factory Holding Corp.*

    3,997       372,560  

Gentherm, Inc.*

    9,297       556,890  

Methode Electronics, Inc.

    2,370       95,890  

Miller Industries Inc.

    35,280       829,433  

Motorcar Parts of America, Inc.*

    102,430       1,522,110  

Shyft Group Inc., (The)

    31,933       764,795  

Standard Motor Products, Inc.

    204       7,487  

Titan International, Inc.*

    57,548       807,399  

Unique Fabricating, Inc.*

    117,190       87,893  

XPEL, Inc.*

    13,967       957,159  
              6,533,382  

Banks — 8.6%

               

Allegiance Bancshares, Inc.

    1,446       61,253  

Ameris Bancorp

    2,245       104,797  

Banner Corp.

    1,733       105,297  

Cadence Bank

    22,282       567,745  

Camden National Corp.

    963       43,556  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Banks — (Continued)

Capital Bancorp, Inc.

    61,270     $ 1,517,658  

Central Pacific Financial Corp.

    3,784       82,453  

City Holding Co.

    4,208       357,722  

Civista Bancshares, Inc.

    70,610       1,493,401  

Colony Bankcorp, Inc.

    82,037       1,158,362  

Community Bank System, Inc.

    1,997       130,564  

Community Trust Bancorp, Inc.

    2,693       113,779  

Customers Bancorp, Inc.*

    13,377       464,048  

CVB Financial Corp.

    8,715       228,682  

Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.

    2,193       68,553  

Eagle Bancorp, Inc.

    2,728       132,390  

Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc.

    77,655       2,902,744  

Farmers National Bancorp.

    112,380       1,605,910  

First BanCorp

    41,247       589,832  

First Business Financial Services, Inc.

    62,899       2,093,279  

First Commonwealth Financial Corp.

    18,699       252,063  

First Financial Bancorp

    24,036       518,697  

First Financial Bankshares, Inc.

    13,162       559,517  

First Financial Corp

    2,707       125,875  

First Hawaiian, Inc.

    13,502       347,136  

First Interstate BancSystem, Inc., Class A

    2,950       118,767  

First Merchants Corp.

    11,387       453,430  

First Northwest Bancorp

    81,410       1,302,560  

Flagstar Bancorp, Inc.

    2,203       84,882  

German American Bancorp, Inc.

    1,217       45,711  

Glacier Bancorp, Inc.

    13,120       664,922  

Heritage Financial Corp.

    5,441       141,412  

HomeStreet, Inc.

    2,233       77,731  

Hope Bancorp, Inc.

    27,648       400,067  

Horizon Bancorp, Inc.

    43,027       814,071  

Independent Bank Corp.

    1,193       93,328  

Independent Bank Group, Inc.

    581       39,136  

Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp.*

    30,929       2,214,207  

NBT Bancorp, Inc.

    1,326       51,422  

Northeast Bank

    58,950       2,285,491  

OFG Bancorp

    7,960       216,512  

Old National Bancorp

    10,450       174,410  

Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.

    59,200       1,523,216  

Parke Bancorp, Inc.

    98,541       2,185,639  

Peoples Financial Services Corp.

    19,560       952,181  

Preferred Bank

    1,379       93,551  

S&T Bancorp, Inc.

    8,702       257,927  

Seacoast Banking Corp. of Florida

    16,380       529,402  

Simmons First National Corp., Class A

    4,453       105,046  

Southside Bancshares, Inc.

    4,513       170,050  

SVB Financial Group*

    807       328,062  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
5

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Banks — (Continued)

Tompkins Financial Corp.

    1,660     $ 118,922  

Triumph Bancorp, Inc.*

    6,250       386,938  

TrustCo Bank Corp. NY

    1,864       62,146  

UMB Financial Corp.

    3,164       283,083  

United Community Banks, Inc.

    12,730       426,837  

Unity Bancorp, Inc.

    71,940       2,016,478  

USCB Financial Holdings, Inc.*

    107,560       1,398,280  

Veritex Holdings, Inc.

    11,815       355,750  

Walker & Dunlop, Inc.

    1,239       124,470  

West BancCorp, Inc.

    78,010       1,919,826  

Westamerica BanCorp

    2,361       132,098  
              38,173,274  

Beverages — 1.3%

               

Celsius Holdings, Inc.*

    13,514       1,398,564  

Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.

    279       132,338  

Duckhorn Portfolio Inc., (The)*

    71,259       1,299,764  

MGP Ingredients, Inc.

    18,124       1,983,853  

National Beverage Corp.

    1,024       56,791  

Vita Coco Co., Inc., (The)*

    63,326       949,257  
              5,820,567  

Biotechnology — 6.0%

               

Akero Therapeutics, Inc.*

    4,302       50,548  

Allogene Therapeutics, Inc.*

    21,861       299,714  

Altimmune, Inc.*

    63,951       1,412,038  

ALX Oncology Holdings, Inc.*

    13,037       169,481  

Anavex Life Sciences Corp.*

    18,361       176,082  

ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    5,276       194,632  

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    22,252       1,346,468  

Arcus Biosciences, Inc.*

    3,194       76,912  

Avid Bioservices, Inc.*

    56,603       974,704  

BELLUS Health, Inc.*

    24,866       283,472  

Biomea Fusion, Inc.*

    26,755       307,682  

C4 Therapeutics, Inc.*

    34,875       351,540  

Cara Therapeutics, Inc.*

    4,259       43,953  

Chinook Therapeutics, Inc.*

    49,181       1,022,965  

CinCor Pharma, Inc.*

    26,586       897,809  

Cogent Biosciences, Inc.*

    3,116       51,383  

Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    95,979       1,812,084  

CTI BioPharma Corp.*

    82,590       518,665  

Cytokinetics, Inc.*

    49,679       2,631,000  

Day One Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    33,152       778,740  

DICE Therapeutics, Inc.*

    39,387       618,376  

Dynavax Technologies Corp.*

    54,158       621,192  

Emergent BioSolutions, Inc.*

    3,096       74,366  

Forma Therapeutics Holdings, Inc.*

    5,236       70,162  

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.*

    4,226       172,125  

Imago Biosciences, Inc.*

    23,322       338,869  

Immunocore Holdings PLC, ADR*

    3,333       176,016  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Biotechnology — (Continued)

Innoviva, Inc.*

    3,337     $ 43,915  

Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc.*

    6,957       349,659  

IVERIC bio, Inc.*

    66,771       657,027  

Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    978       90,357  

MaxCyte, Inc.*

    66,264       344,573  

Myriad Genetics, Inc.*

    6,426       143,557  

Nektar Therapeutics*

    10,752       42,363  

NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    3,616       51,022  

Nuvalent, Inc., Class A*

    47,812       807,067  

Relay Therapeutics, Inc.*

    44,627       1,025,082  

REVOLUTION Medicines, Inc.*

    14,690       305,993  

SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc.*

    13,339       370,424  

Theravance Biopharma, Inc.*

    6,387       57,547  

TransMedics Group, Inc.*

    37,564       1,954,455  

Ventyx Biosciences, Inc.*

    42,085       858,534  

Veru, Inc.*

    8,397       128,474  

Vir Biotechnology, Inc.*

    4,966       117,942  

Viridian Therapeutics, Inc.*

    17,559       389,985  

Xencor, Inc.*

    6,611       174,464  

Xenon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    75,021       2,911,565  
              26,294,983  

Building Materials — 1.1%

               

AAON, Inc.

    4,120       236,818  

American Woodmark Corp.*

    1,043       54,059  

Apogee Enterprises, Inc.

    7,722       315,367  

Armstrong World Industries, Inc.

    18,178       1,526,770  

Boise Cascade Co.

    3,571       222,580  

Gibraltar Industries, Inc.*

    4,141       173,301  

PGT Innovations, Inc.*

    6,101       127,633  

Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.

    2,069       191,672  

SPX Technologies, Inc.*

    4,521       257,968  

Summit Materials, Inc., Class A*

    32,195       914,982  

UFP Industries, Inc.

    8,103       643,297  
              4,664,447  

Chemicals — 0.8%

               

AdvanSix, Inc.

    3,917       142,030  

Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.*

    49,851       1,283,663  

Balchem Corp.

    1,142       150,539  

Chemours Co., (The)

    9,276       312,880  

GCP Applied Technologies, Inc.*

    3,880       121,910  

Innospec, Inc.

    1,121       104,769  

Koppers Holdings, Inc.

    7,974       182,046  

Rogers Corp.*

    1,868       467,971  

Stepan Co.

    2,701       281,525  

Trinseo PLC

    12,949       343,537  
              3,390,870  

Coal — 0.1%

               

SunCoke Energy, Inc.

    7,877       51,909  

Warrior Met Coal, Inc.

    9,551       310,885  
              362,794  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
6

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Commercial Services — 7.5%

               

Acacia Research Corp.*

    317,600     $ 1,426,024  

Adtalem Global Education, Inc.*

    3,449       129,993  

AirSculpt Technologies, Inc.

    87,378       761,936  

Alight, Inc., Class A*

    112,003       882,584  

AMN Healthcare Services, Inc.*

    3,294       338,096  

ARC Document Solutions, Inc.

    598,410       1,765,309  

Arlo Technologies, Inc.*

    8,822       53,726  

ASGN, Inc.*

    2,386       230,726  

Barrett Business Services, Inc.

    46,276       3,731,697  

BGSF, Inc.

    164,190       1,986,420  

Brink’s Co., (The)

    4,054       224,105  

CoreCivic, Inc.*

    163,126       1,554,591  

CorVel Corp.*

    886       137,667  

CRA International, Inc.

    26,500       2,422,365  

Cross Country Healthcare, Inc.*

    69,821       1,772,057  

Deluxe Corp.

    5,675       109,187  

Ennis, Inc.

    2,513       53,351  

European Wax Center, Inc., Class A

    68,791       1,487,949  

EVERTEC, Inc.

    23,311       783,250  

Forrester Research, Inc.*

    938       39,011  

FTI Consulting, Inc.*

    1,965       315,579  

Green Dot Corp., Class A*

    4,948       100,395  

Hackett Group, Inc., (The)

    2,331       47,855  

HealthEquity, Inc.*

    4,879       322,404  

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

    2,031       57,802  

Huron Consulting Group, Inc.*

    8,550       571,995  

I3 Verticals, Inc., Class A*

    32,013       747,824  

Insperity, Inc.

    2,292       249,874  

Kelly Services, Inc., Class A

    46,686       752,111  

Landec Corp.*

    135,448       1,422,204  

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.

    1,203       299,054  

Medifast, Inc.

    1,970       247,196  

Payoneer Global, Inc.*

    209,436       1,386,466  

Performant Financial Corp.*

    95,690       199,992  

Progyny, Inc.*

    5,684       228,554  

Rent-A-Center, Inc.

    3,409       88,088  

Resources Connection, Inc.

    21,223       414,697  

Shift4 Payments, Inc., Class A*

    9,216       417,393  

SP Plus Corp.*

    41,737       1,383,164  

Strategic Education, Inc.

    2,488       160,974  

Stride, Inc.*

    28,891       1,101,903  

Udemy, Inc.*

    47,020       698,717  

Viad Corp.*

    26,198       1,000,240  

WillScot Mobile Mini Holdings Corp.*

    17,778       713,609  
              32,818,134  

Computers — 2.8%

               

3D Systems Corp.*

    9,382       95,040  

CACI International, Inc., Class A*

    1,145       321,596  

Computer Services, Inc.

    42,522       2,419,502  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Computers — (Continued)

DXC Technology Co.*

    26,040     $ 645,271  

Endava PLC, SP ADR*

    7,484       755,884  

ExlService Holdings, Inc.*

    1,497       251,062  

Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc.*

    85,204       1,721,973  

Insight Enterprises, Inc.*

    2,176       198,277  

KnowBe4, Inc. Class A*

    22,728       436,832  

Maximus, Inc.

    6,482       392,744  

NCR Corp.*

    45,851       1,423,674  

One Stop Systems, Inc.*

    183,428       719,038  

Quantum Corp.*

    1,270       1,994  

Rimini Street, Inc.*

    335,950       1,693,188  

Science Applications International Corp.

    1,681       153,089  

Tenable Holdings, Inc.*

    9,988       395,625  

TTEC Holdings, Inc.

    3,501       183,277  

WNS Holdings, Ltd., ADR*

    4,406       371,205  
              12,179,271  

Cosmetics/Personal Care — 0.8%

       

Beauty Health Co., (The)*

    46,493       539,319  

Edgewell Personal Care Co.

    3,259       126,971  

elf Beauty, Inc.*

    57,924       2,208,642  

Inter Parfums, Inc.

    11,173       877,304  
              3,752,236  

Distribution/Wholesale — 0.9%

               

G-III Apparel Group Ltd.*

    19,012       400,583  

Leslie’s, Inc.*

    35,730       506,652  

Manitex International, Inc.*

    307,830       1,665,360  

Pool Corp.

    2,106       714,334  

Univar Solutions, Inc.*

    31,518       794,884  

WESCO International, Inc.*

    371       48,853  
              4,130,666  

Diversified Financial Services — 1.5%

       

Encore Capital Group, Inc.*

    3,458       189,084  

Enova International, Inc.*

    3,612       126,203  

Evercore, Inc., Class A

    3,499       327,821  

Flywire Corp.*

    39,315       977,371  

Houlihan Lokey, Inc.

    5,752       451,532  

Interactive Brokers Group, Inc., Class A

    3,063       188,650  

International Money Express, Inc.*

    45,263       1,013,891  

Silvercrest Asset Management Group, Inc., Class A

    112,586       2,011,912  

Sunlight Financial Holdings, Inc.*

    260,220       796,273  

Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.

    807       154,339  

World Acceptance Corp.*

    2,155       250,497  
              6,487,573  

Electric — 0.1%

               

Unitil Corp.

    6,637       345,721  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
7

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Electrical Components & Equipment — 0.1%

       

Encore Wire Corp.

    1,278     $ 166,268  

Littelfuse, Inc.

    1,079       255,960  
              422,228  

Electronics — 2.0%

               

Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.

    2,466       221,422  

Atkore, Inc.*

    15,191       1,282,272  

Benchmark Electronics, Inc.

    3,566       97,887  

Brady Corp., Class A

    2,928       136,269  

Comtech Telecommunications Corp.

    33,670       380,134  

CTS Corp.

    8,512       360,228  

FARO Technologies, Inc.*

    6,939       232,803  

II-VI, Inc.*

    4,734       223,587  

Itron, Inc.*

    11,150       530,517  

Ituran Location and Control Ltd.

    27,351       679,946  

Kimball Electronics, Inc.*

    121,540       2,617,972  

OSI Systems, Inc.*

    1,136       94,652  

Plexus Corp.*

    2,641       247,541  

Sanmina Corp.*

    6,648       322,561  

TD SYNNEX Corp.

    830       79,912  

TTM Technologies, Inc.*

    8,548       134,460  

Vontier Corp.

    51,988       1,139,577  
              8,781,740  

Energy-Alternate Sources — 0.6%

       

Fluence Energy, Inc.*

    11,273       224,896  

Green Plains, Inc.*

    38,054       1,393,918  

REX American Resources Corp.*

    2,520       76,356  

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.*

    1,052       290,321  

TPI Composites, Inc.*

    25,437       472,874  
              2,458,365  

Engineering & Construction — 2.7%

       

Bowman Consulting Group Ltd.*

    106,020       1,616,805  

Comfort Systems USA, Inc.

    21,625       2,169,852  

Dycom Industries, Inc.*

    12,096       1,356,204  

EMCOR Group, Inc.

    4,741       563,800  

Exponent, Inc.

    7,014       658,334  

MasTec, Inc.*

    4,399       354,120  

Mistras Group, Inc.*

    85,880       474,916  

MYR Group, Inc.*

    5,139       477,619  

NV5 Global, Inc.*

    10,790       1,518,800  

Sterling Infrastructure Inc.*

    92,080       2,328,703  

TopBuild Corp.*

    2,707       497,438  
              12,016,591  

Entertainment — 0.4%

               

Everi Holdings, Inc.*

    70,093       1,296,721  

Light & Wonder, Inc.*

    6,167       303,601  

Monarch Casino & Resort, Inc.*

    3,215       194,154  
              1,794,476  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Environmental Control — 0.6%

               

Energy Recovery, Inc.*

    43,761     $ 1,003,877  

Harsco Corp.*

    12,528       71,034  

Montrose Environmental Group, Inc.*

    30,920       1,243,293  

Tetra Tech, Inc.

    3,198       434,321  
              2,752,525  

Food — 1.7%

               

B&G Foods, Inc.

    10,026       217,163  

Calavo Growers, Inc.

    2,113       88,831  

Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. (The)*

    27,692       923,251  

Grocery Outlet Holding Corp.*

    4,255       170,711  

Hostess Brands, Inc.*

    31,116       721,269  

Ingles Markets, Inc., Class A

    14,569       1,275,225  

J&J Snack Foods Corp.

    2,130       317,434  

John B Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.

    727       58,691  

Real Good Food Co Inc., (The)*

    49,685       354,254  

Seneca Foods Corp., Class A*

    857       45,275  

SpartanNash Co.

    7,719       234,889  

SunOpta, Inc.*

    170,476       1,692,827  

TreeHouse Foods, Inc.*

    2,674       124,608  

United Natural Foods, Inc.*

    8,258       364,013  

Utz Brands, Inc.

    40,475       674,313  

Weis Markets, Inc.

    1,995       155,031  
              7,417,785  

Food Service — 0.3%

               

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.

    3,187       44,841  

Sovos Brands, Inc.*

    87,772       1,340,279  
              1,385,120  

Forest Products & Paper — 0.0%

       

Clearwater Paper Corp.*

    2,737       116,432  

Mercer International, Inc.

    7,834       127,067  
              243,499  

Gas — 0.3%

               

Chesapeake Utilities Corp.

    1,307       165,074  

Northwest Natural Holding Co.

    5,018       238,907  

South Jersey Industries, Inc.

    6,472       219,077  

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

    6,603       514,044  
              1,137,102  

Hand/Machine Tools — 0.4%

               

Franklin Electric Co., Inc.

    1,896       164,668  

Hurco Cos., Inc.

    50,600       1,228,062  

MSA Safety, Inc.

    2,547       302,736  
              1,695,466  

Healthcare-Products — 3.7%

               

ABIOMED, Inc.*

    1,453       376,734  

Adaptive Biotechnologies Corp.*

    25,751       229,699  

Alphatec Holdings, Inc.*

    121,463       921,904  

Atrion Corp.

    185       111,731  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
8

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Healthcare-Products — (Continued)

Azenta, Inc

    8,222     $ 433,382  

BioLife Solutions, Inc.*

    13,301       314,037  

Cerus Corp.*

    62,738       257,853  

Cutera, Inc.*

    17,338       827,889  

Establishment Labs Holdings, Inc.*

    10,203       634,423  

Glaukos Corp.*

    2,779       134,920  

Haemonetics Corp.*

    7,682       576,380  

ICU Medical, Inc.*

    3,767       598,953  

Inari Medical, Inc.*

    5,113       354,587  

Inspire Medical Systems, Inc.*

    4,650       890,428  

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp.*

    3,088       147,328  

Lantheus Holdings, Inc.*

    30,322       2,389,374  

Masimo Corp.*

    2,530       371,632  

Meridian Bioscience, Inc.*

    2,767       90,177  

Merit Medical Systems, Inc.*

    3,088       182,902  

Neogen Corp.*

    4,620       96,558  

NuVasive, Inc.*

    789       33,540  

Omnicell, Inc.*

    4,226       432,278  

Orthofix Medical, Inc.*

    3,487       69,391  

OrthoPediatrics Corp.*

    8,352       410,000  

Patterson Cos Inc.

    32,899       917,553  

PROCEPT BioRobotics Corp.*

    31,410       1,271,477  

Repligen Corp.*

    4,162       913,018  

SeaSpine Holdings Corp.*

    57,641       368,902  

SI-BONE, Inc.*

    29,016       478,764  

Treace Medical Concepts, Inc.*

    29,506       591,005  

Varex Imaging Corp.*

    7,739       163,215  

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

    2,836       841,413  
              16,431,447  

Healthcare-Services — 1.0%

               

Addus HomeCare Corp.*

    1,574       140,432  

Amedisys, Inc.*

    4,986       590,592  

Chemed Corp.

    621       295,714  

Ensign Group, Inc., (The)

    2,982       254,365  

LHC Group, Inc.*

    2,720       439,198  

Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc.*

    44,894       800,011  

ModivCare, Inc.*

    2,212       239,604  

National HealthCare Corp.

    785       54,518  

Pennant Group Inc., (The)*

    1,035       16,218  

RadNet, Inc.*

    45,785       919,821  

Surgery Partners, Inc.*

    11,539       317,669  

Thorne HealthTech, Inc.*

    69,183       323,776  

US Physical Therapy, Inc.

    1,232       101,776  
              4,493,694  

Home Builders — 0.7%

               

Century Communities, Inc.

    9,495       443,321  

Installed Building Products, Inc.

    3,100       280,736  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Home Builders — (Continued)

LCI Industries

    2,012     $ 233,130  

LGI Homes, Inc.*

    5,792       549,719  

M/I Homes, Inc.*

    5,874       253,992  

MDC Holdings, Inc.

    4,389       136,410  

Skyline Champion Corp.*

    15,771       893,743  

Winnebago Industries, Inc.

    5,231       301,201  
              3,092,252  

Home Furnishings — 0.2%

               

Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Co., Class A

    6,950       85,833  

iRobot Corp.*

    968       56,996  

Sleep Number Corp.*

    13,940       577,534  
              720,363  

Household Products/Wares — 0.1%

       

Central Garden & Pet Co.*

    2,315       92,415  

Quanex Building Products Corp.

    6,753       150,592  

WD-40 Co.

    1,558       294,711  
              537,718  

Housewares — 0.4%

               

Lifetime Brands, Inc.

    159,883       1,426,157  

Tupperware Brands Corp.*

    20,372       228,981  
              1,655,138  

Insurance — 2.7%

               

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co.

    54,876       2,085,288  

AMERISAFE, Inc.

    965       46,146  

Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.

    28,437       1,511,427  

BRP Group, Inc., Class A*

    41,990       1,318,486  

Donegal Group, Inc., Class A

    5,484       79,628  

Employers Holdings, Inc.

    3,627       142,033  

Genworth Financial, Inc., Class A*

    268,223       1,131,901  

HCI Group, Inc.

    2,480       118,519  

Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc.

    1,300       3,432  

Horace Mann Educators Corp.

    1,864       66,675  

James River Group Holdings Ltd.

    17,313       411,357  

NMI Holdings, Inc., Class A*

    9,565       196,370  

Palomar Holdings, Inc.*

    18,949       1,502,466  

RLI Corp.

    1,478       162,225  

Safety Insurance Group, Inc.

    1,668       150,203  

Selective Insurance Group, Inc.

    3,866       307,038  

Stewart Information Services Corp.

    2,200       111,408  

United Fire Group, Inc.

    2,567       75,547  

Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc.

    6,184       73,837  

White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd.

    1,784       2,444,080  
              11,938,066  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
9

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Internet — 1.2%

               

ChannelAdvisor Corp.*

    38,897     $ 586,956  

Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.

    1,297       69,065  

Couchbase, Inc.*

    40,636       674,151  

ePlus, Inc.*

    27,255       1,284,256  

Eventbrite, Inc., Class A*

    43,341       308,154  

HealthStream, Inc.*

    6,987       154,622  

Liquidity Services, Inc.*

    35,894       627,786  

Perion Network Ltd.*

    21,662       442,988  

TechTarget, Inc.*

    2,423       157,253  

Tucows, Inc., Class A*

    2,582       121,328  

Yelp, Inc.*

    27,739       947,842  
              5,374,401  

Investment Companies — 0.3%

               

Cannae Holdings, Inc.*

    69,782       1,507,989  

Iron/Steel — 0.4%

               

ATI, Inc.*

    52,411       1,568,661  

Carpenter Technology Corp.

    11,908       404,515  
              1,973,176  

Leisure Time — 0.6%

               

Callaway Golf Co.*

    4,678       103,524  

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc.*

    30,817       238,216  

OneSpaWorld Holdings Ltd.*

    38,641       340,427  

Planet Fitness, Inc., Class A*

    2,907       196,949  

Vista Outdoor, Inc.*

    14,337       403,157  

Xponential Fitness, Inc., Class A*

    75,743       1,388,369  
              2,670,642  

Lodging — 0.4%

               

Boyd Gaming Corp.

    4,776       259,958  

Full House Resorts, Inc.*

    44,922       302,774  

Playa Hotels & Resorts NV*

    211,757       1,389,126  
              1,951,858  

Machinery-Construction & Mining — 0.4%

               

Argan, Inc.

    26,500       916,635  

Astec Industries, Inc.

    3,361       128,323  

Bloom Energy Corp., Class A*

    13,765       349,769  

BWX Technologies, Inc.

    6,354       331,234  
              1,725,961  

Machinery-Diversified — 1.1%

               

Albany International Corp., Class A

    1,126       99,302  

Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.

    1,045       110,791  

Chart Industries, Inc.*

    5,860       1,136,020  

Enovis Corp.*

    4,890       247,678  

Esab Corp.

    8,960       368,166  

Kornit Digital Ltd.*

    5,340       165,967  

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Machinery-Diversified — (Continued)

Lindsay Corp.

    3,672     $ 588,842  

Tennant Co.

    2,414       145,685  

Toro Co., (The)

    5,348       443,510  

Twin Disc, Inc.*

    183,595       1,707,434  
              5,013,395  

Media — 0.1%

               

EW Scripps Co., (The), Class A*

    6,465       96,652  

Liberty Latin America Ltd., Class C*

    44,088       307,293  

Scholastic Corp.

    5,613       257,693  
              661,638  

Metal Fabricate/Hardware — 1.5%

       

AZZ, Inc.

    1,964       83,686  

Mueller Industries, Inc.

    5,975       377,441  

Northwest Pipe Co.*

    103,910       3,289,791  

Standex International Corp.

    1,485       134,259  

Strattec Security Corp.*

    49,880       1,361,724  

Xometry, Inc., Class A*

    30,056       1,473,044  
              6,719,945  

Mining — 0.5%

               

Century Aluminum Co.*

    18,637       143,878  

Energy Fuels, Inc.*

    81,846       664,589  

Kaiser Aluminum Corp.

    3,076       220,734  

Livent Corp.*

    4,171       134,223  

Uranium Energy Corp.*

    194,947       881,160  
              2,044,584  

Miscellaneous Manufacturing — 0.7%

       

Axon Enterprise, Inc.*

    5,340       623,071  

EnPro Industries, Inc.

    4,961       449,268  

ESCO Technologies, Inc.

    1,920       156,346  

Fabrinet*

    7,774       799,478  

John Bean Technologies Corp.

    2,493       257,427  

Materion Corp.

    2,877       248,314  

Myers Industries, Inc.

    2,441       47,160  

Park Aerospace Corp.

    54,991       632,947  

Sturm Ruger & Co., Inc.

    968       50,578  
              3,264,589  

Office Furnishings — 0.0%

               

Interface, Inc.

    5,954       66,506  

Office/Business Equipment — 0.0%

       

Pitney Bowes, Inc.

    13,705       39,607  

Oil & Gas — 2.8%

               

Centennial Resource Development Inc., Class A*

    120,231       989,501  

Evolution Petroleum Corp.

    53,143       368,813  

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

    4,567       195,239  

HF Sinclair Corp.

    14,609       768,872  

Matador Resources Co.

    22,314       1,329,914  

Nabors Industries Ltd.*

    628       83,216  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
10

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Oil & Gas — (Continued)

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.

    129,112     $ 1,923,769  

PBF Energy, Inc., Class A*

    5,245       179,169  

PDC Energy, Inc.

    21,646       1,469,980  

Range Resources Corp.*

    29,237       960,728  

Ranger Oil Corp., Class A

    27,486       1,071,679  

SM Energy Co.

    25,184       1,109,859  

Southwestern Energy Co.*

    112,602       843,389  

Talos Energy, Inc.*

    23,929       496,048  

Vertex Energy, Inc.*

    86,736       737,256  
              12,527,432  

Oil & Gas Services — 1.2%

               

DMC Global, Inc.*

    44,400       991,008  

Dril-Quip, Inc.*

    2,609       57,737  

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc.*

    41,891       180,969  

MRC Global, Inc.*

    7,000       68,110  

Natural Gas Services Group, Inc.*

    181,610       2,021,319  

NexTier Oilfield Solutions, Inc.*

    72,224       676,739  

NOW, Inc.*

    14,472       175,401  

Oceaneering International, Inc.*

    48,849       432,314  

Profire Energy, Inc.*

    564,330       620,763  

Select Energy Services, Inc., Class A*

    8,411       59,802  
              5,284,162  

Packaging & Containers — 0.4%

       

Karat Packaging, Inc.*

    40,640       727,050  

Matthews International Corp., Class A

    5,499       137,530  

O-I Glass, Inc.*

    6,528       84,929  

TriMas Corp.

    35,247       969,997  
              1,919,506  

Pharmaceuticals — 1.7%

               

Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    6,504       98,210  

Alector, Inc.*

    13,353       138,204  

Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    6,771       200,422  

Anika Therapeutics, Inc.*

    3,736       84,434  

Corcept Therapeutics, Inc.*

    5,448       140,667  

Covetrus, Inc.*

    7,711       160,929  

Embecta Corp.

    3,950       126,084  

Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    4,093       249,182  

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    9,019       97,044  

KalVista Pharmaceuticals Inc.*

    13,213       217,618  

Merus NV*

    46,885       1,110,237  

Morphic Holding, Inc.*

    8,218       226,159  

Option Care Health, Inc.*

    11,631       360,096  

Owens & Minor, Inc.

    7,220       213,062  

Pacira BioSciences, Inc.*

    815       42,771  

Premier, Inc., Class A

    59,941       2,112,321  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Pharmaceuticals — (Continued)

Prestige Consumer Healthcare, Inc.*

    5,420     $ 274,144  

Relmada Therapeutics, Inc.*

    2,558       74,540  

Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    2,601       89,032  

USANA Health Sciences, Inc.*

    2,372       153,041  

Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*

    4,553       48,171  

Vaxcyte, Inc.*

    34,028       890,173  

Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc.*

    19,929       320,458  
              7,426,999  

Pipelines — 0.4%

               

Golar LNG Ltd.*

    62,975       1,717,328  

Real Estate — 0.7%

               

Anywhere Real Estate, Inc.*

    7,502       73,294  

Marcus & Millichap, Inc.

    1,931       72,181  

McGrath RentCorp

    26,891       2,272,827  

Newmark Group, Inc., Class A

    29,808       305,532  

RE/MAX Holdings, Inc., Class A

    5,668       129,004  

RMR Group, Inc. (The), Class A

    1,828       47,601  
              2,900,439  

REITS — 3.2%

               

Agree Realty Corp.

    1,641       123,600  

Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.

    4,543       85,090  

Alexander’s, Inc.

    1,344       318,394  

Alpine Income Property Trust, Inc.

    122,664       2,226,352  

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc.

    44,054       513,229  

Bluerock Residential Growth REIT, Inc.

    1,822       48,556  

CareTrust REIT, Inc.

    11,531       248,378  

CatchMark Timber Trust, Inc., Class A

    13,392       142,625  

Centerspace

    3,158       238,050  

Chatham Lodging Trust*

    17,141       208,435  

Community Healthcare Trust, Inc.

    2,769       102,148  

CTO Realty Growth, Inc.

    3,783       79,859  

DiamondRock Hospitality Co.*

    13,130       114,625  

Diversified Healthcare Trust

    23,346       34,085  

Easterly Government Properties, Inc.

    16,631       298,526  

EastGroup Properties, Inc.

    2,590       427,428  

Farmland Partners, Inc.

    4,288       62,219  

Getty Realty Corp.

    5,173       155,604  

Global Medical REIT, Inc.

    168,570       1,827,299  

Great Ajax Corp.

    201,011       1,819,149  

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

    2,820       68,583  

Kite Realty Group Trust

    7,450       144,232  

KKR Real Estate Finance Trust, Inc.

    9,611       185,108  

LTC Properties, Inc.

    5,085       228,266  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
11

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

REITS — (Continued)

LXP Industrial Trust

    12,112     $ 121,847  

Medical Properties Trust, Inc.

    5,867       85,717  

National Health Investors, Inc.

    3,090       202,426  

New York Mortgage Trust, Inc.

    183,589       514,049  

NexPoint Residential Trust, Inc.

    2,319       122,490  

Office Properties Income Trust

    7,143       125,502  

One Liberty Properties, Inc.

    1,957       47,262  

PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust

    24,404       362,399  

Ready Capital Corp.

    6,588       86,303  

Redwood Trust, Inc.

    77,920       603,880  

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

    28,261       473,372  

Saul Centers, Inc.

    4,226       187,169  

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.

    33,410       515,182  

Uniti Group, Inc.

    1,231       11,559  

Universal Health Realty Income Trust

    6,487       330,123  

Urstadt Biddle Properties, Inc., Class A

    11,163       186,645  

Veris Residential, Inc.*

    4,857       65,278  

Washington Real Estate Investment Trust

    2,408       47,221  

Whitestone REIT

    16,868       165,981  
              13,954,245  

Retail — 5.3%

               

Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.*

    6,470       1,128,886  

Aspen Aerogels, Inc.*

    33,140       431,151  

Big Lots, Inc.

    7,174       147,569  

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.*

    7,047       176,739  

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc.*

    36,443       2,714,639  

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.

    20,453       413,560  

Boot Barn Holdings, Inc.*

    5,509       367,010  

Buckle, Inc., (The)

    2,951       95,258  

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

    142,850       2,188,462  

Caleres, Inc.

    25,629       654,052  

Casey’s General Stores, Inc.

    1,888       403,598  

Chuy’s Holdings, Inc.*

    3,285       73,354  

Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc.*

    14,594       603,316  

Designer Brands, Inc., Class A

    23,923       408,126  

Destination XL Group, Inc.*

    391,880       2,159,259  

Dine Brands Gloab, Inc.

    1,134       75,524  

Dutch Bros, Inc., Class A*

    5,760       210,240  

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.*

    9,027       81,694  

FirstCash Holdings, Inc.

    2,930       228,423  

Five Below, Inc.*

    3,696       472,645  

Freshpet, Inc.*

    6,837       297,615  

Genesco, Inc.*

    1,975       111,746  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Retail — (Continued)

GMS, Inc.*

    16,779     $ 808,748  

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

    2,270       405,399  

Guess?, Inc.

    12,246       213,938  

Hibbett, Inc.

    1,413       82,802  

Kura Sushi USA, Inc., Class A*

    19,247       1,438,906  

Lithia Motors, Inc.

    382       101,398  

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., Class A

    6,984       553,203  

Murphy USA, Inc.

    5,647       1,638,590  

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc.*

    6,111       337,999  

Papa John’s International, Inc.

    5,554       448,930  

PC Connection, Inc.

    968       48,090  

PetMed Express, Inc.

    4,164       85,653  

PriceSmart, Inc.

    1,079       68,268  

RH*

    2,399       613,928  

Shake Shack, Inc., Class A*

    8,428       401,678  

Shoe Carnival, Inc.

    6,304       149,972  

Signet Jewelers Ltd.

    5,100       333,387  

Texas Roadhouse, Inc.

    7,162       635,699  

Tilly’s, Inc.

    86,100       645,750  

Wingstop, Inc.

    3,135       356,951  

World Fuel Services Corp.

    19,749       509,524  

Zumiez, Inc.*

    3,678       95,481  
              23,417,160  

Savings & Loans — 1.5%

               

Axos Financial, Inc.*

    3,461       144,601  

Banc of California, Inc.

    5,748       97,026  

Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc.

    17,583       496,016  

Brookline Bancorp, Inc.

    4,100       51,127  

Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc.

    73,660       1,421,638  

FS Bancorp, Inc.

    66,364       1,971,674  

Northfield Bancorp, Inc.

    4,651       68,556  

Northwest Bancshares, Inc.

    5,826       81,972  

Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.

    8,033       263,161  

Provident Financial Services, Inc.

    10,750       249,722  

Riverview Bancorp, Inc.

    239,710       1,689,956  
              6,535,449  

Semiconductors — 4.3%

               

Allegro MicroSystems, Inc.*

    18,483       431,024  

Amtech Systems, Inc.*

    249,720       2,771,892  

Axcelis Technologies, Inc.*

    23,863       1,597,389  

AXT, Inc.*

    303,422       2,606,395  

Cirrus Logic, Inc.*

    3,525       270,332  

Entegris, Inc.

    712       67,555  

FormFactor, Inc.*

    13,690       400,843  

Impinj, Inc.*

    29,950       2,673,936  

inTEST Corp.*

    253,210       2,248,505  

Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc.

    6,419       269,855  

Lattice Semiconductor Corp.*

    6,933       373,689  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
12

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Semiconductors — (Continued)

MKS Instruments, Inc.

    1,371     $ 136,565  

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.

    1,952       884,607  

Onto Innovation, Inc.*

    7,798       553,580  

Photronics, Inc.*

    104,035       1,747,788  

Power Integrations, Inc.

    9,598       686,545  

Semtech Corp.*

    5,218       241,020  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*

    2,216       277,731  

SMART Global Holdings, Inc.*

    34,278       629,001  

Veeco Instruments, Inc.*

    3,472       73,398  
              18,941,650  

Software — 2.8%

               

ACI Worldwide, Inc.*

    46,120       1,093,044  

Agilysys, Inc.*

    14,704       761,226  

Alkami Technology, Inc.*

    45,964       666,478  

Alteryx, Inc., Class A*

    5,482       341,638  

Apollo Medical Holdings, Inc.*

    1,002       43,216  

Asure Software, Inc.*

    4,120       22,413  

BigCommerce Holdings, Inc.*

    23,885       398,163  

Blackbaud, Inc.*

    799       41,788  

Blackline, Inc.*

    5,344       363,071  

BM Technologies, Inc.*

    1,100       6,952  

Computer Programs & Systems, Inc.*

    36,865       1,124,751  

Concentrix Corp.

    830       104,397  

CSG Systems International, Inc.

    2,981       172,451  

Digi International, Inc.*

    23,767       786,925  

Docebo, Inc.*

    25,363       762,158  

DoubleVerify Holdings, Inc.*

    17,542       453,461  

Doximity, Inc., Class A*

    11,566       383,876  

Expensify, Inc., Class A*

    21,711       393,620  

Five9, Inc.*

    4,103       402,545  

HireRight Holdings Corp.*

    46,414       754,692  

Jamf Holding Corp.*

    14,484       346,892  

JFrog Ltd.*

    19,426       410,860  

LivePerson, Inc.*

    9,192       106,627  

ManTech International Corp., Class A

    2,301       220,689  

PagerDuty, Inc.*

    11,627       302,767  

Phreesia, Inc.*

    31,413       806,058  

Progress Software Corp.

    5,306       255,378  

Sprout Social, Inc., Class A*

    5,841       350,694  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.*

    3,504       429,450  
              12,306,280  

Telecommunications — 1.7%

               

A10 Networks, Inc.

    29,036       403,601  

ADTRAN Holdings, Inc.

    2,355       54,730  

ATN International, Inc.

    2,975       139,379  

Aviat Networks, Inc.*

    21,566       675,016  

Calix, Inc.*

    23,513       1,383,740  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Telecommunications — (Continued)

Clearfield, Inc.*

    16,730     $ 1,942,520  

Extreme Networks, Inc.*

    88,905       1,274,009  

Harmonic, Inc.*

    60,662       683,054  

IDT Corp., Class B*

    3,111       79,548  

Iridium Communications, Inc.*

    9,628       427,387  

NETGEAR, Inc.*

    615       14,508  

Shenandoah Telecommunications Co.

    6,056       134,988  

United States Cellular Corp.*

    2,249       64,299  

Viavi Solutions, Inc.*

    23,640       332,851  
              7,609,630  

Textiles — 0.5%

               

UniFirst Corp.

    11,557       2,083,265  

Toys/Games/Hobbies — 0.4%

               

Funko, Inc., Class A*

    59,358       1,321,903  

JAKKS Pacific, Inc.*

    12,529       280,649  
              1,602,552  

Transportation — 2.0%

               

Air Transport Services Group, Inc.*

    150,002       4,519,560  

ArcBest Corp.

    7,779       626,443  

Forward Air Corp.

    9,106       883,646  

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.

    1,873       94,605  

Marten Transport Ltd.

    7,327       145,148  

Matson, Inc.

    1,566       115,352  

PAM Transportation Services, Inc.*

    36,826       1,094,101  

Saia, Inc.*

    4,875       1,008,296  

Scorpio Tankers, Inc.

    4,242       176,467  
              8,663,618  

Water — 0.1%

               

American States Water Co.

    1,758       145,861  

California Water Service Group

    1,969       115,245  

York Water Co., (The)

    2,246       98,757  
              359,863  

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS

               

(Cost $296,664,635)

            394,595,430  
                 

RIGHTS — 0.0%

               

Machinery -Diversified — 0.0%

               

EVERCEL INC CVR*

    350,100        

TOTAL RIGHTS

               

(Cost $ )

             
                 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
13

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (CONCLUDED)

August 31, 2022

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

WARRANTS — 0.0%

               

Biotechnology — 0.0%

               

EQRx, Inc.*

    16,581     $ 15,254  

TOTAL WARRANTS

               

(Cost $28,553)

            15,254  
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 10.4%

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.00%(a)

    45,905,618       45,905,618  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

               

(Cost $45,905,618)

            45,905,618  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS 99.8%

               

(Cost $342,598,806)

            440,516,302  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES 0.2%

            961,388  

NET ASSETS 100.0%

          $ 441,477,690  

 

 

*    Non-income producing security

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.

 

ADR

American Depositary Receipt

 

PLC

Public Limited Company

 

REIT

Real Estate Investment Trust

 

SP ADR

Sponsored ADR

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
14

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


STATEMENT of Assets and Liabilities

August 31, 2022

 

ASSETS

       

Investments, at value (cost $296,693,188)

  $ 394,610,684  

Short-term investments, at value (cost $45,905,618)

    45,905,618  

Receivables for:

       

Investments sold

    1,142,961  

Dividends

    266,688  

Capital shares sold

    449,230  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    40,869  

Total assets

    442,416,050  
         

LIABILITIES

       

Payables for:

       

Investments purchased

    508,806  

Capital shares redeemed

    55,020  

Sub-advisory fees

    246,547  

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    127,987  

Total liabilities

    938,360  

Net assets

  $ 441,477,690  
         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

       

Par value

  $ 30,679  

Paid-in capital

    350,894,869  

Total distributable earnings/(loss)

    90,552,142  

Net assets

  $ 441,477,690  
         

CAPITAL SHARES:

       

Net Assets

    441,477,690  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    30,679,428  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 14.39  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
15

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Statement of Operations

FOR THE YEAR ENDED August 31, 2022

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $7,180)

  $ 4,506,229  

Total investment income

    4,506,229  
         

EXPENSES

       

Sub-advisory fees (Note 2)

    3,389,193  

Administration and accounting services fees (Note 2)

    194,926  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    59,487  

Director fees

    57,394  

Legal fees

    55,785  

Custodian fees (Note 2)

    47,979  

Officer fees

    43,269  

Registration and filing fees

    34,726  

Audit fees and tax services

    33,806  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    6,059  

Other expenses

    121,462  

Total expenses

    4,044,086  

Net investment income/(loss)

    462,143  
         

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

       

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    7,961,046  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    (94,979,643 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    (87,018,597 )

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ (86,556,454 )

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
16

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 462,143     $ (868,250 )

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    7,961,046       103,633,563  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    (94,979,643 )     105,939,183  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (86,556,454 )     208,704,496  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (105,103,713 )     (5,747,679 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (105,103,713 )     (5,747,679 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    47,018,138       22,544,942  

Reinvestment of distributions

    86,226,516       5,252,862  

Shares redeemed

    (36,283,870 )     (56,019,750 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from capital share transactions

    96,960,784       (28,221,946 )

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    (94,699,383 )     174,734,871  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    536,177,073       361,442,202  

End of period

  $ 441,477,690     $ 536,177,073  
                 

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    2,989,240       1,248,118  

Shares reinvested

    4,890,897       311,927  

Shares redeemed

    (2,172,006 )     (2,921,970 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares

    5,708,131       (1,361,925 )

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
17

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2018

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 21.47     $ 13.73     $ 12.89     $ 16.76     $ 12.94  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.02       (0.03 )     (0.01 )     (0.01 )     (0.01 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (2.88 )     7.99       1.33       (1.99 )     4.36  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (2.86 )     7.96       1.32       (2.00 )     4.35  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net realized capital gains

    (4.22 )     (0.22 )     (0.48 )     (1.87 )     (0.53 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (4.22 )     (0.22 )     (0.48 )     (1.87 )     (0.53 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 14.39     $ 21.47     $ 13.73     $ 12.89     $ 16.76  

Total investment return/(loss)(2)

    (16.93 )%     58.41 %     10.47 %     (11.16 )%     34.54 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 441,478     $ 536,177     $ 361,442     $ 291,859     $ 349,352  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.84 %     0.84 %     0.90 %     0.93 %     0.90 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    0.10 %     (0.18 )%     (0.08 )%     (0.08 )%     (0.07 )%

Portfolio turnover rate

    56 %     75 %     101 %     80 %     86 %

 

 

(1)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

 

(2)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
18

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

August 31, 2022

 

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has forty-eight separate investment portfolios, including the Adara Smaller Companies Fund (the “Fund”), which commenced investment operations on October 21, 2014.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 90.023 billion shares are currently classified into two hundred and eleven classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

The Fund’s investment objective seeks capital appreciation.

 

The Fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services - Investment Companies”.

 

The end of the reporting period for the Fund is August 31, 2022, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

PORTFOLIO VALUATION – The Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Fund are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, securities traded principally on an exchange or on NASDAQ will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Investments in Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”) are valued at their last reported sale price. Foreign securities are valued based on prices from the primary market in which they are traded, and are translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. Investments in other open-end investment companies, if any, are valued based on the NAV of those investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as disclosed in their prospectuses). If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the RBB Fund, Inc.’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.    

 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS – The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

● Level 1 —

Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

● Level 2 —

Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

● Level 3 —

Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

19

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

August 31, 2022

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the current fiscal period, in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value:

 

   

Total

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Common Stocks

  $ 394,595,430     $ 394,595,430     $     $  

Rights

                **      

Warrants

    15,254       15,254              

Short-Term Investments

    45,905,618       45,905,618              

Total Investments*

  $ 440,516,302     $ 440,516,302     $     $  

 

*

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments for further details.

 

**

Value equals zero as of the end of the reporting period.

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Fund’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Fund may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires the Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when the Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for Level 3 transfers are disclosed if the Fund had an amount of total transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

For the current fiscal period, the Fund had no Level 3 transfers.

 

REITS — The Fund has made certain investments in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) which pay dividends to their shareholders based upon available funds from operations. It is quite common for these dividends to exceed the REITs’ taxable earnings and profits resulting in the excess portion being designated as a return of capital. The Fund intends to include the gross dividends from such REITs in its annual distributions to shareholders and, accordingly, a portion of the Fund’s distributions may also be designated as a return of capital.

 

USE OF ESTIMATES — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS, INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES — The Fund records security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a

 

20

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

August 31, 2022

 

return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The Fund’s investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with The RBB Fund Trust (formerly, PENN Capital Funds Trust) (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Fund.

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS — Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains (including net short-term capital gains), if any, are declared and paid at least annually to shareholders recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

U.S. TAX STATUS — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is the Fund’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC — The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. Although vaccines for COVID-19 are available, the ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers are not known. The operational and financial performance of the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and the pace of recovery which may vary from market to market, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

UKRAINE-RUSSIA CONFLICT RISK — In February 2022, Russia commenced a military attack on Ukraine. The outbreak of hostilities between the two countries and the threat of wider-spread hostilities could have a severe adverse effect on the region and global economies, including significant negative impacts on the markets for certain securities and commodities, such as oil and natural gas. In addition, sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States and other countries, and any sanctions imposed in the future, could have a significant adverse impact on the Russian economy and related markets. The price and liquidity of investments may fluctuate widely as a result of the conflict and related events. How long the armed conflict and related events will last cannot be predicted. These tensions and any related events could have a significant impact on Fund performance and the value of Fund investments, even beyond any direct exposure the Fund may have to issuers located in these countries.

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

OTHER — In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Fund in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Fund expects the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

2. Investment Adviser and Other Services

 

Altair Advisers, LLC (“Altair” or the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Aperio Group, LLC, Driehaus Capital Management, LLC, Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC, Pier Capital, LLC and River Road Asset Management, LLC each serve as an investment sub-adviser (“Sub-Adviser”) to the Fund.

 

21

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

August 31, 2022

 

The Fund is managed by the Adviser and one or more Sub-Advisers unaffiliated with the Adviser. The Adviser also has the ultimate responsibility to oversee the Sub-Advisers, and to recommend their hiring, termination and replacement, subject to approval by the Board. The Adviser has an investment team that is jointly responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. The Sub-Advisers provide investment advisory services to the portion of the Fund’s portfolio allocated to them by the Adviser. The Adviser and the Fund have entered into sub-advisory agreements with the Sub-Advisers to manage the Fund, subject to supervision of the Adviser and the Board, and in accordance with the investment objective and restrictions of the Fund. The Fund compensates the Sub-Advisers for their services at an annual rate based on the Fund’s average daily net assets, (the “Sub-Advisory Fee”), not to exceed 1.00%, payable on a monthly basis in arrears.

 

During the current fiscal period, collectively, sub-advisory fees accrued were $3,389,193, or the rate of 0.71%.

 

The Fund is currently only available to clients of the Adviser and to other investors at the Fund’s discretion. The Adviser does not receive a separate management fee from the Fund. However, pursuant to the Fund’s investment advisory agreement with the Adviser, the Adviser is entitled to receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses it incurs in connection with its compliance monitoring of Fund trading, up to 0.01% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. During the current fiscal period, the Adviser received $62,329.

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as administrator for the Fund. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Fund’s transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Fund. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Statement of Operations.

 

3. Director and Officer Compensation

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as Chief Compliance Officer of the Company and served as President of the Company until August 2022. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Fund or the Company. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Statement of Operations.

 

4. Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) of the Fund were as follows:

 

PURCHASES

SALES

$255,897,460

$289,497,549

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government securities during the current fiscal period.

 

22

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

August 31, 2022

 

5. Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Fund has followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Fund to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Fund has determined that there was no effect on the financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Fund is subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

As of August 31, 2022, the federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by the Fund were as follows:

 

FEDERAL
TAX COST

UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION

UNREALIZED
(DEPRECIATION)

Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

$345,369,549

$120,471,149

$(25,324,396)

$95,146,753

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

As of August 31, 2022, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

UNDISTRIBUTED
ORDINARY
INCOME

UNDISTRIBUTED
LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAINS

CAPITAL LOSS
CARRYFORWARDS

NET UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

QUALIFIED
LATE-YEAR
LOSSES

$—

$—

$—

$95,146,753

$(4,594,611)

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate primarily to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes. Short-term and foreign currency gains, if applicable, are reported as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2022 and August 31, 2021 was as follows:

 

   

ORDINARY
INCOME

   

LONG-TERM
GAINS

   

TOTAL

 

2022

  $ 40,918,809     $ 64,184,904     $ 105,103,713  

2021

  $     $ 5,747,679     $ 5,747,679  

 

Pursuant to federal income tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies, the Fund may elect to treat certain capital losses between November 1 and August 31 and late year ordinary losses ((i) ordinary losses between January 1 and August 31, and (ii) specified ordinary and currency losses between November 1 and August 31) as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, any amount of losses elected within the tax return will not be recognized for federal income tax purposes until September 1, 2022.

 

23

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONCLUDED)

August 31, 2022

 

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period. Additionally, capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered all short-term as under the previous law. As of August 31, 2022, the Fund had no unexpiring short-term or long-term losses.

 

6. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In October 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted new regulations governing the use of derivatives by registered investment companies (“Rule 18f-4”). Rule 18f-4 imposes limits on the amount of derivatives a fund can enter into, eliminates the asset segregation framework previously used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, and requires funds whose use of derivatives is greater than a limited specified amount to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager. The Fund is required to comply with Rule 18f-4 and has adopted procedures for investing in derivatives and other transactions in compliance with Rule 18f-4. Rule 18f-4 may require the Fund to observe more stringent requirements than were previously imposed by the 1940 Act, which could adversely affect the ability of the Fund to engage in certain derivatives transactions and/or increase the costs of such derivatives transactions, which could adversely affect the Fund’s performance and increase costs related to the Fund’s use of derivatives.

 

In December 2020, the SEC adopted a new rule providing a framework for fund valuation practices (“Rule 2a-5”). Rule 2a-5 establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the 1940 Act. Rule 2a-5 will permit fund boards to designate certain parties to perform fair value determinations, subject to board oversight and certain other conditions. Rule 2a-5 also defines when market quotations are “readily available” for purposes of the 1940 Act and the threshold for determining whether a fund must fair value a security. In connection with Rule 2a-5, the SEC also adopted related recordkeeping requirements and is rescinding previously issued guidance, including with respect to the role of a board in determining fair value and the accounting and auditing of fund investments. The Fund will be required to comply with the rules by September 8, 2022. Effective September 8, 2022 and pursuant to the requirements of Rule 2a-5, the Board designated the Adviser as its valuation designee to perform fair value determinations and approved new valuation procedures for the Fund.

 

In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments on the financial statements.

 

7. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through the date the financial statements were issued, and has determined that there were no subsequent events.

 

24

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. and Shareholders of Adara Smaller Companies Fund

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the portfolio of investments, of Adara Smaller Companies Fund (one of the funds constituting The RBB Fund, Inc., hereafter referred to as the “Fund”) as of August 31, 2022, the related statement of operations for the year ended August 31, 2022, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2022, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2022 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of August 31, 2022, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2022 and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2022 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

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

 

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2022 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 


Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 28, 2022

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Altair Advisers, LLC investment companies since 2015.

 

25

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


SHAREHOLDER TAX INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 

Certain tax information regarding the Fund is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Fund’s income and distributions for the taxable period ended August 31, 2022. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ending December 31, 2022. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, the following dividends and distributions were paid by the Fund:

 

Ordinary
income

long-term
gains

$40,918,809

$64,184,904

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under the Jobs and Growth Tax relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 the following percentages of ordinary dividends paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022 are designated as “qualified dividend income,” as defined in the Act, and are subject to reduced tax rates:

 

Adara Smaller Companies Fund

7.69%

 

The percentage of total ordinary income dividends paid qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction for the Fund is as follows:

 

Adara Smaller Companies Fund

7.61%

 

The percentage of ordinary income distributions designated as qualified short-term gains pursuant to the American Job Creation Act of 2004 is as follows:

 

Adara Smaller Companies Fund

98.94%

 

Because the Fund’s fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2022. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2023.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Fund, if any.

 

In general, dividends received by tax-exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Fund.

 

26

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Other Information (Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling (844) 261-6482 and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

 

The Company files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered (1) the renewal of the investment advisory agreement between Altair and the Company (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the Fund, and (2) the renewal of the sub-advisory agreements among Altair, the Company and each of Aperio Group, LLC, Driehaus Capital Management, LLC, Pacific Ridge Capital Partners, LLC, Pier Capital, LLC, and River Road Asset Management, LLC (collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) (together, the “Sub-Advisory Agreements”), at a meeting of the Board held on May 11-12, 2022 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements, the Board considered information provided by Altair and each of the Sub-Advisers with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Company and Altair with respect to the Fund, and the Sub-Advisory Agreements between Altair and each Sub-Adviser with respect to the Fund, the Directors took into account all materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of services provided to the Fund by Altair and each Sub-Adviser; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of the personnel providing those services; (iii) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ advisory fee arrangements and other similarly managed clients, as applicable; (vii) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ compliance procedures; (viii) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ financial information and insurance coverage, as applicable; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Fund; (x) a report prepared by Broadridge/Lipper comparing the Fund’s management fees and total expense ratio to those of its Lipper Group and comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its Lipper Group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its benchmark.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Altair and each Sub-Adviser. The Directors concluded that Altair and each Sub-Adviser had substantial resources to provide services to the Fund, and that Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ services had been acceptable.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Fund and considered the Fund’s investment performance in light of its investment objective and investment strategies. The Directors noted that the Fund had outperformed its primary benchmark for the one-year, three-year, and five-year periods ended March 31, 2022. The Directors also considered the Fund’s 1st quintile ranking within its Lipper Performance Group for the two-year, three-year, four-year, and five-year periods ended December 31, 2021.

 

27

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Other Information (Unaudited)

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Fund and the Fund’s total operating expense ratio were compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms. The Directors noted that the Fund’s actual advisor fees ranked in the 2nd quintile of its Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 1st quintile of its Lipper Expense Group. The Directors considered that the Fund does not pay a contractual management fee to Altair, but instead reimburses for out-of-pocket expenses in connection with its compliance monitoring of the Fund’s trading, up to 0.01% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Directors also considered the fees payable to each Sub-Adviser under the Sub-Advisory Agreement.

 

After reviewing the information regarding Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering the services to be provided by Altair and the Sub-Advisers, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees to be paid by the Fund to Altair and the sub-advisory fees to be paid to each Sub-Adviser were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements should be approved and continued for an additional one-year period ending August 16, 2023.

 

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

 

The Company has adopted and implemented a Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Company Program”) as required by rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Company Program, the Adviser has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Adviser Program” and together with the Company Program, the “Programs”) on behalf of the Fund. The Programs seek to assess, manage and review the Fund’s Liquidity Risk. “Liquidity Risk” is defined as the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interest in the Fund.

 

The Board has appointed Vigilant Compliance, LLC (“Vigilant”) as the program administrator for the Company Program and the Adviser as the program administrator for the Adviser Program. The Adviser has delegated oversight of the Adviser Program to its Compliance Committee, whose process of monitoring and determining the liquidity of the Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party vendors.

 

At meetings held during the current fiscal period, the Board and its Regulatory Oversight Committee received and reviewed a written report (the “Report”) of Vigilant and the Adviser concerning the operation of the Programs for the period from July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 (the “Period”). The Report summarized the operation of the Programs and the information and factors considered by Vigilant and the Adviser in reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the implementation of the Programs with respect to the Fund. Such information and factors included, among other things: (i) the methodology used to classify the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio investments and the Adviser’s assessment that the Fund’s strategy remained appropriate for an open-end mutual fund; (ii) analyses of the Fund’s trading environment and reasonably anticipated trading size; (iii) that the Fund held primarily highly liquid assets (investments that the Fund anticipates can be converted to cash within 3 business days or less in current market conditions without significantly changing their market value); (iv) that the Fund held a percentage of highly liquid assets above its highly liquid investment minimum at all times during the Period; (v) confirmation that the Fund did not breach the 15% maximum illiquid security threshold (investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven days or less in current market conditions without the sale of the investment significantly changing the market value of the investment) during the Period and the procedures for monitoring compliance with the limit; (vi) that the processes, technologies and third-party vendors used to assess, manage, and/or periodically review the Fund’s Liquidity Risk functioned appropriately during the Period; and (vii) that the Programs operated adequately during the Period. The Report also indicated that there were no material changes made to the Programs during the Period.

 

Based on the review, the Report concluded that the Programs were being implemented effectively and reasonably designed to assess and manage Liquidity Risk in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company Program or the Adviser Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Fund’s prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

 

28

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Company Management (Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (844) 261-6482.

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 89

Director

1988 to present

From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications).

55

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 55

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); from 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

55

FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios)(registered investment company); Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018).

 

29

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Company Management (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Lisa A. Dolly

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI, 53202

Age: 56

Director

October 2021 to present

From July 2019-December 2019, Chairman, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm); January 2016-June 2019, Chief Executive Officer, Pershing, LLC.

55

Allfunds Group PLC (United Kingdom wealthtech and fund distribution provider); Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (trade association for broker dealers, investment banks and asset managers); Hightower Advisors (wealth management firm).

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

55

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance); Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017).

Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 74

Chairman

 

Director

2005 to present

1991 to present

From 2006-2016, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Lifebooker, LLC (online beauty and health appointment booking service).

55

Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until August 2022).

 

 

30

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Company Management (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Brian T. Shea
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 62

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm).

55

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company) Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company); WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 81

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

55

Reich and Tang Group (asset management) (until 2015).

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 84

Vice Chairman

 

Director

2016 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director - Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

55

None

OFFICERS

Steven Plump

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 63

President

August 2022 to present

From 2011 to 2021, Executive Vice President, PIMCO Investments LLC.

N/A

N/A

 

 

31

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Company Management (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Salvatore Faia, JD,
CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
Gateway Corporate Center Suite 216
223 Wilmington West
Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 59

Chief Compliance Officer

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, Chief Compliance Officer of The RBB Fund Trust; President of The RBB Fund Trust from 2021 to 2022; President of The RBB Fund, Inc. from 2009 to 2022.

N/A

N/A

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 61

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

Chief Operating Officer

2016 to present

 

 

 

2022 to present

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2016) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2021) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund Trust; from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 48

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Since 2019, Director of Marketing & Business Development, The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management, LLC.

N/A

N/A

Jennifer Witt
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 39

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2016, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm); from 2007 to 2016, Supervisor, Nuveen Investments (registered investment company).

N/A

N/A

 

 

32

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


Company Management (Unaudited) (Concluded)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Edward Paz
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 51

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 63

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 43

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm) (2017-Present); Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (2006-Present).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 55 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series of the Company and The RBB Fund Trust (7 portfolios).

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his or her qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Ms. Dolly has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, and she has demonstrated her leadership and management abilities by serving in numerous senior executive-level positions. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing, and investment services industry, including service on the boards of industry regulatory organizations and a university. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company.

 

33

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)

 

FACTS

WHAT DOES THE ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

 

● Social Security number

● account balances

● account transactions

● transaction history

● wire transfer instructions

● checking account information

 

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

How?

All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Adara Smaller Companies Fund chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

       

Reasons we can share your information

Does the Adara Smaller Companies Fund share?

Can you limit
this sharing?

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

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial companies

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes
information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

 

Questions?

Call 1-844-261-6482

 

 

34

 

 

ADARA SMALLER COMPANIES FUND

 


PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited) (Concluded)

 

What we do

 

How does the Adara Smaller Companies Fund protect my personal information?

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

How does the Adara Smaller Companies Fund collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

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

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

Definitions

 

Affiliates

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

 

Our affiliates include Altair Advisers, LLC, the investment adviser to the Adara Smaller Companies Fund.

Nonaffiliates

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

 

Adara Smaller Companies Fund doesn’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

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

 

Adara Smaller Companies Fund may share your information with other financial institutions with whom they have joint marketing arrangements who may suggest additional fund services or other investments products which may be of interest to you. We do not currently have any joint marketing arrangements with other financial institutions.

 

 

35

 

 

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[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 

Investment Adviser
Altair Advisers, LLC
303 West Madison Street, Suite 600
Chicago, IL 60606

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Principal Underwriter
Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 E Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Custodian
U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Two Commerce Square
2001 Market Street, Suite 1800
Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

Legal Counsel
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

ADA-AR22

 

 

 

 

  

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 

of

 

The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

August 31, 2022

 

 

This report is submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the Fund. It is not authorized for distribution unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus for the Fund.

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 

ANNUAL INVESTMENT ADVISER’S REPORT

August 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Aquarius International Fund (the “Fund”) generated a return of -21.38% for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, as compared to the -19.10% return of the Fund’s benchmark, the MSCI ACWI ex USA Index, over the same period.

 

International equities were negatively impacted over the past year by rising commodity prices, higher interest rates, and geopolitical tensions including the war in Ukraine. Additionally, U.S. investors in international stocks faced headwinds from a strong dollar, with conversion back to the U.S. currency taking a large chunk out of returns.

 

During the fiscal year, the Fund’s assets were allocated to four underlying sub-advisers: international developed markets managers Mawer Investment Management, Ltd. (“Mawer”) and Setanta Asset Management Limited (“Setanta”); emerging markets manager Driehaus Capital Management, LLC (“Driehaus”); and tax-loss harvesting manager Aperio Group, LLC (“Aperio”). The top performing sub-adviser for the period was Setanta, with a return of -18.58%, followed by Aperio with a return of -18.74%, Driehaus with a return of -23.12% and Mawer with a return of -27.38%. The proportions of Fund assets allocated to the Fund’s sub-advisers at the end of the 2022 fiscal year were as follows: Mawer 33%, Setanta 29%, Driehaus 17% and Aperio 15%.

 

Altair continues to believe international equities play an important role in a diversified portfolio. By investing directly in overseas companies, we believe that the potential exists for investors to obtain exposure to economies with higher growth rates than the U.S. economy and/or companies trading at more attractive valuations than similar companies in the U.S. It is our view that international equities also can help investors mitigate certain risks associated with investing only in U.S. companies and the U.S. dollar. International equities represent approximately 38% of the global stock market and historically have alternated with U.S. equities in cycles of outperformance.

 

Sincerely,
Altair Advisers LLC

 

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

 

The Fund invests in foreign securities which involve political, economic and currency risks, greater volatility, and differences in accounting methods. These risks are greater for investments in emerging markets.

 

Fund holdings are subject to change and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security. Please see the Schedule of Investments in this report for a complete list of fund holdings.

 

1

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 

Annual Report
Performance Data

AUGUST 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

COMPARISON OF CHANGE IN VALUE OF $10,000 INVESTED IN AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND
VS. MSCI ACWI EX USA GROSS INDEX

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund made on April 17, 2018 (commencement of operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the MSCI ACWI ex USA Gross Index is unmanaged, and does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Period Ended August 31, 2022

 

One
Year

Three
Year

Since
Inception

Aquarius International Fund

-21.38%

1.22%

-0.57%*

MSCI AC WORLD INDEX ex USA Gross Index

-19.10%

3.33%

0.73%**

 

*

The Fund commenced operations on April 17, 2018.

 

**

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the returns quoted. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling (844) 261-6482.

 

The Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated December 31, 2021, are 0.75% of average daily net assets. This ratio may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report.

 

The Fund invests in common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stocks and securities convertible into common stocks. Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

The MSCI ACWI ex USA Gross Index captures large and mid cap representation across 22 of 23 Developed Markets (DM) countries (excluding the US) and 24 Emerging Markets (EM) countries. With 2,270 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the global equity opportunity set outside the US. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

Investment Considerations

 

Investing in the Fund involves risk and an investor may lose money. The success of the Fund’s strategy depends on the Adviser’s ability to select Sub-Advisers and each manager’s ability to select investments for the Fund. The Fund may invest in riskier type investments including small, micro-cap and large cap stocks, Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), special situations, foreign markets, emerging markets and illiquid securities all of which may be more volatile and less liquid.

 

2

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Fund Expense Example

AUGUST 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

This example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022 and held for the entire period.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

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

 

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

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
March 1, 2022

Ending
Account Value
August 31, 2022

Expenses Paid
During Period*

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual Six Month
Total Investment
Return

Actual

$ 1,000.00

$ 858.60

$ 3.33

0.71%

-14.14%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

1,021.63

3.62

0.71%

N/A

 

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized six-month expense ratio in the table above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one-half year period. The Fund’s ending account value on the first line in the table is based on the actual six-month total investment return for the Fund.

 

3

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

AUGUST 31, 2022 (unaudited)

 

The following table presents a summary by security type of the portfolio holdings of the Fund:

 

Security Type/Sector Classification

 

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS:

               

Pharmaceuticals

    8.5 %   $ 30,085,863  

Banks

    8.2       29,144,083  

Semiconductors

    6.5       23,023,339  

Insurance

    5.0       17,923,850  

Oil & Gas

    3.8       13,632,550  

Internet

    3.8       13,627,423  

Beverages

    3.5       12,439,299  

Distribution/Wholesale

    3.3       11,754,179  

Telecommunications

    3.3       11,676,656  

Commercial Services

    3.1       11,022,316  

Healthcare-Products

    2.8       9,825,950  

Retail

    2.3       8,264,575  

Diversified Financial Services

    2.1       7,618,782  

Apparel

    2.1       7,327,546  

Investment Companies

    1.9       6,647,289  

Media

    1.8       6,382,333  

Software

    1.8       6,246,491  

Aerospace/Defense

    1.7       6,155,388  

Cosmetics/Personal Care

    1.7       6,089,428  

Computers

    1.4       4,912,715  

Chemicals

    1.4       4,874,282  

Machinery-Diversified

    1.3       4,714,533  

Food

    1.3       4,616,569  

Mining

    1.2       4,230,402  

Building Materials

    1.0       3,460,974  

Water

    1.0       3,446,148  

Transportation

    0.9       3,052,458  

Airlines

    0.8       2,978,711  

Machinery-Construction & Mining

    0.8       2,920,199  

Real Estate

    0.7       2,606,832  

Electric

    0.7       2,525,641  

Electronics

    0.7       2,457,913  

Auto Manufacturers

    0.7       2,392,052  

Hand/Machine Tools

    0.5       1,847,502  

Life Sciences Tools & Services

    0.5       1,846,571  

Engineering & Construction

    0.5       1,831,176  

Food Service

    0.5       1,785,897  

Electrical Components & Equipment

    0.4       1,495,995  

Biotechnology

    0.4       1,348,257  

Private Equity

    0.3       1,188,787  

REITS

    0.3 %   $ 1,115,067  

Agriculture

    0.3       944,305  

Iron/Steel

    0.2       737,432  

Healthcare-Services

    0.2       735,839  

Lodging

    0.2       624,718  

Auto Parts & Equipment

    0.2       544,234  

Shipbuilding

    0.1       502,750  

Metal Fabricate/Hardware

    0.1       487,432  

Energy-Alternate Sources

    0.1       406,117  

Home Furnishings

    0.1       393,647  

Miscellaneous Manufacturing

    0.1       379,838  

Entertainment

    0.1       337,788  

Household Products/Wares

    0.1       331,475  

Holding Companies-Diversification

    0.1       299,046  

Pipelines

    0.1       293,944  

Gas

    0.1       215,380  

Toys/Games/Hobbies

    0.1       200,766  

Advertising

    0.1       195,255  

Office/Business Equipment

    0.0       151,934  

Leisure Time

    0.0       117,051  

Home Builders

    0.0       94,847  

Coal

    0.0       94,088  

Forest Products & Paper

    0.0       78,839  

Environmental Control

    0.0       19,190  

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS:

               

Diversified Financial Services

    0.4       1,381,989  

PREFERRED STOCKS:

               

Chemicals

    0.1       427,662  

Cosmetics/Personal Care

    0.1       372,295  

Banks

    0.1       200,531  

Auto Manufacturers

    0.0       60,004  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

    12.2       43,311,240  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

    0.3       1,190,292  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 355,665,949  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

4

 

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

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

AUGUST 31, 2022 (unaudited)

 

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

 

Country

 

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS:

               

Australia

    0.7 %   $ 2,644,215  

Austria

    0.1       255,553  

Belgium

    1.8       6,278,079  

Brazil

    1.3       4,756,841  

Britain

    15.0       53,843,565  

Canada

    1.6       6,003,560  

Chile

    0.1       465,607  

China

    5.7       20,399,790  

Colombia

    0.0       24,994  

Denmark

    2.7       9,607,041  

Finland

    0.9       3,057,238  

France

    6.1       21,527,014  

Germany

    3.4       12,061,696  

Greece

    0.1       185,527  

Hong Kong

    1.6       5,706,399  

India

    3.6       12,651,991  

Indonesia

    0.5       1,749,432  

Ireland

    3.8       13,575,148  

Isle Of Man

    0.2       712,204  

Israel

    1.3       4,765,429  

Italy

    1.6       5,629,448  

Japan

    7.1       25,109,089  

Kazakhstan

    0.1       532,244  

Luxembourg

    0.1       230,219  

Mexico

    0.7       2,389,649  

Netherlands

    3.7       13,134,174  

New Zealand

    0.0       117,247  

Norway

    0.6       2,277,287  

Panama

    0.0       8,727  

Peru

    0.1       179,195  

Philippines

    0.1       255,829  

Portugal

    0.0       92,657  

Qatar

    0.2 %   $ 622,268  

Russia

    0.0       20  

Singapore

    1.0       3,602,795  

South Africa

    0.5       1,828,527  

South Korea

    3.6       12,921,864  

Spain

    0.3       963,968  

Sweden

    2.3       8,114,759  

Switzerland

    5.3       18,841,394  

Taiwan

    3.9       13,815,761  

Thailand

    1.8       6,295,848  

Turkey

    0.0       3  

United Arab Emrites

    0.3       1,079,236  

United States

    2.7       9,568,892  

Uruguay

    0.2       592,275  

Vietnam

    0.1       247,238  

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS:

               

United States

    0.4       1,381,989  

PREFERRED STOCKS:

               

Brazil

    0.0       161,717  

Colombia

    0.1       38,814  

Germany

    0.1       487,666  

South Korea

    0.1       372,295  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

               

United States

    12.2       43,311,240  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

    0.3       1,190,292  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 355,665,949  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

5

 

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

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS — 86.8%

               

Advertising — 0.1%

               

Dentsu Group, Inc.

    1,800     $ 57,969.00  

Publicis Groupe SA*

    2,188       106,830  

WPP, PLC

    3,536       30,456  
              195,255  

Aerospace/Defense — 1.7%

               

Airbus SE

    1,462       143,267  

BAE Systems, PLC, SP ADR

    849       30,649  

BAE Systems, PLC

    248,966       2,242,206  

Bharat Electronics Ltd.

    142,049       542,767  

Elbit Systems Ltd.

    1,850       394,950  

MTU Aero Engines AG, ADR

    562       49,596  

Safran SA

    906       92,371  

Thales SA

    22,060       2,659,582  
              6,155,388  

Agriculture — 0.3%

               

British American Tabacco, PLC, SP ADR

    6,018       241,021  

Imperial Brands, PLC, SP ADR

    3,146       70,156  

SLC Agricola SA

    62,396       583,133  

Swedish Match AB

    4,980       49,995  
              944,305  

Airlines — 0.8%

               

Ryanair Holding, PLC, SP ADR*

    40,967       2,978,711  
                 

Apparel — 2.1%

               

adidas AG

    18,790       2,786,252  

Gildan Activewear, Inc.

    5,757       170,292  

Hermes International

    80       102,462  

Kering SA

    122       61,214  

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE

    6,119       3,948,406  

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, ADR

    2,000       258,920  
              7,327,546  

Auto Manufacturers — 0.7%

               

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, SP ADR

    3,309       81,170  

BYD Co., Ltd., Class H

    8,000       246,523  

Daimler Truck Holding AG*

    1,811       46,305  

Ferrari NV

    141       27,219  

Ferrari NV

    642       124,972  

Hyundai Motor Co.

    353       51,285  

Iveco Group NV*

    1,324       6,695  

Mercedes-Benz Group AG

    3,623       203,127  

NIO, Inc., ADR*

    3,625       72,174  

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

    10,100       39,735  

Stellantis NV

    5,160       68,675  

Tata Motors, Ltd., SP ADR*

    32,755       949,895  

Toyota Motor Corp.

    3,000       44,895  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Auto Manufacturers — (Continued)

Toyota Motor Corp., SP ADR

    1,862     $ 278,127  

Volkswagen AG, ADR

    5,060       93,660  

Volvo AB, Class B

    3,636       57,595  
              2,392,052  

Auto Parts & Equipment — 0.2%

       

Cie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA

    1,852       45,043  

LG Energy Solution Ltd.*

    937       321,126  

Magna International, Inc.

    3,010       173,767  

Vitesco Technologies Group AG*

    88       4,298  
              544,234  

Banks — 8.2%

               

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd.

    5,980       92,442  

Banco do Brasil SA

    87,000       698,522  

Banco do Brasil SA, SP ADR

    7,146       56,561  

Banco Santander Brasil SA, ADR*

    5,286       30,236  

Banco Santander SA

    37,238       90,142  

Bangkok Bank PCL

    332,100       1,255,712  

Bank Central Asia Tbk PT

    1,178,315       650,693  

Bank Leumi Le Israel

    355,246       3,755,385  

Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk PT

    620,000       368,953  

Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk PT, ADR

    5,112       59,580  

Bank of Ireland Group, PLC

    420,038       2,588,096  

Bank of Montreal

    867       79,972  

Bank of Nova Scotia, (The)

    2,250       124,402  

Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero Tbk PT, ADR

    1,382       20,039  

Barclays, PLC

    126,063       240,363  

Bendigo & Adelaide Bank Ltd.

    12,614       77,432  

BNP Paribas SA

    2,636       122,496  

BOC Hong Kong Holdings Ltd.

    28,000       96,370  

CaixaBank SA

    65,952       199,144  

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

    1,707       80,758  

Chiba Bank Ltd., (The)

    4,900       26,469  

China Merchants Bank Co., Ltd.

    55,298       282,800  

China Merchants Bank Co., Ltd., ADR

    554       14,177  

Commerzbank AG*

    18,102       120,450  

Commonwealth Bank Of Australia

    4,448       293,935  

Concordia Financial Group Ltd.

    11,723       37,176  

Dah Sing Financial Holdings Ltd.

    222,400       592,096  

DBS Group Holdings Ltd.

    115,200       2,682,260  

DBS Group Holdings, Ltd., SP ADR

    2,711       252,259  

Deutsche Bank AG

    8,776       72,929  

DNB Bank ASA

    12,189       231,762  

 

 

6

 

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

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Banks — (Continued)

FinecoBank Banca Fineco SpA

    132,491     $ 1,432,538  

FirstRand Ltd.

    13,495       50,405  

Fukuoka Financial Group, Inc.

    3,000       53,609  

Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores SA, ADR

    8,589       24,994  

Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV

    153,185       904,823  

HDFC Bank Ltd.

    142,428       2,610,974  

HDFC Bank, Ltd., ADR

    9,846       601,098  

HSBC Holdings, PLC, SP ADR

    9,910       305,525  

ICICI Bank, Ltd., SP ADR

    52,688       1,150,706  

ING Groep NV

    7,103       62,254  

Macquarie Group Ltd.

    749       89,621  

Mediobanca Banca di Credito Finanziario SpA

    3,974       31,458  

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc., SP ADR

    53,334       274,670  

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.

    2,300       26,336  

National Australia Bank Ltd.

    7,689       159,441  

National Australia Bank, Ltd., SP ADR

    11,208       116,899  

Nedbank Group, Ltd., SP ADR

    2,666       32,552  

Nordea Bank Abp

    93       862  

Nordea Bank Abp

    11,504       106,663  

Oversea-Chinese Bank Corp., Ltd.

    9,000       77,572  

Qatar National Bank QPSC

    109,965       622,268  

Royal Bank of Canada

    3,411       317,359  

SCB X PCL, NVDR

    162,800       492,121  

Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd., ADR

    9,162       244,717  

Shizuoka Bank Ltd., (The)

    4,400       25,462  

Societe Generale SA

    2,392       52,733  

Standard Chartered PLC

    9,099       81,196  

Standard Chart, PLC

    4,154       28,771  

State Bank of India

    55,949       368,367  

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc., SP ADR

    56,610       342,491  

Svenska Handelsbanken AB, Class A

    296,230       2,426,175  

TCS Group Holding, PLC, GDR(b)*

    3,732        

Toronto-Dominion Bank, (The)

    3,847       247,516  

UBS Group AG

    13,717       217,370  

UniCredit SpA

    2,917       28,546  

United Overseas Bank Ltd.

    6,000       116,997  

Woori Financial Group, Inc., SP ADR

    4,696       125,383  
              29,144,083  

Beverages — 3.5%

               

Ambev SA, ADR*

    163,800       475,020  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Beverages — (Continued)

Anheuser-Busch InBev SA NV, SP ADR

    2,087     $ 100,927  

Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.

    1,600       53,645  

Carlsberg A/S, Class B

    499       64,795  

China Resources Beer Holdings Co., Ltd.

    14,000       97,594  

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, PLC

    476       23,405  

Coca-Cola Femsa SA de CV, SP ADR

    475       29,084  

Diageo, PLC

    121,315       5,270,684  

Diageo, PLC, SP ADR

    2,046       360,894  

Endeavour Group Ltd.

    2,137       10,576  

Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV, SP ADR

    461       28,909  

Heineken NV

    3,589       322,578  

Kirin Holdings Co., Ltd.

    2,800       46,093  

Kweichow Moutai Co., Ltd., Class A

    3,683       1,025,827  

Pernod Ricard SA

    300       55,047  

Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd.

    1,100       40,180  

Thai Beverage PCL

    7,751,500       3,571,880  

Tsingtao Brewery Co, Ltd., Class H

    4,000       38,844  

Wuliangye Yibin Co., Ltd., Class A

    34,098       823,317  
              12,439,299  

Biotechnology — 0.4%

               

Argenx SE, ADR*

    90       34,008  

CSL Ltd.

    788       157,614  

CSL Ltd., SP ADR

    1,030       103,412  

Genmab A/S*

    2,073       737,918  

Genmab A/S, SP ADR*

    2,330       82,692  

Samsung Biologics Co Ltd.(a)*

    374       232,613  
              1,348,257  

Building Materials — 1.0%

               

CRH, PLC

    79,007       2,917,553  

CRH, PLC, SP ADR

    3,605       133,349  

Daikin Industries Ltd.

    449       78,381  

Daikin Industries, Ltd., ADR

    820       14,334  

Geberit AG

    90       41,584  

Holcim AG.*

    2,013       89,227  

James Hardie Industries PLC, CDI

    2,896       65,639  

Rinnai Corp.

    400       30,633  

Semen Indonesia Persero Tbk PT, ADR

    2,421       21,426  

Sika AG

    306       68,848  
              3,460,974  

 

 

7

 

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

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Chemicals — 1.4%

               

Air Liquide SA

    15,024     $ 1,882,708  

Air Liquide SA, ADR

    1,948       48,836  

Akzo Nobel NV

    571       35,974  

Asahi Kasei Corp.

    6,000       43,847  

Brenntag AG

    428       28,063  

Covestro AG(a)

    1,716       51,741  

Croda International, PLC

    584       45,520  

Daqo New Energy Corp., ADR*

    804       53,603  

FUCHS PETROLUB SE

    35,221       820,841  

Givaudan SA

    27       86,146  

Givaudan SA, ADR

    600       38,244  

ICL Group Ltd.

    12,592       120,505  

Israel Chemicals Ltd.

    24,673       235,595  

Johnson Matthey, PLC

    1,377       32,126  

Koninklijke DSM NV

    561       71,537  

LG Chem Ltd.

    385       180,217  

Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.

    1,200       26,959  

Novozymes A/S, ADR

    920       52,661  

Nutrien Ltd.*

    3,522       323,214  

Shin Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., ADR

    2,744       79,823  

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.

    654       75,951  

Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA, SP ADR

    3,549       353,764  

Solvay SA, Class A

    373       30,111  

Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.

    13,000       51,172  

Symrise AG

    500       52,317  

Umicore SA, ADR

    3,052       24,172  

Yara International ASA

    677       28,635  
              4,874,282  

Coal — 0.0%

               

China Shenhua Energy Co., Ltd., Class H

    30,000       94,088  
                 

Commercial Services — 3.1%

               

Adyen NV(a)*

    1,188       1,833,264  

Allfunds Group, PLC

    135,516       1,064,008  

Amadeus IT Group SA, ADR

    1,437       75,328  

Ashtead Group, PLC

    44,689       2,195,466  

Atlantia SpA

    1,211       27,730  

Bidvest Group, Ltd., (The)

    25,266       317,065  

Bureau Veritas SA

    1,739       43,162  

CCR SA

    66,300       177,143  

China Merchants Port Holdings Co., Ltd.

    60,000       90,076  

Edenred

    1,223       61,859  

Experian, PLC

    2,543       77,168  

International Container Terminal Services, Inc.

    34,757       111,941  

Localiza Rent a Car SA, SP ADR

    4,006       47,191  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Commercial Services — (Continued)

New Oriental Education & Technology Group, Inc., ADR*

    2,260     $ 64,184  

Persol Holdings Co., Ltd.

    1,400       28,104  

Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd.

    1,992       63,327  

RELX, PLC

    166,125       4,356,633  

Rentokil Initial, PLC

    7,414       44,777  

Ritchie Bros Auctioneers, Inc.

    545       37,790  

Secom Co., Ltd.

    1,000       63,709  

Securitas AB, Class B

    3,154       27,619  

SGS SA

    22       48,448  

TAL Education Group, ADR*

    7,594       43,893  

Transurban Group

    6,366       60,397  

TravelSky Technology Ltd.

    19,000       33,115  

Worldline SA(a)*

    675       28,919  
              11,022,316  

Computers — 1.4%

               

AutoStore Holdings Ltd.(a)*

    461,982       607,641  

Capgemini SE

    254       43,886  

CGI, Inc.*

    279       22,097  

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.*

    747       89,819  

CyberArk Software Ltd.*

    576       83,105  

EPAM Systems, Inc.*

    1,689       720,359  

Fujitsu Ltd.

    422       49,658  

Globant S.A.*

    1,483       312,572  

Infosys Ltd., SP ADR

    17,799       325,722  

Itochu Techno-Solutions Corp.

    1,500       37,856  

Logitech International SA

    501       25,185  

Nomura Research Institute Ltd.

    72,100       1,940,486  

Obic Co., Ltd.

    300       44,370  

Tata Consultancy Services Ltd.

    8,515       339,592  

Teleperformance

    266       75,759  

Wipro, Ltd., ADR

    38,844       194,608  
              4,912,715  

Cosmetics/Personal Care — 1.7%

       

Beiersdorf AG

    912       92,058  

Haleon, PLC*

    208,987       628,434  

Kao Corp.

    2,600       112,581  

Lion Corp.

    7,700       89,903  

L’Oreal SA

    68       23,354  

L’Oreal SA, ADR

    3,400       233,852  

Proya Cosmetics Co., Ltd., Class A

    24,277       562,589  

Unicharm Corp.

    1,087       37,775  

Unilever, PLC

    86,007       3,916,304  

Unilever, PLC, SP ADR

    8,649       392,578  
              6,089,428  

Distribution/Wholesale — 3.3%

               

Azelis Group NV

    85,351       1,691,461  

Bunzl, PLC

    139,434       4,624,199  

 

 

8

 

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

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Distribution/Wholesale (Continued)

       

Ferguson, PLC

    14,145     $ 1,638,102  

Ferguson, PLC

    19,878       2,295,710  

IMCD NV

    8,427       1,162,559  

ITOCHU Corp.

    3,700       101,827  

ITOCHU Corp., ADR

    426       23,383  

Jardine Cycle & Carriage Ltd.

    4,000       93,904  

Mitsui & Co., Ltd.

    3,159       74,139  

Sendas Distribuidora SA, ADR

    2,775       48,895  
              11,754,179  

Diversified Financial Services — 2.1%

       

Amundi SA(a)

    1,037       52,580  

BAC Holding International Corp.*

    171,780       8,727  

Banco BTG Pactual SA*

    112,245       552,336  

Capitec Bank Holdings Ltd.

    4,409       524,254  

CITIC Securities Co., Ltd., Class H

    14,000       28,376  

Deutsche Boerse AG

    17,628       2,980,458  

Deutsche Boerse AG, ADR

    2,810       47,357  

Futu Holdings Ltd. ADR*

    852       41,825  

Hargreaves Lansdown, PLC

    2,451       23,204  

Hong Kong Exchange & Clearing Ltd.

    1,780       71,724  

Housing Development Finance Corp., Ltd.

    27,965       846,652  

Huatai Securities Co., Ltd., Class H(a)

    21,800       29,138  

Investor AB*

    1,658       26,132  

Japan Exchange Group, Inc.

    80,400       1,198,139  

KB Financial Group, Inc.

    16,252       596,594  

KB Financial Group, Inc., ADR

    6,431       235,246  

London Stock Exchange Group, PLC

    791       74,197  

London Stock Exchange Group, PLC, ADR

    2,464       58,101  

Sanlam Ltd., SP ADR

    5,156       32,380  

SBI Holdings, Inc.

    2,600       51,090  

Schroders PLC

    811       25,227  

Singapore Exchange Ltd.

    6,000       40,716  

St James’s Place, PLC

    5,807       74,329  
              7,618,782  

Electric — 0.7%

               

CLP Holdings Ltd.

    17,500       150,785  

Dubai Electricity & Water Authority PJSC*

    542,413       377,609  

Elia Group SA/NV

    542       78,738  

Endesa SA

    3,062       52,520  

Engie SA, SP ADR

    8,968       107,078  

Fortis, Inc.

    4,780       210,846  

Fortum Oyj

    2,493       25,644  

Iberdrola SA

    8,686       90,436  

Iberdrola SA, SP ADR

    1,618       67,179  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Electric — (Continued)

Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc., (The)

    2,900     $ 28,106  

Mercury NZ Ltd.

    7,719       27,317  

National Grid, PLC

    2,867       35,699  

National Grid, PLC, SP ADR

    2,605       164,610  

Orsted AS(a)

    862       84,133  

Power Assets Holdings Ltd.

    17,500       104,671  

Power Grid Corp of India Ltd.

    236,415       676,873  

RWE AG

    1,891       72,194  

SSE, PLC, SP ADR

    5,415       103,535  

Terna Rete Elettrica Nazionale

    6,010       42,727  

Verbund AG

    261       24,941  
              2,525,641  

Electrical Components & Equipment — 0.4%

       

ABB, Ltd.

    4,533       124,946  

Legrand SA

    12,934       935,840  

Prysmian SpA

    861       26,418  

Schneider Electric SE

    698       82,963  

Schneider Electric SE, ADR

    4,025       95,553  

Shenzhen Kedali Industry Co. Ltd., Class A

    14,247       230,275  
              1,495,995  

Electronics — 0.7%

               

Assa Abloy AB, Class B

    40,976       829,927  

BYD Electronic International Co., Ltd.

    14,500       38,311  

Hirose Electric Co., Ltd.

    427       60,505  

Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd.

    245,353       873,648  

Hoya Corp.

    670       68,324  

Hoya Corp., SP ADR

    487       49,703  

Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    1,119       60,254  

Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., ADR

    5,048       67,896  

Nidec Corp.

    78       5,182  

Nidec Corp., SP ADR*

    4,640       76,931  

Shimadzu Corp.

    800       23,365  

Silergy Corp.

    13,000       222,865  

Venture Corp., Ltd.

    6,200       81,002  
              2,457,913  

Energy-Alternate Sources — 0.1%

Suzhou Maxwell Technologies Co., Ltd., Class A

    5,100       344,064  

Vestas Wind Systems A/S

    2,480       62,053  
              406,117  

Engineering & Construction — 0.5%

       

Aena SME SA(a)*

    229       28,126  

Aeroports de Paris*

    214       29,303  

Airports of Thailand PCL, NVDR*

    354,300       706,033  

Cellnex Telecom SA(a)*

    1,455       56,662  

 

 

9

 

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

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Engineering & Construction — (Continued)

CK Infrastructure Holdings Ltd.

    8,000     $ 48,648  

Ferrovial SA

    3,085       77,357  

Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico SAB de CV, SP ADR

    392       55,888  

Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste SAB de CV, SP ADR

    471       99,602  

Larsen & Toubro Ltd.

    23,986       572,480  

Shimizu Corp.

    5,200       28,514  

Taisei Corp.

    1,600       48,511  

Vinci SA, ADR

    3,476       80,052  
              1,831,176  

Entertainment — 0.1%

               

MultiChoice Group

    5,548       37,446  

MultiChoice Group, ADR

    93       637  

OPAP SA*

    14,085       185,527  

Oriental Land Co., Ltd.

    613       91,391  

Toho Co., Ltd.

    600       22,787  
              337,788  

Environmental Control — 0.0%

               

China Conch Environment Protection Holdings Ltd.*

    21,500       19,190  
                 

Food — 1.3%

               

Aeon Co., Ltd.

    1,900       37,061  

Carrefour SA

    1,975       32,964  

China Mengniu Dairy Co., Ltd.*

    10,703       48,466  

Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Spruengli AG

    6       63,458  

Cia Brasileira de Distribuicao, SP ADR*

    2,775       11,322  

Coles Group Ltd.

    6,323       75,681  

Foshan Haitian Flavouring & Food Co., Ltd., Class A

    24,100       280,955  

JBS SA, ADR

    690       7,907  

Jeronimo Martins SGPS SA

    2,525       55,984  

Kerry Group PLC, ADR

    750       77,850  

Kikkoman Corp.

    400       24,460  

Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV

    70,743       1,945,923  

Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV, SP ADR

    4,031       111,175  

Masan Group Corp.

    50,760       247,238  

Minerva SA

    102,800       304,701  

Mowi ASA

    1,851       37,949  

Nestle SA

    707       82,735  

Nestle SA, SP ADR

    6,845       801,276  

Nissin Foods Holdings Co, Ltd.

    1,200       85,856  

Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd., ADR

    3,000       59,550  

Wilmar International Ltd.

    29,000       83,706  

Woolworths Group Ltd.

    3,294       81,206  

Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.

    1,000       59,146  
              4,616,569  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Food Service — 0.5%

               

Compass Group, PLC

    75,622     $ 1,626,705  

Compass Group, PLC, SP ADR

    7,353       159,192  
              1,785,897  

Forest Products & Paper — 0.0%

       

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC, ADR

    736       24,820  

UPM-Kymmene Oyj

    1,590       54,019  
              78,839  

Gas — 0.1%

China Gas Holdings Ltd.

    21,600       30,566  

ENN Energy Holdings Ltd.

    6,000       87,165  

Naturgy Energy Group SA

    969       26,720  

Snam SpA

    9,397       44,663  

Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.

    1,400       26,266  
              215,380  

Hand/Machine Tools — 0.5%

               

Alleima AB*

    657       2,639  

Amada Co., Ltd.

    170,400       1,333,288  

Techtronic Industrials Co., Ltd.

    43,375       511,575  
              1,847,502  

Healthcare-Products — 2.8%

               

Alcon, Inc.

    76,310       5,024,477  

Alcon, Inc.

    1,128       74,087  

Asahi Intecc Co., Ltd.

    1,900       33,796  

Cochlear Ltd.

    376       54,737  

Coloplast A/S, ADR

    1,070       12,273  

Coloplast A/S, Class B

    327       37,354  

EssilorLuxottica SA

    25,892       3,856,306  

EssilorLuxottica SA, ADR

    144       10,764  

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp., Ltd.

    4,925       58,961  

Hengan International Group Co., Ltd.

    11,000       52,641  

Olympus Corp.

    1,300       27,686  

QIAGEN NV*

    2,099       95,358  

Sartorius Stedim Biotech

    70       25,603  

Shandong Weigao Group Medical Polymer Co., Ltd., Class H

    24,000       32,558  

Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd., Class A

    7,200       310,502  

Siemens Healthineers AG(a)

    1,037       50,674  

Sysmex Corp.

    400       24,451  

Terumo Corp.

    1,362       43,722  
              9,825,950  

Healthcare-Services — 0.2%

               

Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co., KGaA

    1,405       48,107  

Genscript Biotech Corp.*

    10,000       32,122  

Lonza Group AG

    182       97,064  

Lonza Group AG, ADR

    370       19,688  

Max Healthcare Institute Ltd.*

    26,864       129,831  

 

 

10

 

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

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Healthcare-Services — (Continued)

Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., Class A

    16,850     $ 166,015  

Ramsay Health Care Ltd.

    570       27,779  

Sonic Healthcare Ltd., SP ADR

    3,345       78,173  

Wuxi Biologics Cayman, Inc.(a)*

    15,536       137,060  
              735,839  

Holding Companies-Diversification — 0.1%

       

CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd.

    10,000       64,577  

MELI Kaszek Pioneer Corp., Class A*

    20,089       199,885  

Swire Pacific, Ltd., Class A

    5,000       34,584  
              299,046  

Home Builders — 0.0%

               

Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd.

    1,200       26,829  

Sekisui House Ltd.

    4,000       68,018  
              94,847  

Home Furnishings — 0.1%

               

Electrolux AB, Class B

    972       12,291  

Sony Group Corp., SP ADR

    4,806       381,356  
              393,647  

Household Products/Wares — 0.1%

       

Henkel AG & Co., KGaA

    2,085       130,395  

Reckitt Benckiser Group, PLC, SP ADR

    12,865       201,080  
              331,475  

Insurance — 5.0%

               

Admiral Group, PLC

    66,760       1,642,211  

Aegon NV

    14,288       63,854  

Ageas SA NV*

    2,481       100,668  

AIA Group Ltd.

    107,200       1,031,397  

AIA Group, Ltd., SP ADR

    9,630       368,546  

Allianz SE

    584       98,718  

Allianz SE, ADR

    6,060       101,929  

Aon, PLC, Class A

    24,899       6,953,295  

Assicurazioni Generali SpA

    1,927       28,263  

Baloise Holding AG

    522       75,334  

China Life Insurance Co., Ltd., Class H

    46,000       65,951  

Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc.

    6,692       115,625  

Hannover Rueck SE

    421       62,050  

Lancashire Holdings Ltd.

    348,744       2,001,048  

Legal & General Group, PLC

    36,815       107,833  

Manulife Finanical Corp.

    6,860       118,609  

NN Group NV

    3,039       124,897  

Sampo Oyi, Class A

    58,514       2,647,204  

Sun Life Financial, Inc.

    2,753       121,325  

Suncorp Group Ltd.

    18,597       137,344  

T&D Holdings, Inc.

    5,200       56,790  

Topdanmark AS

    31,867       1,672,417  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Insurance — (Continued)

Zurich Insurance Group AG

    441     $ 195,760  

Zurich Insurance Group AG, ADR*

    740       32,782  
              17,923,850  

Internet — 3.8%

               

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.*

    176,000       2,099,776  

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd., SP ADR*

    5,328       508,345  

Autohome, Inc., ADR

    2,238       79,695  

Baidu, Inc., SP ADR*

    1,335       192,200  

China Literature, Ltd.(a)*

    7,400       29,987  

JD.com, Inc., ADR

    3,176       201,644  

JOYY, Inc., ADR

    1,061       32,170  

M3, Inc.

    700       22,422  

Meituan, ADR*

    7,392       354,077  

Meituan, Class B(a)*

    56,700       1,361,777  

MercadoLibre, Inc.*

    327       279,703  

momo.com, Inc.

    16,800       398,370  

MonotaRO Co., Ltd.

    27,600       495,207  

Naspers, Ltd., Class N

    2,764       389,742  

Naspers, Ltd., SP ADR, Class N

    4,780       135,226  

NAVER Corp.

    1,033       183,302  

Pinduoduo, Inc., ADR*

    2,583       184,168  

Prosus NV*

    3,869       239,142  

SEEK Ltd.

    4,272       60,272  

Shopify, Inc., Class A*

    2,431       76,941  

Tencent Holdings Ltd.

    112,230       4,638,553  

Tencent Holdings, Ltd., ADR

    18,203       751,784  

Tencent Music Entertainment Group, ADR*

    11,332       57,907  

Trend Micro, Inc.

    500       30,784  

Trip.com Group Ltd., ADR*

    31,089       799,609  

Wix.com Ltd.*

    389       24,620  
              13,627,423  

Investment Companies — 1.9%

               

Groupe Bruxelles Lambert SA

    56,246       4,252,002  

Melrose Industries PLC

    1,456,149       2,297,874  

Washington H Soul Pattinson & Co., Ltd.

    1,586       27,641  

Wendel SE

    888       69,772  
              6,647,289  

Iron/Steel — 0.2%

               

BlueScope Steel Ltd.

    6,357       71,325  

Cia Siderurgica Nacional SA, SP ADR

    41,580       112,266  

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.

    5,658       70,315  

Nippon Steel Corp.

    8,000       126,369  

POSCO Holdings, Inc., SP ADR

    3,580       168,331  

Vale SA, SP ADR

    12,347       153,350  

 

 

11

 

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

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Iron/Steel — (Continued)

               

voestalpine AG

    1,763     $ 35,476  
              737,432  

Leisure Time — 0.0%

               

Merida Industry Co., Ltd.

    10,351       75,300  

Shimano, Inc.

    236       41,751  
              117,051  

Life Sciences Tools & Services — 0.5%

       

Eurofins Scientific SE*

    26,689       1,846,571  
                 

Lodging — 0.2%

               

Galaxy Entertainment Group, Ltd.

    79,000       441,585  

H World Group, Ltd., ADR

    1,879       70,707  

InterContinental Hotels Group, PLC

    1,515       82,243  

Melco Resorts & Entertainment, Ltd., ADR*

    5,240       30,183  
              624,718  

Machinery-Construction & Mining — 0.8%

       

Epiroc AB, Class A*

    75,608       1,156,864  

Hitachi, Ltd.

    901       45,016  

Hitachi Ltd., ADR

    1,830       182,305  

Komatsu Ltd.

    4,400       92,043  

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

    700       26,985  

Sandvik AB

    3,286       51,230  

Siemens Energy AG

    960       14,121  

Weir Group, PLC, (The)

    80,256       1,351,635  
              2,920,199  

Machinery-Diversified — 1.3%

               

Atlas Copco AB, Class A

    6,804       69,067  

Atlas Copco AB, Class A, SP ADR

    6,624       67,432  

CNH Industrial NV

    6,623       80,636  

FANUC Corp.

    200       32,220  

GEA Group AG

    97,766       3,400,983  

Keyence Corp.

    1,400       525,664  

Kone Oyj., Class B

    1,468       58,709  

Kubota Corp., SP ADR

    883       68,265  

NARI Technology Co., Ltd., Class A

    66,420       263,101  

SMC Corp.

    110       52,187  

SMC Corp., SP ADR

    2,280       54,287  

Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd.

    2,000       41,982  
              4,714,533  

Media — 1.8%

               

Informa, PLC

    4,850       30,684  

Liberty Media Corp-Liberty Formula One, Class C*

    2,417       153,915  

Pearson, PLC, SP ADR

    15,198       152,588  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Media — (Continued)

Shaw Communications, Inc., Class B

    9,386     $ 240,657  

Thomson Reuters Corp.

    1,419       156,118  

Wolters Kluwer NV

    57,093       5,583,312  

Wolters Kluwer NV, SP ADR

    667       65,059  
              6,382,333  

Metal Fabricate/Hardware — 0.1%

       

Bharat Forge Ltd.

    28,121       258,873  

Tenaris SA, ADR

    8,366       228,559  
              487,432  

Mining — 1.2%

               

Antofagasta, PLC

    8,790       111,843  

Barrick Gold Corp.

    9,732       144,520  

Boliden AB*

    2,900       92,864  

Cameco Corp.

    31,879       929,273  

Franco-Nevada Corp.

    1,258       151,212  

Groupo Mexico SAB de CV, Class B

    294,871       1,110,898  

Ivanhoe Mines Ltd., Class A*

    43,200       277,617  

MMC Norilsk Nickel PJSC, ADR(b)

    2,034       20  

Newmont Corp.

    5,828       241,046  

Norsk Hydro ASA

    15,202       104,454  

Polyus PJSC(b)

    1,719        

Rio Tinto, PLC, SP ADR

    1,692       95,243  

South32 Ltd.

    44,192       121,692  

Southern Copper Corp.

    3,807       179,195  

Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd.

    2,000       62,933  

Teck Resources, Ltd., Class B

    8,215       278,078  

United Tractors Tbk PT

    92,900       211,540  

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.

    3,868       117,974  
              4,230,402  

Miscellaneous Manufacturing — 0.1%

       

Alfa Laval AB

    1,115       29,734  

Orica Ltd.

    5,536       57,908  

Siemens AG

    1,920       194,485  

Sunny Optical Technology Group Co., Ltd.

    5,269       71,935  

Toshiba Corp.

    696       25,776  
              379,838  

Office/Business Equipment — 0.0%

       

Canon, Inc.

    2,700       64,663  

FUJIFILM Holdings Corp.

    1,100       55,843  

Seiko Epson Corp.

    2,000       31,428  
              151,934  

Oil & Gas — 3.8%

               

Aker BP ASA

    1,947       68,205  

BP, PLC, SP ADR

    1       31  

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.

    4,335       237,601  

 

 

12

 

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

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Oil & Gas — (Continued)

DCC, PLC

    81,870     $ 4,711,962  

Eni SpA

    98,500       1,163,578  

Equinor ASA

    27,749       1,076,957  

Equinor ASA, SP ADR

    3,137       121,684  

Exxon Mobil Corp.

    8,043       768,830  

Galp Energia SGPS SA

    3,396       36,673  

Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.

    1,100       29,004  

Imperial Oil Ltd.

    2,792       136,920  

Inpex Corp.

    6,228       71,588  

Neste Oyj

    756       37,299  

OMV AG

    4,843       195,136  

Petro Rio SA*

    55,300       290,723  

Petroleo Brasileiro, SP ADR

    33,758       482,402  

PTT Exploration & Production PCL, NVDR

    58,400       270,102  

Reliance Industries Ltd.

    34,227       1,121,279  

Repsol SA

    7,844       101,879  

Santos Ltd.

    19,946       106,476  

Shell PLC, ADR

    37,961       2,011,174  

Suncor Energy, Inc.

    1,090       35,229  

TotalEnergies SE, SP ADR

    7,259       366,652  

Woodside Energy Group Ltd.

    7,291       169,360  

Woodside Energy Group, Ltd., ADR

    956       21,806  
              13,632,550  

Pharmaceuticals — 8.5%

               

Alfresa Holdings Corp.

    256,100       3,064,608  

Aspen Pharmacare Holdings, Ltd., ADR

    6,986       59,311  

Astellas Pharma, Inc.

    116,600       1,653,130  

Astellas Pharma, Inc., ADR

    190       2,681  

AstraZeneca, PLC

    23,742       2,936,695  

AstraZeneca, PLC, SP ADR

    7,760       484,069  

Celltrion, Inc.

    426       59,963  

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    2,000       51,616  

Cipla Ltd.

    40,120       519,888  

CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd.

    23,040       23,372  

Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd.

    2,748       82,582  

Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., SP ADR

    876       26,341  

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Ltd., ADR

    3,953       206,702  

Eisai Co., Ltd.

    800       32,619  

GSK PLC

    167,190       2,672,521  

GSK PLC, ADR

    1       32  

Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd.

    1,400       31,381  

Merck KGaA

    587       100,835  

Novartis AG

    45,386       3,671,186  

Novartis AG, SP ADR

    5,065       407,834  

Novo Nordisk A/S, Class B

    27,773       2,969,318  

Novo-Nordisk A/S, SP ADR

    6,449       684,239  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Pharmaceuticals — (Continued)

       

Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    2,900     $ 69,224  

Orion Oyj, Class B

    672       30,469  

Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd.

    1,900       62,059  

Recordati Industria Chimica e Farmaceutica SpA

    64,128       2,616,433  

Roche Holdings AG

    10,456       3,369,359  

Roche Holdings AG, SP ADR

    15,336       620,188  

Sanofi

    35,823       2,928,537  

Sanofi, ADR*

    6,518       267,434  

Shionogi & Co., Ltd.

    500       24,412  

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

    23,057       257,321  

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    3,600       99,504  
              30,085,863  

Pipelines — 0.1%

               

Enbridge, Inc.

    6,937       285,943  

TC Energy Corp.

    166       8,001  
              293,944  

Private Equity — 0.3%

               

3i Group, PLC

    3,463       48,746  

Antin Infrastructure Partners SA*

    14,222       382,752  

Bridgepoint Group, PLC(a)

    152,117       442,491  

Macquarie Korea Infrastructure Fund

    26,497       253,022  

Partners Group Holding AG

    64       61,776  
              1,188,787  

Real Estate — 0.7%

               

China Resources Land Ltd.

    9,714       39,772  

CK Asset Holdings Ltd.

    11,000       74,247  

Daito Trust Construction Co., Ltd.

    300       29,513  

DLF Ltd.

    90,058       435,028  

Emaar Properties PJSC

    257,662       437,887  

Great Eagle Holdings, Ltd.

    377,662       826,533  

Hongkong Land Holdings Ltd.

    6,100       29,488  

Iguatemi SA

    38,900       146,481  

KE Holdings, Inc., ADR*

    2,310       41,672  

Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd.

    2,000       26,934  

REA Group Ltd.

    633       54,589  

Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd.

    16,000       187,972  

Sunac Services Holdings Ltd.(a)

    620       187  

Swiss Prime Site AG*

    1,177       101,224  

UOL Group, Ltd.

    11,900       58,879  

Wharf Holdings Ltd., (The)

    14,000       52,723  

Wharf Real Estate Investment Co., Ltd.

    14,000       63,703  
              2,606,832  

REITS — 0.3%

               

Ascendas Real Estate Investment Trust

    23,000       46,354  

 

 

13

 

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

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

REITS — (Continued)

CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust

    25,000     $ 36,976  

Goodman Group

    6,677       88,791  

Japan Metropolitan Fund Invest

    76       60,357  

Japan Prime Realty Investment Corp.

    15       44,429  

Link REIT

    67,900       525,480  

Nippon Building Fund Inc.

    10       49,810  

Nippon Prologis REIT, Inc.

    29       72,956  

Nomura Real Estate Master Fund, Inc.

    23       28,130  

Segro, PLC

    5,434       59,301  

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield*

    938       48,222  

United Urban Investment Corp.

    51       54,261  
              1,115,067  

Retail — 2.3%

               

Abu Dhabi National Oil Co for Distribution PJSC

    218,274       263,740  

ANTA Sports Products Ltd.

    25,361       305,408  

Astra International Tbk PT, ADR

    3,615       33,800  

Cie Financiere Richemont SA, ADR

    12,160       135,584  

Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd.

    613       26,422  

Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.

    147       85,956  

Industria de Diseno Textil SA

    2,702       58,340  

Li Ning Co., Ltd.

    29,000       266,031  

Lojas Renner SA

    106,900       546,993  

Moncler SpA

    634       28,208  

Next, PLC

    352       23,704  

Nitori Holdings Co., Ltd.

    500       47,801  

PriceSmart, Inc.

    3,293       208,348  

Restaurant Brands International, Inc.

    3,260       192,340  

Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd.

    3,500       32,461  

Sundrug Co., Ltd.

    23,000       562,734  

Swatch Group AG, (The)

    12,465       3,022,707  

Tsuruha Holdings, Inc.

    28,100       1,559,734  

USS Co., Ltd.

    2,500       44,117  

Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV, SP ADR

    1,129       37,076  

Welcia Holdings Co., Ltd.

    4,000       83,774  

Wesfarmers Ltd.

    2,970       95,007  

Yum China Holdings, Inc.

    11,728       587,690  

Zalando SE(a)*

    717       16,600  
              8,264,575  

Semiconductors — 6.5%

               

ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd., ADR

    6,033       34,750  

ASML Holding NV

    1,560       761,463  

ASML Holding NV, ADR

    1,129       553,142  

MediaTek, Inc.

    10,000       216,367  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Semiconductors — (Continued)

       

Rohm Co., Ltd.

    40     $ 2,993  

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

    113,797       5,041,295  

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., GDR

    3,744       4,094,324  

SK Hynix, Inc.

    917       64,472  

StarPower Semiconductor Ltd., Class A

    4,100       234,580  

SUMCO Corp.

    34       462  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    277,122       4,536,431  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., SP ADR

    84,389       7,033,823  

Tokyo Electron Ltd.

    400       125,455  

Tokyo Electron, Ltd., ADR

    1,048       82,331  

United Microelectronics Corp., SP ADR*

    36,418       241,451  
              23,023,339  

Shipbuilding — 0.1%

Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd.*

    6,333       502,750  
                 

Software — 1.8%

               

AVEVA Group, PLC

    39,958       1,295,773  

BlackBerry Ltd.*

    10,732       63,748  

Dassault Systemes SE

    2,375       91,588  

Dassault Systemes SE, ADR

    2,450       94,692  

Kaspi.KZ JSC

    8,853       532,244  

Konami Group Corp.

    500       25,375  

NetEase, Inc.

    91,700       1,637,524  

NetEase, Inc., ADR

    1,380       122,144  

Nexon Co., Ltd.

    2,300       45,798  

Open Text Corp.

    2,121       66,769  

Oracle Corp Japan

    500       29,786  

Playtech, PLC*

    137,204       712,204  

SimCorp A/S

    19,809       1,446,578  

TeamViewer AG, ADR*

    4,442       22,032  

Temenos AG

    356       29,154  

Ubisoft Entertainment SA*

    674       31,082  
              6,246,491  

Telecommunications — 3.3%

               

America Movil SAB de CV, Class L, SP ADR

    7,257       123,369  

BCE, Inc.

    5,954       286,983  

Bharti Airtel Ltd.

    59,981       543,335  

Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd., SP ADR

    10,212       405,621  

Deutsche Telekom AG, SP ADR

    5,690       107,712  

Elisa Oyj

    602       32,194  

Hikari Tsushin, Inc.

    200       25,285  

KDDI Corp.

    167,748       5,133,279  

 

 

14

 

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

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Telecommunications — (Continued)

KT Corp.

    20,466     $ 567,181  

Millicom International Cellular SA, SDR*

    116       1,660  

MTN Group Ltd.

    23,254       168,313  

Nice Ltd., SP ADR*

    288       61,450  

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.

    3,100       84,023  

Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp., ADR

    984       26,686  

Nokia Oyj, SP ADR

    12,708       64,175  

SK Telecom Co., SP ADR

    4,948       143,888  

SK Telecom Co Ltd., ADR

    2       43  

SoftBank Group Corp.

    1,700       67,340  

Spark New Zealand Ltd.

    9,362       30,969  

Swisscom AG

    318       164,416  

Tele2 AB, Class B

    2,532       26,965  

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, Class B

    423,845       3,169,692  

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, SP ADR

    2,495       18,538  

Telefonica SA

    9,725       40,135  

Telekomunikasi Indonesia Persero Tbk PT

    1,252,000       383,401  

Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri AS, ADR

    1       3  
              11,676,656  

Toys/Games/Hobbies — 0.1%

               

Bandai Namco Holdings, Inc.

    800       60,029  

Nintendo Co., Ltd.

    200       81,870  

Nintendo Co., Ltd., ADR

    1,152       58,867  
              200,766  

Transportation — 0.9%

               

Aurizon Holdings Ltd.

    22,111       55,922  

Canadian National Railway Co.

    3,433       408,218  

Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd.

    2,583       193,363  

Deutsche Post AG, SP ADR

    3,012       110,239  

DSV A/S

    11,097       1,639,783  

DSV AS, ADR

    826       60,827  

East Japan Railway Co.

    500       25,898  

Keio Corp.

    800       30,440  

Kintetsu Group Holdings Co., Ltd.

    800       27,165  

Kuehne + Nagel International AG

    222       51,307  

Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd.

    9,000       234,483  

MTR Corp Ltd.

    10,000       51,213  

Odakyu Electric Railway Co., Ltd.

    1,900       25,956  

Tobu Railway Co., Ltd.

    1,100       25,989  

Yamato Holdings Co., Ltd.

    1,800       28,060  

ZTO Express Cayman, Inc., ADR

    3,209       83,595  
              3,052,458  

 

 

   

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 

Water — 1.0%

               

Cia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo, ADR*

    4,592     $ 42,981  

Severn Trent, PLC

    1,954       63,117  

United Utilities Group, PLC

    272,518       3,340,050  
              3,446,148  

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS

               

(Cost $313,988,321)

            308,721,936  
                 

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS — 0.4%

       

Diversified Financial Services — 0.4%

       

iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF

    31,168       1,381,989  

TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS

(Cost $1,295,552)

            1,381,989  
                 

PREFERRED STOCKS — 0.3%

               

Auto Manufacturers — 0.0%

               

Porsche Automobil Holding SE 3.502%

    851       60,004  

Banks — 0.1%

               

Banco Bradesco SA, ADR 3.091%

    44,550       161,717  

Bancolombia SA, SP ADR 5.262%

    1,414       38,814  
              200,531  

Chemicals — 0.1%

               

Fuchs Petrolub SE 3.776%

    15,802       427,662  

Cosmetics/Personal Care — 0.1%

LG H&H Co., Ltd. 3.357%

    1,366       372,295  

TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS

               

(Cost $1,689,436)

            1,060,492  

 

 

15

 

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

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Portfolio of Investments (Concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

   Number of
Shares
   Value 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 12.2%          

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.00%(c)

   43,311,240   $43,311,240 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS          
(Cost $43,311,240)        43,311,240 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 99.7%          
(Cost $360,284,549)        354,475,657 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 0.3%        1,190,292 

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

       $355,665,949 

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

(a)

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration to qualified institutional buyers. As of August 31, 2022, total market value of Rule 144A securities is $5,043,593 and represents 1.42% of net assets.

 

(b)

Security has been valued at fair market value using significant unobservable inputs as determined in good faith by or under the direction of The RBB Fund, Inc.’s Board of Directors. As of August 31, 2022, these securities amounted to $20 or 0% of net assets.

 

(c)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.

 

ADR

American Depositary Receipt

 

CDI

CREST Depository Interest

 

ETF

Exchange Traded Fund

 

GDR

Global Depositary Receipt

 

NVDR

Non-Voting Depositary

 

PLC

Public Limited Company

 

REIT

Real Estate Investment Trust

 

SDR

Special Drawing Right

 

SP ADR

Sponsored ADR

 

16

 

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

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


STATEMENT of Assets and Liabilities

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

ASSETS

       

Investments, at value (cost $316,973,309)

  $ 311,164,417  

Short-term investments, at value (cost $43,311,240)

    43,311,240  

Foreign currency at value (cost $235,354)

    172,534  

Receivables for:

       

Dividends

    1,265,821  

Investments sold

    2,749,292  

Capital shares sold

    474,940  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    28,150  

Total assets

  $ 359,166,394  
         

LIABILITIES

       

Payables for:

       

Investments purchased

    3,129,226  

Capital shares redeemed

    80,020  

Sub-advisory fees

    142,996  

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    148,203  

Total liabilities

    3,500,445  

Net assets

  $ 355,665,949  
         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

       

Par value

  $ 38,265  

Paid-in capital

    381,143,060  

Total distributable earnings/(loss)

    (25,515,376 )

Net assets

  $ 355,665,949  
         

CAPITAL SHARES:

       

Net Assets

  $ 355,665,949  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    38,264,562  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 9.29  

 

 

17

 

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

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Statement of Operations

FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2022

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $935,905)

  $ 8,326,273  

Total investment income

    8,326,273  
         

EXPENSES

       

Sub-advisory fees (Note 2)

    1,768,512  

Custodian fees (Note 2)

    344,474  

Administration and accounting services fees (Note 2)

    250,847  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    52,354  

Director fees

    41,580  

Legal fees

    40,123  

Audit fees and tax services

    37,391  

Officer fees

    29,206  

Registration and filing fees

    22,211  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    5,627  

Other expenses

    152,288  

Total expenses

    2,744,613  

Net investment income/(loss)

    5,581,660  
         

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

       

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currency transactions

    (12,646,664 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency translation

    (83,378,012 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    (96,024,676 )

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ (90,443,016 )

 

 

18

 

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

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 5,581,660     $ 3,610,463  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currency transactions

    (12,646,664 )     13,243,783  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency translation

    (83,378,012 )     44,996,998  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (90,443,016 )     61,851,244  
                 

DIVIDEND AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (5,072,140 )     (2,348,112 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (5,072,140 )     (2,348,112 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    89,693,476       55,323,661  

Reinvestment of distributions

    4,234,119       1,902,390  

Shares redeemed

    (25,570,223 )     (12,861,612 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from capital share transactions

    68,357,372       44,364,439  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    (27,157,784 )     103,867,571  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    382,823,733       278,956,162  

End of period

  $ 355,665,949     $ 382,823,733  
                 

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    8,416,052       4,875,177  

Shares reinvested

    363,131       175,659  

Shares redeemed

    (2,483,280 )     (1,170,002 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares

    6,295,903       3,880,834  

 

 

19

 

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

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2019

   

For the Period
April 17, 2018
(1)
to
August 31,
2018

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.97     $ 9.93     $ 9.27     $ 9.61     $ 10.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    0.16       0.12       0.12       0.14       0.08  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (2.69 )     2.00       0.67       (0.35 )     (0.47 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (2.53 )     2.12       0.79       (0.21 )     (0.39 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.15 )     (0.08 )     (0.13 )     (0.13 )      

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.15 )     (0.08 )     (0.13 )     (0.13 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.29     $ 11.97     $ 9.93     $ 9.27     $ 9.61  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    (21.38 )%     21.46 %     8.61 %     (2.12 )%     (3.90 )%(4)
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s)

  $ 355,666     $ 382,824     $ 278,956     $ 163,375     $ 176,968  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.73 %     0.75 %     0.75 %     0.94 %     0.80 %(5)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    1.48 %     1.08 %     1.24 %     1.56 %     2.21 %(5)

Portfolio turnover rate

    52 %     48 %     55 %     81 %     36 %(4)

 

 

(1)

Commencement of operations.

 

(2)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(4)

Not annualized.

 

(5)

Annualized.

 

20

 

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

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has forty-eight separate investment portfolios, including the Aquarius International Fund (the “Fund”), which commenced investment operations on April 17, 2018.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 90.023 billion shares are currently classified two hundred and eleven classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

The Fund’s investment objective seeks capital appreciation.

 

The Fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services - Investment Companies”.

 

The end of the reporting period for the Fund is August 31, 2022, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

PORTFOLIO VALUATION – The Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Fund are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, securities traded principally on an exchange or on NASDAQ will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Foreign securities are valued based on prices from the primary market in which they are traded, and are translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. Investments in other open-end investment companies, if any, are valued based on the NAV of those investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as disclosed in their prospectuses). If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments. Such procedures use fundamental valuation methods, which may include, but are not limited to, an analysis of the effect of any restrictions on the resale of the security, industry analysis and trends, significant changes in the issuer’s financial position, and any other event which could have a significant impact on the value of the security. Determination of fair value involves subjective judgment as the actual market value of a particular security can be established only by negotiations between the parties in a sales transaction, and the difference between the recorded fair value and the value that would be received in a sale could be significant. The Fund may use fair value pricing more frequently for securities traded primarily in non-U.S. markets because, among other things, most foreign markets close well before the Fund values its securities, generally as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, government actions or pronouncements, aftermarket trading, or news events may have occurred in the interim. To account for this, the Fund may value foreign securities using fair value prices based on third-party vendor modeling tools (international fair value pricing).

 

21

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS – The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

● Level 1

— Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

● Level 2

— Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

● Level 3

— Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the reporting period, in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value:

 

   

Total

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Common Stocks

  $ 308,721,936     $ 67,026,260     $ 241,695,656     $ 20  

Exchange Traded Funds

    1,381,989       1,381,989              

Preferred Stocks

    1,060,492       200,531       859,961        

Short-Term Investments

    43,311,240       43,311,240              

Total Investments*

  $ 354,475,657     $ 111,920,020     $ 242,555,617     $ 20  

 

*

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments for further details.

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Fund’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Fund may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires the Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when the Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for Level 3 transfers are disclosed if the Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund had no significant Level 3 transfers.

 

22

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

REITS — The Fund has made certain investments in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) which pay dividends to their shareholders based upon available funds from operations. It is quite common for these dividends to exceed the REITs’ taxable earnings and profits resulting in the excess portion being designated as a return of capital. The Fund intends to include the gross dividends from such REITs in its annual distributions to shareholders and, accordingly, a portion of the Fund’s distributions may also be designated as a return of capital.

 

USE OF ESTIMATES — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS, INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES — The Fund records security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The Fund’s investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with The RBB Fund Trust (formerly, PENN Capital Funds Trust) (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Fund.

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS — Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains (including net short-term capital gains), if any, are declared and paid at least annually to shareholders recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

U.S. TAX STATUS — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is the Fund’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION — Assets and liabilities initially expressed in non-U.S. currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based on the applicable exchange rates at the date of the last business day of the financial statement period. Purchases and sales of securities, interest income, dividends, variation margin received and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect on the transaction date.

 

The Fund does not separately report the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from changes in market prices of securities held. Such changes are included with the net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments in the Statement of Operations. Other foreign currency transactions resulting in realized and unrealized gain or loss are reported separately as net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on foreign currencies in the Statement of Operations.

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

23

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

OTHER — In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Fund in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Fund expects the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

The Fund may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which it invests, with respect to its investments in issuers existing or operating in such countries. Such taxes are generally based on income earned or repatriated and capital gains realized on the sale of such investments. The Fund accrues such taxes when the related income or capital gains are earned or throughout the holding period. Some countries require governmental approval for the repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales earned by foreign investors. Additionally, if there is a deterioration in a country’s balance of payments or for other reasons, a country may impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances abroad.

 

MARKET RISK — Investments in foreign markets may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with investments in the United States of America, including the possibility of future political and economic developments and the level of foreign governmental supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets. These markets are generally smaller, less liquid and more volatile than the major securities markets in the United States of America. Consequently, acquisition and disposition of international securities held by the Fund may be inhibited.

 

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC — The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. Although vaccines for COVID-19 are available, the ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers are not known. The operational and financial performance of the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and the pace of recovery which may vary from market to market, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

UKRAINE-RUSSIA CONFLICT RISK — In February 2022, Russia commenced a military attack on Ukraine. The outbreak of hostilities between the two countries and the threat of wider-spread hostilities could have a severe adverse effect on the region and global economies, including significant negative impacts on the markets for certain securities and commodities, such as oil and natural gas. In addition, sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States and other countries, and any sanctions imposed in the future, could have a significant adverse impact on the Russian economy and related markets. The price and liquidity of investments may fluctuate widely as a result of the conflict and related events. How long the armed conflict and related events will last cannot be predicted. These tensions and any related events could have a significant impact on Fund performance and the value of Fund investments, even beyond any direct exposure the Fund may have to issuers located in these countries.

 

2. INVESTMENT ADVISER AND OTHER SERVICES

 

Altair Advisers, LLC (“Altair” or the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Aperio Group, LLC, Driehaus Capital Management, LLC, Mawer Investment Management, Ltd. and Setanta Asset Management Limited each serve as an investment sub-adviser (“Sub-Adviser”) to the Fund.

 

The Fund is managed by the Adviser and one or more Sub-Advisers unaffiliated with the Adviser. The Adviser also has the ultimate responsibility to oversee the Sub-Advisers, and to recommend their hiring, termination and replacement, subject to approval by the Board. The Adviser has an investment team that is jointly responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. The Sub-Advisers provide investment advisory services to the portion of the Fund’s portfolio allocated to them by the Adviser. The Adviser and the Fund have entered into sub-advisory agreements with the Sub-Advisers to manage the Fund, subject to supervision of the Adviser and the Board, and in accordance with

 

24

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

the investment objective and restrictions of the Fund. The Fund compensates the Sub-Advisers for their services at an annual rate based on the Fund’s average daily net assets, (the “Sub-Advisory Fee”), not to exceed 0.90%, payable on a monthly basis in arrears.

 

During the current fiscal period, collectively, sub-advisory fees accrued were $1,768,512, or the rate of 0.47%.

 

The Fund is currently only available to clients of the Adviser and to other investors at the Fund’s discretion. The Adviser does not receive a separate management fee from the Fund. However, pursuant to the Fund’s investment advisory agreement with the Adviser, the Adviser is entitled to receive reimbursement for compliance expenses in connection with managing the Fund, up to 0.03% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. During the current fiscal period, the Adviser received $124,177.

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as administrator for the Fund. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Fund’s transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Fund. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Statement of Operations.

 

3. DIRECTOR AND OFFICER COMPENSATION

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as Chief Compliance Officer of the Company and served as President of the Company until August 2022. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Fund or the Company. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Statement of Operations.

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) of the Fund were as follows:

 

PURCHASES

SALES

$229,250,558

$177,191,232

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government securities during the current fiscal period.

 

5. FEDERAL INCOME TAX INFORMATION

 

The Fund has followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Fund to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The

 

25

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

AUGUST 31, 2022

Fund has determined that there was no effect on the financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Fund is subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

As of August 31, 2022, the federal tax cost, which includes foreign currency, and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by the Fund were as follows:

 

FEDERAL
TAX COST

UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION

UNREALIZED
(DEPRECIATION)

Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

$364,987,858

$38,310,971

$(48,650,639)

$(10,339,668)

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

Permanent differences as of August 31, 2022, primarily attributed to foreign currency. There were no permanent differences between distributable earnings/(loss) and paid in capital.

 

As of August 31, 2022, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

UNDISTRIBUTED
ORDINARY
INCOME

UNDISTRIBUTED
LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAINS

CAPITAL LOSS
CARRYFORWARDS

NET UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

QUALIFIED
LATE-YEAR
LOSSES

$3,144,936

$—

$(18,320,644)

$(10,339,668)

$—

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate primarily to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes. Short-term and foreign currency gains are reported as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2022 and August 31, 2021 was as follows:

 

         

ORDINARY
INCOME

   

LONG-TERM
GAINS

   

TOTAL

 
    2022     $ 5,072,140     $     $ 5,072,140  
    2021     $ 2,348,112     $     $ 2,348,112  

 

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period. Additionally, capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered all short-term as under the previous law. As of August 31, 2022, the Fund had short-term capital loss carryforwards of $18,320,644.

 

6. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In October 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted new regulations governing the use of derivatives by registered investment companies (“Rule 18f-4”). Rule 18f-4 imposes limits on the amount of derivatives a fund can enter into, eliminates the asset segregation framework previously used by funds to comply with Section 18

 

26

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONCLUDED)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

of the 1940 Act, and requires funds whose use of derivatives is greater than a limited specified amount to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager. The Fund is required to comply with Rule 18f-4 and has adopted procedures for investing in derivatives and other transactions in compliance with Rule 18f-4. Rule 18f-4 may require the Fund to observe more stringent requirements than were previously imposed by the 1940 Act, which could adversely affect the ability of the Fund to engage in certain derivatives transactions and/or increase the costs of such derivatives transactions, which could adversely affect the Fund’s performance and increase costs related to the Fund’s use of derivatives.

 

In December 2020, the SEC adopted a new rule providing a framework for fund valuation practices (“Rule 2a-5”). Rule 2a-5 establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the 1940 Act. Rule 2a-5 will permit fund boards to designate certain parties to perform fair value determinations, subject to board oversight and certain other conditions. Rule 2a-5 also defines when market quotations are “readily available” for purposes of the 1940 Act and the threshold for determining whether a fund must fair value a security. In connection with Rule 2a-5, the SEC also adopted related recordkeeping requirements and is rescinding previously issued guidance, including with respect to the role of a board in determining fair value and the accounting and auditing of fund investments. The Fund will be required to comply with the rules by September 8, 2022. Effective September 8, 2022 and pursuant to the requirements of Rule 2a-5, the Board designated the Adviser as its valuation designee to perform fair value determinations and approved new valuation procedures for the Fund.

 

In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments on the financial statements.

 

7. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through the date the financial statements were issued, and has determined that there were no subsequent events.

 

27

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. and Shareholders of Aquarius International Fund

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the portfolio of investments, of Aquarius International Fund (one of the funds constituting The RBB Fund, Inc., hereafter referred to as the “Fund”) as of August 31, 2022, the related statement of operations for the year ended August 31, 2022, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2022, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the four years in the period ended August 31, 2022 and for the period April 17, 2018 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2018 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of August 31, 2022, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2022 and the financial highlights for each of the four years in the period ended August 31, 2022 and for the period April 17, 2018 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2018 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

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

 

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2022 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 


Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 28, 2022

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Altair Advisers, LLC investment companies since 2015.

 

28

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


SHAREHOLDER TAX INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 

Certain tax information regarding the Fund is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Fund’s income and distributions for the taxable period ended August 31, 2022. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ending December 31, 2021. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, the following dividends and distributions were paid by the Fund:

 

Ordinary
Income

Long-Term
Gains

$5,072,140

$—

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under the Jobs and Growth Tax relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 the following percentages of ordinary dividends paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022 are designated as “qualified dividend income,” as defined in the Act, and are subject to reduced tax rates:

 

Aquarius International Fund

100%

 

The percentage of total ordinary income dividends paid qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction for the Fund is as follows:

 

Aquarius International Fund

0%

 

The percentage of ordinary income distributions designated as qualified short-term gains pursuant to the American Job Creation Act of 2004 is as follows:

 

Aquarius International Fund

0%

 

Because the Fund’s fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2022. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2023.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Fund, if any. The Fund passed through foreign tax credits of $925,405 and earned $9,057,572 of gross foreign source income during the fiscal year.

 

In general, dividends received by tax-exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Fund.

 

29

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Other Information (Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling (844) 261-6482 and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

 

The Company files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered (1) the renewal of the investment advisory agreement between Altair and the Company (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the Fund, and (2) the renewal of the sub-advisory agreements among Altair, the Company and each of Aperio Group, LLC, Driehaus Capital Management, LLC, Mawer Investment Management, Ltd. and Setanta Asset Management Limited (collectively, the “Sub-Advisers”) (together, the “Sub-Advisory Agreements”), at a meeting of the Board held on May 11-12, 2022 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements, the Board considered information provided by Altair and each of the Sub-Advisers with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Company and Altair Advisers LLC (“Altair”) with respect to the Fund, and the Sub-Advisory Agreements between Altair and each Sub-Adviser with respect to the Fund, the Directors took into account all materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of services provided to the Fund by Altair and each Sub-Adviser; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of the personnel providing those services; (iii) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ advisory fee arrangements and other similarly managed clients, as applicable; (vii) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ compliance procedures; (viii) Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ financial information and insurance coverage, as applicable; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Fund; (x) a report prepared by Broadridge/Lipper comparing the Fund’s management fees and total expense ratio to those of its Lipper Group and comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its Lipper Group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its benchmark.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Altair and each Sub-Adviser. The Directors concluded that Altair and each Sub-Adviser had substantial resources to provide services to the Fund, and that Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ services had been acceptable.

 

30

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Other Information (Unaudited) (CONTINUED)

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Fund and considered the Fund’s investment performance in light of its investment objective and investment strategies. The Directors noted that the Fund had underperformed its primary benchmark for the year-to-date, one-year and three-year periods ended March 31, 2022. The Directors also considered the Fund’s 3rd quintile ranking within its Lipper Performance Group for the two-year period ended December 31, 2021.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Fund and the Fund’s total operating expense ratio were compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms. The Directors noted that the Fund’s actual advisor fees ranked in the 2nd quintile of its Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 3rd quintile of its Lipper Expense Group. The Directors considered that the Fund does not pay a contractual management fee to Altair, but instead reimburses for out-of-pocket expenses in connection with its compliance monitoring of the Fund’s trading, up to 0.03% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Directors also considered the fees payable to each Sub-Adviser under the Sub-Advisory Agreement.

 

After reviewing the information regarding Altair’s and the Sub-Advisers’ costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering the services to be provided by Altair and the Sub-Advisers, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees to be paid by the Fund to Altair and the sub-advisory fees to be paid to each Sub-Adviser were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements should be approved and continued for an additional one-year period ending August 16, 2023.

 

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

 

The Company has adopted and implemented a Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Company Program”) as required by rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Company Program, the Adviser has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Adviser Program” and together with the Company Program, the “Programs”) on behalf of the Fund. The Programs seek to assess, manage and review the Fund’s Liquidity Risk. “Liquidity Risk” is defined as the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interest in the Fund.

 

The Board has appointed Vigilant Compliance, LLC (“Vigilant”) as the program administrator for the Company Program and the Adviser as the program administrator for the Adviser Program. The Adviser has delegated oversight of the Adviser Program to its Compliance Committee, whose process of monitoring and determining the liquidity of the Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party vendors.

 

At meetings held during the current fiscal period, the Board and its Regulatory Oversight Committee received and reviewed a written report (the “Report”) of Vigilant and the Adviser concerning the operation of the Programs for the period from July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 (the “Period”). The Report summarized the operation of the Programs and the information and factors considered by Vigilant and the Adviser in reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the implementation of the Programs with respect to the Fund. Such information and factors included, among other things: (i) the methodology used to classify the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio investments and the Adviser’s assessment that the Fund’s strategy remained appropriate for an open-end mutual fund; (ii) analyses of the Fund’s trading environment and reasonably anticipated trading size; (iii) that the Fund held primarily highly liquid assets (investments that the Fund anticipates can be converted to cash within 3 business days or less in current market conditions without significantly changing their market value); (iv) that the Fund held a percentage of highly liquid assets above its highly liquid investment minimum at all times during the Period; (v) confirmation that the Fund did not breach the 15% maximum illiquid security threshold (investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven days or less in current market conditions without the sale of the investment significantly changing the market value of the investment) during the Period and the procedures for monitoring compliance with the limit; (vi) that the processes, technologies and third-party vendors used to assess, manage, and/or periodically review the Fund’s Liquidity Risk functioned appropriately during the Period; and (vii) that the Programs operated adequately during the Period. The Report also indicated that there were no material changes made to the Programs during the Period.

 

31

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


Other Information (Unaudited) (Concluded)

 

Based on the review, the Report concluded that the Programs were being implemented effectively and reasonably designed to assess and manage Liquidity Risk in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company Program or the Adviser Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Fund’s prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

 

32

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


COMPANY MANAGEMENT (Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (877) 264-5346.

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age:89

Director

1988 to present

From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications).

55

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 55

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

55

FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018).

 

33

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


COMPANY MANAGEMENT (Unaudited) (CONTINUED)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Lisa A. Dolly
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI, 53202
Age: 56

Director

October 2021 to present

From July 2019-December 2019, Chairman, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm); January 2016-June 2019, Chief Executive Officer, Pershing, LLC.

55

Allfunds Group PLC (United Kingdom wealthtech and fund distribution provider); Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (trade association for broker dealers, investment banks and asset managers); Hightower Advisors (wealth management firm).

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

55

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until 2021); Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017).

Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 74

Chairman


Director

2005 to present

1991 to present

Retired.

55

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until August 2022).

 

 

34

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


COMPANY MANAGEMENT (Unaudited) (CONTINUED)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Brian T. Shea
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 62

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

55

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company); WisdomTree Investments, Inc.(asset management company) (until March 2019).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 81

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

55

None.

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 84

Vice Chairman

Director

2016 to present

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

55

None.

OFFICERS

Steven Plump
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 63

President

August 2022 to present

From 2011 to 2021, Executive Vice President, PIMCO Investments LLC.

N/A

N/A

 

 

35

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


COMPANY MANAGEMENT (Unaudited) (CONTINUED)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Salvatore Faia, JD,
CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
Gateway Corporate Center, Suite 216
223 Wilmington West
Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 59

Chief Compliance Officer

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, Chief Compliance Officer of The RBB Fund Trust; President of The RBB Fund Trust from 2021 to 2022; President of The RBB Fund, Inc. from 2009 to 2022.

N/A

N/A

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 61

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

Chief Operating Officer

2016 to present

 

 

 

2022 to present

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2016) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2021) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund Trust; from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 48

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and The RBB Fund Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC. (an investment advisory firm)

N/A

N/A

 

 

36

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


COMPANY MANAGEMENT (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office and
Length
of Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Jennifer Witt
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 39

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services; from 2007 to 2016, Supervisor, Nuveen Investments (registered investment company).

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 51

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 63

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 43

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 55 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company and The RBB Fund Trust (7 portfolios).

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his or her qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Chandler

 

37

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


COMPANY MANAGEMENT (Unaudited) (Concluded)

 

has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Ms. Dolly has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, and she has demonstrated her leadership and management abilities by serving in numerous senior executive-level positions. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing, and investment services industry, including service on the boards of industry regulatory organizations and a university. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company.

 

38

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


PRIVACY NOTICE (UNAUDITED)

 

FACTS

WHAT DOES THE AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

 

● Social Security number

● account balances

● account transactions

● transaction history

● wire transfer instructions

● checking account information

 

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

How?

All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Aquarius International Fund chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

       

Reasons we can share your information

Does the Aquarius International Fund share?

Can you limit
this sharing?

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

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial companies

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes
information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

 

Questions?

Call 1-844-261-6482

 

 

39

 

 

AQUARIUS INTERNATIONAL FUND

 


PRIVACY NOTICE (UNAUDITED) (concluded)

 

What we do

 

How does the Aquarius International Fund protect my personal information?

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

How does the Aquarius International Fund collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

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

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

Definitions

 

Affiliates

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

 

Our affiliates include Altair Advisers, LLC, the investment adviser to the Aquarius International Fund.

Nonaffiliates

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

 

Aquarius International Fund doesn’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

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

 

Aquarius International Fund may share your information with other financial institutions with whom they have joint marketing arrangements who may suggest additional fund services or other investments products which may be of interest to you. We do not currently have any joint marketing arrangements with other financial institutions.

 

 

40

 

 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 

Investment Adviser
Altair Advisers, LLC
303 West Madison Street, Suite 600
Chicago, IL 60606

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Principal Underwriter
Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 E Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Custodian
U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Two Commerce Square
2001 Market Street, Suite 1800
Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

Legal Counsel
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

AQU-AR22

 

 

 

 

 

Boston Partners Investment Funds

of The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

Annual Report
August 31, 2022

 

Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund
Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II
WPG Partners Select Small Cap Value Fund
WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund
Boston Partners Global Sustainability Fund
Boston Partners Global Equity Fund
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

Table of Contents

 

General Market Commentary 1
Fund Expense Examples 32
Portfolio Holdings Summary Tables 34
Portfolio of Investments 37
Statements of Assets and Liabilities 84
Statements of Operations 87
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 90
Financial Highlights 96
Notes to Financial Statements 102
Other Information 120
Privacy Notice 126
 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

GENERAL MARKET COMMENTARY

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, saw some of the worst investment performance in recent memory, with stocks (as measured by the S&P 500) dropping by -11.23% and bonds (as measured by the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index) falling by an even greater -11.52%. It was the worst fiscal year performance for the S&P 500 since the Global Financial Crisis in 2009 and the worst performance on record for the Aggregate Bond Index on data back to 1980.

 

Returns for the fiscal year can be broken into four phases:

 

Phase 1 – From August to December with the S&P 500 gaining +5.38%, with the return driven by the re-opening of the U.S. economy on COVID vaccination progress, historically benign financial conditions, and overall stellar earnings results on a year-over-year basis.

 

Phase 2 – From December to June with Russia invading Ukraine, inflation hitting a 40-year high of 9.1% and the U.S. Federal Reserve (“Fed”) hiking rates on three occasions by the greatest amount since 1994. During this phase, the S&P 500 fell by -19.97% and the Aggregate Bond Index by -10.35% as the yield on the 10-Year Treasury bond doubled from 1.51% to 3.02%.

 

Phase 3 – From the end of June to August 15th which brought a short-lived reprieve to falling prices, largely the result of what was thought to be a “pivot” on future interest actions by the Fed based upon comments made by Chairman Jerome Powell. At a July 27th press conference, Chairman Powell stated that rates had reached “neutral status” and that “at some point it will be appropriate to slow down (rate hikes)” and several market pundits touted the notion that “peak inflation” was at hand. During this phase the S&P 500 gained +13.72% and the Aggregate Bond Index a positive +1.86%.

 

Phase 4 – From August 16th to the end of the month where the S&P 500 fell by -7.88% and bonds by -2.27% as a chorus of members of the Federal Open Market Committee openly challenged the notion of an early Fed exit from tightening. That was cemented by Chairman Powell in a prepared speech on August 26th at the Fed’s Jackson Hole Economic Symposium, when Chairman Powell channeled his “inner Paul Volcker” and slammed the door on the premise of an early exit from Fed tightening. Excerpts from his 11-minute speech included: “History warns against prematurely loosening policy”; “Higher rates will bring some pain to households and businesses, but a failure to restore price stability would mean far greater pain”; “Restoring price stability will likely require maintaining a restrictive policy stance for some time” and “We must keep at it until the job is done”.

 

The S&P 500 ended the month of August with a loss of -4.08% on a total return basis in what is being called “a pivot on the pivot”.

 

Only three of the eleven sectors that comprise the S&P 500 found their way into positive territory for the year, led by the Energy sector which gained +75.21%, supported by a +80.58% increase in oil prices and a +105.90% jump in the price of natural gas as the war in Ukraine disrupted global supply chains, that when coupled with cuts in production by OPEC, contributed to a worldwide energy supply/demand imbalance that triggered the higher prices. Two classic “defensive” sectors also had positive returns, Utilities at +11.72% and Consumer Staples at +4.08% as investors sought what have historically proven to be “safer” investments in times of turmoil.

 

At the other end of the spectrum came sectors with the longest durations, or those with the greatest sensitivity to rising interest rates: Information Technology at -14.34%, Consumer Discretionary at -16.17% and Communication Services at -35.19%, hurt by interest rates that increased by an average of 2.62% across the Treasury yield curve of maturities between two and ten years in length.

 

Evidence of the “risk-off” mentality by investors prevailed across virtuality all capitalizations, styles and geographies as the Russell 1000 Index of large-cap stocks beat (loss less than) the Russell 2000 Index of small-cap stocks, -12.96% to -18.88%; high-quality stocks (those rated “B+” or higher by Standard & Poor’s) beat low-quality stocks (“B” or lower) -8.50% to -26.24%; the lowest beta quintile of the S&P 500 beat the highest beta quintile -3.11% to -11.35%.

 

Returns of foreign stocks were mixed relative to the U.S. in local currency terms as the MSCI EAFE Index of developed market stocks returned -5.96% for the year, while the MSCI Emerging Markets Index dropped by -15.44%. In $U.S. dollar terms, the results were weaker, the MSCI EAFE Index at -19.37% and MSCI EM Index at -21.48%, respectively. The DXY Index, a measure of the dollar’s return relative to the currencies of the United States’ sixteen largest trading partners, gained +17.35% for the year with the dollar benefitting from its “safe haven” status.

 

Value as an investment style is outpaced Growth by a margin not seen since the bursting of the “dot com” bubble some twenty years ago. The average return for the Russell 1000 Value Index, the Russell Mid-Cap Value Index and the Russell 2000 Small-Cap Value Index for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, was -8.10% versus the -23.67% posted by their Russell Growth counterparts across the three capitalization ranges.

 

Looking Ahead

 

Chairman Powell’s Jackson Hole speech triggered a significant shift in the future landscape of interest rates. In mid-July, the futures market was pricing a 28% chance of a 75-basis point hike by the FOMC at the conclusion of its September 21st meeting. After the speech, the probability rose to a 75% chance of a 75-basis point move.

 

Annual Report 2022  |  1

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

GENERAL MARKET COMMENTARY (concluded)

 

A month ago, Fed Fund futures were signalling that rates would peak at 3.3% in early 2023 and that the Fed would begin to cut rates by the summer to the 2% range. After the speech, the futures market recalibrated, projecting that rates would peak at 3.7% in February 2023 and stay north of 3% until late 2024. Currently, the interest rate swap market is pricing an even higher terminal rate of over 4.2% by early next year.

 

While headline inflation readings have begun to subside, mostly due to the recent drop in oil and gasoline prices, the “peak inflation” hypothesis remains challenged by analysis and data that suggests that underlying strength in inflation remains. For example, the median CPI, or the rate of inflation on the component that falls in the 50th percentile of price changes, increased to 6.69% in August from 6.26% in July, while the Cleveland Fed’s Trimmed-Mean CPI, which excludes 8% of the highest and 8% of the lowest prices change categories, also increased in August to 7.21% from July’s reading of 6.99%. The Atlanta Fed’s Core Sticky CPI, a weighted basket of items that change price relatively slowly, increased to 5.9% in August from 5.62% in July. All three suggest that underlying inflation could stay higher for longer.

 

It is also important to note that the pace of the Fed’s quantitative tightening has also doubled in the last month, from $30 billion to $60 billion of U.S. Treasury’s hitting the open market, and $17.5 billion to $35 billion of mortgage-backed securities, likely adding upward pressure to interest rates. The Atlanta Fed has estimated that every $1 trillion in quantitative tightening over a 3-year period is the equivalent of an additional 34 basis point hike in the Fed Funds rate. Members of the Fed have indicated that a $3 trillion reduction in the Fed’s balance sheet over the next three years is their current goal. Higher rates and newly lowered earnings expectations remain a significant headwind for higher stock prices.

 

The Fed is fully aware that economic growth must drop below trend for a period of time in order to create enough slack in the economy that, in turn, acts to limit inflationary pressures. How much monetary restraint for how long remains as the Fed’s critical challenge.

 

Past Performance is not a guarantee of future results.

 

Opinions expressed herein are as of September 30, 2022 and are subject to change at any time, are not guaranteed and should not be considered investment advice. This report is for the information of shareholders of the Funds. It may also be used as sales literature when preceded or accompanied by the current prospectus.

 

MSCI EAFE (EAFE) Index is a stock market index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets outside of the U.S. & Canada. It is maintained by MSCI Inc., a provider of investment decision support tools; the EAFE acronym stands for Europe, Australasia and the Far East.

 

2  |  Annual Report 2022

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS ALL-CAP VALUE FUND (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund – Institutional Class (“Fund”) outperformed its benchmark, the Russell 3000® Value Index (“Benchmark”), for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022. The Fund generated a net return of -3.76% for its Institutional Class shares during the past year, versus its Benchmark’s return of -6.49%.

 

During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, stock selection within Health Care, Industrials, and Technology sectors were the primary drivers of the Fund’s outperformance. In the Health Care sector, distributors McKesson and AmerisourceBergen added value after strong earnings reports and reaching an agreement with 46 states on opioid litigation which has removed a liability overhang. Health insurers Elevance and Centene reported strong earnings and received a generous 4% price increase from government reimbursement for 2022. Within Industrials, Huron Consulting has seen a reacceleration in revenues from healthcare clients where they enjoy their best margins. Our positions in defense-related companies, including Howmet and Curtiss-Wright, outperformed as the Ukrainian conflict will likely result in increased defense spending in the US and Europe. In Technology, avoiding larger cap semiconductor names that underperformed, such as Intel, Micron and software company Salesforce, helped relative returns. From a sector allocation perspective, our underweight to Communication Services and Real Estate and overweight to Energy contributed positively to relative performance.

 

Sector allocation detracted from relative performance during the fiscal year period due to our underweight to Utilities and Consumer Staples and overweight to Technology and Consumer Discretionary. Stock selection in Consumer Staples was the only sector that reduced relative returns during the one-year period. In Consumer Staples, our position in Nomad Foods underperformed as the company’s margins were squeezed as commodity costs increased and pricing of frozen vegetables remained competitive on supermarket shelves. Not owning Procter and Gamble, Coca-Cola, General Mills and Archer-Daniels-Midland also reduced relative performance as investors sought refuge in the perceived safety of this defensive sector amid the market downturn.

 

Over the course of the fiscal year, we bought and sold companies when opportunities that fit our three-circle criteria presented themselves or if our sell discipline was triggered. In the Technology sector, we added to our semiconductor exposure such as Applied Materials and KLA. The group has lagged despite strong backlogs as customers are still catching up from the chip shortages over the past few quarters. In Consumer Staples, we added Keurig Dr. Pepper. The successful merger of these two businesses has resulted in accelerating organic growth, increased margins, and carbonated soft drinks are exhibiting pricing power in this inflationary environment. In Consumer Discretionary, we sold retail-related names that exceeded our price targets, including Lowe’s and eBay. We trimmed our exposure to Industrials, which included selling the building materials company, Owens Corning. The company was approaching our price target and we were concerned about the sustainability of its roofing and insulation businesses with rising mortgage rates. Looking ahead, we will continue to invest your Fund on a stock-by-stock basis within our three-circle framework of attractive valuation, sound fundamentals and a catalyst for improvement. We believe that the Fund’s valuation edge and

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/22)  % of Net Assets
iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF  5.0%
iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF  5.0%
Johnson & Johnson  3.0%
Bank of America Corp.  2.0%
AbbVie, Inc.  1.9%
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.  1.8%
Pfizer, Inc.  1.7%
McKesson Corp.  1.6%
Elevance Health, Inc.  1.5%
JPMorgan Chase & Co.  1.5%
     
Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/22)    
P/E: Price/Earnings:  11.2 
P/B: Price/Book:  2.3 
Holdings:  134 
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions):  $100,128 
ROE: Return on Equity:  27.9%
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets:  134.7%

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund may invest small cap companies. These companies may be more volatile, less liquid, not as diversified in their business activities as companies with greater market capitalizations, and they may fluctuate widely in market value. Small caps may be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the “pink sheets,” and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. Derivatives (futures, options, swaps) may be leveraged and result in losses exceeding the amounts invested. Foreign securities may expose the Fund to currency and exchange rate fluctuations. Illiquid securities may be limited in resale and cause great uncertainty in determining valuation. Options (a type of derivative) can be highly volatile and their use can result in loss if the portfolio manager is incorrect in its expectation of price fluctuations. All of these factors may cause greater volatility and less liquidity. An investment in the Fund should be part of a carefully diversified portfolio.

 

 

 

quality advantage over the Benchmark has positioned it favorably for the longer term. We look forward to keeping you informed of the work we are doing on your Fund’s behalf.

 

Sincerely,

 

Duilio Ramallo, CFA

Portfolio Manager for the Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund


 

Annual Report 2022  |  3

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS ALL-CAP VALUE FUND (unaudited) (continued)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund vs. Russell Indices

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2012 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the Russell indices are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2022

 

   Average Annual Total Return  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund                         
Institutional Class   -3.76%   8.04%   11.58%   0.83%   0.80%
Russell 3000® Value Index   -6.49%   7.77%   10.44%   n/a    n/a 
Russell 3000® Index(1)   -13.28%   11.29%   12.77%   n/a    n/a 

 

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

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares exceeds 0.80% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 0.80%: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until March 2, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 0.80% or the expense cap then in effect, whichever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

4  |  Annual Report 2022

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS ALL-CAP VALUE FUND (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund vs. Russell Indices

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2012 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the Russell indices are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2022

 

   Average Annual Total Return  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund                         
Investor Class   -4.00%   7.78%   11.32%   1.08%   1.05%
Russell 3000® Value Index   -6.49%   7.77%   10.44%   n/a    n/a 
Russell 3000® Index(1)   -13.28%   11.29%   12.77%   n/a    n/a 

 

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

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund’s Investor Class shares exceeds 1.05% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Investor Class shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.05%: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until March 2, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.05% or the expense cap then in effect, whichever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

Annual Report 2022  |  5

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS SMALL CAP VALUE FUND II (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II Institutional Class (“Fund”) returned -8.88% for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, net of fees, which was above its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Value Index (“Index”), which returned -10.18% for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022.

 

In a reversal of last year’s strength, markets in the United States as measured by the S&P 500® Index have declined -11.2% year-to-date through August 2022 as evidence of slower economic growth, tightening financial conditions, increasing inflation and continuing supply chain pressures weighed on investor sentiment. The Boston Partners Small Cap Value II Fund was able to avoid some of the pitfalls of the small cap value market and preserve capital for shareholders. As the market became more volatile, valuation spreads across stocks widened, providing opportunities and a good stock picking environment. The team continued our process of investing in stocks that exhibit attractive valuation, strong fundamentals and positive business momentum and sold stocks when our sell discipline was triggered.

 

For the fiscal year period, stock selection was the primary driver of the outperformance versus the Index and was led by selection in Communication Services, Health Care and Industrials sectors. In addition, the Fund’s overweight to Energy, the best performing sector for the Index at 69.1%, added to relative performance along with an underweight to Health Care, one of the worst performing sectors at -29.4%. The underweight is primarily from the avoidance of biotechnology companies due to their lack of profitability and often premium valuations.

 

Within the Communication Services sector, media holdings such as Nexstar Media Group performed well. Nexstar posted a 30.2% return on solid quarterly earnings and an increase to its quarterly dividend to $0.90 per share, returning more capital to shareholders. Media holding TEGNA Inc. rose 23.0% on the announced acquisition of the company (taken private) at $24 per share, a 39% premium to its September 2021 price prior to speculation of a deal. A lack of entertainment positions added to relative performance as the industry dropped -64.6% for the Index, primarily due to AMC Entertainment’s return of -73.5%. The stock did not fit our investment criteria, exhibiting increasingly unattractive prices for very poor fundamentals (e.g., lack of profitability).

 

Healthcare technology company Change Healthcare “(Change”) was a top contributor for the Fund with a 12.6% return over the period. The recent extension of their merger agreement with UnitedHealth Group provided more time to pass regulatory hurdles, a special dividend of $2 per share to Change shareholders and a special per share payment to Change shareholders if the deal falls through. The Fund’s holdings within the life sciences tools and services industry held up better at -35.2% overall than those in the Index, which dropped -78.0%. Lack of exposure to the volatile biotech industry added value on the industry’s -39.5% decline in the Index.

 

Within the Industrials sector, the positive returns for the portfolio’s aerospace & defense holdings added to relative performance, including Curtiss-Wright Corp. and BWX Technologies. Electrical equipment holding Array Technologies posted higher than expected earnings for Q1 and Q2 2022 and is expected to receive benefits from the Inflation Reduction Act tax credits.

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/22) % of Net Assets
Graphic Packaging Holding Co. 2.5%
Change Healthcare, Inc. 2.4%
WESCO International, Inc. 2.3%
Stride, Inc. 2.0%
SLM Corp. 1.8%
ABM Industries, Inc. 1.7%
Callaway Golf Co. 1.6%
Harley-Davidson, Inc. 1.6%
Valvoline, Inc. 1.5%
Concentrix Corp. 1.3%
    
Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/22)   
P/E: Price/Earnings: 9.6 
P/B: Price/Book: 1.8 
Holdings: 176 
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions): $3,434 
ROE: Return on Equity: 29.0%
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets: 36.0%

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

Small cap companies are those with a market capitalization similar to the Russell 2000® Index. These companies tend to be more volatile, less liquid, not as diversified in their business activities as companies with market capitalizations greater than the market capitalization of companies in the Russell 2000® Index, and they may fluctuate widely in market value. Small caps may be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the “pink sheets,” and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. Foreign securities may expose the Fund to currency and exchange rate fluctuations. Illiquid securities may be limited in resale and cause uncertainty in determining valuation. As a result, an investment in Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II should be part of a carefully diversified portfolio.

 

 

 

Conversely, areas where stock selection detracted included Consumer Staples and Information Technology. Energizer Holdings returned -25.9% on rising input costs and transportation expenses which reduced profit margins. The company has taken steps to improve productivity, demand remains healthy and pricing increases are protected in value brands (e.g., Rayovac). Within Information Technology, IT services companies TTEC Holdings (-49.8%) and Unisys Corp (-61.5%) both declined after beating earnings estimates for the most recent quarter but lowering their outlook for the remainder of the year on headwinds such as the strong US dollar and rising labor costs.

 

While rising interest rates and higher inflation have weighed on markets, we are encouraged that investors have once again valued corporate profitability, manageable debt levels and more reasonable valuations for stocks. Regardless of market environment, we strive to avoid expensive, unprofitable companies. We believe that high-quality companies, selling at discounted valuations, that produce positive free cash flow and exhibit solid balance sheets, will outperform. As always, we continue to endeavor to structure the Fund with better than market valuation, strong fundamentals and positive business momentum for long term outperformance.

 

Sincerely,

 

George Gumpert, CFA
Portfolio Manager for the Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II


 

6  |  Annual Report 2022

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS SMALL CAP VALUE FUND II (unaudited) (continued)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II vs. Russell Indices

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2012 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the Russell indices are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2022

 
   Average Annual Total Return  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II                         
Institutional Class   -8.88%   6.30%   9.39%   1.01%     0.99%  
Russell 2000® Value Index   -10.18%   6.56%   9.49%   n/a    n/a 
Russell 2000® Index(1)   -17.88%   6.95%   10.01%   n/a    n/a 
1 This is not a primary benchmark of the Fund. Results of the index performance are presented for general comparative purposes.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares exceeds 0.99% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 0.99%: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until March 2, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Board of Directors” or the “Board”). If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 0.99% or the expense cap then in effect, whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. Annual operating expense ratios above are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

Annual Report 2022  |  7

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS SMALL CAP VALUE FUND II (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II vs. Russell Indices

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2012 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the Russell indices are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2022

          
   Average Annual Total Return  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II                         
Investor Class   -9.11%   6.02%   9.11%   1.26%     1.24%  
Russell 2000® Value Index   -10.18%   6.56%   9.49%   n/a    n/a 
Russell 2000® Index(1)   -17.88%   6.95%   10.01%   n/a    n/a 
1 This is not a primary benchmark of the Fund. Results of the index performance are presented for general comparative purposes.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund’s Investor Class shares exceeds 1.24% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Investor Class shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.24%: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until March 2, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.24% or the expense cap then in effect, whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

8  |  Annual Report 2022

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

WPG PARTNERS SELECT SMALL CAP VALUE FUND (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

We ended last year’s annual shareholder letter with the following quote: “Value stocks look well positioned relative to growth stocks.” In retrospect, this was an understatement. For the Fiscal Year ending August 2022, the Russell 2000 Value Index outperformed the Russell 2000 Growth Index by 14 percentage points. During this period, the WPG Partners Select Small Cap Value Fund outperformed its benchmark, with the vast majority of outperformance from security selection. The Fund benefitted from positions in Healthcare, Industrials and Energy sectors while the Consumer Discretionary sector detracted from performance during the fiscal year.

 

Since inception of the Fund, the strategy successfully weathered the unwind of a global asset price bubble. Unprecedented amounts of fiscal and monetary liquidity injections, coupled with unsustainably low interest rates, led to quickly accelerating global demand. Seemingly endless “free” money was pumped into unprofitable start-ups and “growth-at-any-cost” technology companies. The U.S. Unemployment Rate reached its lowest level since 1969, and wage growth accelerated. Inflation arrived and has become near-term entrenched, though there is some hope of relief on the horizon. As central banks globally began tightening actions, many unprofitable business models lost funding, risk was re-priced across asset classes, and valuation multiples contracted across public equities. In addition to inflation and interest rate dynamics, the world is grappling with the war in Ukraine, an “energy crisis,” a soft Chinese economy and geopolitical nationalism. Our process has proven resilient through the turmoil.

 

While the backdrop for broader equity market indices is murky, the inflationary backdrop bodes well for our investment style. We believe we are still in the early innings of decade-long secular trends that benefit the companies on which we are most acutely focused. Regional banks are over-capitalized relative to previous recessions and are medium-term beneficiaries of higher interest rates and a steeper yield curve. The U.S. consumer has higher savings than at any time in the last two decades. Most importantly, supply chain concerns and geopolitical uncertainty are driving U.S. domestic “re-shoring” initiatives. These projects are just getting started and often take ten or more years to complete. U.S. healthcare end-markets appear to be growing again and beyond much of the legislative overhang after two years of fits and starts. All these factors benefit U.S. small cap value equities.

 

We remain diligently disciplined in our process and believe our strategy has proven its ability to perform in a variety of market environments. We are seeing select opportunities to purchase equities trading near cash or liquidation values as well as exciting opportunities in businesses that are likely to benefit greatly from the inflationary backdrop discussed above. We have also seen evidence of increasing M&A activity at attractive premiums, a welcome development for small cap equities. We believe the recent market drawdown has provided an attractive entry point, and we look forward to managing our portfolios to try to take advantage of these opportunities for our clients.

 

Sincerely,

 

Eric Gandhi, CFA
Portfolio Manager for the WPG Partners Select Small Cap Value Fund

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/22) % of Net Assets
Rambus, Inc. 4.6%
Altra Industrial Motion Corp. 4.5%
Univar Solutions, Inc. 4.4%
Kirby Corp. 4.1%
Maxar Technologies, Inc. 3.9%
Pacira BioSciences, Inc. 3.8%
SM Energy Co. 3.8%
Tronox Holdings PLC, Class A 3.7%
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd. 3.3%
NMI Holdings, Inc., Class A 3.2%
    
Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/22)   
P/E: Price/Earnings: 9.8 
P/B: Price/Book: 1.5 
Holdings: 41 
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions): $2,580 
ROE: Return on Equity: 13.8%
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets: –35.5%

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

Value investing involves buying the stocks of companies that are out of favor or are undervalued. This may adversely affect The WPG Partners Select Small Cap Value Fund’s value and return. Investments in REITs include the risk of possible declines in the value of real estate, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds and unexpected vacancies of properties. The purchase of rights and warrants involves risk that the Fund could lose the purchase value of the right or warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to the right’s or warrant’s expiration. The effective price paid for a right or warrant may exceed the value of the subscribed security’s market price. Investments made in small or micro-capitalization companies may be more volatile, less liquid, not as diversified in their business activities as companies with greater market capitalizations, and they may fluctuate widely in market value. Small and micro-caps may be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the “pink sheets,” and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. An investment in the Fund should be part of a carefully diversified portfolio.

 

 


 

Annual Report 2022  |  9

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

WPG PARTNERS SELECT SMALL CAP VALUE FUND (unaudited) (concluded)

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on December 29, 2021 (the date on which the Fund commenced investment operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the Russell 2000® Value Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

For The Period Ended August 31, 2022

             
   Average Annual Total Return  Since  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Inception  Ratio  Ratio
WPG Partners Select Small Cap Value Fund                              
Institutional Class(1)    n/a    n/a    n/a    -6.00%   6.00%   1.10%
Russell 2000® Value Index   n/a    n/a    n/a    -12.28%(2)   n/a    n/a 
1 Inception date of the fund was December 29, 2021.
2 Index Performance is from inception date of the Class only and is not the inception date of the index itself.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares exceeds 1.10% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.10%: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until March 2, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.10% or the expense cap then in effect, or whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees waived and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

10  |  Annual Report 2022

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

WPG PARTNERS SMALL/MICRO CAP VALUE FUND (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

We ended last year’s annual shareholder letter with the following quote: “Value stocks look well positioned relative to growth stocks.” In retrospect, this was an understatement. For the Fiscal Year ending August 2022, the Russell 2000 Value Index outperformed the Russell 2000 Growth Index by 14 percentage points. During this period, the WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund outperformed its benchmark, with the vast majority of outperformance from security selection. The Fund benefitted from positions in Energy, Healthcare and Materials sectors while the Consumer Discretionary sector detracted from performance during the fiscal year.

 

Over the last twelve months, the strategy successfully weathered the unwind of a global asset price bubble. Unprecedented amounts of fiscal and monetary liquidity injections, coupled with unsustainably low interest rates, led to quickly accelerating global demand. Seemingly endless “free” money was pumped into unprofitable start-ups and “growth-at-any-cost” technology companies. The U.S. Unemployment Rate reached its lowest level since 1969, and wage growth accelerated. Inflation arrived and has become near-term entrenched, though there is some hope of relief on the horizon. As central banks globally began tightening actions, many unprofitable business models lost funding, risk was re-priced across asset classes, and valuation multiples contracted across public equities. In addition to inflation and interest rates dynamics, the world is grappling with the war in Ukraine, an “energy crisis,” a soft Chinese economy and geopolitical nationalism. Our process has proven resilient through the turmoil.

 

While the backdrop for broader equity market indices is murky, the inflationary backdrop bodes well for our investment style. We believe we are still in the early innings of decade-long secular trends that benefit the companies on which we are most acutely focused. Regional banks are over-capitalized relative to previous recessions and are medium-term beneficiaries of higher interest rates and a steeper yield curve. The U.S. consumer has higher savings than at any time in the last two decades. Most importantly, supply chain concerns and geopolitical uncertainty are driving U.S. domestic “re-shoring” initiatives. These projects are just getting started and often take ten or more years to complete. U.S. healthcare end-markets appear to be growing again and beyond much of the legislative overhang after two years of fits and starts. All these factors benefit U.S. small cap value equities.

 

We remain diligently disciplined in our process and believe our strategy has proven its ability to perform in a variety of market environments. We are seeing select opportunities to purchase equities trading near cash or liquidation values as well as exciting opportunities in businesses that are likely to benefit greatly from the inflationary backdrop discussed above. We have also seen evidence of increasing M&A activity at attractive premiums, a welcome development for small cap equities. The recent market drawdown has provided an attractive entry point, and we look forward to managing our portfolios to try to take advantage of these opportunities for our clients.

 

Sincerely,

 

Eric Gandhi, CFA, Gregory Weiss & Richard Shuster, CFA

Portfolio Managers for the WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/22) % of Net Assets
Univar Solutions, Inc. 2.3%
SM Energy Co. 2.2%
Altra Industrial Motion Corp. 2.2%
Rambus, Inc. 2.2%
Valvoline, Inc. 2.1%
Popular, Inc. 2.0%
Brixmor Property Group, Inc. 1.9%
Kirby Corp. 1.9%
Maxar Technologies, Inc. 1.8%
KBR, Inc. 1.8%
    
Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/22)   
P/E: Price/Earnings: 9.5 
P/B: Price/Book: 1.5 
Holdings: 112 
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions): $3,101 
ROE: Return on Equity: 16.6%
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets: 9.7%

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

Value investing involves buying the stocks of companies that are out of favor or are undervalued. This may adversely affect The WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund’s value and return. Investments in REITs include the risk of possible declines in the value of real estate, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds and unexpected vacancies of properties. The purchase of rights and warrants involves risk that the Fund could lose the purchase value of the right or warrant if the right to subscribe to additional shares is not executed prior to the right’s or warrant’s expiration. The effective price paid for a right or warrant may exceed the value of the subscribed security’s market price. Investments made in small or micro-capitalization companies may be more volatile, less liquid, not as diversified in their business activities as companies with greater market capitalizations, and they may fluctuate widely in market value. Small and micro-caps may be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the “pink sheets,” and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. An investment in the Fund should be part of a carefully diversified portfolio.

 

 


 

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BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

WPG PARTNERS SMALL/MICRO CAP VALUE FUND (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund vs. Russell 2000® Value Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2012 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the Russell 2000® Value Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2022

          
   Average Annual Total Return  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Ratio  Ratio
WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund                         
Institutional Class   4.59   7.87   7.90   1.28   1.10
Russell 2000® Value Index   -10.18%   6.56%   9.49%   n/a    n/a 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares exceeds 1.10% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.10%: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until March 2, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.10% or the expense cap then in effect, whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

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BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY FUND (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Boston Partners Global Sustainability Fund (“Fund”) outperformed its benchmark, the MSCI World Index Net (“Benchmark”) in the eight-month period ended August 31, 2022. The Fund generated a net return of -13.45% versus the Benchmark return of -17.78%.

 

Stock selection was the primary driver of Fund outperformance, yielding 290 basis points versus the Benchmark with Health Care, Consumer Discretionary, and Industrials leading the pack. Within Health Care, Cigna performed well owing to medical loss ratios returning to the low 80s in 2022 from higher, COVID-impacted levels last year. Humana has also been a strong contributor owing to favorable utilization trends and below-plan COVID costs as well as an investor day that laid out a 2025 earnings target above street expectations. Within the Consumer Discretionary sector, AutoZone continued to comp positively versus very strong COVID numbers last year as it took a further share in the commercial market and benefited from an aging car parc. The Industrials sector performance was led by Rheinmetall as the Russian invasion of Ukraine spurred an uptick in defense spending intentions globally and by IHI Corp, where a combination of the air traffic recovery and sale of non-core assets has buoyed the stock.

 

Sector allocation also contributed to performance led by our overweight positions in the Health Care and Communication Services sectors and underweight in the Technology sector. Unattractive valuation drove our underweight in Utilities, which ultimately detracted from Fund performance given the sector’s defensive qualities. Similarly, an underweight position in the Consumer Staples sector hurt relative performance as did the holding in Tesco plc as fears of increasing pressure on the UK consumer hurt the stock of what is traditionally a defensive grocer.

 

Market volatility year to date provided opportunity to initiate positions in several stocks possessing the positive momentum, high quality, attractive valuation, and good sustainability characteristics we require for inclusion in the portfolio. One example within Materials is Norsk Hydro, a European aluminum producer that is structurally advantaged owing to its owned and contracted renewable power assets. Hydro and wind power installations provide a long-term source of low-cost electricity in an environment where competitors’ power costs are rising and also allow for aluminum with ~75% lower CO2 intensity than peer products. An example within the Communication Services sector is Deutsche Telekom, a low-cost way to own U.S. mobile share gainer T-Mobile via its 48% ownership stake in TMUS. In other instances, we sold stocks as they approached price targets, including Hitachi, Ltd. a Japanese industrial conglomerate where weakening momentum was a growing concern. At a sector level, Fund positioning has shifted toward Health Care and Consumer Staples and away from Industrials and Consumer Discretionary as we positioned for a less constructive macro environment characterized by high inflation, high interest rates, and slowing growth.

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/22) % of Net Assets
Cigna Corp. 3.2%
Johnson & Johnson 3.0%
CVS Health Corp. 2.6%
Humana, Inc. 2.4%
AbbVie, Inc. 2.3%
Deutsche Telekom AG 2.3%
Rexel SA 2.0%
Coca-Cola European Partners PLC 2.0%
Tesco PLC 2.0%
Alphabet, Inc., Class A 1.9%
    
Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/22)   
P/E: Price/Earnings: 13.9 
P/B: Price/Book: 2.1 
Holdings: 79 
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions): $116,547 
ROE: Return on Equity: 20.1%
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets: 127.7%

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

International investing is subject to special risks including, but not limited to, currency risk associated with securities denominated in other than US dollar, which may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing and other financial practices. Investment in emerging market securities may increase these risks. Emerging markets investments are subject to the aforementioned risks, along with periods of high inflation, increased risk of default, less governmental supervision and regulation of securities markets, lack of liquidity in the markets and significantly smaller market capitalizations. The Fund may invest in small and mid-cap companies which may be more volatile, less liquid, not as diversified in their business activities as companies with greater market capitalizations, and they may fluctuate widely in market value. Small caps may be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the “pink sheets,” and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. Illiquid securities may be limited in resale and cause great uncertainty in determining valuation. An investment in the Fund should be part of a carefully diversified portfolio.

 

 

 

In the face of market volatility, we plan to stick to our knitting. We will seek to continue identifying stocks with good momentum, quality fundamentals, cheap valuation, and attractive sustainability credentials to construct a three-circle portfolio, which you’ve come to expect of Boston Partners. We look forward to updating you on our further progress going forward.

 

Sincerely,

 

Soyoun Song
Portfolio Manager for the Boston Partners Global Sustainability Fund


 

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BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY FUND (unaudited) (concluded)

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on December 29, 2021 (the date on which the Fund commenced investment operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the MSCI World Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

For The Period Ended August 31, 2022

             
   Average Annual Total Return  Since  Gross
Expense
  Net
Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Inception  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Global Sustainability Fund                              
Institutional Class(1)    n/a    n/a    n/a    -13.80%   1.25%   0.90%
MSCI World Index - Net Return   n/a    n/a    n/a    -18.06%(2)   n/a    n/a 
1 Inception date of the fund was December 29, 2021.
2 Index Performance is from inception date of the Class only and is not the inception date of the index itself.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares exceeds 0.90% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 0.90%: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until March 2, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 0.90% or the expense cap then in effect, or whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees waived and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

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BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL EQUITY FUND (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The MSCI World Index Net (the “Index”) returned -15.08% during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022. The Index declined as evidence of slower economic growth, tightening financial conditions, increasing inflation, and continued supply chain pressures all weighed on investor sentiment. In addition, the MSCI World Value Index outperformed the MSCI World Growth Index during the period. During the fiscal year, the Boston Partners Global Equity Fund (the “Fund”) outperformed the MSCI World Index, returning -8.27%.

 

Both sector allocation and stock selection aided Fund performance over the fiscal year. Allocation helped primarily in the Energy sector, where the Fund’s overweight positioning in oil and gas companies benefitted from rising oil prices and strong demand. The Fund’s underweight positioning in the cyclical Communication Services and Information Technology sectors also benefitted relative performance, as these market areas underperformed the overall Index. However, this was partially offset by the Fund’s underweight positioning in the more defensive Utilities and Consumer Staples sectors, which detracted from relative performance as investors sought perceived safety amidst the market decline. Stock selection contributed positively in the Health Care and Communication Services sectors. In Health Care, providers and services holdings, including McKesson Corporation (“McKesson”) and Cigna Corporation (“Cigna”), aided performance. McKesson continues to beat expectations and increase guidance. As the CDC’s primary vaccine distributor, McKesson should continue to benefit from vaccine distribution as well as recovering pharmaceutical distribution as doctor visits return to pre-pandemic levels. While valuation has increased recently, it remains depressed relative to history and to the valuation of the overall stock market. Cigna continues to beat revenue expectations, and the company’s fundamentals remain strong. The Fund continues to hold both positions. In Communication Services, Nexstar Media Group reported positive results as overall advertising exceeded expectations in most territories year-over-year, benefiting relative performance. T-Mobile also aided performance. Shares rose after quarterly results pointed to momentum in subscriber growth. The Fund continues to hold both names.

 

Conversely, stock selection detracted in the Industrials and Consumer Staples sectors. In Industrials, Travis Perkins plc (“Travis Perkins”) underperformed. Travis Perkins is a UK-based general building supplier. The stock fell as investors worried that post-COVID reopening, higher rates, and macro uncertainty would hit the topline. We closed the position in April. In Consumer Staples, the Fund’s positions in Nomad Foods Ltd (“Nomad”) and Asahi Group Holdings (“Asahi”) were among the detractors from performance during the fiscal year. Nomad declined on weak sales trends and lowered guidance, and we closed the position in May. Asahi’s momentum was challenged by negative Covid-19 impacts (on-trade exposure, downtrading) but improved through the year as demand started to recover. The Fund continues to hold the name.

 

The investment team at Boston Partners will continue to maintain a focus on finding investments that have not only attractive valuation characteristics and solid business fundamentals, but

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/22) % of Net Assets
Nexstar Media Group, Inc., Class A 2.3%
Cigna Corp. 2.2%
CVS Health Corp. 2.2%
AbbVie, Inc. 2.0%
Glencore PLC 1.9%
Sanofi 1.9%
Cenovus Energy, Inc. 1.8%
Everest Re Group Ltd. 1.8%
Deutsche Telekom AG 1.7%
Centene Corp. 1.7%

 

Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/22)  
P/E: Price/Earnings: 9.6 
P/B: Price/Book: 2.0 
Holdings: 100 
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions): $71,733 
ROE: Return on Equity: 22.9%
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets: 108.6%

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

International investing is subject to special risks including, but not limited to, currency risk associated with securities denominated in other than US dollar, which may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing and other financial practices. Investment in emerging market securities may increase these risks. Emerging markets investments are subject to the aforementioned risks, along with periods of high inflation, increased risk of default, less governmental supervision and regulation of securities markets, lack of liquidity in the markets and significantly smaller market capitalizations. The Fund may invest in small and mid-cap companies which may be more volatile, less liquid, not as diversified in their business activities as companies with greater market capitalizations, and they may fluctuate widely in market value. Small caps may be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the “pink sheets,” and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. Illiquid securities may be limited in resale and cause great uncertainty in determining valuation. An investment in the Fund should be part of a carefully diversified portfolio.

 

 

 

also improving business momentum and catalysts to help drive stock prices higher. This disciplined and repeatable process has been in place for nearly three decades, and our team is well-suited to navigate this chaotic environment. We believe the emphasis on bottom-up security selection and sound fundamental analysis will ultimately have a greater impact on alpha generation rather than getting bogged down in a relentless torrent of macro and political news flow. In our view, the current macro-economic environment provides a favorable backdrop for value investing. When one considers the starting point, we believe it is hard not to be optimistic about the future and how our portfolio is positioned today.

 

On behalf of our team, thank you for your continued support and investment.

 

Sincerely,

 

Christopher Hart, CFA & Joshua Jones, CFA

Portfolio Managers for the Boston Partners Global Equity Fund


 

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BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL EQUITY FUND (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Global Equity Fund vs. MSCI World Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2012 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the MSCI World Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2022

 

            Gross  Net
   Average Annual Total Return  Expense  Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Global Equity Fund                         
Institutional Class   -8.27%   4.61%   8.28%   1.04%   0.95%
MSCI World Index - Net Return   -15.08%   7.85%   9.47%   n/a    n/a 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares exceeds 0.95% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 0.95%: acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until March 2, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 0.95% or the expense cap then in effect, or whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees waived and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

16  |  Annual Report 2022

   

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS FUND (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund (the “Fund”) returned -22.55% for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, versus the MSCI® Emerging Markets Net Index’s -21.80% return.

 

Positioning in the Technology sector was a top contributor to relative performance. Overweight Cielo SA (“Cielo”), Brazil’s largest credit and debit card payment processor, was a top contributor to relative performance. While Cielo shares have traded down since ~2018 due to competition in their merchant acquiring segment, Cielo’s card processing segment was underappreciated and continues to perform well. Cielo shares were further bolstered by second quarter net income that jumped 252% from a year earlier. Taiwanese technology holdings in Accton Technology, Lotes Co., and Asia Vital were also notable contributors to the long book’s outperformance.

 

From a regional perspective, positioning in China & Hong Kong aided performance. A Fund position in MeiHua Holdings Group (“MeiHua”) was the largest individual contributor to the long-book’s performance. MeiHua is a Chinese manufacturer of food flavorings and hog feed additives. MeiHua shares are benefitting from strong Lysine and Threonine prices as China’s growing hog herd increases demand for feed additives. A position in Yangtze Optical Fibre & Cable (“Yangtze”) aided performance in China & Hong Kong and the Technology sector. Yangtze produces communication fibers and cables. Yangtze is reasonably valued and improving demand both in China and overseas is providing tailwinds. Telecom infrastructure spend globally continues to drive demand.

 

The Fund’s positioning in Consumer Discretionary sector detracted from performance. Auto stocks in China Yongda Automobiles and Zhongsheng Group lagged the market before the positions were liquidated in March and April. Positioning in the Financials sector also detracted from performance led by an overweight position in Raiffeisen Bank International. While based in Austria, ~40% of 2021 net income was from Russia & Ukraine.

 

The investment team at Boston Partners relentlessly searches for investments that have not only attractive valuation characteristics and solid business fundamentals, but also improving business momentum and catalysts to help drive stock prices higher. Our focus is on bottom-up, fundamental stock picking with a statistical bent. That said, there is still a wall of worry for the market to climb in 2022 and 2023. Historically these have been very good windows for value investing as more economically sensitive companies outperform growth favorites. When one considers that, the starting point is exceptional; valuation spreads between growth and value stocks are at extreme levels. It is hard not to be optimistic about the future and how our Fund is positioned today.

 

On behalf of our team, thank you for your continued support and investment.

 

Sincerely,

 

David Kim & Paul Korngiebel, CFA
Portfolio Managers for the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/22) % of Net Assets
Nanya Technology Corp. 4.2%
Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Stock Ltd., Co., Class H 3.2%
NetEase, Inc. - ADR 2.9%
Banco do Brasil SA 2.5%
WH Group Ltd. 2.4%
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico SAB de CV - ADR 2.4%
Cielo SA 2.3%
Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk PT 2.2%
KT Corp. - SP ADR 2.2%
Accton Technology Corp. 2.1%

 

Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/22)  
P/E: Price/Earnings: 8.1 
P/B: Price/Book: 1.3 
Holdings: 109 
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions): $33,101 
ROE: Return on Equity: 17.9%
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets: 43.7%

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The Fund may invest in small and mid-cap companies which may be more volatile, less liquid, not as diversified in their business activities as companies with greater market capitalizations, and they may fluctuate widely in market value. Small caps may be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the “pink sheets,” and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. Foreign and emerging market securities may expose the fund to currency and exchange rate fluctuations, high inflation, increased risk of default, less governmental supervision and regulation of securities markets, lack of liquidity in the markets, significantly smaller market capitalizations, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing and other financial practices. Derivatives (futures, options, swaps) may be leveraged and result in losses exceeding the amounts invested. REITS include the risk of possible declines in the value of real estate, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds and unexpected vacancies of properties. Illiquid securities may be limited in resale and cause great uncertainty in determining valuation. High yield debt (also known as “junk bonds”) may be sensitive to changes in financial strength of an issuer or the debt’s credit rating; an issuer of high yield debt may default on its obligation to pay interest and principal. All of these factors may cause greater volatility and less liquidity. The Fund may experience high portfolio turnover which may result in higher costs and capital gains. An investment in the Fund should be part of a carefully diversified portfolio.

 

 


 

Annual Report 2022  |  17

   

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS FUND (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund vs. MSCI World Indices

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 initial investment in the Fund made on October 17, 2017 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the MSCI indices are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Total Return for the Periods Ended August 31, 2022

 

               Gross  Net
   Average Annual Total Return  Since  Expense  Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Inception  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Emerging  Markets Fund                              
Institutional Class(1)   -22.55%   n/a    n/a    -0.59%   1.56%   1.00%
MSCI Emerging Markets Index - Net Return   -21.80%   n/a    n/a    -0.14%(2)    n/a    n/a 
1 Inception date of the fund was October 17, 2017.
2 Index Performance is from inception date of the Class only and is not the inception date of the index itself.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares exceeds 1.00% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. This contractual limitation is in effect until March 2, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 1.00% or the expense cap then in effect, or whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees waived and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above (including interest and dividend expense on short sales) are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

18  |  Annual Report 2022

   

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (“Fund”) – Institutional Class shares returned 8.35% net of fees while averaging 69% net long exposure for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022. This compares to the -11.23% return posted by the S&P 500 Index during the same period.

 

The fiscal year was marked by volatile equity market returns, as the S&P 500 marched higher in the latter months of calendar year 2021 before falling sharply lower in 2022. The popular investing adage of “Don’t fight the Fed” proved to be true, as persistently high inflation spurred the U.S. Federal Reserve to aggressively hike interest rates, moving both short and long duration U.S. Treasury yields to more than decade highs. Amid this environment, value stocks held up better than growth, with the Russell 3000 Value index returning -6.49% for the fiscal year compared to the -19.44% return of the Russell 3000 Growth Index.

 

The Fund’s long holdings fell in price approximately -8.80% during the fiscal year and outperformed the S&P 500. Energy was the top contributor, while Technology and Communications Services were the top absolute detractors from performance during the fiscal year. Within the Energy sector, U.S. and Canadian exploration and production companies benefitted from increased oil prices and significant shareholder cash return. Conversely, semiconductor and IT services holdings fell in price as investors feared a potential recession may reduce demand. Communications Services holdings also detracted from Fund performance during the fiscal year, with internet services holdings exhibiting revenue deceleration as advertising spending fell in early 2022.

 

The Fund’s short holdings fell in price approximately 50.43% and positively contributed to Fund returns for the fiscal year. We aim to short expensive stocks with earnings risk and weak profitability, and many of these stocks moved sharply lower in price during the fiscal year. Technology, Consumer Discretionary, and Health Care sector shorts were the leading contributors. Within the Technology sector, SMID-cap software shorts with decelerating revenue growth and weak profitability fell appreciably in price as price to sales multiples compressed. In the Consumer Discretionary sector, several ecommerce retailers, electronics producers, and auto retailers fell sharply as revenue growth slowed compared to fiscal years 2020 and 2021. In the Health Care sector, many unprofitable biotechnology short positions generated gains for Fund shareholders.

 

The Fund began the period with 59% net long exposure and ended with 73% net long exposure, a decrease primarily attributable to positions held short declining in price (resulting in Fund gains) during the fiscal year. At the end of the period, the largest exposures in the long portfolio resided in the Finance, Technology, and Health Care sectors, while largest short exposures were in the Technology, Consumer Discretionary, and Communication Services sectors. Our bottom-up value discipline has yielded a long portfolio that we view as attractive relative to the short portfolio from both a valuation and profitability standpoint.

 

We have for several years held the view that the U.S. equity market needed to break out of the status quo that significantly favored growth over value since 2017 – a flattening yield curve and sluggish yet positive growth. We believe that we are now out of what was commonly described as the “Goldilocks” economy, with interest rates reversing a four-decade free fall amid historically high inflation pressures. Meanwhile, valuation spreads (the price/earnings multiple differential between cheap

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/22) % of Net Assets
Stride, Inc. 3.2%
Amgen, Inc. 2.0%
Marathon Petroleum Corp. 2.0%
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. 2.0%
Elevance Health, Inc. 1.8%
CVS Health Corp. 1.8%
Cigna Corp. 1.7%
Entravision Communications Corp., Class A 1.5%
Newmark Group, Inc., Class A 1.5%
Johnson & Johnson 1.4%

 

Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/22)   Long   Short 
P/E: Price/Earnings:   9.9   43.4 
P/B: Price/Book:   2.0   5.5 
Holdings:   125   87 
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions):   $55,782   $50,519 
ROE: Return on Equity:   20.8%  –46%
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets:   98.7%  –128%

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund may be more volatile and risky than some other forms of investments. Since the Fund has both a long and a short portfolio, there is the risk that the portfolio managers may make more poor investment decisions than those of a fund with only a long portfolio. The Fund may have a high portfolio turnover rate that could increase transaction costs and cause short-term capital gains to be realized. Investments made in small or mid- capitalization companies may be more volatile, less liquid, not as diversified in their business activities as companies with greater market capitalizations, and they may fluctuate widely in market value. Small caps may be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the “pink sheets,” and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. Foreign securities may expose the Fund to currency and exchange rate fluctuations. Illiquid securities may be limited in resale and cause great uncertainty in determining valuation. High yield debt (also known as “junk bonds”), may be sensitive to changes in financial strength of an issuer or the debt’s credit rating; an issuer of high yield debt may default on its obligation to pay interest and principal. All of these factors may cause greater volatility and less liquidity. An investment in the Fund should be part of a carefully diversified portfolio.

 

 

 

and expensive stocks) remain wider than long term averages, and we have now entered an aggressively tightening monetary regime; we believe this market backdrop remains quite favorable for value investing.

 

The portfolio managers managing the Fund continue to focus their efforts on purchasing shares of only those companies they deem most likely to appreciate on the long side, while selling short securities likely to fail due to a combination of valuation risk, earnings risk, and/or balance sheet risk. Our analysis process is bottom-up and rooted in the three circles framework of low valuation, positive momentum and strong business fundamentals that the portfolio managers of Boston Partners and its predecessors have been employing for over a quarter century.

 

Sincerely,

 

Robert Jones, CFA & Patrick Regan, CFA
Portfolio Managers for the Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund


 

Annual Report 2022  |  19

   

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND (unaudited) (continued)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund vs. S&P 500® Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2012 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the S&P 500® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2022

 

            Gross  Net
   Average Annual Total Return  Expense  Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund                         
Institutional Class   8.35%   4.07%   5.31%   3.14%   2.60%
S&P 500® Index   -11.23%   11.82%   13.08%   n/a    n/a 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for the Fund’s Institutional Class exceeds 1.96% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. Because dividend expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes are excluded from the expense limitation, total annual Fund operating expenses (after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) are expected to exceed 1.96%. This contractual limitation is in effect until March 2, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.96% or the expense cap then in effect, whichever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above (including interest and dividend expense on short sales) are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

20  |  Annual Report 2022

   

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund vs. S&P 500® Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2012 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the S&P 500® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2022

 

            Gross  Net
   Average Annual Total Return  Expense  Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund                         
Investor Class   8.07%   3.81%   5.04%   3.39%   2.85%
S&P 500® Index   -11.23%   11.82%   13.08%   n/a    n/a 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for the Fund’s Investor Class shares exceeds 2.21% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Investor Class shares. Because dividend expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes are excluded from the expense limitation, total annual Fund operating expenses (after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) are expected to exceed 2.21%. This contractual limitation is in effect until March 2, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 2.21% or the expense cap then in effect, whichever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above (including interest and dividend expense on short sales) are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

Annual Report 2022  |  21

   

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund (“Fund”) – Institutional Class shares returned 7.17% net of fees while averaging 53% net long exposure for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022. This compares to the -11.23% return posted by the S&P 500® Index (“S&P 500”) during the same period.

 

The fiscal year was marked by volatile equity market returns, as the S&P 500 marched higher in the latter months of calendar year 2021 before falling sharply lower in 2022. The popular investing adage of “Don’t fight the Fed” proved to be true, as persistently high inflation spurred the U.S. Federal Reserve to aggressively hike interest rates, moving both short and long duration U.S. Treasury yields to more than decade highs. Amid this environment, value stocks held up better than growth, with the Russell 3000 Value index returning -6.49% for the fiscal year compared to the -19.44% return of the Russell 3000 Growth Index.

 

The Fund’s long holdings fell in price approximately -2.51% during the fiscal year and outperformed the S&P 500. Energy was the top absolute and relative contributor, while Communications Services was another top relative contributor; Information Technology holdings were the largest detractor from performance during the fiscal year. Within the Energy sector, U.S. and Canadian exploration and production companies soared higher in price as oil prices increased amid recovering demand and constrained supplies due to years of declining investment. U.S. broadcasters led gains within Communication Services, benefitting from better-than-expected advertising revenue and signs of pricing strength. Semiconductor holdings and IT services within the Technology sector were among the largest detractors, as investors began to fear a potential recession and projected a slowdown in semiconductor and technology spending.

 

The Fund’s short holdings declined in price approximately 24.47% and positively contributed to Fund returns during the fiscal year. We aim to short expensive stocks with earnings risk and weak profitability, and stocks with these attributes generally fell in price during the year due to tightening monetary conditions and compressing valuation multiples. Consumer Discretionary, Technology, and Materials sector shorts were the top absolute contributors. Within the Consumer Discretionary sector, companies with exposure to the U.S. housing market saw momentum inflect negatively as higher mortgage rates impeded housing-related demand. Small- to mid-cap software stocks within Technology fell sharply in price as valuation multiples compressed amid higher rates, and in many cases revenue growth has decelerated. Chemicals and packaging shorts within the Materials sector fell in price principally due to rising input costs compressing margins along with recessionary macroeconomic fears weighing on demand expectations.

 

The Fund began the fiscal year with 59% net long exposure and ended with 46% net long exposure, a decrease attributable to adding short positions during the fiscal year. At the end of the fiscal year, the largest exposures in the long portfolio resided in the Finance, Technology, and Health Care sectors, while the largest short exposures were in the Finance, Consumer Discretionary, and Industrials sectors.

 

We have for several years held the view that the U.S. equity market needed to break out of the status quo that significantly favored growth over value since 2017 – a flattening yield curve and sluggish yet positive growth. We believe that we are now out of what was commonly described as the “Goldilocks” economy, with interest rates reversing a four-decade free fall amid historically high inflation pressures. Meanwhile, valuation spreads (the price/earnings multiple differential between cheap

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/22) % of Net Assets
Nexstar Media Group, Inc., Class A 1.4 %
Wells Fargo & Co. 1.4 %
AbbVie, Inc. 1.2 %
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. 1.1 %
British American Tobacco PLC - SP ADR 1.1 %
Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc. 1.0 %
FTI Consulting, Inc. 1.0 %
Fifth Third Bancorp 1.0 %
Huntington Bancshares, Inc. 1.0 %
Hershey Co., (The) 1.0 %

 

Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/22)  Long   Short 
P/E: Price/Earnings:  11.2   17.3 
P/B: Price/Book:  2.4   2.1 
Holdings:  218   208 
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions):  $85,257   $10,339 
ROE: Return on Equity:  29.5%  8.2%
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets:  126.4%  –24%

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund may be more volatile and risky than some other forms of investments. Fund will engage in short sales, which creates a form of investment leverage and means the Fund’s loss potential on a short sale is unlimited. Fluctuations in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio may have disproportionately large effects or cause the NAV of the Fund to decline faster than it would otherwise. Investments made in small or mid-capitalization companies may be more volatile, less liquid, not as diversified in their business activities as companies with greater market capitalizations, and they may fluctuate widely in market value. Small caps may be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the “pink sheets,” and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. Foreign securities may expose the Fund to currency and exchange rate fluctuations. Derivatives (futures, options, swaps) may be leveraged and result in losses exceeding the amounts invested. REITs include the risk of possible declines in the value of real estate, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds and unexpected vacancies of properties. Illiquid securities may be limited in resale and cause great uncertainty in determining valuation. High yield debt (also known as “junk bonds”) may be sensitive to changes in financial strength of an issuer or the debt’s credit rating; an issuer of high yield debt may default on its obligation to pay interest and principal. The Fund may experience high portfolio turnover which may result in higher costs and capital gains. An investment in the Fund should be part of a carefully diversified portfolio.

 

 

 

and expensive stocks) remain wider than long term averages, and we have now entered an aggressively tightening monetary regime; we believe this market backdrop remains quite favorable for value investing.

 

The Fund’s portfolio managers continue to focus their efforts on purchasing shares of only those companies they deem most likely to appreciate on the long side, while selling short securities they deem likely to fail due to a combination of valuation risk, earnings risk, and/or balance sheet risk. Our analysis process is bottom-up and rooted in the three circles framework of low valuation, positive momentum and strong business fundamentals that the portfolio managers of Boston Partners and its predecessors have been employing for over a quarter century.

 

Sincerely,

 

Joseph Feeney, CFA & Eric Connerly, CFA

Portfolio Managers for the Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund


 

22  |  Annual Report 2022

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND (unaudited) (continued)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund vs. S&P 500® Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2012 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the S&P 500® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2022

 

         Gross  Net
   Average Annual Total Return  Expense  Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund                    
Institutional Class  7.17%  3.62%  5.71%  2.15%  2.15%
S&P 500 Index  -11.23%  11.82%  13.08%  n/a   n/a 

 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to forgo all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) exceeds 1.50% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. Because acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes are excluded from the expense limitation, total annual Fund operating expenses (after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) are expected to exceed 1.50%. This contractual limitation is in effect until at least March 2, 2023 and may not be terminated without approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.50% or the expense cap then in effect, whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above (including interest and dividend expense on short sales) are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www. boston-partners.com.

 

Annual Report 2022  |  23

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund vs. S&P 500® Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2012 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the S&P 500® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2022

 

         Gross  Net
   Average Annual Total Return  Expense  Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund                    
Investor Class  6.91%  3.35%  5.44%  2.40%  2.40%
S&P 500® Index  -11.23%  11.82%  13.08%  n/a   n/a 

 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to forgo all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) exceeds 1.75% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Investor Class shares. Because acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes are excluded from the expense limitation, total annual Fund operating expenses (after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) are expected to exceed 1.75%. This contractual limitation is in effect until at least March 2, 2023 and may not be terminated without approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.75% or the expense cap then in effect, whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above (including interest and dividend expense on short sales) are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www. boston-partners.com.

 

24  |  Annual Report 2022

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund (“Fund”) – Institutional Class shares returned 12.07% net of fees while averaging 45% net long exposure for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022. This compares to the -15.08% return posted by the MSCI World Index - Net during the same period.

 

The fiscal year was marked by volatile equity market returns, as the MSCI World Index marched higher in the latter months of calendar year 2021 before falling sharply lower in 2022. The popular investing adage of “Don’t fight the Fed” proved to be true, as persistently high inflation spurred the U.S. Federal Reserve to aggressively hike interest rates, moving both short and long duration U.S. Treasury yields to more than decade highs; global central banks have begun similar actions. Amid this environment, value stocks held up better than growth, with the MSCI World Value Index returning -7.45% for the fiscal year compared to the -22.88% return of the MSCI World Growth Index.

 

The Fund’s long holdings fell in price approximately -5.79% during the fiscal year and outperformed the MSCI World Index. Top contributors included holdings in the Energy and Health Care sectors, while Industrials holdings were the top absolute detractor from performance during the fiscal year. Within the Energy sector, U.S. and Canadian exploration and production companies benefitted from rising oil prices and significant free cash flow return to shareholders. U.S. managed care holdings led gains within Health Care, as government reimbursement rates increased and COVID-related medical costs came in better than feared during the fiscal year. Conversely, Industrials holdings detracted, as recession fears raised concerns over future demand for industrial machinery.

 

The Fund’s short holdings were down in price approximately 33.92% and positively contributed to Fund returns. We aim to short expensive stocks with earnings risk and weak profitability, and stocks with these attributes moved considerably lower in price during the fiscal year. Consumer Discretionary, Health Care and Technology sector shorts were the top contributors to Fund performance. Within the Technology sector, SMID-cap software shorts with decelerating revenue growth and weak profitability fell in price and positively contributed to Fund returns. Within the Health Care sector, unprofitable biotechnology short positions moved lower in price as price to sales multiples contracted. Within the Consumer Discretionary sector, online and offline retailers fell in price as revenue growth slowed compared to prior fiscal years.

 

The Fund began the period with 56% net long exposure and ended with 39% net long exposure, a decrease attributable to selling several long positions at target price and adding short positions during the fiscal year. At the end of the period, the largest exposures in the long portfolio resided in the Industrials, Technology, and Financials sectors, while largest short exposures were in the Consumer Discretionary, Health Care, and Technology sectors. Our bottom-up value discipline has yielded a long portfolio that is attractive relative to the short portfolio from both a valuation and profitability standpoint.

 

We have for several years held the view that the global equity market needed to break out of the status quo that significantly favored growth over value since 2017 – a flattening yield curve and sluggish yet positive growth. We believe that we are now out of what was commonly described as the “Goldilocks” economy, with interest rates reversing a four-decade free fall amid historically high inflation pressures. Meanwhile, valuation spreads (the price/earnings multiple differential between cheap and expensive stocks) remain wider than long term averages,

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/22) % of Net Assets
Cenovus Energy, Inc. 4.3%  
Oracle Corp. 3.0%  
Diamondback Energy, Inc. 2.9%  
Glencore PLC 2.5%  
Cigna Corp. 2.3%  
Wells Fargo & Co. 2.0%  
Yamana Gold, Inc. 2.0%  
Alphabet, Inc., Class C 2.0%  
Renesas Electronics Corp. 1.9%  
Centene Corp. 1.8%  

 

Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/22)   Long     Short  
P/E: Price/Earnings:   8.7     16.8  
P/B: Price/Book:   1.8     0.0  
Holdings:   75     126  
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions):   $100,045     $28,399  
ROE: Return on Equity:   19.8 %   15.9 %
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets:   116.5 %   32.6 %

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The Fund will engage in short sales, which creates a form of investment leverage and means the Fund’s loss potential on a short sale is unlimited. Fluctuations in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio may have disproportionately large effects or cause the NAV of the Fund to decline faster than it would otherwise. The Fund may invest in small and mid-cap companies which may be more volatile, less liquid, not as diversified in their business activities as companies with greater market capitalizations, and they may fluctuate widely in market value. Small caps may be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the “pink sheets,” and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. Foreign securities may expose the Fund to currency and exchange rate fluctuations. Derivatives (futures, options, swaps) may be leveraged and result in losses exceeding the amounts invested. REITS include the risk of possible declines in the value of real estate, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds and unexpected vacancies of properties. Illiquid securities may be limited in resale and cause great uncertainty in determining valuation. High yield debt (also known as “junk bonds”) may be sensitive to changes in financial strength of an issuer or the debt’s credit rating; an issuer of high yield debt may default on its obligation to pay interest and principal. All of these factors may cause greater volatility and less liquidity. The Fund may experience high portfolio turnover which may result in higher costs and capital gains. An investment in the Fund should be part of a carefully diversified portfolio.

 

 

 

and we have now entered an aggressively tightening monetary regime; we believe this market backdrop remains quite favorable for value investing.

 

The portfolio managers managing the Fund continue to focus their efforts on purchasing shares of only those companies they deem most likely to appreciate on the long side, while selling short securities likely to fail due to a combination of valuation risk, earnings risk, and/or balance sheet risk. Our analysis process is bottom-up and rooted in the three circles framework of low valuation, positive momentum and strong business fundamentals that the portfolio managers of Boston Partners and its predecessors have been employing for over a quarter century.

 

Sincerely,

 

Christopher Hart, CFA & Joshua Jones, CFA

Portfolio Managers for the Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund


 

Annual Report 2022  |  25

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND (unaudited) (continued)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund vs. MSCI World Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on December 31, 2013 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the MSCI World Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2022

 

            Gross  Net
   Average Annual Total Return  Since  Expense  Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Inception  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund                        
Institutional Class(1)  12.07%  4.46%  n/a  4.12%  2.29%  2.29%
MSCI World Index - Net Return  -15.08%  7.85%  n/a  7.37%(2)  n/a   n/a 
1 Inception date of the class was December 31, 2013.
2 Index Performance is from inception date of the Class only and is not the inception date of the index itself.

 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares exceeds 2.00% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. Because dividend expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes are excluded from the expense limitation, total annual Fund operating expenses (after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements) are expected to exceed 2.00%. This contractual limitation is in effect until March 2, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 2.00% or the expense cap then in effect, or whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees waived and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above (including interest and dividend expense on short sales) are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

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BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund vs. MSCI World Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund made on April 11, 2014 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the MSCI World Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

 

For The Periods Ended August 31, 2022

 

           Gross  Net
   Average Annual Total Return  Since  Expense  Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Inception  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund                        
Investor Class(1)   11.82%  4.20%  n/a  4.18%  2.54%  2.54%
MSCI World Index - Net Return  -15.08%  7.85%  n/a  7.73%(2)   n/a   n/a 
1 Inception date of the class was April 11, 2014.
2 Index Performance is from inception date of the Class only and is not the inception date of the index itself.

 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in an aggregate amount equal to the amount by which the total annual Fund operating expenses (other than acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for the Fund’s Investor Class shares exceeds 2.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund’s Investor Class shares. Because dividend expenses on short sales, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes are excluded from the expense limitation, total annual Fund operating expenses (after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements) are expected to exceed 2.25%. This contractual limitation is in effect until March 2, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 2.25% or the expense cap then in effect, or whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees waived and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above (including interest and dividend expense on short sales) are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

Annual Report 2022  |  27

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND (unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund (the “Fund”) returned -10.52% for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, versus the MSCI® Emerging Markets Index’s -21.80% return, while averaging a 55% net-long exposure.

 

During the period, the Fund’s long-book returned -20.31%, outperforming the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. Positioning in the Technology sector was a top contributor to relative performance. Overweight Cielo SA (“Cielo”), Brazil’s largest credit and debit card payment processor, was a top contributor to relative performance. While Cielo’s shares have traded down since ~2018 due to competition in their merchant acquiring segment, Cielo’s card processing segment was underappreciated and continues to perform well. Shares were further bolstered by second quarter net income that jumped 252% from a year earlier. Taiwanese technology holdings in Accton Technology, Lotes Co., and Asia Vital were also notable contributors to the long book’s outperformance.

 

From a regional perspective, positioning in China & Hong Kong aided performance. A Fund position in MeiHua Holdings Group (“MeiHua”) was the largest individual contributor to the long-book’s performance. MeiHua is a Chinese manufacturer of food flavorings and hog feed additives. MeiHua shares are benefitting from strong Lysine and Threonine prices as China’s growing hog herd increases demand for feed additives. A position in Yangtze Optical Fibre & Cable (“Yangtze”) aided performance in China & Hong Kong and the Technology sector. Yangtze produces communication fibers and cables. Yangtze is reasonably valued, and improving demand in China and overseas, is providing tailwinds. Telecom infrastructure spend globally continues to drive demand.

 

The long book’s positioning in Consumer Discretionary sector detracted from performance. Auto stocks in China Yongda Automobiles and Zhongsheng Group lagged the market before the positions were liquidated in March and April. Positioning in the Financials sector also detracted from performance led by an overweight position in Raiffeisen Bank International. While based in Austria, ~40% of 2021 net income was from Russia & Ukraine.

 

The Fund’s short-book declined -26.85% for the reporting period, underperforming the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, thus aiding relative performance. Shorted Technology stocks were among the largest contributors to performance. The Fund is short numerous Asian technology names that are lapping tough comps from COVID and face street estimates that assume recent strong performance to continue. Shorted semiconductor stocks, primarily in Taiwan, also aided performance. We believe we’re starting to see the semiconductor cycle decelerate, which we are expressing through both foundries as well as short integrated circuit design houses. Short positions in several Consumer Staples stocks detracted from performance. Consumer Staples stocks have been a relative haven during a year where global benchmarks experienced significant declines.

 

The investment team at Boston Partners relentlessly searches for investments that have not only attractive valuation characteristics and solid business fundamentals, but also improving business momentum and catalysts to help drive stock prices higher. Our focus is on bottom-up, fundamental stock picking with a statistical bent. That said, there is still a wall of worry for the market to climb in 2022 and 2023. Historically, these have been very good windows for value investing as more economically sensitive companies outperform growth favorites.

Top Ten Positions (as of 8/31/22) % of Net Assets
Cielo SA 3.9%
Banco do Brasil SA 2.3%
WH Group Ltd. 2.3%
Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk PT 2.2%
Accton Technology Corp. 2.2%
GS Holdings Corp. 2.0%
Woori Financial Group, Inc. 1.8%
Kweichow Moutai Co., Ltd., Class A 1.8%
China State Construction Engineering Corp., Ltd., Class A 1.8%
Kiatnakin Phatra Bank PCL - NVDR 1.7%

 

Portfolio Review (as of 8/31/22)   Long     Short  
P/E: Price/Earnings:   8.0     13.3  
P/B: Price/Book:   1.3     1.7  
Holdings:   110     132  
Weighted Average Market Capitalization (millions):   $32,146     $8,105  
ROE: Return on Equity:   17.2 %   16.1 %
OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets:   41.2 %   19.3 %

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The Fund will engage in short sales, which creates a form of investment leverage and means the Fund’s loss potential on a short sale is unlimited. Fluctuations in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio may have disproportionately large effects or cause the NAV of the Fund to decline faster than it would otherwise. The Fund may invest in small and mid-cap companies which may be more volatile, less liquid, not as diversified in their business activities as companies with greater market capitalizations, and they may fluctuate widely in market value. Small caps may be traded only in the over-the-counter market or on a regional securities exchange, may be listed only in the “pink sheets,” and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of trading on a national securities exchange. Foreign and emerging market securities may expose the fund to currency and exchange rate fluctuations, high inflation, increased risk of default, less governmental supervision and regulation of securities markets, lack of liquidity in the markets, significantly smaller market capitalizations, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing and other financial practices. Derivatives (futures, options, swaps) may be leveraged and result in losses exceeding the amounts invested. REITS include the risk of possible declines in the value of real estate, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds and unexpected vacancies of properties. Illiquid securities may be limited in resale and cause great uncertainty in determining valuation. High yield debt (also known as “junk bonds”) may be sensitive to changes in financial strength of an issuer or the debt’s credit rating; an issuer of high yield debt may default on its obligation to pay interest and principal. All of these factors may cause greater volatility and less liquidity. The Fund may experience high portfolio turnover which may result in higher costs and capital gains. An investment in the Fund should be part of a carefully diversified portfolio.

 

 

 

When one considers that, the starting point appears exceptional; valuation spreads between growth and value stocks are at extreme levels. It is hard not to be optimistic about the future and how our Fund is positioned today.

 

On behalf of our team, thank you for your continued support and investment.

 

Sincerely,

 

David Kim & Paul Korngiebel, CFA

Portfolio Managers for the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund


 

28  |  Annual Report 2022

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund vs. MSCI Indices

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on March 1, 2015 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the MSCI Indices are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

 

Total Return for the Periods Ended August 31, 2022

 

           Gross  Net
   Average Annual Total Return  Since  Expense  Expense
   1 Year  5 Year  10 Year  Inception  Ratio  Ratio
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund                        
Institutional Class(1)  -10.52%  -0.04%  n/a   2.89%  2.00%  1.75%
MSCI Emerging Markets Index - Net Return  -21.80%  0.59%  n/a   2.52%(2)   n/a   n/a 
1 Inception date of the fund was March 1, 2015. The Fund commenced operations as a series of The RBB Fund, Inc. on December 15, 2015, when substantially all of the assets of Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity (the “Prior Account”) transferred to the Fund. The Fund is managed in all material respects in a manner equivalent to the management of the Prior Account. Accordingly, the performance information shown above for periods prior to December 15, 2015 is that of the Prior Account.
2 Index Performance is from inception date of the Class only and is not the inception date of the index itself.

 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Adviser has agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) to 1.40% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Institutional Class shares. This contractual limitation is in effect until March 2, 2023, and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors. Because acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest and taxes are excluded from the expense limitation, total annual Fund operating expenses (after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements) are expected to exceed 1.40%. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for a year are less than 1.40% or the expense cap then in effect, whatever is less, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. Total returns shown include fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if any; total returns would have been lower had there been no assumption of fees and expenses in excess of expense limitations. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratios above (including interest and dividend expense on short sales) are as stated in the current prospectus. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-888-261-4073 or visit our web site at www.boston-partners.com.

 

Annual Report 2022  |  29

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

DEFINITIONS (unaudited)

 

Past Performance is not a guarantee of future results.

 

Opinions expressed herein are as of August 31, 2022 and are subject to change at any time, are not guaranteed and should not be considered investment advice. This report is for the information of shareholders of the Funds. It may also be used as sales literature when preceded or accompanied by the current prospectus.

 

Basis point refers to a common unit of measure for interest rates and other percentages in finance. One basis point is equal to 1/100th of 1%, or 0.01%, or 0.0001.

 

Beta or beta coefficient is a measure of a stock or portfolio’s level of systematic and unsystematic risk based on in its prior performance. In general, a higher beta indicates a more volatile security in relation to its benchmark and lower beta indicates a less volatile security in relation to its benchmark.

 

Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate Bond Index “US Aggregate Bond Index” is a broad base bond market index consisting of approximately 10,000 bonds, representing intermediate term investment grade bonds traded in the United States.

 

Consumer Price Index: An index of the variation in prices paid by typical consumers for retail goods and other items.

 

Earnings per share: Is the portion of a company’s profit allocated to each outstanding share of common stock.

 

Free cash flow yield is an indicator that compare free cash flow and market cap. It is a representation of the income created by an investment.

 

Growth stocks typically are more volatile than value stocks; however, value stocks generally have a lower expected growth rate in earnings and sales.

 

High Dividend: The MSCI High Dividend Yield Factor aims to capture the high dividend yield equity opportunity set within a standard MSCI parent index (U.S.) by including only securities that offer a higher than average dividend yield (i.e. at least 30% higher) relative to that of the parent index and that pass dividend sustainability and persistence screens.

 

JP Morgan Emerging Markets Currency Index is a market-cap weighted index of 10 emerging market currencies versus the US dollar.

 

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) is a general term that refers to the consolidation of companies or assets through various types of financial transactions.

 

Momentum: High Momentum companies are characterized in the literature as companies with high price performance in the recent history, up to 12-months. High Momentum companies tend to continue their high price performance over the near term, typically over a 6 – 12 month period.

 

MSCI EAFE (EAFE) Index is a stock market index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets outside of the U.S. & Canada. It is maintained by MSCI Inc., a provider of investment decision support tools; the EAFE acronym stands for Europe, Australasia and Far East.

 

MSCI Emerging Markets (EM) Index is an index created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) designed to measure equity market performance in global emerging markets.

 

MSCI World Index is an unmanaged index that measures the equity market performance of developed markets.

 

MSCI World Growth Index captures large and mid-cap securities exhibiting overall growth style characteristics across 23 Developed Markets Countries.

 

MSCI World Value NR Index is an index tracking value stocks, which are stocks with prices lower than their intrinsic values.

 

A net return index includes reinvesting the after tax dividends. A gross return index includes reinvesting the before tax dividends. In general, a net return index should under perform a gross return index.

 

OROA: Operating Return on Operating Assets

 

P/B: Price/Book: A valuation ratio of a company’s current share price compared to its book value.

 

P/E: Price/Earnings: A valuation ratio of a company’s current share price compared to its per-share earnings.

 

Quality has long been established as an investment approach, dating back to Benjamin Graham, but it is less well accepted as a factor, especially when compared with value, size, yield, momentum and low volatility. By “factor”, we mean any characteristic that helps explain the risk and returns of a group of securities.

 

ROE: Return on Equity: measures a corporation’s profitability by revealing how much profit a company generates with the money invested.

 

Russell 1000® Index measures the performance of the 1,000 largest companies in the Russell 3000® Index, which represents approximately 93% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 3000 Index. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

Russell 2000® Index measures the performance of the 2,000 smallest companies in the Russell 3000® Index, which represents approximately 10% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 3000® Index and is considered representative of small-cap stocks.

 

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BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

DEFINITIONS (unaudited) (concluded)

 

Russell 2000® Growth Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of Russell 2000 companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values.

 

Russell 2000® Value Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of the small-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 2000® Index companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values.

 

Russell 3000® Index measures the performance of the largest 3,000 U.S. companies representing approximately 97% of the investable U.S. equity market.

 

Russell 3000® Growth Index is a market capitalization weighted index based on the Russell 3000® Index. It includes companies that display signs of above average growth.

 

Russell 3000® Value Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of the broad value segment of the U.S. equity value universe. It includes those Russell 3000® Index companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values.

 

The Russell Midcap® Index measures performance of the 800 smallest companies in the Russell 1000® Index.

 

The Russell Midcap® Value Index measures the performance of the mid-cap value segment of the US equity universe.

 

The S&P 500® Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index of 500 U.S. stocks chosen for market size, liquidity and industry grouping, among other factors. The S&P 500® Index is designed to be a leading indicator of U.S. equities and is meant to reflect the risk/return characteristics of the large cap universe. The S&P 500® Index was first introduced on January 1, 1923, though expanded to 500 stocks on March 4, 1957.

 

Trade Weighted U.S. Dollar Index: Major Currencies is a weighted average of the foreign exchange value of the U.S. dollar against a subset of the broad index currencies that circulate widely outside the country of issue. Major currencies index includes the Euro Area, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Australia, and Sweden.

 

Annual Report 2022  |  31

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

FUND EXPENSE EXAMPLES

AUGUST 31, 2022 (unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund(s), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, if any, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund(s) and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022, and held for the entire period.

 

ACTUAL EXPENSES

 

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

 

HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLES FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES

 

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

 

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

                   ACTUAL
   BEGINNING ACCOUNT  ENDING ACCOUNT  EXPENSES  ANNUALIZED  SIX-MONTH
   VALUE  VALUE  PAID DURING  EXPENSE  TOTAL INVESTMENT
   MARCH 1, 2022  AUGUST 31, 2022  PERIOD*  RATIO  RETURN FOR THE FUND
                
Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund                         
Institutional                         
Actual        $1,000.00              $934.10               $3.90             0.80%              –6.59%    
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,021.17    4.08    0.80%   N/A 
Investor                         
Actual   $1,000.00   $932.90    $5.12    1.05%   –6.71%
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,019.91    5.35    1.05%   N/A 
Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II                         
Institutional                         
Actual   $1,000.00   $913.30    $4.77    0.99%   –8.67%
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,020.21    5.04    0.99%   N/A 
Investor                         
Actual   $1,000.00   $912.30    $5.98    1.24%   –8.77%
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,018.95    6.31    1.24%   N/A 
WPG Partners Select Small Cap Value Fund                         
Institutional                         
Actual   $1,000.00   $893.50    $5.25    1.10%   –10.65%
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,000.00    0.00    1.10%   N/A 
WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund                         
Institutional                         
Actual   $1,000.00   $945.40    $5.39    1.10%   –5.46%
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,019.66    5.60    1.10%   N/A 
Boston Partners Global Sustainability Fund                         
Institutional                         
Actual   $1,000.00   $886.80    $4.28    0.90%   –11.32%
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,000.00    0.00    0.90%   N/A 

 

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FUND EXPENSE EXAMPLES (concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2022 (unaudited)

 

                   ACTUAL
   BEGINNING ACCOUNT  ENDING ACCOUNT  EXPENSES  ANNUALIZED  SIX-MONTH
   VALUE  VALUE  PAID DURING  EXPENSE  TOTAL INVESTMENT
   MARCH 1, 2022  AUGUST 31, 2022  PERIOD*  RATIO  RETURN FOR THE FUND
                
Boston Partners Global Equity Fund                         
Institutional                         
Actual        $1,000.00              $897.30              $4.54              0.95%              –10.27%      
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,020.42    4.84    0.95%   N/A 
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund                         
Institutional                         
Actual   $1,000.00   $857.60    $4.68    1.00%   –14.24%
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,020.16    5.09    1.00%   N/A 
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund                         
Institutional                         
Actual   $1,000.00   $962.70    $15.04    3.04%(1)   –3.73%
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,009.88    15.40    3.04%(1)   N/A 
Investor                         
Actual   $1,000.00   $961.70    $16.27    3.29%(1)   –3.83%
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,008.62    16.66    3.29%(1)   N/A 
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund                         
Institutional                         
Actual   $1,000.00   $969.70    $10.77    2.17%(1)   –3.03%
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,014.27    11.02    2.17%(1)   N/A 
Investor                         
Actual   $1,000.00   $968.70    $12.01    2.42%(1)   –3.13%
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,013.01    12.28    2.42%(1)   N/A 
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund                         
Institutional                         
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,002.20    $12.67    2.51%(1)   0.22%
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,012.55    12.73    2.51%(1)   N/A 
Investor                         
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,000.70    $13.92    2.76%(1)   0.07%
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,011.29    13.99    2.76%(1)   N/A 
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund                         
Institutional                         
Actual   $1,000.00   $940.30    $6.94    1.42%(1)   –5.97%
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)   1,000.00    1,018.05    7.22    1.42%(1)   N/A 

 

* Expenses are equal to each Fund’s annualized six-month expense ratios in the table above, which include waived fees or reimbursed expenses, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one-half year period.
(1) These amounts include dividends paid on securities which the Funds have sold short (“Short-sale dividends”) and related interest expense. The amount of short-sale dividends and related interest expense was 1.08% of average net assets for the six-month period ended August 31, 2022 for both the Institutional Class and Investor Class of the Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, 0.79% of average net assets for the Institutional Class and Investor Class of the Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, 0.96% of average net assets of the Institutional Class and Investor Class of the Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund and 0.00% of average net assets for the Institutional Class of the Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund.

 

Annual Report 2022  |  33

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022 (unaudited)
Portfolio Holdings Summary Tables  

 

BOSTON PARTNERS

ALL-CAP VALUE FUND

SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE 
COMMON STOCK          
Health Care   24.4%  $348,547,711 
Financials   20.8    298,190,717 
Information Technology   11.6    166,109,508 
Industrials   11.3    161,477,507 
Energy   8.0    113,716,866 
Consumer Discretionary   6.4    92,186,309 
Materials   2.3    33,303,820 
Consumer Staples   1.9    27,762,278 
Communication Services   1.9    27,015,149 
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS   10.0    142,118,137 
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL   7.8    111,121,981 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   1.9    27,830,979 
OPTIONS WRITTEN   (0.2)   (2,794,560)
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS   (8.1)   (115,520,478)
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $1,431,065,924 

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

BOSTON PARTNERS

SMALL CAP VALUE FUND II

SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE 
COMMON STOCK          
Financials   25.5%  $196,236,532 
Industrials   19.9    153,215,551 
Consumer Discretionary   14.6    112,595,113 
Information Technology   9.2    71,062,957 
Energy   8.1    62,750,063 
Health Care   7.5    57,499,300 
Materials   6.2    48,144,987 
Communication Services   2.6    20,329,948 
Consumer Staples   2.6    20,091,392 
Real Estate   1.7    13,110,897 
Utilities   0.3    1,901,326 
RIGHTS   0.0     
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL   19.5    150,679,396 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   2.7    20,753,960 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS   (20.4)   (157,098,079)
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $771,273,343 

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

WPG PARTNERS

SELECT SMALL CAP VALUE FUND

SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE 
COMMON STOCK          
Industrials   24.0%  $4,279,788 
Financials   14.2    2,539,992 
Information Technology   11.6    2,060,240 
Consumer Discretionary   11.1    1,976,771 
Energy   8.1    1,445,820 
Materials   8.0    1,431,004 
Health Care   6.0    1,078,157 
Consumer Staples   4.5    810,433 
Real Estate   4.1    724,225 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   9.3    1,654,756 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS   (0.9)   (156,137)
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $17,845,049 

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

WPG PARTNERS

SMALL/MICRO CAP VALUE FUND

SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE 
COMMON STOCK          
Industrials   20.2%  $6,532,433 
Financials   19.4    6,245,681 
Materials   12.4    4,005,270 
Energy   10.4    3,354,882 
Consumer Discretionary   8.7    2,802,364 
Real Estate   6.9    2,240,905 
Information Technology   6.3    2,050,345 
Utilities   5.2    1,679,971 
Health Care   3.5    1,125,388 
Consumer Staples   2.9    932,940 
Communication Services   0.4    120,130 
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL   16.6    5,344,277 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   3.8    1,213,921 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS   (16.7)   (5,384,317)
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $32,264,190 

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.


 

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

 

34  |  Annual Report 2022

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022 (unaudited)
Portfolio Holdings Summary Tables (continued)  

 

BOSTON PARTNERS

GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY FUND

SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE 
COMMON STOCK          
Health Care   23.5%  $5,309,044 
Industrials   15.4    3,487,734 
Information Technology   12.8    2,898,970 
Financials   11.0    2,496,577 
Consumer Staples   6.7    1,516,462 
Communication Services   6.5    1,472,002 
Materials   5.8    1,305,478 
Energy   5.4    1,214,360 
Consumer Discretionary   5.4    1,213,933 
Utilities   1.1    254,308 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   6.6    1,505,350 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS   (0.2)   (34,369)
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $22,639,849 

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

BOSTON PARTNERS

GLOBAL EQUITY FUND

SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE 
COMMON STOCK          
Health Care   23.8%  $40,780,804 
Industrials   13.2    22,559,931 
Financials   12.3    21,077,693 
Information Technology   11.5    19,741,506 
Energy   10.2    17,437,332 
Materials   7.0    12,075,046 
Communication Services   6.4    11,010,144 
Consumer Discretionary   6.3    10,811,177 
Consumer Staples   3.8    6,560,198 
Utilities   1.8    3,031,860 
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL   8.3    14,200,918 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   3.0    5,064,086 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS   (7.6)   (12,943,731)
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $171,406,964 

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

BOSTON PARTNERS

EMERGING MARKETS FUND

SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE 
COMMON STOCK          
Financials   17.2%  $3,703,059 
Information Technology   16.8    3,609,712 
Consumer Staples   13.6    2,930,524 
Industrials   13.4    2,883,684 
Communication Services   9.0    1,923,683 
Materials   4.6    994,365 
Health Care   3.7    787,981 
Consumer Discretionary   3.3    717,125 
Real Estate   2.9    632,475 
Energy   2.6    552,984 
Utilities   0.3    52,194 
PREFERRED STOCKS   1.2    268,802 
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS   0.2    57,751 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   8.6    1,838,939 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES   2.6    550,737 
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $21,504,015 

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

BOSTON PARTNERS

LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND

SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE 
LONG POSITIONS:          
COMMON STOCK          
Health Care   20.7%  $13,777,958 
Financials   14.9    9,914,216 
Information Technology   14.4    9,552,806 
Consumer Discretionary   11.8    7,829,683 
Industrials   9.8    6,499,012 
Energy   6.1    4,076,715 
Communication Services   4.5    3,015,044 
Materials   2.6    1,703,472 
Real Estate   2.3    1,543,239 
Consumer Staples   1.3    868,004 
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL   12.9    8,554,091 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   9.2    6,082,852 
           
SHORT POSITIONS:          
COMMON STOCK          
Information Technology   (5.7)   (3,788,291)
Consumer Discretionary   (4.0)   (2,650,360)
Communication Services   (1.3)   (843,049)
Health Care   (1.1)   (704,167)
Industrials   (1.0)   (660,989)
Consumer Staples   (0.5)   (300,482)
Materials   (0.2)   (160,453)
Real Estate   (0.2)   (147,977)
Financials   (0.1)   (84,228)
Energy   (0.0)   (1)
OPTIONS WRITTEN   (0.1)   (82,858)
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES   3.7    2,458,763 
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $66,453,000 

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.


 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  35

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022 (unaudited)
Portfolio Holdings Summary Tables (concluded)  

 

BOSTON PARTNERS

LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND

SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
   VALUE 
LONG POSITIONS:          
COMMON STOCK          
Financials   17.0%  $138,313,309 
Information Technology   12.6    102,809,448 
Health Care   12.2    98,908,157 
Industrials   11.7    95,452,596 
Energy   10.8    87,716,234 
Consumer Discretionary   8.4    68,457,987 
Materials   6.6    53,239,978 
Consumer Staples   4.9    40,152,145 
Communication Services   4.9    39,449,972 
Real Estate   2.2    17,947,890 
Utilities   1.0    8,373,273 
WARRANTS   0.1    972,287 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   5.5    44,842,631 
           
SHORT POSITIONS:          
COMMON STOCK          
Consumer Discretionary   (4.8)   (39,314,347)
Materials   (4.6)   (37,543,006)
Industrials   (4.1)   (33,629,675)
Financials   (2.8)   (22,898,959)
Information Technology   (2.8)   (22,289,295)
Communication Services   (2.3)   (18,666,943)
Health Care   (1.7)   (13,873,535)
Consumer Staples   (1.6)   (13,278,981)
Real Estate   (1.5)   (11,877,618)
Energy   (1.3)   (10,391,215)
Utilities   (0.2)   (1,608,268)
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES   29.8    242,638,189 
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $813,902,254 

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

BOSTON PARTNERS

GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND

SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE 
LONG POSITIONS:          
COMMON STOCK          
Information Technology   15.1%  $18,274,442 
Industrials   12.4    14,963,418 
Health Care   12.1    14,691,207 
Financials   11.8    14,330,369 
Energy   11.3    13,727,593 
Materials   9.8    11,832,310 
Consumer Discretionary   6.8    8,262,115 
Communication Services   2.4    2,954,310 
Consumer Staples   1.3    1,596,525 
Utilities   0.7    879,796 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   13.2    15,993,268 
           
SHORT POSITIONS:          
COMMON STOCK          
Information Technology   (7.2)   (8,710,517)
Materials   (6.7)   (8,184,219)
Industrials   (6.6)   (8,006,298)
Financials   (6.2)   (7,498,402)
Consumer Discretionary   (6.0)   (7,274,612)
Consumer Staples   (2.8)   (3,346,905)
Health Care   (2.5)   (3,086,391)
Communication Services   (2.3)   (2,764,617)
Energy   (1.3)   (1,617,173)
Real Estate   (0.9)   (1,045,335)
OPTIONS WRITTEN   (0.9)   (1,048,582)
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES   46.5    56,315,288 
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $121,237,590 

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

BOSTON PARTNERS

EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND

SECURITY TYPE/SECTOR CLASSIFICATION  % OF NET
ASSETS
  VALUE 
LONG POSITIONS:          
COMMON STOCK          
Financials   14.0%  $8,486,990 
Information Technology   12.6    7,661,855 
Consumer Staples   12.4    7,519,913 
Industrials   10.4    6,312,915 
Materials   5.0    3,047,203 
Health Care   3.7    2,206,651 
Real Estate   3.1    1,853,250 
Communication Services   2.2    1,343,696 
Utilities   0.7    446,376 
Consumer Discretionary   0.4    221,628 
Energy   0.4    221,305 
PREFERRED STOCKS   1.1    658,683 
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS   0.3    151,529 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS   9.5    5,777,542 
           
SHORT POSITIONS:          
COMMON STOCK          
Materials   (0.1)   (51,926)
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES   24.3    14,758,005 
NET ASSETS   100.0%  $60,615,615 

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.


 

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

 

36  |  Annual Report 2022

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS ALL-CAP VALUE FUND Portfolio Of Investments

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
COMMON STOCKS—88.6%          
Communication Services—1.9%          
Alphabet, Inc., Class A*   134,341   $14,538,383 
Electronic Arts, Inc.   22,689    2,878,553 
Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc., (The)(a)   232,146    6,416,516 
Omnicom Group, Inc.   47,559    3,181,697 
         27,015,149 
Consumer Discretionary—6.4%          
AutoZone, Inc.*   6,965    14,760,298 
Booking Holdings, Inc.*   5,637    10,573,941 
Dollar General Corp.   35,533    8,436,245 
Garmin Ltd.   48,231    4,267,961 
Harley-Davidson, Inc.   188,015    7,251,739 
International Game Technology PLC   148,512    2,664,305 
Lear Corp.(a)   37,913    5,256,258 
LKQ Corp.   278,879    14,841,940 
Magna International, Inc.(a)   50,945    2,941,055 
Mohawk Industries, Inc.*   1,741    192,137 
NVR, Inc.*   2,584    10,697,915 
Polaris, Inc.   2,451    277,625 
Whirlpool Corp.(a)   38,618    6,047,579 
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.(a)   60,871    3,977,311 
         92,186,309 
Consumer Staples—1.9%          
Altria Group, Inc.   91,191    4,114,538 
Coca-Cola European Partners PLC(a)   77,168    3,794,351 
Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.   208,924    7,964,183 
Monster Beverage Corp.*   59,153    5,254,561 
Philip Morris International, Inc.   69,480    6,634,645 
         27,762,278 
Energy—8.0%          
BP PLC - SP ADR   151,125    4,660,695 
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.   144,528    7,921,580 
Chord Energy Corp.(a)   73,732    10,436,765 
ConocoPhillips   133,727    14,636,420 
Devon Energy Corp.   141,712    10,007,701 
Diamondback Energy, Inc.   93,232    12,425,961 
EOG Resources, Inc.   95,266    11,555,766 
Marathon Oil Corp.   483,868    12,382,182 
Phillips 66   53,428    4,779,669 
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.(a)   33,670    8,525,917 
Schlumberger Ltd.   280,427    10,698,290 
Shell PLC - ADR   107,322    5,685,920 
         113,716,866 
Financials—20.8%          
Aflac, Inc.(a)   216,677    12,874,947 
Allstate Corp., (The)   64,092    7,723,086 
American International Group, Inc.   405,720    20,996,010 
Aon PLC, Class A   30,737    8,583,615 
Bank of America Corp.   865,245    29,080,884 
Charles Schwab Corp., (The)   250,729    17,789,223 
Chubb Ltd.   86,224    16,300,647 
Citigroup, Inc.   297,061    14,499,547 
Discover Financial Services   80,233    8,062,614 
Fifth Third Bancorp   177,977    6,077,915 
Globe Life, Inc.   93,505    9,087,751 
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., (The)   50,700    16,866,369 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Financials—(continued)          
Huntington Bancshares, Inc.(a)   685,448   $9,185,003 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.   187,747    21,352,466 
KeyCorp   838,682    14,836,285 
Loews Corp.   228,279    12,626,112 
Markel Corp.*   4,930    5,886,962 
Renaissance Holdings Ltd.   54,518    7,374,105 
Synchrony Financial   176,881    5,792,853 
Travelers Cos., Inc., (The)   58,523    9,459,658 
Truist Financial Corp.   275,993    12,927,512 
Wells Fargo & Co.   361,540    15,802,913 
White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd.   10,952    15,004,240 
         298,190,717 
Health Care—24.4%          
AbbVie, Inc.   197,479    26,553,026 
AmerisourceBergen Corp.   83,018    12,167,118 
Amgen, Inc.   73,709    17,712,273 
Avantor, Inc.*(a)   417,978    10,411,832 
Centene Corp.*   221,248    19,854,796 
Change Healthcare, Inc.*   264,234    6,492,229 
Cigna Corp.   33,013    9,357,535 
Elevance Health, Inc.   44,853    21,758,639 
Humana, Inc.   26,966    12,991,680 
Johnson & Johnson   263,112    42,450,490 
McKesson Corp.   60,709    22,280,203 
Medtronic PLC   227,534    20,004,789 
Merck & Co., Inc.(a)   216,286    18,462,173 
Molina Healthcare, Inc.*   26,270    8,862,710 
Novartis AG - SP ADR   196,219    15,799,554 
Pfizer, Inc.   549,798    24,867,364 
Roche Holding AG - SP ADR   161,635    6,536,519 
Sanofi - ADR*   479,598    19,677,906 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.   48,719    25,301,238 
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.   65,892    7,005,637 
         348,547,711 
Industrials—11.3%          
Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.(a)   40,067    5,437,092 
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.   90,104    3,267,171 
Altra Industrial Motion Corp.   70,507    2,675,741 
AMETEK, Inc.   61,709    7,414,953 
Boeing Co., (The)*   587    94,067 
BWX Technologies, Inc.(a)   120,968    6,306,062 
Copart, Inc.*   38,689    4,629,139 
Curtiss-Wright Corp.   36,937    5,436,757 
Dover Corp.   53,791    6,721,723 
EnerSys   20,240    1,262,369 
Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.(a)   107,212    11,031,043 
Ferguson PLC   36,811    4,251,302 
Howmet Aerospace, Inc.   337,343    11,952,062 
Huron Consulting Group, Inc.*   105,544    7,060,894 
Landstar System, Inc.(a)   53,657    7,867,726 
Leidos Holdings, Inc.   41,480    3,942,674 
ManpowerGroup, Inc.   35,851    2,628,595 
Masco Corp.   117,219    5,962,931 
PACCAR, Inc.   77,916    6,818,429 
Resideo Technologies, Inc.*   8,156    169,808 
Robert Half International, Inc.   40,297    3,101,660 
Science Applications International Corp.   84,055    7,654,889 


 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  37

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS ALL-CAP VALUE FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Industrials—(continued)          
Sensata Technologies Holding PLC   1,080   $43,502 
Textron, Inc.   140,561    8,768,195 
United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B   52,675    10,245,814 
WESCO International, Inc.*   115,275    15,179,412 
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.   131,814    11,553,497 
         161,477,507 
Information Technology—11.6%          
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*#   113,600    9,641,232 
Analog Devices, Inc.   65,259    9,888,696 
Applied Materials, Inc.   26,980    2,538,009 
Arrow Electronics, Inc.*   65,646    6,880,357 
Belden, Inc.   55,228    3,616,329 
Cisco Systems, Inc.   233,828    10,456,788 
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A   118,386    7,478,444 
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.   55,003    5,025,624 
FleetCor Technologies, Inc.*   36,592    7,776,898 
Flex Ltd.*   419,975    7,479,755 
Global Payments, Inc.   3,646    452,943 
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.   303,479    4,127,314 
Jabil, Inc.   177,458    10,700,717 
KLA-Tencor Corp.   16,910    5,819,238 
Lam Research Corp.   5,219    2,285,452 
NortonLifeLock, Inc.   17,396    392,976 
Oracle Corp.   189,678    14,064,624 
Qorvo, Inc.*   89,509    8,036,118 
QUALCOMM, Inc.   146,833    19,421,601 
SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.   131,253    7,318,667 
TE Connectivity Ltd.   49,346    6,227,959 
Visa, Inc., Class A(a)   73,123    14,530,271 
Western Digital Corp.*   46,131    1,949,496 
         166,109,508 
Materials—2.3%          
Corteva, Inc.   187,652    11,527,462 
CRH PLC - SP ADR(a)   155,230    5,741,958 
DuPont de Nemours, Inc.   84,490    4,701,023 
FMC Corp.   104,861    11,333,377 
         33,303,820 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $757,478,442)
        1,268,309,865 
 
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS—10.0%          
Financials—10.0%          
iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF   474,208    71,112,231 
iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF(a)   490,779    71,005,906 
         142,118,137 
TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS
(Cost $150,522,621)
        142,118,137 
           
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL—7.8%          
Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 2.44%(b)   111,121,981    111,121,981 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL
(Cost $111,121,981)
        111,121,981 
       NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—1.9%          
Tri-State Deposit, 2.45%(b)        18,034,066   $18,034,066 
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.00%(b)        9,796,913    9,796,913 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $27,830,979)
             27,830,979 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—108.3%
(Cost $1,046,954,023)
             1,549,380,962 
                
    NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
    NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
      
OPTIONS WRITTEN ƗƗ—(0. 2%)           
Call Options Written—(0.2%)           
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.               
Expiration:
06/16/2023,
               
Exercise Price:
70.00
   (1,136)   (9,641,232)   (2,794,560)
TOTAL CALL OPTIONS WRITTEN
(Premiums received $(3,462,154))
         (2,794,560)
TOTAL OPTIONS WRITTEN
(Premiums received $(3,462,154))
         (2,794,560)
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS—(8.1)%         (115,520,478)
NET ASSETS—100.0%            $1,431,065,924 

 

 
ADR American Depositary Receipt
PLC Public Limited Company
SP ADR  Sponsored American Depositary Receipt
* Non-income producing.
(a) All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2022, the market value of securities on loan was $107,953,391.
(b) The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.
# Security segregated as collateral for options written.
ƗƗ Primar y risk exposure is equity contracts.
   
  Industry classifications may be different than those used for compliance monitoring purposes.


 

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

 

38  |  Annual Report 2022

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS ALL-CAP VALUE FUND Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2022 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3   INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET
ASSET VALUE*
 
Common Stock                         
Communication Services  $27,015,149   $27,015,149   $   $   $ 
Consumer Discretionary   92,186,309    92,186,309             
Consumer Staples   27,762,278    27,762,278             
Energy   113,716,866    113,716,866             
Financials   298,190,717    298,190,717             
Health Care   348,547,711    348,547,711             
Industrials   161,477,507    161,477,507             
Information Technology   166,109,508    166,109,508             
Materials   33,303,820    33,303,820             
Exchange Traded Funds Financials   142,118,137    142,118,137             
Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral   111,121,981                111,121,981 
Short-Term Investments   27,830,979    9,796,913    18,034,066         
Total Assets  $1,549,380,962   $1,420,224,915   $18,034,066   $   $111,121,981 
                          
   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3   INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET
ASSET VALUE*
 
Options Written Equity Contracts  $(2,794,560)  $(2,794,560)  $   $   $ 
Total Liabilities  $(2,794,560)  $(2,794,560)  $   $   $ 

 

* Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy included to reconcile to the amounts presented in the Portfolio of Investments.

 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  39

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS SMALL CAP VALUE FUND II Portfolio Of Investments

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
COMMON STOCKS—98.2%          
Communication Services—2.6%          
Gray Television, Inc.(a)   201,024   $3,839,559 
Nexstar Media Group, Inc., Class A(a)   44,668    8,545,882 
TEGNA, Inc.   246,986    5,285,500 
Yelp, Inc.*(a)   77,817    2,659,007 
         20,329,948 
Consumer Discretionary—14.6%          
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.(a)   95,600    1,076,456 
Beazer Homes USA, Inc.*   110,448    1,572,780 
Callaway Golf Co.*(a)   562,420    12,446,355 
Carriage Services, Inc.(a)   109,580    3,880,228 
Carter’s, Inc.(a)   29,767    2,198,293 
Container Store Group, Inc., (The)*   213,315    1,446,276 
Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc.*   206,077    1,374,534 
Foot Locker, Inc.(a)   101,242    3,729,755 
H&R Block, Inc.(a)   41,634    1,873,530 
Hanesbrands, Inc.(a)   279,713    2,436,300 
Harley-Davidson, Inc.   318,069    12,267,921 
International Game Technology PLC   224,867    4,034,114 
LCI Industries(a)   56,620    6,560,559 
Meritage Homes Corp.*   42,727    3,347,660 
Petco Health & Wellness Co., Inc.*(a)   164,696    2,457,264 
Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc.*(a)   251,654    3,744,612 
Six Flags Entertainment Corp.*(a)   68,783    1,523,543 
Skechers U.S.A., Inc., Class A*   88,912    3,360,874 
Standard Motor Products, Inc.   36,907    1,354,487 
Steven Madden Ltd.(a)   159,998    4,657,542 
Stride, Inc.*(a)   399,435    15,234,451 
Tempur Sealy International, Inc.(a)   302,290    7,560,273 
Thor Industries, Inc.(a)   19,312    1,564,465 
Travel + Leisure Co.   133,308    5,652,259 
TravelCenters of America, Inc.*   77,156    4,172,596 
Victoria’s Secret & Co.*(a)   91,746    3,067,986 
         112,595,113 
Consumer Staples—2.6%          
Energizer Holdings, Inc.(a)   176,771    4,967,265 
Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc.   176,375    4,822,093 
Nomad Foods Ltd.*   306,426    5,420,676 
Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.(a)   54,354    3,423,758 
Universal Corp.   28,558    1,457,600 
         20,091,392 
Energy—8.1%          
Cactus, Inc., Class A   51,921    2,074,244 
ChampionX Corp.(a)   224,904    4,905,156 
Chord Energy Corp.(a)   40,521    5,735,748 
Delek US Holdings, Inc.(a)   193,989    5,480,189 
Enerplus Corp.(a)   408,168    6,289,869 
Kosmos Energy Ltd.*(a)   887,742    6,276,336 
National Energy Services Reunited Corp.*   318,201    2,233,771 
NexTier Oilfield Solutions, Inc.*   372,395    3,489,341 
Par Pacific Holdings, Inc.*(a)   174,166    3,274,321 
PDC Energy, Inc.   80,883    5,492,765 
ProPetro Holding Corp.*   313,494    2,871,605 
Viper Energy Partners LP   264,751    8,080,200 
World Fuel Services Corp.(a)   253,741    6,546,518 
         62,750,063 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Financials—25.5%          
AllianceBernstein Holding LP   72,149   $3,108,179 
Ameris Bancorp   45,775    2,136,777 
AMERISAFE, Inc.   41,359    1,977,787 
Ares Commercial Real Estate Corp.(a)   107,864    1,422,726 
Artisan Partners Asset Management, Inc., Class A(a)   62,217    2,100,446 
Assured Guaranty Ltd.   171,890    8,778,422 
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.   160,834    8,548,327 
BankUnited, Inc.(a)   146,771    5,437,866 
Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc., Class A(a)   187,203    5,425,143 
Columbia Banking System, Inc.(a)   72,100    2,159,395 
Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.   14,973    2,561,132 
Employers Holdings, Inc.   66,288    2,595,838 
Essent Group Ltd.   65,786    2,630,782 
Evercore, Inc., Class A(a)   67,922    6,363,612 
Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp., Class C   50,455    5,511,704 
First American Financial Corp.   35,073    1,876,405 
First Hawaiian, Inc.   146,848    3,775,462 
First Internet Bancorp   62,302    2,284,614 
First Merchants Corp.   102,928    4,098,593 
First Mid Bancshares, Inc.   60,562    2,140,867 
Flushing Financial Corp.   60,247    1,244,101 
Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., (The)   49,292    6,377,892 
Heritage Financial Corp.   77,545    2,015,395 
Hope Bancorp, Inc.   124,058    1,795,119 
James River Group Holdings Ltd.   93,379    2,218,685 
Luther Burbank Corp.   197,041    2,583,208 
Merchants Bancorp   127,721    3,444,635 
Midland States Bancorp, Inc.   93,152    2,337,184 
Mr Cooper Group, Inc.*   49,398    2,089,535 
Navient Corp.(a)   339,827    5,229,938 
Nelnet, Inc., Class A   33,087    2,787,249 
PacWest Bancorp   214,335    5,643,441 
PennyMac Financial Services, Inc.   100,003    5,312,159 
Perella Weinberg Partners(a)   255,407    1,836,376 
PRA Group, Inc.*(a)   82,908    3,062,622 
Preferred Bank   39,196    2,659,057 
Primis Financial Corp.   161,250    2,113,987 
ProAssurance Corp.   181,835    3,889,451 
Pzena Investment Management, Inc., Class A   250,426    2,384,056 
RBB Bancorp   156,239    3,452,882 
Silvercrest Asset Management Group, Inc., Class A   445,089    7,953,740 
SLM Corp.   914,375    13,971,650 
SouthState Corp.   36,878    2,877,959 
Starwood Property Trust, Inc.   160,203    3,673,455 
Synovus Financial Corp.   47,246    1,897,399 
Umpqua Holdings Corp.   173,589    3,079,469 
Valley National Bancorp   443,244    5,150,495 
Velocity Financial, Inc.*   269,312    3,075,543 
Walker & Dunlop, Inc.   61,527    6,181,002 
White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd.   3,892    5,332,040 
Wintrust Financial Corp.   66,786    5,632,731 
         196,236,532 


 

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

 

40  |  Annual Report 2022

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS SMALL CAP VALUE FUND II Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Health Care—7.5%          
Amedisys, Inc.*   32,616   $3,863,365 
AMN Healthcare Services, Inc.*   22,859    2,346,248 
Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.*   549,156    2,416,286 
Change Healthcare, Inc.*   764,420    18,781,799 
Envista Holdings Corp.*(a)   254,149    9,426,386 
Haemonetics Corp.*   42,084    3,157,563 
Hanger, Inc.*   68,384    1,273,994 
LHC Group, Inc.*   25,021    4,040,141 
Owens & Minor, Inc.(a)   93,701    2,765,117 
PetIQ, Inc.*(a)   212,247    1,982,387 
QuidelOrtho Corp.*   21,188    1,679,361 
Syneos Health, Inc.*   95,935    5,766,653 
         57,499,300 
Industrials—19.9%          
ABM Industries, Inc.   275,657    12,790,485 
ACCO Brands Corp.   335,542    1,989,764 
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.   94,509    3,426,896 
Altra Industrial Motion Corp.   85,823    3,256,983 
Array Technologies, Inc.*(a)   136,265    2,847,938 
ASGN, Inc.*(a)   74,851    7,238,092 
Brink’s Co., (The)   91,492    5,057,678 
BWX Technologies, Inc.   83,489    4,352,282 
CBIZ, Inc.*   120,409    5,257,057 
CRA International, Inc.   83,510    7,633,649 
Curtiss-Wright Corp.   63,421    9,334,937 
EMCOR Group, Inc.(a)   44,017    5,234,502 
EnerSys   72,544    4,524,569 
FTI Consulting, Inc.*(a)   15,005    2,409,803 
GrafTech International Ltd.(a)   280,192    1,647,529 
Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.   47,091    1,340,210 
Hillenbrand, Inc.   71,038    2,960,153 
Hub Group, Inc., Class A*   37,160    2,965,740 
ICF International, Inc.   62,560    6,353,594 
KAR Auction Services, Inc.*(a)   177,094    2,585,572 
Korn/Ferry International   33,893    2,064,761 
L B Foster Co., Class A*   129,106    1,691,289 
Landstar System, Inc.(a)   11,438    1,677,154 
Masonite International Corp.*   30,893    2,527,665 
Matrix Service Co.*   266,483    1,513,623 
Resideo Technologies, Inc.*(a)   433,146    9,018,100 
Science Applications International Corp.   89,008    8,105,959 
Steelcase, Inc., Class A(a)   211,033    2,359,349 
Terex Corp.   48,918    1,625,056 
V2X, Inc.*   62,982    2,182,956 
Viad Corp.*   120,480    4,599,926 
Wabash National Corp.(a)   165,602    2,724,153 
Werner Enterprises, Inc.(a)   50,738    2,018,865 
WESCO International, Inc.*   135,930    17,899,262 
         153,215,551 
Information Technology—9.2%          
Avnet, Inc.(a)   103,775    4,554,685 
Bel Fuse, Inc., Class B   131,341    3,732,711 
Belden, Inc.   117,547    7,696,977 
CommScope Holding Co., Inc.*   387,870    4,382,931 
Concentrix Corp.   80,162    10,082,776 
Diebold Nixdorf, Inc.*   515,314    1,793,293 
EVERTEC, Inc.   87,798    2,950,013 
IBEX Holdings Ltd.*   123,910    2,090,362 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Information Technology—(continued)          
Insight Enterprises, Inc.*(a)   72,482   $6,604,560 
InterDigital, Inc.   98,685    4,950,039 
MAXIMUS, Inc.(a)   29,063    1,760,927 
NCR Corp.*   140,663    4,367,586 
SMART Global Holdings, Inc.*   318,745    5,848,971 
TD SYNNEX Corp.   27,035    2,602,930 
TTEC Holdings, Inc.(a)   57,815    3,026,615 
Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.*   68,538    2,006,107 
Unisys Corp.*   280,502    2,611,474 
         71,062,957 
Materials—6.2%          
Cabot Corp.(a)   64,240    4,623,353 
Ecovyst, Inc.*   136,470    1,260,983 
Graphic Packaging Holding Co.   855,230    19,045,972 
Ingevity Corp.*(a)   59,594    4,179,923 
Mativ, Inc.   134,370    3,173,819 
Minerals Technologies, Inc.   27,348    1,593,295 
Orion Engineered Carbons SA   138,329    2,332,227 
Valvoline, Inc.   410,575    11,935,415 
         48,144,987 
Real Estate—1.7%          
Anywhere Real Estate, Inc.*   295,050    2,882,639 
Cousins Properties, Inc.(a)   217,448    5,838,479 
Kennedy-Wilson Holdings, Inc.   121,175    2,127,833 
Spirit Realty Capital, Inc.   55,372    2,261,946 
         13,110,897 
Utilities—0.3%          
Pure Cycle Corp.*   184,237    1,901,326 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $585,579,511)
        756,938,066 
RIGHTS—0.0%          
Consumer Discretionary—0.0%          
Evercel, Inc., CVR*‡   284,149    0 
TOTAL RIGHTS
(Cost $0)
        0  
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL—19.5%          
Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 2.44%(b)   150,679,396    150,679,396 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL
(Cost $150,679,396)
        150,679,396 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—2.7%          
Tri-State Deposit, 2.45%(b)   18,521,524    18,521,524 
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.00%(b)   2,232,436    2,232,436 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $20,753,960)
        20,753,960 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—120.4%
(Cost $757,012,867)
        928,371,422 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS—(20.4)%    (157,098,079)
NET ASSETS—100.0%       $771,273,343 


 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  41

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS SMALL CAP VALUE FUND II Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

 
PLC Public Limited Company
LP Limited Partnership
CVR  Contingent Value Right
* Non-income producing.
(a) All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2022, the market value of securities on loan was $145,477,036.
(b) The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.
Security has been valued at fair market value using significant unobservable inputs as determined in good faith by or under the direction of The RBB Fund, Inc.’s Board of Directors. As of August 31, 2022, these securities amounted to $0 or 0.0% of net assets.
   
  Industry classifications may be different than those used for compliance monitoring purposes.


 

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

 

42  |  Annual Report 2022

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS SMALL CAP VALUE FUND II Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2022 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3   INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET
ASSET VALUE*
 
Common Stock                         
Communication Services  $20,329,948   $20,329,948   $   $   $ 
Consumer Discretionary   112,595,113    112,595,113             
Consumer Staples   20,091,392    20,091,392             
Energy   62,750,063    62,750,063             
Financials   196,236,532    196,236,532             
Health Care   57,499,300    57,499,300             
Industrials   153,215,551    153,215,551             
Information Technology   71,062,957    71,062,957             
Materials   48,144,987    48,144,987             
Real Estate   13,110,897    13,110,897             
Utilities   1,901,326    1,901,326             
Rights               **    
Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral   150,679,396                150,679,396 
Short-Term Investments   20,753,960    2,232,436    18,521,524         
Total Assets  $928,371,422   $759,170,502   $18,521,524   $   $150,679,396 

 

* Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy included to reconcile to the amounts presented in the Portfolio of Investments.
** Value equals zero as of the end of the reporting period.

 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  43

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
WPG PARTNERS SELECT SMALL CAP VALUE FUND Portfolio Of Investments

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
COMMON STOCKS—91.6%          
Consumer Discretionary—11.1%          
Barnes & Noble Education, Inc.*   43,504   $111,370 
BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.*   17,848    447,628 
Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc.   64,047    140,903 
Dana, Inc.   15,617    241,595 
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., (The)*   18,498    259,527 
Latham Group, Inc.*   42,853    244,691 
Poshmark, Inc., Class A*   49,081    531,057 
         1,976,771 
Consumer Staples—4.5%          
Adecoagro SA   47,966    442,246 
TreeHouse Foods, Inc.*   7,901    368,187 
         810,433 
Energy—8.1%          
Green Plains, Inc.*   5,949    217,912 
NexTier Oilfield Solutions, Inc.*   58,470    547,864 
SM Energy Co.   15,431    680,044 
         1,445,820 
Financials—14.2%          
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.   11,062    587,945 
Blucora, Inc.*   8,366    167,989 
EZCORP, Inc., Class A*   30,397    265,974 
First Foundation, Inc.   16,453    311,949 
NMI Holdings, Inc., Class A*   27,980    574,430 
Popular, Inc.   4,741    366,100 
Sculptor Capital Management, Inc.   28,166    265,605 
         2,539,992 
Health Care—6.0%          
Apollo Endosurgery, Inc.*   30,862    170,358 
Pacira BioSciences, Inc.*   13,014    682,975 
Sight Sciences, Inc.*   32,256    224,824 
         1,078,157 
Industrials—24.0%          
Altra Industrial Motion Corp.   21,380    811,371 
ICF International, Inc.   3,997    405,935 
KBR, Inc.   9,296    448,997 
Kirby Corp.*   10,969    735,581 
Maxar Technologies, Inc.   29,281    697,766 
Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc., Class A   5,856    176,265 
Univar Solutions, Inc.*   30,862    778,340 
V2X, Inc.*   6,507    225,533 
         4,279,788 
Information Technology—11.6%          
Momentive Global, Inc.*   41,645    295,263 
NetScout Systems, Inc.*   11,620    368,819 
ON24, Inc.*   44,248    396,462 
Rambus, Inc.*   31,884    822,288 
SMART Global Holdings, Inc.*   9,668    177,408 
         2,060,240 
Materials—8.0%          
Capstone Copper Corp.*   43,132    96,882 
Tronox Holdings PLC, Class A   45,642    667,742 
Valvoline, Inc.   18,684    543,144 
Venator Materials PLC*   69,625    123,236 
         1,431,004 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Real Estate—4.1%          
Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.   28,259   $449,601 
Equity Commonwealth*   10,438    274,624 
         724,225 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $17,197,662)
        16,346,430 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—9.3%      
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.00%(a)   1,654,756    1,654,756 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $1,654,756)
        1,654,756 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—100.9%
(Cost $18,852,418)
        18,001,186 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS—(0.9)%    (156,137)
NET ASSETS—100.0%       $17,845,049 

 

 
PLC Public Limited Company
REIT  Real Estate Investment Trust
* Non-income producing.
(a) The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.
   
  Industry classifications may be different than those used for compliance monitoring purposes.


 

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

 

44  |  Annual Report 2022

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
WPG PARTNERS SELECT SMALL CAP VALUE FUND Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2022 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3 
Common Stock                    
Consumer Discretionary  $1,976,771   $1,976,771   $   $ 
Consumer Staples   810,433    810,433         
Energy   1,445,820    1,445,820         
Financials   2,539,992    2,539,992         
Health Care   1,078,157    1,078,157         
Industrials   4,279,788    4,279,788         
Information Technology   2,060,240    2,060,240         
Materials   1,431,004    1,431,004         
Real Estate   724,225    724,225         
Short-Term Investments   1,654,756    1,654,756         
Total Assets  $18,001,186   $18,001,186   $   $ 

 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  45

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
WPG PARTNERS SMALL/MICRO CAP VALUE FUND Portfolio Of Investments

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
COMMON STOCKS—96.3%          
Communication Services—0.4%          
Altice USA, Inc., Class A*   12,013   $120,130 
Consumer Discretionary—8.7%          
American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.*   22,640    234,324 
BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.*   11,769    295,166 
Century Communities, Inc.(a)   3,099    144,692 
Cheesecake Factory Inc., (The)(a)   7,927    242,725 
Dana, Inc.   13,848    214,228 
Designer Brands, Inc., Class A   16,544    282,241 
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (The)*   18,103    253,985 
Latham Group, Inc.*   54,059    308,677 
Monro Muffler Brake, Inc.   2,887    133,697 
Poshmark, Inc., Class A*   27,207    294,380 
RealReal, Inc., (The)*   28,359    60,688 
Stride, Inc.*(a)   4,485    171,058 
Universal Electronics, Inc.*   7,490    166,503 
         2,802,364 
Consumer Staples—2.9%          
Dole PLC   16,379    148,230 
Nomad Foods Ltd.*   9,222    163,137 
Sovos Brands, Inc.*   15,426    235,555 
Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.(a)   1,196    75,336 
TreeHouse Foods, Inc.*   6,667    310,682 
         932,940 
Energy—10.4%          
Chesapeake Energy Corp.(a)   2,815    282,879 
DHT Holdings, Inc.   46,199    360,814 
Earthstone Energy, Inc.,Class A*(a)   12,545    190,684 
Green Plains, Inc.*   9,052    331,575 
Liberty Energy, Inc.*   12,275    184,125 
Nabors Industries Ltd.*   1,477    195,717 
National Energy Services Reunited Corp.*   25,759    180,828 
NexTier Oilfield Solutions, Inc.*   40,398    378,529 
Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.(a)   4,928    155,922 
Scorpio Tankers, Inc.(a)   9,014    374,983 
SM Energy Co.   16,311    718,826 
         3,354,882 
Financials—19.4%          
Ameris Bancorp   7,781    363,217 
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.   9,339    496,368 
BankUnited, Inc.(a)   8,208    304,106 
Blucora, Inc.*   11,815    237,245 
Essent Group Ltd.   13,742    549,543 
First BanCorp   5,465    78,150 
First Foundation, Inc.   20,671    391,922 
First Interstate BancSystem, Inc.,Class A   8,979    361,495 
Hanover Insurance Group,Inc., (The)   1,460    188,909 
HomeStreet, Inc.   6,264    218,050 
Ladder Capital Corp.   26,366    291,608 
National Bank Holdings Corp.,Class A   11,064    443,998 
Popular, Inc.   8,550    660,231 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Financials—(continued)          
Premier Financial Corp.   15,331   $414,244 
Sculptor Capital Management,Inc.   23,218    218,946 
Triumph Bancorp, Inc.*   2,432    150,565 
Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc.(a)   6,184    313,096 
Webster Financial Corp.   11,987    563,988 
         6,245,681 
Health Care—3.5%          
CareDx, Inc.*   3,677    72,033 
Innoviva, Inc.*(a)   19,283    253,764 
Lantheus Holdings, Inc.*   1,058    83,370 
Pacira BioSciences, Inc.*   10,942    574,236 
Tenet Healthcare Corp.*   2,513    141,985 
         1,125,388 
Industrials—20.2%          
ABM Industries, Inc.   6,982    323,965 
AerCap Holdings NV*   1,766    77,792 
Allison Transmission Holdings,Inc.   4,448    161,284 
Altra Industrial Motion Corp.   18,803    713,574 
Argan, Inc.   9,949    344,136 
Astec Industries, Inc.   3,752    143,251 
Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc.*(a)   561    30,805 
BrightView Holdings, Inc.*   22,867    231,414 
Hillman Solutions Corp.*   13,843    116,143 
ICF International, Inc.   4,143    420,763 
KBR, Inc.(a)   11,935    576,460 
Kirby Corp.*   9,077    608,704 
Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc., Class A(a)   8,768    442,872 
Marten Transport Ltd.   7,048    139,621 
Matthews International Corp., Class A   6,150    153,811 
Maxar Technologies, Inc.   24,610    586,456 
Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc., Class A(a)   5,228    157,363 
Sun Country Airlines Holdings, Inc.*   12,606    251,112 
Tutor Perini Corp.*   35,225    238,826 
Univar Solutions, Inc.*   29,097    733,826 
XPO Logistics, Inc.*   1,531    80,255 
         6,532,433 
Information Technology—6.3%          
Axcelis Technologies, Inc.*   1,076    72,027 
Celestica, Inc.*   16,385    169,093 
JFrog Ltd.*(a)   6,040    127,746 
Mirion Technologies, Inc.*(a)   22,852    172,990 
Momentive Global, Inc.*   36,757    260,607 
NetScout Systems, Inc.*   10,448    331,620 
Rambus, Inc.*(a)   27,514    709,586 
SMART Global Holdings, Inc.*   11,263    206,676 
         2,050,345 
Materials—12.4%          
ATI, Inc.*   7,653    229,054 
Capstone Copper Corp.*   70,973    159,417 
Carpenter Technology Corp.   5,015    170,360 
Chemours Co., (The)   9,676    326,372 
Commercial Metals Co.   6,018    243,789 
Constellium SE*   11,593    154,419 
Livent Corp.*(a)   6,249    201,093 


 

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

 

46  |  Annual Report 2022

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
WPG PARTNERS SMALL/MICRO CAP VALUE FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Materials—(continued)          
Mativ, Inc.   8,420   $198,880 
Mosaic Co., (The)(a)   2,719    146,473 
O-I Glass, Inc.*(a)   12,018    156,354 
Perimeter Solutions SA*   14,940    145,665 
Piedmont Lithium, Inc.*(a)   2,364    144,559 
Stelco Holdings, Inc.   9,422    255,036 
Summit Materials, Inc., Class A*   4,240    120,501 
Tronox Holdings PLC, Class A   33,429    489,066 
Valvoline, Inc.   23,057    670,267 
Warrior Met Coal, Inc.   5,959    193,965 
         4,005,270 
Real Estate—6.9%          
Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.   25,017    398,020 
Brixmor Property Group, Inc.   28,436    610,805 
Equity Commonwealth*(a)   12,382    325,770 
Getty Realty Corp.   11,548    347,364 
RMR Group, Inc., Class A, (The)   5,418    141,085 
UMH Properties, Inc.(a)   23,163    417,861 
         2,240,905 
Utilities—5.2%          
ALLETE, Inc.   5,450    322,531 
Avista Corp.   4,717    191,652 
Black Hills Corp.(a)   2,429    183,341 
Portland General Electric Co.   3,095    159,918 
South Jersey Industries, Inc.   11,402    385,958 
Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.(a)   3,271    254,647 
Spire, Inc.(a)   2,603    181,924 
         1,679,971 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $28,343,595)
        31,090,309 
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL—16.6%          
Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 2.44%(b)   5,344,277    5,344,277 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL
(cost $5,344,277)
        5,344,277 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—3.8%          
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.00%(b)   1,213,921   $1,213,921 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $1,213,921)
        1,213,921 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—116.7%
(Cost $34,901,793)
        37,648,507 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS—(16.7)%    (5,384,317)
NET ASSETS—100.0%       $32,264,190 

 

 
PLC Public Limited Company
* Non-income producing.
(a) All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2022, the market value of securities on loan was $5,172,762.
(b) The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.
   
  Industry classifications may be different than those used for compliance monitoring purposes.

 


 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  47

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
WPG PARTNERS SMALL/MICRO CAP VALUE FUND Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2022 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3   INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET
ASSET VALUE
 
Common Stock                         
Communication Services  $120,130   $120,130   $   $   $ 
Consumer Discretionary   2,802,364    2,802,364             
Consumer Staples   932,940    932,940             
Energy   3,354,882    3,354,882             
Financials   6,245,681    6,245,681             
Health Care   1,125,388    1,125,388             
Industrials   6,532,433    6,532,433             
Information Technology   2,050,345    2,050,345             
Materials   4,005,270    4,005,270             
Real Estate   2,240,905    2,240,905             
Utilities   1,679,971    1,679,971             
Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral   5,344,277                5,344,277 
Short-Term Investments   1,213,921    1,213,921             
Total Assets  $37,648,507   $32,304,230   $   $   $5,344,277 

 

* Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy included to reconcile to the amounts presented in the Portfolio of Investments.

 

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

 

48  |  Annual Report 2022

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
COMMON STOCKS—93.6%          
Austria—1.0%          
ANDRITZ AG   4,707   $216,788 
Finland—1.6%          
Metso Outotec Oyj   23,709    185,433 
Nordea Bank Abp   18,393    170,537 
         355,970 
France—6.1%          
Airbus Group SE   4,073    399,128 
Capgemini SA   893    154,291 
Eiffage SA   1,332    117,156 
Rexel SA*   28,165    457,457 
Sanofi   3,180    259,966 
         1,387,998 
Germany—7.6%          
Brenntag SE   5,018    329,019 
Daimler Truck Holding AG*   5,168    132,141 
Deutsche Telekom AG   27,234    513,288 
Merck KGaA   1,269    217,990 
Rheinmetall AG   1,913    303,680 
Siemens AG   2,242    227,102 
         1,723,220 
Japan—3.7%          
Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.   8,600    288,343 
IHI Corp.   10,800    288,428 
Renesas Electronics Corp.*   27,700    262,279 
         839,050 
Netherlands—3.2%          
Aalberts NV   5,677    208,176 
ING Groep NV   21,957    192,442 
Stellantis NV   24,716    328,960 
         729,578 
Norway—0.9%          
Norsk Hydro ASA   27,680    190,192 
South Korea—0.7%          
SK Telecom Co., Ltd.   4,034    156,505 
Spain—0.5%          
Ence Energia y Celulosa SA   32,247    114,146 
Sweden—1.7%          
Svenska Handelsbanken AB, Class A   46,858    383,775 
Switzerland—2.9%          
STMicroelectronics NV   7,211    251,306 
Swiss Re AG   1,170    90,974 
UBS Group AG   19,192    304,130 
         646,410 
United Kingdom—9.6%          
BAE Systems PLC   19,328    174,069 
Coca-Cola European Partners PLC   9,299    457,232 
Indivior PLC*   16,893    56,794 
Informa PLC   33,668    213,005 
JD Sports Fashion PLC   77,014    100,736 
Liberty Global PLC, Class A*   7,846    158,489 
NatWest Group PLC   90,057    256,992 
Nomad Foods Ltd.*   2,854    50,487 
SSE PLC   13,271    254,308 
Tesco PLC   156,310    451,464 
         2,173,576 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
United States—54.1%          
AbbVie, Inc.   3,829   $514,847 
Alphabet, Inc., Class A*   3,980    430,716 
AmerisourceBergen Corp.   1,680    246,221 
AMETEK, Inc.   2,805    337,049 
Amgen, Inc.   751    180,465 
Applied Materials, Inc.   2,768    260,386 
AutoZone, Inc.*   199    421,723 
Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.*   13,621    350,741 
Booking Holdings, Inc.*   112    210,091 
Cigna Corp.   2,586    733,002 
Cisco Systems, Inc.   7,312    326,993 
Concentrix Corp.   1,523    191,563 
Corteva, Inc.   5,105    313,600 
Crown Holdings, Inc.   3,002    271,951 
CVS Health Corp.   5,889    578,005 
Dollar General Corp.   642    152,424 
Elevance Health, Inc.   658    319,202 
FMC Corp.   600    64,848 
Global Payments, Inc.   476    59,134 
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., (The)   217    72,189 
Halliburton Co.   14,111    425,164 
Humana, Inc.   1,127    542,966 
Huntington Bancshares, Inc.   15,610    209,174 
Johnson & Johnson   4,263    687,792 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.   2,586    294,106 
KeyCorp   5,492    97,153 
McKesson Corp.   256    93,952 
Medtronic PLC   2,726    239,670 
Microchip Technology, Inc.   4,522    295,061 
Microsoft Corp.   1,258    328,929 
NortonLifeLock, Inc.   14,110    318,745 
Oracle Corp.   1,754    130,059 
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.   1,474    373,246 
Qorvo, Inc.*   990    88,882 
Schlumberger Ltd.   10,903    415,949 
Science Applications International Corp.   1,231    112,107 
Synchrony Financial   3,623    118,653 
TE Connectivity Ltd.   1,833    231,343 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.   638    331,333 
US Foods Holding Corp.*   8,783    268,935 
Wells Fargo & Co.   7,011    306,451 
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.   2,886    306,840 
         12,251,660 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $23,707,669)
        21,168,868 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—6.6%       
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.00%(a)   1,505,350    1,505,350 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $1,505,350)
        1,505,350 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—100.2%
(Cost $25,213,019)
        22,674,218 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS—(0.2)%    (34,369)
NET ASSETS—100.0%       $22,639,849 

 

 
PLC Public Limited Company
* Non-income producing.
(a) The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.


 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  49

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2022 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3 
Common Stock                    
Austria  $216,788   $   $216,788   $ 
Finland   355,970        355,970     
France   1,387,998        1,387,998     
Germany   1,723,220        1,723,220     
Japan   839,050        839,050     
Netherlands   729,578        729,578     
Norway   190,192        190,192     
South Korea   156,505        156,505     
Spain   114,146        114,146     
Sweden   383,775        383,775     
Switzerland   646,410        646,410     
United Kingdom   2,173,576    723,002    1,450,574     
United States   12,251,660    12,251,660         
Short-Term Investments   1,505,350    1,505,350         
Total Assets  $22,674,218   $14,480,012   $8,194,206   $ 

 

* Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Portfolio of Investments

 

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

 

50  |  Annual Report 2022

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments
   
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
COMMON STOCKS—96.3%          
Bermuda—1.8%          
Everest Re Group Ltd.   11,191   $3,010,938 
Canada—1.8%          
Cenovus Energy, Inc.   168,786    3,166,625 
Finland—1.2%          
Metso Outotec Oyj   96,917    758,005 
Nordea Bank Abp   145,977    1,353,477 
         2,111,482 
France—8.3%          
Airbus Group SE   19,732    1,933,609 
Capgemini SE   8,523    1,472,593 
Cie de Saint-Gobain   16,133    649,804 
Eiffage SA   24,701    2,172,585 
Rexel SA*   130,801    2,124,474 
Sanofi   39,864    3,258,890 
TotalEnergies SE   50,345    2,548,964 
         14,160,919 
Germany—6.6%          
Brenntag SE   15,899    1,042,462 
Deutsche Post AG   20,696    755,389 
Deutsche Telekom AG   157,460    2,967,699 
Merck KGaA   11,939    2,050,890 
Rheinmetall AG   13,640    2,165,291 
Siemens AG   23,427    2,373,027 
         11,354,758 
Greece—0.4%          
Hellenic Telecommunications Organization SA   38,832    617,775 
Ireland—2.2%          
CRH PLC   57,427    2,109,747 
Flutter Entertainment PLC*   12,714    1,583,381 
         3,693,128 
Italy—0.5%          
Enel SpA   202,295    950,603 
Japan—3.7%          
Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.   60,600    2,031,812 
Fuji Corp.   39,000    567,277 
Hitachi Ltd.   17,900    894,321 
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.   35,700    950,415 
Renesas Electronics Corp.*   203,300    1,924,956 
         6,368,781 
Netherlands—3.3%          
Aalberts NV   25,560    937,289 
ING Groep NV   156,363    1,370,440 
NXP Semiconductors NV   3,825    629,518 
Stellantis NV   200,608    2,670,010 
         5,607,257 
Norway—0.8%          
Norsk Hydro ASA   198,254    1,362,224 
Singapore—1.1%          
United Overseas Bank Ltd.   94,900    1,850,498 
South Korea—1.0%          
KB Financial Group, Inc.   27,033    992,354 
SK Telecom Co., Ltd.   20,559    797,614 
         1,789,968 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Sweden—1.5%          
Loomis AB   36,195   $977,755 
Svenska Handelsbanken AB, Class A   202,369    1,657,437 
         2,635,192 
Switzerland—3.8%          
Glencore PLC   598,050    3,269,864 
Novartis AG   22,800    1,844,248 
STMicroelectronics NV   39,319    1,370,281 
         6,484,393 
United Kingdom—7.9%          
AstraZeneca PLC   11,065    1,368,652 
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC(a)   46,661    2,294,321 
IMI PLC   84,603    1,125,240 
Inchcape PLC   129,379    1,136,094 
JD Sports Fashion PLC   847,840    1,108,998 
NatWest Group PLC   447,068    1,275,780 
SSE PLC   108,610    2,081,257 
Tesco PLC   773,498    2,234,064 
WH Smith PLC*   53,020    878,898 
         13,503,304 
United States—50.4%          
AbbVie, Inc.(a)   24,984    3,359,349 
Amgen, Inc.   11,474    2,757,202 
Applied Materials, Inc.   6,947    653,504 
AutoZone, Inc.*   513    1,087,155 
Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.*   30,780    792,585 
Cabot Corp.(a)   8,749    629,666 
Centene Corp.*   31,627    2,838,207 
Charter Communications, Inc., Class A*(a)   1,557    642,465 
Chubb Ltd.   11,178    2,113,201 
Cigna Corp.   13,292    3,767,617 
Cisco Systems, Inc.   33,641    1,504,426 
Concentrix Corp.   15,832    1,991,349 
CVS Health Corp.   37,950    3,724,792 
Devon Energy Corp.   18,789    1,326,879 
Diamondback Energy, Inc.   18,815    2,507,663 
Discover Financial Services   14,020    1,408,870 
DuPont de Nemours, Inc.   15,433    858,692 
Eagle Materials, Inc.   5,783    691,762 
Elevance Health, Inc.   5,614    2,723,408 
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.   10,730    980,400 
Fifth Third Bancorp   21,656    739,552 
FleetCor Technologies, Inc.*   7,446    1,582,498 
Global Payments, Inc.   8,359    1,038,439 
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., (The)   6,027    2,005,002 
Halliburton Co.(a)   46,967    1,415,116 
HCA Healthcare, Inc.   10,114    2,001,257 
Humana, Inc.   4,352    2,096,707 
Huntington Bancshares, Inc.(a)   66,419    890,015 
Johnson & Johnson   15,790    2,547,559 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.   12,941    1,471,780 
KeyCorp   53,044    938,348 
Leidos Holdings, Inc.   8,819    838,246 


 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  51

 

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)
   
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
United States—(continued)          
LKQ Corp.   26,235   $1,396,227 
Marathon Petroleum Corp.   20,483    2,063,662 
McKesson Corp.   6,397    2,347,699 
Medtronic PLC   8,858    778,795 
Nexstar Media Group, Inc., Class A(a)   21,011    4,019,825 
NortonLifeLock, Inc.   92,788    2,096,081 
Olin Corp.   29,214    1,596,837 
Oracle Corp.   32,511    2,410,691 
Owens Corning   665    54,350 
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.(a)   7,779    1,969,798 
QUALCOMM, Inc.   6,188    818,487 
Schlumberger Ltd.(a)   63,922    2,438,624 
Science Applications International Corp.   15,798    1,438,724 
TE Connectivity Ltd.   10,049    1,268,284 
Textron, Inc.   17,680    1,102,878 
T-Mobile US, Inc.*(a)   13,648    1,964,766 
United Rentals, Inc.*   2,223    649,205 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.   4,883    2,535,888 
Valvoline, Inc.   26,270    763,669 
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.   7,333    779,645 
         86,417,846 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $147,969,161)
        165,085,691 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL—8.3%          
Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 2.44%(b)   14,200,918   $14,200,918 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL
(Cost $14,200,918)
        14,200,918 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—3.0%          
Tri-State Deposit, 2.45%(b)   2,500,736    2,500,737 
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.00%(b)  2,563,349    2,563,349 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $5,064,086)
        5,064,086 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—107.6%
(Cost $167,234,165)
        184,350,695 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS—(7.6)%    (12,943,731)
NET ASSETS—100.0%       $171,406,964 

 

 
PLC  Public Limited Company
* Non-income producing.
(a) All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2022, the market value of securities on loan was $13,862,258.
(b) The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.


 

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

 

52  |  Annual Report 2022

 

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2022 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3   INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET
ASSET VALUE*
 
Common Stock                         
Bermuda  $3,010,938   $3,010,938   $   $   $ 
Canada   3,166,625    3,166,625             
Finland   2,111,482        2,111,482         
France   14,160,919        14,160,919         
Germany   11,354,758        11,354,758         
Greece   617,775        617,775         
Ireland   3,693,128        3,693,128         
Italy   950,603        950,603         
Japan   6,368,781        6,368,781         
Netherlands   5,607,257    629,518    4,977,739         
Norway   1,362,224        1,362,224         
Singapore   1,850,498        1,850,498         
South Korea   1,789,968        1,789,968         
Sweden   2,635,192        2,635,192         
Switzerland   6,484,393        6,484,393         
United Kingdom   13,503,304    2,294,321    11,208,983         
United States   86,417,846    86,417,846             
Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral   14,200,918                14,200,918 
Short-Term Investments   5,064,086    2,563,349    2,500,737         
Total Assets  $184,350,695   $98,082,597   $72,067,180   $   $14,200,918 
   
* Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Portfolio of Investments.

 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  53

 

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS FUND Portfolio Of Investments
   
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
COMMON STOCKS—87.4%          
Austria—0.5%          
Erste Group Bank AG   1,695   $38,117 
Raiffeisen Bank International AG*   4,738    59,830 
         97,947 
Brazil—8.9%          
Banco do Brasil SA   67,100    538,745 
Cielo SA   465,000    492,494 
Eletromidia SA*   129,376    258,633 
Localiza Rent a Car SA*   20,801    243,941 
Sendas Distribuidora SA   104,400    368,242 
         1,902,055 
Canada—0.2%          
Parex Resources, Inc.   2,523    40,361 
Chile—0.9%          
Banco Santander Chile - SP ADR   11,633    186,593 
China—26.0%          
Agricultural Bank of China Ltd., Class H   72,000    23,527 
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.*   18,900    225,487 
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. - SP ADR*   3,492    333,172 
Bank of Chengdu Co., Ltd., Class A   162,800    369,458 
Chacha Food Co., Ltd., Class A   13,500    92,482 
Chengdu Wintrue Holding Co., Ltd., Class A   26,300    54,139 
China Construction Bank Corp., Class H   37,000    22,873 
China State Construction Engineering Corp., Ltd., Class A   526,300    391,627 
Fufeng Group Ltd.   356,000    200,040 
Greentown China Holdings Ltd.   42,000    79,245 
Hangzhou Tigermed Consulting Co., Ltd., Class H  20,600    203,958 
Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd., Class H   46,000    23,370 
JD.com, Inc., Class A   305    9,647 
JD.com, Inc. - ADR   1,063    67,490 
Jiangsu Changshu Rural Commercial Bank Co., Ltd., Class A   236,500    267,130 
Kweichow Moutai Co., Ltd., Class A   1,200    334,236 
NetEase, Inc. - ADR   6,936    613,905 
Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., Class H   6,250    41,342 
Rianlon Corp., Class A   24,100    181,537 
Shandong Hi-Speed Road & Bridge Co., Ltd., Class A   206,100    270,347 
Shanghai International Port Group Co., Ltd., Class A   49,100    38,426 
Tangshan Port Group Co., Ltd., Class A   549,700    208,463 
Tencent Holdings Ltd.   4,200    173,589 
Xiamen Xiangyu Co., Ltd., Class A   64,200    84,656 
Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Stock Ltd., Co., Class H   308,000    697,208 
YTO Express Group Co., Ltd., Class A   92,097    261,809 
YTO Express Group Co., Ltd., Class A   55,900    158,910 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
China—(continued)          
Yunnan Botanee Bio-Technology Group Co., Ltd., Class A   5,900   $159,166 
         5,587,239 
France—0.4%          
TotalEnergies SE   1,665    84,299 
Greece—0.4%          
JUMBO SA   5,689    81,329 
Hong Kong—2.4%          
WH Group Ltd.   760,500    518,146 
Hungary—0.3%          
MOL Hungarian Oil & Gas PLC   4,410    30,386 
Richter Gedeon Nyrt   1,503    30,304 
         60,690 
India—2.7%          
Bharti Airtel Ltd.   12,294    111,365 
Bharti Airtel Ltd.   1,797    7,742 
Power Grid Corp. of India Ltd.   18,230    52,194 
Reliance Industries Ltd.   1,638    53,661 
Reliance Industries Ltd. - SP GDR   5,185    344,276 
         569,238 
Indonesia—4.1%          
Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk PT   805,300    479,222 
Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur Tbk PT   375,300    210,054 
Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk PT   330,200    138,524 
Telkom Indonesia Persero Tbk PT - ADR   1,747    52,532 
         880,332 
Israel—0.8%          
Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd.   4,353    177,039 
Malaysia—2.5%          
Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd   146,200    286,767 
RHB Bank Bhd   202,441    258,675 
         545,442 
Mexico—6.4%          
Alpek SAB de CV   127,500    175,240 
Arca Continental SAB de CV   22,900    154,997 
Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte SAB de CV - ADR   4,279    223,663 
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico SAB de CV - ADR   3,587    511,399 
Grupo Bimbo SAB de CV, Class A   35,400    119,256 
Grupo Comercial Chedraui SA de CV   57,200    162,317 
Industrias Bachoco SAB de CV, Class B   8,588    33,949 
         1,380,821 
Russia—0.0%          
Fix Price Group Ltd. - GDR†   5,934    0 
HeadHunter Group PLC - ADR†   3,106    0 
Magnit PJSC - SP GDR†   2,995    0 
Sberbank of Russia PJSC - SP ADR*†   9,522    0 
         0 
Singapore—1.0%          
DBS Group Holdings Ltd.   5,056    117,721 
Golden Agri-Resources Ltd.   532,500    106,750 
         224,471 


 

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

 

54  |  Annual Report 2022

 

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS AUGUST 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)
   
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
South Africa—1.8%          
Airtel Africa PLC   94,468   $145,028 
Life Healthcare Group Holdings Ltd.   28,783    33,727 
Pick n Pay Stores Ltd.   13,249    47,810 
Sappi Ltd.*   12,760    34,013 
Shoprite Holdings Ltd.   9,831    133,309 
         393,887 
South Korea—11.4%          
GS Holdings Corp.   10,436    358,289 
Hana Financial Group, Inc.   837    24,396 
Hite Jinro Co., Ltd.   4,684    106,323 
JB Financial Group Co., Ltd.   30,036    169,693 
JYP Entertainment Corp.   2,125    96,206 
KB Financial Group, Inc.   790    29,000 
KT Corp. - SP ADR   33,869    464,683 
Orion Corp.   3,344    244,963 
Osstem Implant Co., Ltd.   3,843    367,953 
SK Hynix, Inc.   2,992    210,361 
Woori Financial Group, Inc.   42,495    384,407 
         2,456,274 
Taiwan—10.6%          
Accton Technology Corp.   50,000    460,430 
Asia Vital Components Co., Ltd.   6,000    21,135 
Compeq Manufacturing Co., Ltd.   213,000    365,254 
Hiwin Technologies Corp.   19,580    132,155 
Lotes Co., Ltd.   9,115    216,100 
Nanya Technology Corp.   517,000    897,921 
Pegavision Corp.   8,000    110,699 
SinoPac Financial Holdings Co., Ltd.   75,550    42,830 
Wiwynn Corp.   1,000    25,034 
         2,271,558 
Thailand—5.1%          
AP Thailand PCL - NVDR   1,150,700    315,070 
Indorama Ventures PCL   52,800    62,629 
Kiatnakin Phatra Bank PCL - NVDR   194,200    385,467 
Supalai PCL - NVDR   445,600    238,160 
Thanachart Capital PCL   94,500    104,964 
         1,106,290 
United States—1.0%          
Micron Technology, Inc.   3,358    189,828 
SMART Global Holdings, Inc.*   1,850    33,947 
         223,775 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $19,900,125)
        18,787,786 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
PREFERRED STOCKS—1.2%          
Brazil—1.0%          
Itau Unibanco Holding SA, Class H - SP ADR 3.075%   46,200   $228,228 
South Korea—0.2%          
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. 2.637%   1,003    40,574 
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS
(Cost $274,425)
        268,802 
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS—0.2%          
Thailand—0.2%          
Jasmine Broadband Internet Infrastructure Fund   236,600    57,751 
TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS
(Cost $81,570)
        57,751 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—8.6%          
Tri-State Deposit, 2.45%(a)   1,000,341    1,000,341 
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.00%(a)838,598    838,598 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $1,838,939)
        1,838,939 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—97.4%
(Cost $22,095,059)
        20,953,278 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES—2.6%    550,737 
NET ASSETS—100.0%       $21,504,015 

 

 
ADR American Depositary Receipt
GDR Global Depositary Receipt
NVDR Non-voting Depository Receipt
PLC Public Limited Company
SP ADR Sponsored American Depositary Receipt
SP GDR  Sponsored Global Depositary Receipt
GDR Global Depositary Receipt
* Non-income producing.
(a) The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.
Security has been valued at fair market value using significant unobservable inputs as determined in good faith by or under the direction of The RBB Fund, Inc.’s Board of Directors. As of August 31, 2022, these securities amounted to $0 or 0.0% of net assets.


 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  55

 

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

Contracts For Difference held by the Fund at August 31, 2022, are as follows:

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY  EXPIRATION
DATE
  FINANCING
RATE
  PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
  NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
   UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
Long                               
China                               
Jiangsu Phoenix Publishing & Media Group Co., Ltd., Class A  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33%  Monthly   94,800   $117,160               $25,509 
Meihua Holdings Group Co., Class A  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   338,700    514,392      (45,194)
Netdragon Websoft Holdings Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025   1.90   Monthly   47,000    102,399      8,539 
Zhejiang Entive Smart Kitchen Appliance Co., Ltd., Class A  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   6,900    53,797      (8,284)
                       787,748      (19,430)
Portugal                               
Jeronimo Martins SGPS SA  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025   -0.08   Monthly   13,351    296,519      (4,042)
Russia                               
Detsky Mir PJSC  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025   2.33   Monthly   117,900          (175,193)
Saudi Arabia                               
Al Rajhi Bank  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   5,354    128,473      2,819 
Taiwan                               
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025   2.33   Monthly   3,000    49,774      (2,791)
Total Long                      1,262,514      (198,637)
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on Contracts For Difference           $(198,637)

 

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

 

56  |  Annual Report 2022

 

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS FUND Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2022 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3 
Common Stock                    
Austria  $97,947   $   $97,947   $ 
Brazil   1,902,055    1,902,055         
Canada   40,361    40,361         
Chile   186,593    186,593         
China   5,587,239    1,014,567    4,572,672     
France   84,299        84,299     
Greece   81,329        81,329     
Hong Kong   518,146        518,146     
Hungary   60,690        60,690     
India   569,238        569,238     
Indonesia   880,332    52,532    827,800     
Israel   177,039        177,039     
Malaysia   545,442        545,442     
Mexico   1,380,821    1,380,821         
Russia               *
Singapore   224,471        224,471     
South Africa   393,887    47,810    346,077     
South Korea   2,456,274    464,683    1,991,591     
Taiwan   2,271,558        2,271,558     
Thailand   1,106,290        1,106,290     
United States   223,775    223,775         
Preferred Stock                    
Brazil   228,228    228,228         
South Korea   40,574        40,574     
Exchange Traded Funds                    
Thailand   57,751    57,751         
Short-Term Investments   1,838,939    838,598    1,000,341     
Contracts For Difference                     
Equity Contracts   36,867    36,867         
Total Assets  $20,990,145   $6,474,641   $14,515,504   $ 
                     
   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3 
Contracts For Difference                     
Equity Contracts  $(235,504)  $(60,311)  $   $(175,193)
Total Liabilities  $(235,504)  $(60,311)  $   $(175,193)
                     
* Value equals zero as of the end of the reporting period.

 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  57

 

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
LONG POSITIONS—110.5%            
COMMON STOCKS—88.4%            
Communication Services—4.5%            
Alphabet, Inc., Class A*   1,200     $129,864 
Baidu, Inc. - SP ADR*(a)   6,410      922,848 
Cinemark Holdings, Inc.*(a)   18,193      256,157 
Entravision Communications Corp., Class A†   201,925      1,025,779 
Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A*   4,176      680,396 
           3,015,044 
Consumer Discretionary—11.8%            
Arcos Dorados Holdings, Inc., Class A   104,757      764,725 
AutoZone, Inc.*   240      508,610 
Bowlero Corp.*(a)   52,616      621,921 
Carriage Services, Inc.(a)†   16,151      571,907 
Carter’s, Inc.(a)   6,237      460,602 
Global Business Travel Group I, Class A*(a)   31,614      232,995 
Hooker Furnishings Corp.   11,062      175,554 
JD.com, Inc. - ADR   9,902      628,678 
Las Vegas Sands Corp.*(a)   4,683      176,221 
LKQ Corp.†   11,473      610,593 
Perdoceo Education Corp.*   37,864      438,465 
Skechers U.S.A., Inc., Class A*†   7,711      291,476 
Stellantis NV(a)   17,587      235,666 
Stride, Inc.*(a)†   55,382      2,112,270 
           7,829,683 
Consumer Staples—1.3%            
Coca-Cola European Partners PLC(a)   6,750      331,898 
Medifast, Inc.   1,696      212,814 
Vector Group Ltd.   32,989      323,292 
           868,004 
Energy—6.1%            
BP PLC - SP ADR   16,690      514,720 
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.   23,738      1,301,080 
Devon Energy Corp.#   4,357      307,691 
Marathon Petroleum Corp.†   12,948      1,304,511 
Schlumberger Ltd.(a)   9,808      374,175 
World Fuel Services Corp.   10,641      274,538 
           4,076,715 
Financials—14.9%            
American International Group, Inc.†   9,415      487,226 
Bank of America Corp.†   10,755      361,476 
Bank OZK†   11,158      452,234 
BGC Partners, Inc., Class A†   181,337      728,975 
Charles Schwab Corp., (The)   7,631      541,419 
Citigroup, Inc.†   11,556      564,048 
Crawford & Co., Class A(a)   31,097      189,070 
Evercore, Inc., Class A(a)   2,746      257,273 
Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd.   1,608      802,199 
FirstCash Holdings, Inc.   4,031      314,257 
Jefferies Financial Group, Inc.†   25,111      805,812 
KB Financial Group, Inc. - ADR(a)   12,212      446,715 
Morgan Stanley†   5,002      426,270 
PCB Bancorp   19,078      358,285 
Prudential Financial, Inc.(a)   2,812      269,249 
Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.   3,406      426,976 
Silvercrest Asset Management Group, Inc., Class A   12,822      229,129 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Financials—(continued)            
Stifel Financial Corp.(a)†   15,508     $919,779 
SVB Financial Group*(a)   1,099      446,765 
Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc.†   25,637      306,106 
Wells Fargo & Co.   2,307      100,839 
Western Alliance Bancorp(a)†   6,258      480,114 
           9,914,216 
Health Care—20.7%            
AdaptHealth Corp.*(a)   19,118      343,550 
Amgen, Inc.†   5,622      1,350,967 
Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   52,102      705,461 
Centene Corp.*   4,990      447,803 
Cigna Corp.(a)†   3,966      1,124,163 
CVS Health Corp.†   11,855      1,163,568 
Elevance Health, Inc.†   2,466      1,196,281 
Hanger, Inc.*   21,295      396,726 
Harrow Health, Inc.*†   41,358      371,808 
HCA Healthcare, Inc.   3,653      722,819 
Henry Schein, Inc.*   7,707      565,771 
Inmode Ltd.*(a)   10,890      347,827 
Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC*   2,096      325,341 
Johnson & Johnson†   5,759      929,157 
Medtronic PLC†   7,531      662,125 
Merck & Co., Inc.   7,708      657,955 
Novartis AG - SP ADR†   9,957      801,738 
Quipt Home Medical Corp.*   52,834      256,245 
Syneos Health, Inc.*   2,705      162,598 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.#†   1,288      668,897 
Universal Health Services, Inc., Class B(a)†   5,899      577,158 
           13,777,958 
Industrials—9.8%            
Acuity Brands, Inc.   1,739      285,075 
AerCap Holdings NV*†   4,965      218,708 
Barrett Business Services, Inc.†   8,886      716,567 
Builders FirstSource, Inc.*†#   9,259      542,670 
CACI International, Inc., Class A*   1,621      455,290 
Euroseas Ltd.   13,966      327,363 
Forward Air Corp.   2,988      289,956 
Galliford Try Holdings PLC   108,600      198,727 
Gibraltar Industries, Inc.*(a)   5,212      218,122 
Global Industrial Co.   8,127      244,460 
Graham Corp.†   16,094      153,376 
Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.†   4,981      141,759 
Kelly Services, Inc., Class A†   12,993      209,317 
Korn/Ferry International   4,164      253,671 
L B Foster Co., Class A*   15,860      207,766 
Lockheed Martin Corp.   1,119      470,103 
Quanta Services, Inc.†   3,477      491,300 
Ryanair Holdings PLC - SP ADR*   3,896      283,278 
UFP Industries, Inc.   6,031      478,801 
V2X, Inc.*   9,022      312,703 
           6,499,012 
Information Technology—14.4%            
Applied Materials, Inc.   278      26,151 
Arrow Electronics, Inc.*   3,249      340,528 
Box, Inc., Class A*(a)   10,075      259,431 
Capgemini SE - ADR†   6,678      231,393 
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.*   6,286      755,829 


 

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

 

58  |  Annual Report 2022

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Information Technology—(continued)            
Cisco Systems, Inc.   12,987     $580,779 
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A†   8,669      547,621 
Concentrix Corp.†   6,489      816,186 
Dolby Laboratories, Inc., Class A†   2,812      205,951 
Dropbox, Inc., Class A*(a)   14,497      310,091 
EVERTEC, Inc.†   12,810      430,416 
Fabrinet*†   2,303      236,841 
FleetCor Technologies, Inc.*   1,976      419,959 
Genpact Ltd.   8,537      401,068 
Global Payments, Inc.   3,506      435,550 
Hackett Group, Inc., (The)†   25,552      524,583 
InterDigital, Inc.(a)   11,482      575,937 
Nano Dimension Ltd. - ADR*(a)   51,553      153,112 
Open Text Corp.†   9,984      314,296 
Oracle Corp.†   7,256      538,032 
Perficient, Inc.*   1,911      149,249 
Qorvo, Inc.*   1,955      175,520 
TD SYNNEX Corp.†   2,352      226,451 
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson - SP ADR(a)†   87,021      646,566 
Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A*†   833      251,266 
           9,552,806 
Materials—2.6%            
Barrick Gold Corp.   12,487      185,432 
Berry Global Group, Inc.*†   10,588      575,246 
Ferroglobe PLC*   53,997      377,979 
POSCO Holdings, Inc. - SP ADR(a)   3,626      170,495 
Rio Tinto PLC - SP ADR(a)†   3,379      190,204 
Ternium SA - SP ADR†   6,625      204,116 
           1,703,472 
Real Estate—2.3%            
Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.(a)   1,746      302,058 
Newmark Group, Inc., Class A(a)†   98,307      1,007,647 
Simon Property Group, Inc.   2,290      233,534 
           1,543,239 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $42,936,118)
          58,780,149 
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL—12.9%            
Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 2.44%(b)   8,554,091      8,554,091 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL

(Cost $8,554,091)

          8,554,091 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—9.2%            
MSILF ESG Money Market Portfolio, 2.35%(b)   13,035      13,035 
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.00%(b)   6,069,817      6,069,817 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $6,082,852)
          6,082,852 
TOTAL LONG POSITIONS—110.5%
(Cost $57,573,061)
          73,417,092 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
SECURITIES SOLD SHORT—(14.1%)            
COMMON STOCKS—(14.1%)            
Communication Services—(1.3%)            
AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc., Class A*   (23,293)    $(212,432)
Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.*   (41,705)     (239,387)
CTC Communications Group, Inc.*‡   (98,900)     0 
Netflix, Inc.*   (1,750)     (391,230)
           (843,049)
Consumer Discretionary—(4.0%)            
Allbirds, Inc., Class A*   (10,005)     (41,121)
Brunswick Corp.   (3,037)     (226,894)
DoorDash, Inc., Class A*   (1,188)     (71,161)
Fiverr International Ltd.*   (1,620)     (56,020)
Krispy Kreme, Inc.   (16,811)     (197,529)
Mister Car Wash, Inc.*   (16,994)     (168,410)
Papa John’s International, Inc.   (1,885)     (152,365)
Planet Fitness, Inc., Class A*   (10,260)     (695,115)
Portillo’s, Inc., Class A*   (1,429)     (31,467)
Qsound Labs, Inc.*‡   (4,440)     0 
Sonos, Inc.*   (8,307)     (124,937)
Tesla, Inc.*   (2,454)     (676,347)
Warby Parker, Inc., Class A*   (7,288)     (91,610)
YETI Holdings, Inc.*   (3,182)     (117,384)
           (2,650,360)
Consumer Staples—(0.5%)            
Amish Naturals, Inc.*‡   (25,959)     0 
Beyond Meat, Inc.*   (2,097)     (51,167)
Oatly Group AB - ADR*   (49,265)     (159,126)
Tattooed Chef, Inc.*   (13,542)     (90,189)
           (300,482)
Energy—(0.0%)            
Beard Co.*   (9,710)     (1)
Financials—(0.1%)            
P10, Inc., Class A   (6,749)     (84,228)
Health Care—(1.1%)            
10X Genomics, Inc., Class A*   (2,737)     (90,294)
Beam Therapeutics, Inc.*   (2,414)     (131,804)
BodyTel Scientific, Inc.*‡   (4,840)     (1)
CareView Communications, Inc.*   (174,320)     (6,554)
Cassava Sciences, Inc.*   (4,092)     (105,287)
Oak Street Health, Inc.*   (8,049)     (210,884)
Ocugen, Inc.*   (27,180)     (70,124)
Oxford Nanopore Technologies PLC*   (28,110)     (89,219)
           (704,167)
Industrials—(1.0%)            
Corporate Resource Services, Inc.*   (218,896)     (219)
Custom Truck One Source, Inc.*   (29,222)     (192,281)
DynaMotive Energy Systems Corp.*‡   (72,185)     (7)
Ener1, Inc.*‡   (102,820)     (10)
Omega Flex, Inc.   (2,655)     (268,208)
Sunrun, Inc.*   (6,063)     (200,261)
Valence Technology, Inc.*‡   (27,585)     (3)
           (660,989)


 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  59

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Information Technology—(5.7%)            
Affirm Holdings, Inc.*   (6,915)    $(162,019)
ANTs software, Inc.*‡   (10,334)     (1)
Appfolio, Inc., Class A*   (1,926)     (195,258)
authID, Inc.*   (22,335)     (55,838)
Bill.com Holdings, Inc.*   (1,632)     (264,188)
Ceridian HCM Holding, Inc.*   (3,844)     (229,256)
Confluent, Inc., Class A*   (4,112)     (112,504)
Consygen, Inc.*‡   (200)     0 
Coupa Software, Inc.*   (1,874)     (109,442)
Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc., Class A*   (1,008)     (184,071)
Fastly, Inc., Class A*   (3,932)     (36,764)
Guidewire Software, Inc.*   (2,292)     (164,359)
Interliant, Inc.*‡   (600)     0 
Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc.*   (6,756)     (80,059)
Matterport, Inc.*   (20,330)     (93,721)
MicroVision, Inc.*   (22,383)     (108,334)
MongoDB, Inc.*   (822)     (265,391)
Nestor, Inc.*‡   (15,200)     (2)
Okta, Inc.*   (1,891)     (172,837)
Procore Technologies, Inc.*   (3,386)     (184,876)
Rapid7, Inc.*   (4,382)     (251,965)
Riot Blockchain, Inc.*   (13,167)     (94,407)
SentinelOne, Inc., Class A*   (2,894)     (79,035)
Tiger Telematics, Inc.*‡   (6,510)     0 
Uni-Pixel, Inc.*   (19,665)     (2)
Wolfspeed, Inc.*   (6,845)     (776,702)
Worldgate Communications, Inc.*‡   (582,655)     (58)
XRiver Corp.*‡   (34,156)     0 
Zscaler, Inc.*   (1,050)     (167,202)
           (3,788,291)
Materials—(0.2%)            
Mountain Province Diamonds, Inc.*   (4,735)     (1,947)
PureCycle Technologies, Inc.*   (17,361)     (158,506)
           (160,453)
Real Estate—(0.2%)            
WeWork, Inc., Class A*   (36,092)     (147,977)
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Proceeds $(20,447,465))
          (9,339,997)
TOTAL SECURITIES SOLD SHORT—(14.1%)
(Proceeds $(20,447,465))
      (9,339,997)

 

   NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
   NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
       
OPTIONS WRITTEN ††—(0.1%)                 
Call Options Written—(0.1%)                 
Builders FirstSource, Inc.                  
Expiration:
06/16/2023,
Exercise Price:
75.00
   (77)   (451,297)     (39,655)
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.                 
Expiration:
01/20/2023,
Exercise Price:
560.00
   (11)   (571,263)     (21,923)
TOTAL CALL OPTIONS WRITTEN
(Premiums received $(149,358))
           (61,578)
   NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
   NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
   VALUE 
Put Options Written—(0.0%)                 
Devon Energy Corp.                 
Expiration:
01/20/2023,
Exercise Price:
55.00
   (56)   (395,472)    $(21,280)
TOTAL PUT OPTIONS WRITTEN
(Premiums received $(52,696))
           (21,280)
TOTAL OPTIONS WRITTEN
(Premiums received $(202,054))
           (82,858)
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES—3.7%           2,458,763 
NET ASSETS—100.0%              $66,453,000 

 

 
ADR American Depositary Receipt
PLC Public Limited Company
SP ADR Sponsored American Depositary Receipt
* Non-income producing.
(a) All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2022, the market value of securities on loan was $8,280,895.
(b) The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.
Security position is either entirely or partially held in a segregated account as collateral for securities sold short.
# Security segregated as collateral for options written.
†† Primary risk exposure is equity contracts.
Security has been valued at fair market value using significant unobservable inputs as determined in good faith by or under the direction of The RBB Fund, Inc.’s Board of Directors. As of August 31, 2022, these securities amounted to $(82) or 0.0% of net assets.
   
  Industry classifications may be different than those used for compliance monitoring purposes.


 

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

 

60  |  Annual Report 2022

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

Contracts For Difference held by the Fund at August 31, 2022, are as follows:

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY  EXPIRATION
DATE
  FINANCING
RATE
  PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
  NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
 UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
Short                               
United States                               
Ameresco, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33%  Monthly   (3,768)  $(259,427)             $(2,124)
Applied Energetics, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (57,676)   (119,389)     5,784 
Clear Secure, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (8,154)   (187,053)     20,576 
Dutch Bros, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (7,052)   (257,398)     32,070 
Fiverr International Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (4,933)   (170,583)     21,688 
Flywire Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (10,528)   (261,726)     14,222 
Green Plains, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (8,579)   (314,249)     18,587 
Hashicorp, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (7,419)   (262,262)     28,951 
Impinj, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (4,838)   (431,937)     34,526 
Joby Aviation, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (45,986)   (243,726)     10,307 
Life Time Group Holdings, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (14,086)   (166,919)     25,020 
Lightwave Logic, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (37,354)   (297,711)     104,688 
Lithium Americas Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (8,379)   (240,058)     25,334 
National Beverage Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (4,043)   (224,225)     7,157 
NCINO, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (6,627)   (209,016)     13,707 
P10, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (7,055)   (88,046)     1,603 
Portillo’s, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (9,520)   (209,630)     15,359 
Wingstop, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (1,957)   (222,824)     21,814 
Wix.com Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (2,999)   (189,807)     20,110 
                       (4,355,986)     419,379 
Total Short                      (4,355,986)     419,379 
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on Contracts For Difference                  $419,379 

 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  61

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2022 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3   INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET
ASSET VALUE*
 
Common Stock                         
Communication Services  $3,015,044   $3,015,044   $   $   $ 
Consumer Discretionary   7,829,683    7,829,683             
Consumer Staples   868,004    868,004             
Energy   4,076,715    4,076,715             
Financials   9,914,216    9,914,216             
Health Care   13,777,958    13,777,958             
Industrials   6,499,012    6,300,285    198,727         
Information Technology   9,552,806    9,552,806             
Materials   1,703,472    1,703,472             
Real Estate   1,543,239    1,543,239             
Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral   8,554,091                8,554,091 
Short-Term Investments   6,082,852    6,082,852             
Contracts For Difference                          
Equity Contracts   421,503    421,503             
Total Assets  $73,838,595   $65,085,777   $198,727   $   $8,554,091 
                          
   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3***   INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET
ASSET VALUE*
 
Securities Sold Short                         
Communication Services  $(843,049)  $(843,049)  $   $**  $ 
Consumer Discretionary   (2,650,360)   (2,650,360)       **    
Consumer Staples   (300,482)   (300,482)       **    
Energy   (1)       (1)        
Financials   (84,228)   (84,228)            
Health Care   (704,167)   (614,947)   (89,219)   (1)    
Industrials   (660,989)   (660,750)   (219)   (20)    
Information Technology   (3,788,291)   (3,788,228)   (2)   (61)    
Materials   (160,453)   (160,453)            
Real Estate   (147,977)   (147,977)            
Options Written                         
Equity Contracts   (82,858)   (82,858)            
Contracts For Difference                          
Equity Contracts   (2,124)   (2,124)            
Total Liabilities  $(9,424,979)  $(9,335,456)  $(89,441)  $(82)  $ 

 

*Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy included to reconcile to the amounts presented in the Portfolio of Investments.
**Value equals zero as of the end of the reporting period.
*** Delisted securities and unable to trade in OTC or any listed exchanges. Boston Partners communicates with the prime broker(s) periodically to obtain updates on the long holder’s wire off decision. Estimated recovery value to equity security holders is zero.

 

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

 

62  |  Annual Report 2022

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND Portfolio Of Investments

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
LONG POSITIONS—97.9%          
COMMON STOCKS—92.3%          
Communication Services—4.9%          
Activision Blizzard, Inc.†   56,408   $4,427,464 
Alphabet, Inc., Class A*   17,320    1,874,370 
Deutsche Telekom AG   281,103    5,298,038 
Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc.,  (The)†   96,394    2,664,330 
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.*   31,553    2,851,129 
Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A*†   28,665    4,670,388 
Nexstar Media Group, Inc., Class A†   60,455    11,566,251 
T-Mobile US, Inc.*   42,359    6,098,002 
         39,449,972 
Consumer Discretionary—8.4%          
AutoNation, Inc.*   6,145    765,667 
AutoZone, Inc.*   2,379    5,041,601 
Booking Holdings, Inc.*   2,308    4,329,369 
Callaway Golf Co.*†   123,441    2,731,749 
Carter’s, Inc.   16,587    1,224,950 
Dollar General Corp.   23,589    5,600,500 
Flutter Entertainment PLC*   36,957    4,602,566 
Frontdoor, Inc.*   142,837    3,353,813 
Garmin Ltd.   33,665    2,979,016 
GVC Holdings PLC   151,246    2,225,220 
Harley-Davidson, Inc.†   85,647    3,303,405 
Hasbro, Inc.†   47,126    3,714,471 
LKQ Corp.†   62,160    3,308,155 
Mohawk Industries, Inc.*   17,017    1,877,996 
Polaris, Inc.   11,104    1,257,750 
Restaurant Brands International, Inc.   68,252    4,026,868 
Ross Stores, Inc.   42,133    3,634,814 
Stride, Inc.*†   104,000    3,966,560 
Tempur Sealy International, Inc.†   84,258    2,107,293 
TJX Cos., Inc., (The)†   47,628    2,969,606 
Whirlpool Corp.   9,349    1,464,053 
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.   44,117    2,882,605 
Wynn Macau Ltd.*   1,812,900    1,089,960 
         68,457,987 
Consumer Staples—4.9%          
British American Tobacco PLC - SP ADR†   217,108    8,695,175 
Coca-Cola European Partners PLC†   37,610    1,849,284 
Hershey Co., (The)   34,805    7,819,639 
Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.†   216,048    8,235,750 
Kraft Heinz Co., (The)†   120,783    4,517,284 
US Foods Holding Corp.*†   118,555    3,630,154 
Walmart, Inc.   40,776    5,404,859 
         40,152,145 
Energy—10.8%          
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.   98,048    5,374,011 
Cenovus Energy, Inc.   379,650    7,122,683 
Chord Energy Corp.   27,984    3,961,135 
ConocoPhillips†   48,597    5,318,942 
Coterra Energy, Inc.   211,500    6,537,465 
Devon Energy Corp.†   93,917    6,632,419 
Diamondback Energy, Inc.†   36,246    4,830,867 
Enerplus Corp.   304,378    4,690,761 
Halliburton Co.†   219,839    6,623,749 
Kosmos Energy Ltd.*†   473,093    3,344,767 
Marathon Petroleum Corp.†   66,819    6,732,014 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Energy—(continued)          
MEG Energy Corp.*   415,321   $5,805,987 
PDC Energy, Inc.†   48,305    3,280,393 
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.   21,377    5,413,084 
Range Resources Corp.†   113,879    3,742,064 
Schlumberger Ltd.   188,334    7,184,942 
Whitehaven Coal Ltd.   210,443    1,120,951 
         87,716,234 
Financials—17.0%          
Allstate Corp., (The)†   34,233    4,125,076 
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.†   28,909    7,747,901 
Aon PLC, Class A   12,435    3,472,598 
Bank of America Corp.†   230,208    7,737,291 
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B*†   13,893    3,901,154 
Capital One Financial Corp.   13,581    1,437,141 
Charles Schwab Corp., (The)   67,598    4,796,078 
Chubb Ltd.   11,255    2,127,758 
DBS Group Holdings Ltd.   71,800    1,671,756 
Direct Line Insurance Group PLC   1,294,532    3,083,250 
Discover Financial Services†   21,535    2,164,052 
East West Bancorp, Inc.†   105,546    7,617,255 
Everest Re Group Ltd.   13,961    3,756,207 
Fifth Third Bancorp†   233,434    7,971,771 
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., (The)†   9,664    3,214,923 
Hana Financial Group, Inc.   55,661    1,622,333 
Huntington Bancshares, Inc.†   594,037    7,960,096 
ING Groep NV   128,805    1,128,909 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.†   63,272    7,195,925 
KeyCorp†   416,808    7,373,333 
NatWest Group PLC   812,547    2,318,732 
Nordea Bank Abp   288,758    2,677,321 
Regions Financial Corp.†   148,847    3,225,514 
Renaissance Holdings Ltd.   21,288    2,879,415 
S&P Global, Inc.   4,975    1,752,095 
Sampo Oyj   79,014    3,574,635 
SLM Corp.†   176,815    2,701,733 
StoneX Group, Inc.*   39,606    3,677,021 
Synchrony Financial†   30,513    999,301 
Truist Financial Corp.†   114,053    5,342,243 
UBS Group AG   105,053    1,665,090 
United Overseas Bank Ltd.   129,600    2,527,129 
W R Berkley Corp.†   56,981    3,692,369 
Wells Fargo & Co.†   255,683    11,175,904 
         138,313,309 
Health Care—12.2%          
Abbott Laboratories†   15,009    1,540,674 
AbbVie, Inc.†   73,568    9,891,953 
Amedisys, Inc.*   5,867    694,946 
AmerisourceBergen Corp.   3,159    462,983 
Amgen, Inc.   21,652    5,202,976 
AstraZeneca PLC   20,566    2,543,849 
Avantor, Inc.*†   109,199    2,720,147 
Boston Scientific Corp.*†   49,946    2,013,323 
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.   14,762    995,106 
Centene Corp.*†   53,396    4,791,757 
Cigna Corp.†   10,885    3,085,353 
CVS Health Corp.†   56,067    5,502,976 
Elevance Health, Inc.†   8,326    4,039,026 
Envista Holdings Corp.*†   48,191    1,787,404 
Euroapi SA*   1,205    18,785 
HCA Healthcare, Inc.   23,372    4,624,618 


 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  63

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Health Care—(continued)          
Humana, Inc.   6,250   $3,011,125 
ICON PLC*   9,717    2,038,918 
IQVIA Holdings, Inc.*   10,977    2,334,369 
Johnson & Johnson†   26,929    4,344,725 
Medtronic PLC   35,297    3,103,312 
Merck & Co., Inc.   3,807    324,966 
Molina Healthcare, Inc.*   4,276    1,442,594 
Novartis AG - SP ADR   8,288    667,350 
Novo Nordisk A/S, Class B   23,626    2,525,946 
Pfizer, Inc.   14,295    646,563 
R1 RCM, Inc.*   43,431    948,967 
Sanofi   38,768    3,169,292 
Sotera Health Co.*†   91,248    1,543,004 
Stryker Corp.   12,131    2,489,281 
Syneos Health, Inc.*   6,727    404,360 
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.   11,892    6,484,945 
UCB SA   16,502    1,159,548 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.   17,941    9,317,300 
Universal Health Services, Inc., Class B   3,277    320,622 
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.†   25,537    2,715,094 
         98,908,157 
Industrials—11.7%          
Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.   22,822    3,096,945 
AGCO Corp.   16,806    1,826,980 
Allegion PLC   21,806    2,073,751 
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.†   19,476    706,200 
AMETEK, Inc.†   15,257    1,833,281 
ASGN, Inc.*†   24,856    2,403,575 
Boeing Co., (The)*   5,276    845,479 
Brenntag SE   44,044    2,887,868 
BWX Technologies, Inc.†   46,302    2,413,723 
Caterpillar, Inc.   10,423    1,925,232 
Clean Harbors, Inc.*   28,829    3,385,101 
Copart, Inc.*   36,415    4,357,055 
Curtiss-Wright Corp.   13,176    1,939,375 
Deere & Co.   6,126    2,237,522 
Dover Corp.†   13,617    1,701,580 
Eaton Corp., PLC†   18,581    2,538,908 
Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.   2,342    240,968 
FedEx Corp.   26,954    5,682,173 
Ferguson PLC   17,997    2,078,474 
Fortive Corp.   34,142    2,162,213 
FTI Consulting, Inc.*†   50,097    8,045,578 
Hexcel Corp.   32,292    1,894,572 
Howmet Aerospace, Inc.†   58,027    2,055,897 
Landstar System, Inc.   14,315    2,099,008 
Leidos Holdings, Inc.†   32,989    3,135,604 
Maxar Technologies, Inc.   12,813    305,334 
Norfolk Southern Corp.   18,547    4,509,332 
nVent Electric PLC   65,363    2,154,365 
Otis Worldwide Corp.   20,567    1,485,349 
Parker-Hannifin Corp.†   9,627    2,551,155 
Resideo Technologies, Inc.*†   80,395    1,673,824 
Science Applications International Corp.†   64,388    5,863,815 
Sensata Technologies Holding PLC   36,564    1,472,798 
Societe BIC SA   64,189    3,651,497 
Textron, Inc.   15,292    953,915 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Industrials—(continued)          
TransUnion   35,460   $2,619,430 
Union Pacific Corp.   1,402    314,763 
WESCO International, Inc.*   18,190    2,395,259 
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.   22,073    1,934,698 
         95,452,596 
Information Technology—12.6%          
Amdocs Ltd.†   52,326    4,472,303 
Applied Materials, Inc.   25,858    2,432,462 
Arrow Electronics, Inc.*†   18,731    1,963,196 
Broadcom, Inc.   6,633    3,310,597 
Capgemini SA   26,034    4,498,121 
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.*   40,317    4,847,716 
Cisco Systems, Inc.†   98,129    4,388,329 
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A†   79,257    5,006,665 
Concentrix Corp.   31,906    4,013,137 
Fair Isaac Corp.*   6,519    2,929,639 
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.†   44,568    4,072,178 
FleetCor Technologies, Inc.*†   24,376    5,180,631 
Flex Ltd.*†   263,296    4,689,302 
Global Payments, Inc.   33,954    4,218,105 
Jabil, Inc.†   77,643    4,681,873 
KLA-Tencor Corp.   5,977    2,056,865 
Lam Research Corp.   6,051    2,649,793 
Microchip Technology, Inc.†   58,888    3,842,442 
Microsoft Corp.†   26,899    7,033,282 
NetApp, Inc.   31,562    2,276,567 
NortonLifeLock, Inc.†   175,257    3,959,056 
NXP Semiconductors NV   14,925    2,456,356 
Oracle Corp.†   40,836    3,027,989 
Qorvo, Inc.*   30,370    2,726,619 
QUALCOMM, Inc.   40,086    5,302,175 
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.   40,260    1,783,549 
SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.†   78,655    4,385,803 
Western Digital Corp.*   14,309    604,698 
         102,809,448 
Materials—6.6%          
Avery Dennison Corp.   18,911    3,472,438 
Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.*   174,595    4,495,821 
Cabot Corp.†   45,726    3,290,900 
Corteva, Inc.†   107,444    6,600,285 
Crown Holdings, Inc.   29,672    2,687,986 
DuPont de Nemours, Inc.†   95,009    5,286,301 
Elkem ASA*   394,887    1,575,916 
Ferroglobe PLC*   243,786    1,706,502 
FMC Corp.   28,212    3,049,153 
Glencore PLC   1,099,856    6,013,510 
Linde PLC   7,675    2,170,951 
Norsk Hydro ASA   771,662    5,302,169 
Olin Corp.   67,816    3,706,823 
Valvoline, Inc.†   133,513    3,881,223 
         53,239,978 
Real Estate—2.2%          
Americold Realty Trust, Inc.†   157,646    4,637,945 
Essex Property Trust, Inc.   8,825    2,339,155 
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.†   94,936    1,687,013 
Klepierre SA*   43,473    891,733 


 

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

 

64  |  Annual Report 2022

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Real Estate—(continued)          
Lamar Advertising Co., Class A   27,708   $2,601,504 
Regency Centers Corp.   32,931    2,003,522 
Ventas, Inc.   79,127    3,787,018 
         17,947,890 
Utilities—1.0%          
American Electric Power Co., Inc.   30,718    3,077,944 
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.†   87,464    2,757,740 
DTE Energy Co.   19,469    2,537,589 
         8,373,273 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $626,967,041)
        750,820,989 
WARRANTS—0.1%          
Energy—0.1%          
Vista Energy SAB de CV *‡   4,959,034    972,287 
TOTAL WARRANTS
(Cost $744,008)
        972,287 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—5.5%          
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.00%(a)   44,842,631    44,842,631 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $44,842,631)
        44,842,631 
TOTAL LONG POSITIONS—97.9%
(Cost $672,553,680)
        796,635,907 
SECURITIES SOLD SHORT—(27.7%)          
COMMON STOCKS—(27.7%)          
Communication Services—(2.3%)          
Angi, Inc.*   (490,782)   (1,992,575)
Cable One, Inc.   (1,305)   (1,481,175)
iHeartMedia, Inc.*   (197,779)   (1,750,344)
Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., Class A*   (203,990)   (2,009,302)
Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.*   (37,454)   (2,080,944)
Pinterest, Inc.*   (156,569)   (3,607,350)
Proximus SADP   (121,443)   (1,545,855)
ROBLOX Corp.*   (31,785)   (1,243,111)
Telia Co., AB   (229,736)   (808,610)
Warner Music Group Corp.   (80,227)   (2,147,677)
         (18,666,943)
Consumer Discretionary—(4.8%)          
Adient PLC*   (98,265)   (3,262,398)
Big Lots, Inc.   (4,638)   (95,404)
Carnival Corp.*   (148,655)   (1,406,276)
Choice Hotels International, Inc.   (17,623)   (2,021,534)
Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.   (24,796)   (2,637,551)
Duolingo, Inc.*   (24,414)   (2,295,404)
Etsy, Inc.*   (11,017)   (1,163,505)
Farfetch Ltd.*   (69,250)   (694,577)
Five Below, Inc.*   (7,548)   (965,238)
Genius Sports Ltd.*   (266,125)   (1,091,113)
H World Group Ltd. - ADR   (55,152)   (2,075,370)
Hyatt Hotels Corp.*   (20,682)   (1,853,521)
Membership Collective Group, Inc.*   (202,366)   (1,147,415)
Moncler SpA   (23,791)   (1,058,508)
National Vision Holdings, Inc.*   (26,331)   (874,979)
Overstock.com, Inc.*   (33,019)   (861,796)
QuantumScape Corp.*   (202,266)   (2,230,994)
Rakuten Group, Inc.   (431,400)   (2,093,697)
RH*   (2,822)   (722,178)
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Consumer Discretionary—(continued)          
Shake Shack, Inc., Class A*   (10,478)  $(499,381)
Shimano, Inc.   (8,200)   (1,450,657)
Texas Roadhouse, Inc.   (18,251)   (1,619,959)
Warby Parker, Inc.*   (34,654)   (435,601)
Whitbread PLC   (44,046)   (1,276,598)
Williams-Sonoma, Inc.   (20,014)   (2,977,082)
Wingstop, Inc.   (9,979)   (1,136,209)
Yum China Holdings, Inc.   (27,288)   (1,367,402)
         (39,314,347)
Consumer Staples—(1.6%)          
B&G Foods, Inc.   (80,256)   (1,738,345)
Beyond Meat, Inc.*   (73,668)   (1,797,499)
Central Garden & Pet Co.*   (57,714)   (2,179,281)
Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Holdings, Inc.   (195,500)   (1,999,392)
Freshpet, Inc.*   (39,396)   (1,714,908)
Kikkoman Corp.   (28,700)   (1,754,962)
Oatly Group AB - ADR*   (648,481)   (2,094,594)
         (13,278,981)
Energy—(1.3%)          
Baker Hughes Co.   (137,415)   (3,471,103)
Hess Corp.   (28,208)   (3,406,962)
NOV, Inc.   (198,820)   (3,513,150)
         (10,391,215)
Financials—(2.8%)          
Ashmore Group PLC   (536,041)   (1,263,039)
B Riley Financial, Inc.   (64,059)   (3,188,216)
Credit Suisse Group AG*   (166,896)   (861,204)
Deutsche Bank AG   (41,026)   (342,276)
Goosehead Insurance, Inc.*   (18,274)   (950,248)
Hang Seng Bank Ltd.   (226,700)   (3,549,358)
SoFi Technologies, Inc.*   (418,030)   (2,474,738)
T Rowe Price Group, Inc.   (21,894)   (2,627,280)
Trupanion, Inc.*   (10,926)   (771,157)
Trustmark Corp.   (38,516)   (1,214,795)
United Bankshares, Inc.   (108,501)   (4,025,387)
WisdomTree Investments, Inc.   (325,601)   (1,631,261)
         (22,898,959)
Health Care—(1.7%)          
Alignment Healthcare, Inc.*   (82,356)   (1,252,635)
Allogene Therapeutics, Inc.*   (71,985)   (986,914)
Ambu A/S   (28,450)   (286,032)
Ascendis Pharma A/S - ADR*   (8,692)   (778,542)
Cassava Sciences, Inc.*   (16,801)   (432,290)
CureVac NV*   (68,162)   (670,714)
Exact Sciences Corp.*   (11,247)   (399,831)
Glaukos Corp.*   (14,082)   (683,681)
GoodRx Holdings, Inc.*   (58,245)   (355,295)
Guardant Health, Inc.*   (12,349)   (618,191)
Idorsia Ltd.*   (47,421)   (742,086)
Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc.*   (16,985)   (853,666)
Neogen Corp.*   (43,288)   (904,719)
Oxford Nanopore Technologies PLC*   (152,884)   (485,241)
Phreesia, Inc.*   (23,255)   (596,723)
Royalty Pharma PLC   (23,632)   (988,054)
Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.*   (17,828)   (815,453)
Teladoc Health, Inc.*   (45,844)   (1,423,915)
Twist Bioscience Corp.*   (14,944)   (599,553)
         (13,873,535)


 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  65

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Industrials—(4.1%)          
AeroVironment, Inc.*   (37,046)  $(3,284,128)
American Airlines Group, Inc.*   (204,457)   (2,655,896)
Encore Wire Corp.   (21,291)   (2,769,959)
Frontier Group Holdings, Inc.*   (179,019)   (2,309,345)
Healthcare Services Group, Inc.   (59,959)   (843,623)
InPost SA*   (323,728)   (1,665,522)
Janus International Group, Inc.*   (350,540)   (3,621,078)
Joby Aviation, Inc.*   (273,147)   (1,447,679)
Kornit Digital Ltd.*   (48,081)   (1,494,357)
Proto Labs, Inc.*   (48,576)   (1,865,318)
Tecnoglass, Inc.   (136,893)   (2,981,530)
TFI International, Inc.   (21,765)   (2,171,446)
Triton International Ltd.   (61,247)   (3,649,709)
United Airlines Holdings, Inc.*   (81,979)   (2,870,085)
         (33,629,675)
Information Technology—(2.8%)          
Allegro MicroSystems, Inc.*   (111,011)   (2,588,777)
Appfolio, Inc., Class A*   (25,295)   (2,564,407)
BlackBerry Ltd.*   (369,384)   (2,194,141)
DocuSign, Inc.*   (21,039)   (1,224,891)
Itron, Inc.*   (31,637)   (1,505,288)
Jamf Holding Corp.*   (82,210)   (1,968,929)
Melexis NV   (25,974)   (1,958,618)
Palantir Technologies, Inc.*   (195,495)   (1,509,221)
Procore Technologies, Inc.*   (49,305)   (2,692,053)
Taiyo Yuden Co., Ltd.   (52,500)   (1,622,554)
Toast, Inc.*   (53,690)   (1,016,352)
Unity Software, Inc.*   (33,803)   (1,444,064)
         (22,289,295)
Materials—(4.6%)          
Antofagasta PLC   (260,211)   (3,310,887)
Ball Corp.   (17,693)   (987,446)
Cemex SAB de CV - SP ADR   (653,486)   (2,444,038)
China National Building Material Co. Ltd., Class H   (978,000)   (923,496)
Compass Minerals International, Inc.   (15,909)   (644,156)
Eastman Chemical Co.   (15,743)   (1,432,613)
EMS-Chemie Holding AG   (2,714)   (1,905,871)
Holcim AG*   (67,319)   (2,983,949)
Huntsman Corp.   (52,605)   (1,473,992)
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.   (63,200)   (1,419,822)
Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.   (392,500)   (2,561,019)
Packaging Corp. of America   (12,437)   (1,702,874)
PureCycle Technologies, Inc.*   (76,998)   (702,992)
RPM International, Inc.   (16,401)   (1,527,917)
Siam Cement PCL, (The)   (100,800)   (988,845)
Southern Copper Corp.   (71,860)   (3,382,450)
Standard Lithium Ltd.*   (239,288)   (1,318,477)
Summit Materials, Inc.*   (115,771)   (3,290,212)
UPM-Kymmene Oyj   (63,385)   (2,153,469)
Wienerberger AG   (102,144)   (2,388,481)
         (37,543,006)
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Real Estate—(1.5%)          
Compass, Inc.*   (308,764)  $(883,065)
Howard Hughes Corp., (The)*   (25,076)   (1,595,586)
Nomura Real Estate Master Fund, Inc.   (1,112)   (1,360,045)
Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.   (41,688)   (2,593,410)
SL Green Realty Corp.   (36,963)   (1,632,656)
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield*   (21,833)   (1,122,428)
WeWork, Inc.*   (656,202)   (2,690,428)
         (11,877,618)
Utilities—(0.2%)          
Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc.   (267,600)   (1,608,268)
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Proceeds $(279,222,615))
        (225,371,842)
TOTAL SECURITIES SOLD SHORT—(27.7%)
(Proceeds $(279,222,615))
    (225,371,842)
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES—29.8%    242,638,189 
NET ASSETS—100.0%       $813,902,254 

 

 
ADR American Depositary Receipt
LP Limited Partnership
PLC Public Limited Company
SP ADR Sponsored American Depositary Receipt
NVDR Non-Voting Depository Receipt
* Non-income producing.
(a) The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.
Security position is either entirely or partially held in a segregated account as collateral for securities sold short.
Security has been valued at fair market value using significant unobservable inputs as determined in good faith by or under the direction of The RBB Fund, Inc.’s Board of Directors. As of August 31, 2022, these securities amounted to $972,287 or 0.1% of net assets.
   
  Industry classifications may be different than those used for compliance monitoring purposes.


 

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

 

66  |  Annual Report 2022

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

Contracts For Difference held by the Fund at August 31, 2022, are as follows:

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY  EXPIRATION
DATE
  FINANCING
RATE
  PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
  NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
   UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
 
Long                                   
United States                                
International Game Technology  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025    2.33%  Monthly   105,735   $1,896,886     $(439,116)
Total Long                       1,896,886      (439,116)
Short                                
Australia                                
Commonwealth Bank of Australia  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    1.81   Monthly   (56,710)  $(3,782,219)    $138,620 
Wisetech Global Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    1.81   Monthly   (96,816)   (3,893,309)     23,873 
                        (7,675,528)     162,493 
Belgium                                
Umicore SA  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    0.00   Monthly   (55,773)   (1,779,566)     266,234 
Brazil                                
Klabin SA  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    0.00   Monthly   (215,800)   (786,962)      
Canada                                
Boyd Group Services, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.50   Monthly   (36,675)   (5,054,383)     181,476 
China                                
Shenzhen Goodix Technology Co., Ltd., Class A  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025    2.33   Monthly   (153,700)   (1,269,249)     107,817 
Wanhua Chemical Group Co., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (118,100)   (1,517,289)     (17,301)
                        (2,786,538)     90,516 
Denmark                                
DSV A/S  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    0.16   Monthly   (18,669)   (2,766,011)     161,287 
Germany                                
Deutsche Bank AG  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    0.00   Monthly   (292,716)   (2,448,346)     165,805 
Japan                                
Nippon Shinyaku Co., Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    -0.04   Monthly   (14,300)   (787,439)     22,590 
South Korea                                
Hanwha Solutions Corp.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025    2.33   Monthly   (77,372)   (3,042,703)     (211,842)
Kakaobank Corp.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025    2.33   Monthly   (101,016)   (2,061,782)     399,868 
LG Chem Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025    2.33   Monthly   (6,531)   (3,085,935)     219,971 
Posco Chemical Co., Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (29,316)   (3,682,171)     (51,604)
Sillajen, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025    2.33   Monthly   (307,496)   (756,440)     2,081,617 
                        (12,629,031)     2,438,010 
Switzerland                                
Credit Suisse Group AG  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    -0.21   Monthly   (506,241)   (2,620,542)     173,018 
Vat Group AG  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    -0.21   Monthly   (7,177)   (1,722,480)     217,329 
                        (4,343,022)     390,347 
Taiwan                                
Acer, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025    2.33   Monthly   (1,297,000)   (937,463)     19,392 
AU Optronics Corp.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025    2.33   Monthly   (3,053,300)   (1,680,255)     (67,431)
Pan Jit International, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025    2.33   Monthly   (959,000)   (2,202,352)     38,591 
Asustek Computer, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025    2.33   Monthly   (159,000)   (1,332,074)     16,776 
Compal Electronics  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025    2.33   Monthly   (1,237,000)   (924,575)     3,175 
SDI Corporation  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025    2.33   Monthly   (175,000)   (684,189)     35,353 
Taiwan Cement  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025    2.33   Monthly   (1,168,000)   (1,508,087)     23,727 
                        (9,268,995)     69,583 
Turkey                                
Arcelik AS  Bank of America  06/01/2023    2.33   Monthly   (501,885)   (1,938,100)     (26,849)
United Kingdom                                
Neoen SA  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    0.00   Monthly   (58,088)   (2,405,083)     125,350 
Whitbread PLC  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    1.69   Monthly   (5,126)   (149,110)     9,647 
                        (2,554,193)     134,997 

 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  67

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY  EXPIRATION
DATE
  FINANCING
RATE
  PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
  NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
   UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
 
United States                                     
Affirm Holdings, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (51,192)  $(1,199,429)    $399,642 
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (11,839)   (1,816,103)     215,820 
Amerco  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (5,569)   (2,927,456)     236,204 
Ameresco, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (57,328)   (3,947,033)     (29,826)
Appian Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (50,328)   (2,360,383)     315,722 
Bank of Hawaii Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (46,468)   (3,625,433)     304,194 
Blackline, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (36,722)   (2,494,893)     43,698 
Ceridian HCM Holding, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (45,240)   (2,698,114)     456,025 
Chart Industries, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (14,511)   (2,813,102)     137,836 
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (1,567)   (2,502,186)     97,007 
Coinbase Global, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (7,942)   (530,526)     36,256 
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (57,000)   (3,919,890)     268,083 
Community Bank System, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (59,043)   (3,860,231)     387,522 
Compass Minerals International, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (9,471)   (383,481)     32,855 
Core & Main, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (114,010)   (2,687,216)     172,981 
Coty, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (427,116)   (3,207,641)     282,905 
Credit Acceptance Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (5,623)   (2,991,886)     412,922 
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (24,359)   (3,165,696)     245,062 
CVB Financial Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (107,618)   (2,823,896)     106,312 
Definitive Healthcare Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (69,863)   (1,402,849)     98,941 
Extra Space Storage, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (11,347)   (2,254,989)     141,481 
Federated Hermes, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (44,953)   (1,531,099)     45,348 
Figs, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (108,935)   (1,259,289)     38,502 
First Financial Bankshares, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (82,842)   (3,521,613)     388,830 
Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (24,638)   (2,004,548)     446,656 
Fulgent Genetics, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (7,877)   (342,413)     53,599 
Glacier Bancorp, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (61,042)   (3,093,609)     293,787 
GoodRx Holdings, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (2,464)   (15,030)     2,986 
Grab Holdings Ltd., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (988,631)   (2,817,598)     307,120 
Greif, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (22,673)   (1,520,225)     105,181 
Guidewire Software, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (32,066)   (2,299,453)     315,964 
Hamilton Lane, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (14,030)   (976,207)     121,536 
Kinsale Capital Group, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (18,213)   (4,618,452)     286,815 
LA-Z-BOY, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (110,376)   (2,912,823)     208,408 
Lennox International, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (5,308)   (1,274,557)     142,876 
Lowe’s Cos., Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (9,707)   (1,884,517)     163,864 
MDU Resources Group, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (75,037)   (2,262,366)     96,728 
Mirati Therapeutics, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (16,225)   (1,314,712)     (44,414)
Moody’s Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (13,753)   (3,913,004)     297,318 
Myriad Genetics, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (35,995)   (804,128)     164,777 
National Beverage Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (53,906)   (2,989,627)     77,433 
Novanta, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (23,612)   (3,156,688)     564,693 
NU Holdings Ltd., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (355,367)   (1,741,298)     32,371 
Okta, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (10,872)   (993,701)     159,282 
Old Dominion Freight Line  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (14,831)   (4,025,281)     438,804 
Rite Aid Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (46,394)   (333,109)     180,987 
RLI Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (31,267)   (3,431,866)     251,513 
Rocket Cos., Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (197,741)   (1,562,154)     303,527 
Rockwell Automation, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (9,065)   (2,147,861)     90,571 
Wayfair, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (20,272)   (1,068,537)     83,818 
WD-40 Co.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (14,202)   (2,686,450)     189,718 
Westamerica Bancorporation  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (61,176)   (3,422,797)     317,045 

 

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

 

68  |  Annual Report 2022

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY  EXPIRATION
DATE
  FINANCING
RATE
  PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
  NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
   UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
Wolfspeed, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33     Monthly   (29,567)     $(3,354,967)    $(735,627)  
Xometry, Inc., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022    2.33   Monthly   (55,221)   (2,706,381)     (87,510)
                        (125,598,793)     9,664,148 
Total Short                       (180,416,907)     13,720,637 
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on Contracts For Difference                $13,281,521 

 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  69

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2022 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3 
Common Stock                    
Communication Services  $39,449,972   $34,151,934   $5,298,038   $ 
Consumer Discretionary   68,457,987    60,540,241    7,917,746     
Consumer Staples   40,152,145    40,152,145         
Energy   87,716,234    86,595,283    1,120,951     
Financials   138,313,309    119,709,244    18,604,065     
Health Care   98,908,157    89,490,737    9,417,420     
Industrials   95,452,596    88,913,231    6,539,365     
Information Technology   102,809,448    96,527,778    6,281,670     
Materials   53,239,978    41,924,299    11,315,679     
Real Estate   17,947,890    17,056,157    891,733     
Utilities   8,373,273    8,373,273         
Warrants   972,287            972,287 
Short-Term Investments   44,842,631    44,842,631         
Contracts For Difference                     
Equity Contracts   14,993,041    12,911,424    *   2,081,617 
Total Assets  $811,628,948   $741,188,377   $67,386,667   $3,053,904 
 
   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3 
Securities Sold Short                    
Communication Services  $(18,666,943)  $(16,312,478)  $(2,354,465)  $ 
Consumer Discretionary   (39,314,347)   (33,434,887)   (5,879,460)    
Consumer Staples   (13,278,981)   (9,524,627)   (3,754,354)    
Energy   (10,391,215)   (10,391,215)        
Financials   (22,898,959)   (16,883,082)   (6,015,877)    
Health Care   (13,873,535)   (12,360,176)   (1,513,359)    
Industrials   (33,629,675)   (31,964,153)   (1,665,522)    
Information Technology   (22,289,295)   (18,708,123)   (3,581,172)    
Materials   (37,543,006)   (18,907,167)   (18,635,839)    
Real Estate   (11,877,618)   (9,395,145)   (2,482,473)    
Utilities   (1,608,268)       (1,608,268)    
Contracts For Difference                     
Equity Contracts   (1,711,520)   (1,711,520)        
Total Liabilities  $(227,083,362)  $(179,592,573)  $(47,490,789)  $ 

 

* Value equals zero as of the end of the reporting period.

 

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

 

70  |  Annual Report 2022

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND Portfolio Of Investments

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
LONG POSITIONS—96.9%          
COMMON STOCKS—83.7%          
Australia—0.3%          
Aurizon Holdings Ltd.   153,113   $387,244 
Austria—0.5%          
Andritz AG   12,506    575,983 
Bermuda—1.7%          
Everest Re Group Ltd. - ADR†   7,854    2,113,119 
Canada—8.0%          
Cenovus Energy, Inc.   278,904    5,232,569 
Kinross Gold Corp.   319,549    1,048,659 
MEG Energy Corp.*   69,636    973,478 
Yamana Gold, Inc.   553,099    2,439,166 
         9,693,872 
Finland—1.1%          
Nordea Bank Abp   142,705    1,323,139 
France—5.1%          
Capgemini SE   4,037    697,508 
Imerys SA   25,058    725,084 
Rexel SA*   102,075    1,657,905 
Sanofi   19,887    1,625,766 
Societe BIC SA   26,644    1,515,688 
         6,221,951 
Germany—1.7%          
Siemens AG   20,223    2,048,479 
India—1.5%          
HDFC Bank Ltd. - ADR†   29,753    1,816,421 
Ireland—0.9%          
Flutter Entertainment PLC*   8,946    1,114,121 
Israel—1.0%          
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.*   9,797    1,177,991 
Japan—5.3%          
Fuji Corp.   63,600    925,097 
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.   45,600    1,213,975 
IHI Corp.   39,400    1,052,229 
Komatsu Ltd.   44,800    937,160 
Renesas Electronics Corp.*   244,800    2,317,901 
         6,446,362 
Netherlands—2.3%          
Aalberts NV   23,044    845,027 
Stellantis NV   145,556    1,937,291 
         2,782,318 
Norway—0.8%          
Norsk Hydro ASA   140,353    964,380 
South Korea—0.4%          
Hana Financial Group, Inc.   17,160    500,157 
Spain—0.3%          
Ence Energia y Celulosa SA   111,859    395,952 
Sweden—1.2%          
Svenska Handelsbanken AB, Class A   181,616    1,487,467 
Switzerland—4.6%          
Glencore PLC   551,025    3,012,753 
Novartis AG   11,036    892,681 
STMicroelectronics NV   47,983    1,672,224 
         5,577,658 
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
United Kingdom—5.3%          
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC†   16,160   $794,587 
Endeavour Mining PLC   54,556    1,061,752 
Ferroglobe PLC*†   156,044    1,092,308 
IMI PLC   121,388    1,614,489 
nVent Electric PLC   27,874    918,727 
SSE PLC   45,912    879,796 
         6,361,659 
United States—41.7%          
AbbVie, Inc.†   14,825    1,993,370 
AGCO Corp.   9,112    990,566 
Alphabet, Inc., Class C*#   21,742    2,373,139 
Amgen, Inc.†   4,005    962,402 
Applied Materials, Inc.†   7,062    664,322 
AutoZone, Inc.*#   570    1,207,950 
Bank of America Corp.†   51,820    1,741,670 
Booking Holdings, Inc.*   577    1,082,342 
Centene Corp.*†   23,868    2,141,914 
Cigna Corp.†   9,702    2,750,032 
Cisco Systems, Inc.†#   28,310    1,266,023 
Concentrix Corp.†   15,266    1,920,158 
Coterra Energy, Inc.   61,598    1,903,994 
CVS Health Corp.†   21,501    2,110,323 
Diamondback Energy, Inc.†#   26,185    3,489,937 
Envista Holdings Corp.*†   22,088    819,244 
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.†   7,493    684,636 
FleetCor Technologies, Inc.*   5,877    1,249,039 
FMC Corp.†   10,106    1,092,257 
Hasbro, Inc.†   10,670    841,009 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.†   10,892    1,238,747 
Lennar Corp., Class A†#   11,174    865,426 
Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A*†   3,567    581,171 
Micron Technology, Inc.†#   11,391    643,933 
Microsoft Corp.†   5,693    1,488,549 
Oracle Corp.†#   49,080    3,639,282 
Ovintiv, Inc.   40,033    2,127,615 
QUALCOMM, Inc.†   6,448    852,877 
Science Applications International Corp.†   16,414    1,494,823 
StoneX Group, Inc.*   10,444    969,621 
US Foods Holding Corp.*†   26,190    801,938 
Virtu Financial, Inc., Class A†   28,590    656,426 
Wells Fargo & Co.†#   56,820    2,483,602 
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.†   12,938    1,375,568 
Zimvie, Inc.*   1,308    19,908 
         50,523,813 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $95,395,898)
        101,512,086 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—13.2%          
Tri-State Deposit, 2.45%(a)   4,502,209    4,502,209 
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.00%(a)   11,491,059    11,491,059 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $15,993,268)
        15,993,268 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—96.9%
(Cost $111,389,166)
        117,505,354 


 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  71

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
SECURITIES SOLD SHORT—(42.5%)          
COMMON STOCKS—(42.5%)          
Australia—(0.7%)          
Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.   (36,758)  $(456,814)
WiseTech Global Ltd.   (9,792)   (386,780)
         (843,594)
Austria—(0.4%)          
Wienerberger AG   (22,398)   (523,743)
Belgium—(0.9%)          
Proximus SADP   (33,844)   (430,802)
Umicore SA   (19,836)   (630,511)
         (1,061,313)
Bermuda—(0.4%)          
Triton International Ltd.   (8,608)   (512,951)
Canada—(0.3%)          
BlackBerry Ltd.*   (55,545)   (329,882)
China—(0.3%)          
Yum China Holdings, Inc.   (7,676)   (384,644)
Colombia—(0.5%)          
Tecnoglass, Inc.   (24,441)   (532,325)
Denmark—(0.2%)          
NTG Nordic Transport Group A/S*   (6,101)   (236,332)
Finland—(1.4%)          
Harvia Oyj   (27,082)   (438,704)
Neste Oyj   (12,996)   (641,184)
UPM-Kymmene Oyj   (17,814)   (605,220)
         (1,685,108)
France—(1.0%)          
Aeroports de Paris*   (5,009)   (685,887)
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield*   (9,366)   (481,503)
         (1,167,390)
Germany—(0.7%)          
Deutsche Bank AG   (73,739)   (615,198)
Gerresheimer AG   (5,167)   (270,282)
         (885,480)
Hong Kong—(1.1%)          
Hang Seng Bank Ltd.   (39,200)   (613,740)
Xinyi Glass Holdings Ltd.   (397,000)   (733,216)
         (1,346,956)
India—(0.7%)          
Tata Motors Ltd. - SP ADR*   (16,087)   (466,523)
Wipro Ltd. - ADR   (84,457)   (423,130)
         (889,653)
Ireland—(0.4%)          
Kingspan Group PLC   (7,977)   (451,650)
Italy—(0.2%)          
Ferrari NV   (1,429)   (275,859)
Japan—(6.2%)          
Aeon Co., Ltd.   (15,800)   (308,191)
Hirose Electric Co., Ltd.   (3,800)   (538,451)
Kikkoman Corp.   (10,200)   (623,715)
Lasertec Corp.   (4,400)   (609,169)
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.   (25,100)   (563,885)
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.   (15,700)   (845,389)
Musashi Seimitsu Industry Co., Ltd.   (42,700)   (517,298)
Nidec Corp.   (3,700)   (245,798)
Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.   (82,200)   (536,346)
   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
Japan—(continued)          
Nomura Real Estate Master Fund, Inc.   (461)  $(563,832)
Rakuten Group, Inc.   (139,000)   (674,604)
Sumitomo Osaka Cement Co., Ltd.   (12,900)   (326,760)
Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd.   (79,900)   (595,172)
Taiyo Yuden Co., Ltd.   (19,400)   (599,572)
         (7,548,182)
Luxembourg—(0.3%)          
InPost SA*   (64,034)   (329,443)
Netherlands—(0.4%)          
Universal Music Group NV   (26,017)   (516,647)
New Zealand—(0.3%)          
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp., Ltd.   (29,100)   (348,376)
Spain—(0.4%)          
Grifols SA*   (42,742)   (516,691)
Sweden—(1.7%)          
Epiroc AB*   (34,416)   (526,593)
Nibe Industrier AB*   (43,903)   (411,141)
Sinch AB*   (184,428)   (356,566)
Telia Co., AB   (205,804)   (724,375)
         (2,018,675)
Switzerland—(2.8%)          
Bucher Industries AG   (1,997)   (711,515)
Credit Suisse Group AG*   (99,999)   (516,007)
EMS-Chemie Holding AG   (657)   (461,370)
Holcim AG*   (11,349)   (503,050)
Kardex Holding AG   (4,300)   (753,936)
VAT Group AG*   (1,954)   (467,214)
         (3,413,092)
United Kingdom—(0.4%)          
Haleon PLC - ADR*   (76,181)   (455,562)
United States—(20.8%)          
Affirm Holdings, Inc.*   (10,537)   (246,882)
Allegro MicroSystems, Inc.*   (29,128)   (679,265)
Ameresco, Inc., Class A*   (7,872)   (541,987)
Appfolio, Inc., Class A*   (4,360)   (442,017)
AppLovin Corp., Class A*   (15,153)   (373,218)
B Riley Financial, Inc.   (13,211)   (657,511)
Baker Hughes Co.   (19,526)   (493,227)
Ball Corp.   (10,369)   (578,694)
Big Lots, Inc.   (8,739)   (179,761)
Block, Inc.*   (6,347)   (437,372)
Cable One, Inc.   (303)   (343,905)
Cincinnati Financial Corp.   (3,697)   (358,461)
Credit Acceptance Corp.*   (900)   (478,872)
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.   (4,935)   (641,353)
DocuSign, Inc.*   (5,126)   (298,436)
Enerpac Tool Group Corp.   (18,286)   (354,748)
Etsy, Inc.*   (3,280)   (346,401)
Exact Sciences Corp.*   (6,955)   (247,250)
Federated Hermes, Inc.   (20,317)   (691,997)
First Financial Bankshares, Inc.   (14,635)   (622,134)
Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc.,Class A*   (5,707)   (464,322)
Freshpet, Inc.*   (3,267)   (142,212)
General Electric Co.   (4,223)   (310,137)
Goosehead Insurance, Inc., Class A*   (12,970)   (674,440)
Greif, Inc., Class A   (3,480)   (233,334)


 

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

 

72  |  Annual Report 2022

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
United States—(continued)          
Hormel Foods Corp.   (8,986)  $(451,816)
Huntsman Corp.   (17,038)   (477,405)
Jamf Holding Corp.*   (16,293)   (390,217)
Lightwave Logic, Inc.*   (34,531)   (275,212)
Lowe’s Cos., Inc.   (4,021)   (780,637)
Lucid Group, Inc.*   (26,947)   (413,367)
McCormick & Co., Inc.   (10,065)   (846,165)
Mercury Systems, Inc.*   (4,185)   (201,424)
Neogen Corp.*   (18,684)   (390,496)
NOV, Inc.   (27,321)   (482,762)
Novanta, Inc.*   (3,674)   (491,177)
Overstock.com, Inc.*   (15,596)   (407,056)
Packaging Corp. of America   (4,026)   (551,240)
Palantir Technologies, Inc., Class A*   (52,667)   (406,589)
PureCycle Technologies, Inc.*   (35,723)   (326,151)
ROBLOX Corp., Class A*   (7,330)   (286,676)
Southern Copper Corp.   (15,911)   (748,931)
Summit Materials, Inc., Class A*   (23,250)   (660,765)
T Rowe Price Group, Inc.   (8,493)   (1,019,160)
Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.*   (7,690)   (351,741)
Teladoc Health, Inc.*   (11,796)   (366,384)
Tesla, Inc.*   (4,068)   (1,121,181)
Trupanion, Inc.*   (8,636)   (609,529)
Warner Music Group Corp., Class A   (17,266)   (462,211)
WD-40 Co.   (2,745)   (519,244)
Williams-Sonoma, Inc.   (2,668)   (396,865)
Wingstop, Inc.   (3,578)   (407,391)
Wolfspeed, Inc.*   (5,122)   (581,193)
         (25,260,921)
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Proceeds $(58,446,137))
    (51,534,469)
TOTAL SECURITIES SOLD SHORT—(42.5%)
(Proceeds $(58,446,137))
    (51,534,469)
   NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
   NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
   VALUE 
OPTIONS WRITTEN††—(0.9%)               
Call Options Written—(0.9%)               
Alphabet, Inc.               
Expiration:
01/20/2023,
Exercise Price:
100.00
   (100)   (1,091,500)  $(163,000)
AutoZone, Inc.               
Expiration:
01/20/2023,
Exercise Price:
1,800.00
   (3)   (635,763)   (119,100)
Cisco Systems, Inc.               
Expiration:
12/16/2022,
Exercise Price:
42.50
   (267)   (1,194,024)   (112,140)
Diamondback Energy, Inc.               
Expiration:
01/20/2023,
Exercise Price:
147.70
   (85)   (1,132,880)   (98,600)
Lennar Corp.               
Expiration:
01/20/2023,
Exercise Price:
67.50
   (89)   (689,305)   (126,825)
Micron Technology, Inc.               
Expiration:
12/16/2022,
Exercise Price:
62.50
   (91)   (514,423)   (30,030)
Oracle Corp.               
Expiration:
01/20/2023,
Exercise Price:
65.00
   (183)   (1,356,945)   (222,803)
Expiration:
01/20/2023,
Exercise Price:
70.00
   (153)   (1,134,495)   (133,875)
Wells Fargo & Co.               
Expiration:
01/20/2023,
Exercise Price:
40.00
   (67)   (292,857)   (42,210)
TOTAL CALL OPTIONS WRITTEN
(Premiums received $(1,249,887))
    (1,048,583)
TOTAL OPTIONS WRITTEN
(Premiums received $(1,249,887))
    (1,048,583)
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES—46.5%    56,315,288 
NET ASSETS—100.0%            $121,237,590 

 

 

ADR American Depositary Receipt
PLC Public Limited Company
SP ADR Sponsored American Depositary Receipt
* Non-income producing.
(a) The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.
Security position is either entirely or partially held in a segregated account as collateral for securities sold short.
# Security segregated as collateral for options written.
†† Primary risk exposure is equity contracts.


 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  73

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

Contracts For Difference held by the Fund at August 31, 2022, are as follows:

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY  EXPIRATION
DATE
  FINANCING
RATE
  PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
   
 
NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
  UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
 
Long                                 
Ireland                                 
CRH PLC  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025  1.69 %  Monthly    48,255      $1,780,112           $(52,464)  
United Kingdom                                     
Informa PLC  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025  1.69    Monthly    129,655       823,589      (72,939)  
WH Smith PLC  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025  1.69    Monthly    94,298       1,565,956      (94,704)  
                         2,389,545      (167,643)  
Total Long                        4,169,657      (220,107)  
Short                                   
Luxembourg                                   
B&M European Value Retail SA  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025  1.69    Monthly    (128,407 )    $(551,780)    $93,298   
South Korea                                   
KakaoBank Corp.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025  2.33    Monthly    (22,564 )     (460,541)     98,029   
POSCO Chemical Co., Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022  2.33    Monthly    (2,102 )     (264,017)     (3,693)  
Samsung Biologics Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025  2.33    Monthly    (823 )     (513,779)     56,049   
                         (1,238,337)     150,385   
Taiwan                                   
Advantech Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025  2.33    Monthly    (25,000 )     (268,994)     16,452   
Airtac International Group  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025  2.33    Monthly    (26,000 )     (703,869)     18,104   
Compal Electronics, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025  2.33    Monthly    (597,000 )     (446,218)     1,680   
Formosa Petrochemical Corp.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025  2.33    Monthly    (81,000 )     (223,008)     4,951   
Formosa Petrochemical Corp.  Macquarie  09/19/2023  2.33    Monthly    (96,000 )     (264,306)     5,732   
Pan Jit International, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025  2.33    Monthly    (314,000 )     (721,104)     10,583   
SDI Corporation  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025  2.33    Monthly    (115,000 )     (449,610)     13,087   
                       (3,077,109)     70,589   
United Kingdom                                 
Anglo American PLC  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025  1.69    Monthly    (26,114 )     (844,266)     55,435   
Antofagasta PLC  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025  1.69    Monthly    (90,384 )     (1,156,036)     67,365   
Ashmore Group PLC  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025  1.69    Monthly    (198,274 )     (468,039)     59,724   
Associated British Foods PLC  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025  1.69    Monthly    (26,807 )     (474,909)     41,866   
Dunelm Group PLC  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025  1.69    Monthly    (54,359 )     (434,779)     102,290   
Fevertree Drinks PLC  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025  1.69    Monthly    (41,076 )     (436,618)     50,379   
Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025  1.69    Monthly    (548,223 )     (490,389)     56,990   
Schroders PLC  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025  1.69    Monthly    (23,149 )     (722,860)     81,130   
Spectris PLC  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025  1.69    Monthly    (23,678 )     (767,436)     71,166   
Whitbread PLC  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025  1.69    Monthly    (8,469 )     (246,354)     16,086   
                           (6,041,686)     602,431   
United States                                     
Adient PLC  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025  2.33    Monthly    (18,971 )     (629,837)     104,450   
Total Short                          (11,538,749)     1,021,153   
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on Contracts For Difference                  $801,046   

 

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

 

74  |  Annual Report 2022

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2022 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3 
Common Stock                    
Australia  $387,244   $   $387,244   $ 
Austria   575,983        575,983     
Bermuda   2,113,119    2,113,119         
Canada   9,693,872    9,693,872         
Finland   1,323,139        1,323,139     
France   6,221,951        6,221,951     
Germany   2,048,479        2,048,479     
India   1,816,421    1,816,421         
Ireland   1,114,121        1,114,121     
Israel   1,177,991    1,177,991         
Japan   6,446,362        6,446,362     
Netherlands   2,782,318        2,782,318     
Norway   964,380        964,380     
South Korea   500,157        500,157     
Spain   395,952        395,952     
Sweden   1,487,467        1,487,467     
Switzerland   5,577,658        5,577,658     
United Kingdom   6,361,659    3,867,374    2,494,285     
United States   50,523,813    50,523,813         
Short-Term Investments   15,993,268    11,491,059    4,502,209     
Contracts For Difference                     
Equity Contracts   1,024,846    1,024,846         
Total Assets  $118,530,200   $81,708,495   $36,821,705   $ 
                     
    TOTAL    LEVEL 1    LEVEL 2    LEVEL 3 
Securities Sold Short                    
Australia  $(843,594)  $   $(843,594)  $ 
Austria   (523,743)       (523,743)    
Belgium   (1,061,313)       (1,061,313)    
Bermuda   (512,951)   (512,951)        
Canada   (329,882)   (329,882)        
China   (384,644)   (384,644)        
Colombia   (532,325)   (532,325)        
Denmark   (236,332)       (236,332)    
Finland   (1,685,108)       (1,685,108)    
France   (1,167,390)       (1,167,390)    
Germany   (885,480)       (885,480)    
Hong Kong   (1,346,956)       (1,346,956)    
India   (889,653)   (889,653)        
Ireland   (451,650)       (451,650)    
Italy   (275,859)       (275,859)    
Japan   (7,548,182)       (7,548,182)    
Luxembourg   (329,443)       (329,443)    
Netherlands   (516,647)       (516,647)    
New Zealand   (348,376)       (348,376)    
Spain   (516,691)       (516,691)    
Sweden   (2,018,675)       (2,018,675)    
Switzerland   (3,413,092)       (3,413,092)    
United Kingdom   (455,562)   (455,562)        
United States   (25,260,921)   (25,260,921)        
Options Written                     
Equity Contracts   (1,048,583)   (579,855)   (468,728)    
Contracts For Difference                     
Equity Contracts   (223,800)   (223,800)        
Total Liabilities  $(52,806,852)  $(29,169,593)  $(23,637,259)  $ 

 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  75

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments

 

    NUMBER OF
SHARES
    VALUE 
LONG POSITIONS—75.8%          
COMMON STOCKS—64.9%          
Brazil—10.3%          
Banco do Brasil SA   176,500   $1,417,116 
Cielo SA   2,260,600    2,394,262 
Eletromidia SA*   380,078    759,805 
Localiza Rent a Car SA*   56,611    663,892 
Sendas Distribuidora SA   293,900    1,036,649 
         6,271,724 
China—16.7%          
Agricultural Bank of China Ltd., Class A   186,000    60,778 
Bank of Chengdu Co., Ltd., Class A†   423,500    961,091 
Chacha Food Co., Ltd., Class A†   37,600    257,580 
Chengdu Wintrue Holding Co., Ltd., Class A†   73,000    150,271 
China Construction Bank Corp., Class H   94,000    58,109 
China State Construction Engineering Corp., Ltd., Class A†   1,450,900    1,079,635 
Fufeng Group Ltd.   952,000    534,939 
Greentown China Holdings Ltd.   114,000    215,094 
Hangzhou Tigermed Consulting Co., Ltd., Class H   54,200    536,627 
Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd., Class H   120,000    60,965 
Jiangsu Changshu Rural Commercial Bank Co., Ltd., Class A†   661,100    746,723 
Kweichow Moutai Co., Ltd., Class A†   3,900    1,086,268 
Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., Class H   16,550    109,473 
Rianlon Corp., Class A†   112,200    845,164 
Shandong Hi-Speed Road & Bridge Co., Ltd., Class A†   773,200    1,014,226 
Tangshan Port Group Co., Ltd., Class A†   1,481,600    561,868 
Xiamen Xiangyu Co., Ltd., Class A†   183,200    241,572 
YTO Express Group Co., Ltd., Class A   304,200    864,764 
YTO Express Group Co., Ltd., Class A†   107,600    305,880 
Yunnan Botanee Bio-Technology Group Co., Ltd., Class A†   16,300    439,730 
         10,130,757 
Greece—0.4%          
JUMBO SA   15,503    221,628 
Hong Kong—2.3%          
WH Group Ltd.   2,043,000    1,391,944 
Hungary—0.3%          
MOL Hungarian Oil & Gas PLC   12,387    85,351 
Richter Gedeon Nyrt   4,221    85,104 
         170,455 
India—1.5%          
Bharti Airtel Ltd.   34,002    308,005 
Bharti Airtel Ltd.   4,611    19,865 
Power Grid Corp. of India Ltd.   155,908    446,376 
Reliance Industries Ltd.   4,150    135,954 
         910,200 
    NUMBER OF
SHARES
    VALUE 
Indonesia—3.8%          
Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk PT   2,243,900   $1,335,312 
Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur Tbk PT   1,068,300    597,923 
Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk PT   936,800    393,002 
         2,326,237 
Israel—0.8%          
Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd.   12,103    492,237 
Malaysia—2.4%          
Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd   398,700    782,038 
RHB Bank Bhd   532,300    680,163 
         1,462,201 
Mexico—2.2%          
Alpek SAB de CV   344,600    473,629 
Arca Continental SAB de CV   64,500    436,563 
Grupo Bimbo SAB de CV, Class A   98,000    330,145 
Industrias Bachoco SAB de CV, Class B   24,100    95,268 
         1,335,605 
Russia—0.0%          
Fix Price Group Ltd. - GDR‡   21,704    0 
South Africa—1.1%          
Life Healthcare Group Holdings Ltd.   80,844    94,731 
Pick n Pay Stores Ltd.   33,970    122,582 
Sappi Ltd.*   35,677    95,101 
Shoprite Holdings Ltd.   25,934    351,666 
         664,080 
South Korea—9.0%          
GS Holdings Corp.   35,315    1,212,436 
Hite Jinro Co., Ltd.   12,951    293,977 
JYP Entertainment Corp.   5,655    256,020 
KB Financial Group, Inc.   3,705    136,007 
Orion Corp.   9,373    686,615 
Osstem Implant Co., Ltd.   10,374    993,271 
SK Hynix, Inc.   10,698    752,155 
Woori Financial Group, Inc.   121,319    1,097,443 
         5,427,924 
Taiwan—8.0%          
Accton Technology Corp.   142,000    1,307,622 
Asia Vital Components Co., Ltd.   17,000    59,884 
Compeq Manufacturing Co., Ltd.   568,000    974,012 
Hiwin Technologies Corp.   54,617    368,643 
Lotes Co., Ltd.   26,328    624,187 
Nanya Technology Corp.   565,000    981,287 
Pegavision Corp.   28,000    387,444 
SinoPac Financial Holdings Co., Ltd.   216,420    122,691 
Wiwynn Corp.   2,000    50,067 
         4,875,837 
Thailand—5.2%          
AP Thailand PCL - NVDR   3,725,400    1,020,040 
Indorama Ventures PCL   140,000    166,061 
Kiatnakin Phatra Bank PCL - NVDR   529,500    1,051,003 
Supalai PCL - NVDR   1,156,500    618,116 
Thanachart Capital PCL   240,700    267,353 
         3,122,573 


 

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

 

76  |  Annual Report 2022

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

   NUMBER OF
SHARES
   VALUE 
United States—0.9%        
Micron Technology, Inc.†   9,170   $518,380 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $39,561,280)
        39,321,782 
PREFERRED STOCKS—1.1%          
South Korea—1.1%          
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. 2.637%   16,283    658,683 
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS
(Cost $313,475)
        658,683 
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS—0.3%          
Thailand—0.3%          
Jasmine Broadband Internet Infrastructure Fund   620,800    151,529 
TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS
(Cost $214,026)
        151,529 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—9.5%          
Tri-State Deposit, 2.45%(a)   4,514,191    4,514,191 
U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.00%(a)   1,263,351    1,263,351 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $5,777,542)
        5,777,542 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS—75.8%
(Cost $45,866,323)
        45,909,536 
SECURITIES SOLD SHORT—(0.1%)          
COMMON STOCKS—(0.1%)          
United Kingdom—(0.1%)          
Antofagasta PLC   (4,081)   (51,926)
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(Proceeds $(72,388))
        (51,926)
TOTAL SECURITIES SOLD SHORT—(0.1%)
(Proceeds $(72,388))
        (51,926)
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES—24.3%        14,758,005 
NET ASSETS—100.0%       $60,615,615 

 

 
GDR   Global Depositary Receipt
NVDR   Non-voting Depository Receipt
PLC   Public Limited Company
*   Non-income producing.
  Security position is either entirely or partially held in a segregated account as collateral for securities sold short.
(a)   The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.
  Security has been valued at fair market value using significant unobservable inputs as determined in good faith by or under the direction of The RBB Fund, Inc.’s Board of Directors. As of August 31, 2022, these securities amounted to $0 or 0.0% of net assets.


 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  77

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

Contracts For Difference held by the Fund at August 31, 2022, are as follows:

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY  EXPIRATION 
DATE
  FINANCING
RATE
  PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
  NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
  UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
 
Long                           
Austria                           
Erste Group Bank AG  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025      -0.08%    Monthly   4,320   $97,595          $(7,700)
Raiffeisen Bank International AG  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   0.00   Monthly   12,559    159,532      (9,741)
                       257,127      (17,441)
Brazil                               
Itau Unibanco Holding SA  - SP ADR  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   125,753    621,220      (39,836)
Canada                               
Parex Resources, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   3.06   Monthly   6,915    110,621      8,868 
Chile                               
Banco Santander Chile - ADR  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   31,664    507,891      (21,602)
China                               
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   1.90   Monthly   20,900    251,108      11,363 
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. - SP ADR  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   1.90   Monthly   7,953    758,796      21,846 
JD.com, Inc. - ADR  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   1.90   Monthly   2,965    188,248      18,225 
JD.com, Inc., Class A  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   1.90   Monthly   804    25,282      2,601 
Jiangsu Phoenix Publishing & Media Corp., Ltd., Class A  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   255,900    316,258      68,856 
Meihua Holdings Group Co., Class A  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   936,700    1,422,587      (124,989)
Netdragon Websoft Holdings Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025   1.90   Monthly   120,000    261,445      21,796 
NetEase, Inc. - ADR  Bank of America  06/01/2023   1.57   Monthly   18,376    1,626,459      (86,653)
Shanghai International Port Group Co., Ltd., Class A  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   140,200    110,021      (2,460)
Tencent Holdings Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   1.90   Monthly   11,200    466,910      33,916 
Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Stock Ltd., Co., Class H  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   1.90   Monthly   809,000    1,836,785      324,325 
Zhejiang Entive Smart Kitchen Appliance Co., Ltd., Class A  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   18,500    144,239      (22,212)
                       7,408,138      266,614 
France                               
TotalEnergies SE  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025   -0.08   Monthly   4,681    238,455      (3,845)
India                               
Reliance Industries Ltd. - GDR  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   19,036    1,254,472      (27,337)
Indonesia                               
Telkom Indonesia Persero Tbk PT - SP ADR  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   4,595    138,172      (3,510)
Mexico                               
Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte SAB de CV - SP ADR  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   11,647    608,789      (30,521)
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico SAB de CV - SP ADR  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   9,716    1,385,210      (93,447)
Grupo Comercial Chedraui SA de CV  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   153,100    434,454      (26,958)
                       2,428,453      (150,926)
Portugal                               
Jeronimo Martins SGPS SA  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025   -0.05   Monthly   36,097    801,696      (10,984)
Russia                               
Detsky Mir PJSC  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025   2.33   Monthly   316,240          (469,914)
Headhunter Group PLC - ADR  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   7,725          (116,192)
Magnit PJSC - SP GDR  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   37,249          (462)
Sberbank of Russia PJSC - SP ADR  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   23,338          (1,059)
                             (587,627)
Saudi Arabia                               
Al Rajhi Bank  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   14,771    354,441      7,778 

 

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

 

78  |  Annual Report 2022

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY  EXPIRATION
DATE
  FINANCING
RATE
  PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
  NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
 UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
 
Singapore                           
DBS Group Holdings Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025      2.16       Monthly   13,751   $320,786             $2,529 
Golden Agri-Resources Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.00   Monthly   1,372,700    275,041      (227)
                       595,827      2,302 
South Africa                               
Airtel Africa PLC  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   0.85   Monthly   263,214    404,540      (41,870)
South Korea                               
Hana Financial Group, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   14,700    431,367      (9,100)
JB Financial Group Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   72,422    410,963      (8,935)
KT Corp. - SP ADR  HSBC  09/20/2022   2.29   Monthly   133,524    1,831,948      (59,818)
SK Hynix, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   1.89   Monthly   5,176    368,401      (14,637)
                       3,042,679      (92,490)
Taiwan                               
Nanya Technology Corp.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   882,000    1,547,393      (36,165)
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025   2.33   Monthly   5,251    87,121      (4,867)
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. - SP ADR  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025   2.33   Monthly   1,431    119,274      (9,260)
                       1,753,788      (50,292)
United States                               
SMART Global Holdings, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   5,153    94,558      (10,923)
Total Long                      20,012,078      (773,121)
Short                               
Brazil                               
B3 SA - Brasil Bolsa Balcao  Bank of America  06/01/2023   1.57   Monthly   (41,500)   (95,326)     10,645 
Hapvida Participacoes e Investimentos SA  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (45,932)   (64,540)     5,431 
Natura & Co. Holding SA  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (87,100)   (242,930)     5,393 
OI SA  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (1,750,300)   (181,678)     8,274 
Pagseguro Digital Ltd., Class A  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (6,679)   (103,792)     (4,195)
                       (688,266)     25,548 
China                               
AAC Technologies Holdings, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   0.96   Monthly   (277,000)   (515,976)     10,013 
Bilibili, Inc. - SP ADR  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (14,946)   (373,052)     (5,270)
China East Airlines Corp., Ltd., Class H  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   0.96   Monthly   (466,000)   (160,900)     5,816 
China National Building Material Co., Ltd., Class H  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   0.96   Monthly   (84,000)   (79,626)     4,829 
China Southern Airlines Co., Ltd.,Class H  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   0.96   Monthly   (650,000)   (351,969)     114 
CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   0.96   Monthly   (206,000)   (209,709)     12,108 
Dali Foods Group Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   0.96   Monthly   (601,500)   (275,127)     89 
Flat Glass Group Co., Ltd., Class H  Bank of America  06/01/2023   0.13   Monthly   (83,000)   (274,421)     (4,822)
GDS Holdings Ltd. - ADR  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (10,523)   (286,647)     13,175 
Haidilao International Holding Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   0.96   Monthly   (198,000)   (469,224)     (49,796)
Hangzhou Silan Microelectronics Co., Ltd., Class A  HSBC  09/20/2022   2.29   Monthly   (77,200)   (444,122)     51,679 
Hua Hong Semiconductor Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   0.96   Monthly   (80,000)   (236,472)     13,291 
IQIYI, Inc. - ADR  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (31,476)   (115,202)     12,057 
Kanzhun Ltd. - ADR  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (9,815)   (230,554)     (18,379)
Luxshare Precision Industry Co., Ltd., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (33,000)   (179,601)     (1,967)

 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  79

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY  EXPIRATION
DATE
  FINANCING
RATE
  PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
 LONG/
(SHORT)
  NOTIONAL AMOUNT  UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
 
China—(continued)                           
NIO, Inc. - ADR  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (21,623)  $(430,514)           $21,989 
Shenzhen Goodix Technology Co., Ltd, Class A  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (27,700)   (228,746)     18,889 
Shenzhen Goodix Technology Co., Ltd, Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (4,111)   (33,948)     2,874 
Shenzhou International Group Holdings Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   0.96   Monthly   (23,100)   (242,369)     1,403 
Skshu Paint Co., Ltd., Class A  HSBC  09/20/2022   2.29   Monthly   (32,700)   (442,075)     9,886 
Sunny Optical Technology Group Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   0.96   Monthly   (48,200)   (662,630)     77,617 
Vipshop Holdings Ltd. - ADR  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (45,535)   (528,661)     (74,766)
Wanhua Chemical Group Co., Ltd., Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (22,900)   (294,208)     (3,363)
Weibo Corp. - SP ADR  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (14,338)   (296,653)     (20,280)
Will Semiconductor Co., Ltd., Shanghai, Class A  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (32,535)   (442,392)     70,828 
Wingtech Technology Co., Ltd., Class A  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (33,400)   (312,976)     29,268 
Xiabuxiabu Catering Management China Holdings Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   0.96   Monthly   (164,000)   (77,521)     (9,590)
Xiaomi Corp., Class B  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   0.96   Monthly   (402,400)   (592,677)     6,345 
Xinyi Solar Holdings Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   0.96   Monthly   (100,000)   (138,112)     14,549 
Yihai International Holding Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   0.96   Monthly   (120,000)   (303,031)     25,761 
Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science and Technology Co., Ltd., Class H  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   0.96   Monthly   (706,200)   (319,417)     8,204 
                       (9,548,532)     222,551 
Hong Kong                               
China Resources Beer Holdings Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   0.96   Monthly   (24,000)   (167,722)     (2,866)
China Taiping Insurance Holdings Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   0.96   Monthly   (136,400)   (139,724)     (134)
Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   0.96   Monthly   (340,000)   (267,280)     31,719 
Techtronic Industries Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   0.96   Monthly   (41,500)   (492,795)     13,299 
Xinyi Glass Holdings Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   0.96   Monthly   (223,000)   (413,684)     24,007 
                       (1,481,205)     66,025 
Hungary                               
OTP Bank Nyrt PLC  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   10.29   Monthly   (8,175)   (174,197)     15,461 
India                               
Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. - ADR  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (8,965)   (468,780)     14,645 
Infosys Ltd. - SP ADR  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (28,407)   (519,848)     53,016 
Renew Energy Global PLC, Class A  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (38,736)   (262,630)     14,391 
Tata Motors Ltd. - SP ADR  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (11,021)   (319,609)     21,804 
Wipro Ltd. - ADR  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (100,632)   (504,166)     47,743 
                       (2,075,033)     151,599 
Indonesia                               
Unilever Indonesia Tbk PT  Macquerie  09/19/2023   0.31   Monthly   (1,407,300)   (435,203)     19,268 
Israel                               
Camtek Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (6,685)   (180,495)     22,850 
Nova Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (1,536)   (152,556)     14,435 
Playtika Holding Corp.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (16,792)   (176,820)     27,704 
Wix.com Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (4,137)   (261,831)     48,615 
                       (771,702)     113,604 

 

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

 

80  |  Annual Report 2022

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY  EXPIRATION
 DATE
  FINANCING
RATE
  PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
  NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
 UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
 
Malaysia                               
Hartalega Holdings Bhd  HSBC  09/20/2022     2.29     Monthly   (169,600)  $(62,906)           $4,267 
Top Glove Corp. Bhd  Morgan Stanley  09/22/2022   2.33   Monthly   (1,029,500)   (185,174)     7,147 
                       (248,080)     11,414 
Mexico                               
Cemex SAB de CV - SP ADR  Bank of America  06/01/2023   1.57   Monthly   (33,588)   (125,619)     27,277 
Kimberly-Clark de Mexico SAB de CV, Class A  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (105,900)   (143,765)     8,152 
                       (269,384)     35,429 
Russia                               
Mail.Ru Group - GDR  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (77,484)         66,193 
Ozon Holdings PLC - ADR  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (27,082)         314,405 
                             380,598 
Singapore                               
Grab Holdings Ltd., Class A  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (56,340)   (160,569)     45,774 
Starhub Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.00   Monthly   (223,000)   (196,279)     1,716 
                       (356,848)     47,490 
South Africa                               
AVI Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   5.32   Monthly   (60,411)   (259,578)     (9,296)
Tiger Brands Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   5.32   Monthly   (52,146)   (507,555)     (2,831)
                       (767,133)     (12,127)
South Korea                               
Amorepacific Corp.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (4,076)   (374,826)     24,287 
Celltrion Healthcare Co., Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (2,579)   (139,020)     15,140 
Chunbo Co., Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (1,768)   (300,185)     48,414 
Hanon Systems  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (14,616)   (112,553)     7,593 
Hansol Chemical Co., Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (1,587)   (259,250)     24,717 
Hanwha Chemical Corp.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (3,613)   (142,084)     (9,832)
Hybe Co., Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (643)   (87,252)     4,658 
KIWOOM Securities Co., Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (6,219)   (398,001)     29,251 
Kolmar BNH Co., Ltd.  Citigroup  09/19/2023   2.32   Monthly   (4,187)   (81,233)     5,205 
Kumho Petrochemical Co., Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (2,485)   (241,524)     13,959 
LG Chem Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (142)   (67,096)     4,815 
Lg Display Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (27,759)   (323,756)     28,610 
LG Household & Health Care Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (418)   (222,508)     11,557 
Lotte Chemical Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (1,978)   (258,794)     23,291 
NAVER Corp.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (696)   (124,885)     13,280 
NCSoft Corp.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (1,116)   (315,806)     6,900 
Netmarble Corp.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (4,927)   (233,909)     24,246 
POSCO Chemical Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (2,862)   (359,475)     (4,830)
Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (4,138)   (433,120)     3,719 
Sillajen, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025   2.33   Monthly   (10,490)   (25,805)     70,633 
SK Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (2,152)   (115,198)     14,678 
SK IE Technology Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (1,886)   (117,315)     16,245 
                       (4,733,595)     376,536 
Taiwan                               
Acer, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (689,000)   (498,004)     11,225 
Advanced Wireless Semiconductor Co.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (135,000)   (363,696)     (22,259)
Airtac International Group  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (9,000)   (243,647)     6,305 
ASMedia Technology, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (16,000)   (491,499)     29,313 
Asustek Computer, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (62,000)   (519,425)     (1,459)
AU Optronics Corp.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (841,000)   (462,809)     (18,629)
Compal Electronics, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (443,000)   (331,113)     1,227 
Dyaco International, Inc.  HSBC  09/20/2022   2.29   Monthly   (70,000)   (100,041)     (7,094)
Elan Microelectronics Corp.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (97,000)   (309,444)     24,630 
Faraday Technology Corp.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (49,000)   (301,173)      

 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  81

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (continued)

 

REFERENCE
COMPANY
  COUNTERPARTY  EXPIRATION
DATE
  FINANCING
RATE
  PAYMENT
FREQUENCY
  NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
LONG/
(SHORT)
  NOTIONAL
AMOUNT
  UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
(DEPRECIATION)
 
Taiwan—(continued)                           
FocalTech Systems Co., Ltd.  HSBC  09/20/2022    2.29     Monthly   (133,000)  $(336,460)           $(229)
Genius Electronic Optical Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (21,000)   (309,782)     (24,446)
Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (21,000)   (165,240)     18,517 
HannStar Display Corp.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (846,000)   (332,146)     (28,540)
Innolux Corp.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (1,028,000)   (408,667)     (9,663)
Inventec Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (449,000)   (341,498)     18,940 
Kinsus Interconnect Technology Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (138,000)   (557,667)     56,353 
Largan Precision Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (9,000)   (578,070)     53,539 
Mediatek, Inc.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (22,000)   (482,103)     35,921 
Merry Electronics Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (91,139)   (252,719)     9,526 
Micro-Star International Co., Ltd.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (92,000)   (347,598)     42,751 
Nan Ya Printed Circuit Board Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (70,000)   (622,094)     21,222 
Nantex Industry Co., Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (259,000)   (364,195)     (291)
Novatek Microelectronics Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (35,000)   (302,998)     2,276 
Nuvoton Technology Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (26,000)   (107,203)     (1,572)
Nuvoton Technology Corp.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (76,000)   (313,363)     (8,985)
Pan Jit International, Inc.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (272,000)   (624,650)     9,275 
Parade Technologies Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (13,000)   (368,591)     47,590 
Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (352,000)   (398,403)     11,449 
Realtek Semiconductor Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (48,000)   (545,643)     31,803 
Rexon Industrial Corp., Ltd.  Bank of America  06/01/2023   1.57   Monthly   (110,000)   (124,320)     (5,275)
SDI Corporation  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (82,000)   (320,591)     15,341 
Silergy Corp.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (20,000)   (350,226)     74,060 
TSRC Corp.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (314,000)   (290,918)     4,760 
Unimicron Technology Corp.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (111,000)   (552,493)     47,809 
UPI Semiconductor Corp.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (35,000)   (346,694)     17,524 
USI Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (216,000)   (168,542)     896 
Win Semiconductors Corp.  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (45,000)   (263,901)     (3,213)
Yageo Corp.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (23,000)   (248,230)     6,429 
                       (14,045,856)     467,026 
Thailand                               
COM7 PCL - NVDR  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (396,000)   (374,686)     2,563 
KCE Electronics PCL - NVDR  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (160,800)   (239,243)     20,444 
Kerry Express Thailand - NVDR  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (294,300)   (175,147)     1,061 
Muangthai Capital PCL - NVDR  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (368,800)   (429,866)     41,191 
Siam Cement PCL, (The) - NVDR  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (29,100)   (285,713)     14,183 
Sri Trang Agro-Industry PCL - NVDR  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (615,300)   (381,372)     3,841 
TOA Paint Thailand PCL - NVDR  Morgan Stanley  09/20/2022   2.33   Monthly   (189,700)   (159,980)     (1,059)
                       (2,046,007)     82,224 
United Arab Emirates                               
Dubai Financial Market PJSC  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (36,018)   (17,553)     (307)
United Kingdom                               
Antofagasta PLC  Goldman Sachs  09/18/2025   1.69   Monthly   (13,069)   (167,156)     4,953 
United States                               
Adient PLC  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (4,836)   (160,555)     26,349 
Alpha & Omega Semiconductor Ltd.  Goldman Sachs  09/16/2025   2.33   Monthly   (12,194)   (471,420)     52,736 
                       (631,975)     79,085 
Total Short                      (38,457,725)     2,086,377 
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on Contracts For Difference              $1,313,256 

 

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

 

82   |   Annual Report 2022

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
BOSTON PARTNERS EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND Portfolio Of Investments (concluded)

 

A summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of August 31, 2022 is as follows (see Notes to Portfolio of Investments):

 

   TOTAL   LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3 
Common Stock                    
Brazil  $6,271,724   $6,271,724   $   $ 
China   10,130,757        10,130,757     
Greece   221,628        221,628     
Hong Kong   1,391,944        1,391,944     
Hungary   170,455        170,455     
India   910,200        910,200     
Indonesia   2,326,237        2,326,237     
Israel   492,237        492,237     
Malaysia   1,462,201        1,462,201     
Mexico   1,335,605    1,335,605         
Russia               *
South Africa   664,080    122,582    541,498     
South Korea   5,427,924        5,427,924     
Taiwan   4,875,837        4,875,837     
Thailand   3,122,573    433,414    2,689,159     
United States   518,380    518,380         
Preferred Stock                     
South Korea   658,683        658,683     
Exchange Traded Funds                     
Thailand   151,529    151,529         
Short-Term Investments   5,777,542    1,263,351    4,514,191     
Contracts For Difference                     
Equity Contracts   2,963,718    2,512,487        451,231 
Total Assets  $48,873,254   $12,609,072   $35,812,951   $451,231 
                     
    TOTAL    LEVEL 1    LEVEL 2    LEVEL 3 
Securities Sold Short                     
United Kingdom   (51,926)       (51,926)    
Contracts For Difference                     
Equity Contracts   (1,650,462)   (1,062,835)       (587,627)
Total Liabilities  $(1,702,388)  $(1,062,835)  $(51,926)  $(587,627)

 

* Value equals zero as of the end of the reporting period.

 

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

 

Annual Report 2022   |   83

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES  

 

   Boston
Partners
All-Cap
Value Fund
   Boston
Partners
Small Cap
Value Fund II
   WPG Partners
Select Small Cap
Value Fund
   WPG Partners
Small/Micro Cap
Value Fund
 
ASSETS                    
Investments in securities, at value †^  $1,410,428,002   $756,938,066   $16,346,430   $31,090,309 
Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending collateral, at value *   111,121,981    150,679,396        5,344,277 
Short-term investments, at value **   27,830,979    20,753,960    1,654,756    1,213,921 
Cash                
Foreign currency, at value #               5,095 
Offering costs           5,316     
Receivables                
Investments sold       20,010        16,387 
Foreign currency deposits with brokers for securities sold short #                
Deposits with brokers for contracts for difference                
Deposits with brokers for securities sold short                
Capital shares sold   1,270,604    283,690    81,400    23,116 
Dividends and interest   2,930,895    704,763    11,983    48,179 
Due from advisor           4,146     
Due from custodian                
Unrealized appreciation on contracts for difference                 
Prepaid expenses and other assets   78,929    49,810    4,868    10,198 
Total assets   1,553,661,390    929,429,695    18,108,899    37,751,482 
LIABILITIES                    
Securities sold short, at fair value ‡                
Options written, at value +   2,794,560             
Foreign currency overdraft                
Payables                    
Securities lending collateral (note 8)   111,121,981    150,679,396        5,344,277 
Investments purchased       2,385,502    218,375    81,623 
Capital shares redeemed   7,275,762    4,221,602         
Due to prime broker                
Investment advisory fees   933,529    603,534        17,736 
Custodian fees   21,638    450    2,282    536 
Distribution and service fees   42,913    84,803         
Dividends on securities sold short                
Administration and accounting fees   161,109    67,459    10,367    6,272 
Transfer agent fees   166,459    64,092    1,909    1,508 
Unrealized depreciation on contracts for difference                 
Other accrued expenses and liabilities   77,515    49,514    30,917    35,340 
Total liabilities   122,595,466    158,156,352    263,850    5,487,292 
Net Assets  $1,431,065,924   $771,273,343   $17,845,049   $32,264,190 
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:                    
Par value  $46,539   $28,201   $1,899   $1,619 
Paid-in Capital   819,617,780    571,714,663    18,992,380    25,152,483 
Total Distributable earnings/(loss)   611,401,605    199,530,479    (1,149,230)   7,110,088 
Net Assets  $1,431,065,924   $771,273,343   $17,845,049   $32,264,190 
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS                    
Net assets  $1,200,628,703   $688,375,049   $17,845,049   $32,264,190 
Shares outstanding   39,003,699    25,026,818    1,899,058    1,619,441 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $30.78   $27.51   $9.40   $19.92 
INVESTOR CLASS                    
Net assets  $230,437,221   $82,898,294   $   $ 
Shares outstanding   7,535,516    3,174,337         
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $30.58   $26.12   $   $ 
  Investments in securities, at cost  $908,001,063   $585,579,511   $17,197,662   $28,343,595 
  ^ Includes market value of securities on loan  $107,953,391   $145,477,036   $   $5,172,762 
  * Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending collateral, at cost  $111,121,981   $150,679,396   $   $5,344,277 
  ** Short-term investments, at cost  $27,830,979   $20,753,960   $1,654,756   $1,213,921 
    Purchased options, at cost  $   $   $   $ 
  # Foreign currency, at cost  $   $   $   $5,149 
  Proceeds received, securities sold short  $   $   $   $ 
  + Premiums received, options written  $3,462,154   $   $   $ 
  Primary risk exposure is equity contracts                    

 

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

 

84  |  Annual Report 2022

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (continued)  

 

   Boston
Partners
Global
Sustainability Fund
   Boston
Partners Global
Equity Fund
   Boston
Partners
Emerging
Markets Fund
   Boston
Partners
Long/Short
Equity Fund
 
ASSETS                    
Investments in securities, at value †^  $21,168,868   $165,085,691   $19,114,339   $58,780,149 
Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending collateral, at value *       14,200,918        8,554,091 
Short-term investments, at value **   1,505,350    5,064,086    1,838,939    6,082,852 
Cash               4,253 
Foreign currency, at value #           487     
Offering costs   5,316             
Receivables                
Investments sold       539,624    301,038    347,020 
Foreign currency deposits with brokers for securities sold short #               2,986,037 
Deposits with brokers for contracts for difference           296,642     
Deposits with brokers for securities sold short               7,391,795 
Capital shares sold       25,000        174,164 
Dividends and interest   68,002    920,557    67,666    128,203 
Due from advisor   3,553        964     
Due from custodian           141,863     
Unrealized appreciation on contracts for difference            36,867    421,503 
Prepaid expenses and other assets   3,475    13,485    9,781    16,945 
Total assets   22,754,564    185,849,361    21,808,586    84,887,012 
LIABILITIES                    
Securities sold short, at fair value ‡               9,339,997 
Options written, at value +               82,858 
Foreign currency overdraft                
Payables                    
Securities lending collateral (note 8)       14,200,918        8,554,091 
Investments purchased   56,914            266,496 
Capital shares redeemed               2,418 
Due to prime broker                
Investment advisory fees       148,077        93,285 
Custodian fees   3,397    9,542        3,314 
Distribution and service fees               4,025 
Dividends on securities sold short               1,683 
Administration and accounting fees   12,982    18,627    9,683    10,886 
Transfer agent fees   3,402    11,405    6,110    3,764 
Unrealized depreciation on contracts for difference            235,504    2,124 
Other accrued expenses and liabilities   38,020    53,828    53,274    69,071 
Total liabilities   114,715    14,442,397    304,571    18,434,012 
Net Assets  $22,639,849   $171,406,964   $21,504,015   $66,453,000 
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:                    
Par value  $2,627   $9,173   $2,499   $4,651 
Paid-in Capital   26,216,540    176,043,945    25,788,583    33,465,151 
Total Distributable earnings/(loss)   (3,579,318)   (4,646,154)   (4,287,067)   32,983,198 
Net Assets  $22,639,849   $171,406,964   $21,504,015   $66,453,000 
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS                    
Net assets  $22,639,849   $171,406,964   $21,504,015   $54,733,035 
Shares outstanding   2,626,775    9,173,108    2,498,676    3,716,136 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $8.62   $18.69   $8.61   $14.73 
INVESTOR CLASS                    
Net assets  $   $   $   $11,719,965 
Shares outstanding               934,563 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $   $   $   $12.54 
  Investments in securities, at cost  $23,707,669   $147,969,161   $20,256,120   $42,936,118 
  ^ Includes market value of securities on loan  $   $13,862,258   $   $8,280,895 
  * Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending collateral, at cost  $   $14,200,918   $   $8,554,091 
  ** Short-term investments, at cost  $1,505,350   $5,064,086   $1,838,939   $6,082,852 
    Purchased options, at cost  $   $   $   $ 
  # Foreign currency, at cost  $   $   $625   $3,205,027 
  Proceeds received, securities sold short  $   $   $   $20,447,465 
  + Premiums received, options written  $   $   $   $202,054 
  Primary risk exposure is equity contracts                    

 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  85

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS August 31, 2022
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (concluded)  

 

   Boston
Partners
Long/Short
Research Fund
   Boston
Partners
Global
Long/Short Fund
   Boston
Partners
Emerging Markets
Dynamic Equity Fund
 
ASSETS               
Investments in securities, at value †^  $751,793,276   $101,512,086   $40,131,994 
Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending collateral, at value *            
Short-term investments, at value **   44,842,631    15,993,268    5,777,542 
Cash            
Foreign currency, at value #            
Offering costs            
Receivables            
Investments sold   7,552,151    1,188,205    708,337 
Foreign currency deposits with brokers for securities sold short #   54,156,795    94,360     
Deposits with brokers for contracts for difference   125,033    2,947,284    11,426,864 
Deposits with brokers for securities sold short   172,878,758    51,858,906    1,116,609 
Capital shares sold   1,058,047    109,149    3,500 
Dividends and interest   2,121,338    550,693    177,193 
Due from advisor            
Due from custodian           392,082 
Unrealized appreciation on contracts for difference    14,993,041    1,024,846    2,963,718 
Prepaid expenses and other assets   88,644    28,008    127,641 
Total assets   1,049,609,714    175,306,805    62,825,480 
LIABILITIES               
Securities sold short, at fair value ‡   225,371,842    51,534,469    51,926 
Options written, at value +       1,048,583     
Foreign currency overdraft           39,228 
Payables               
Securities lending collateral (note 8)            
Investments purchased   6,162,054    437,677     
Capital shares redeemed   735,776    507,818     
Due to prime broker            
Investment advisory fees   808,992    115,734    80,220 
Custodian fees   6,701        5,444 
Distribution and service fees   2,686    2,517     
Dividends on securities sold short   170,373    51,594     
Administration and accounting fees   83,576    23,685    11,402 
Transfer agent fees   58,875    9,162    2,441 
Unrealized depreciation on contracts for difference    1,711,520    223,800    1,650,462 
Other accrued expenses and liabilities   595,065    114,176    368,742 
Total liabilities   235,707,460    54,069,215    2,209,865 
Net Assets  $813,902,254   $121,237,590   $60,615,615 
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:               
Par value  $50,961   $8,890   $5,925 
Paid-in Capital   500,558,726    120,463,259    65,184,644 
Total Distributable earnings/(loss)   313,292,567    765,441    (4,574,954)
Net Assets  $813,902,254   $121,237,590   $60,615,615 
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS               
Net assets  $801,913,462   $115,078,779   $60,615,615 
Shares outstanding   50,186,174    8,431,424    5,924,883 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $15.98   $13.65   $10.23 
INVESTOR CLASS               
Net assets  $11,988,792   $6,158,811   $ 
Shares outstanding   774,515    458,536     
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share  $15.48   $13.43   $ 
  Investments in securities, at cost  $627,711,049   $95,395,898   $40,088,781 
  ^ Includes market value of securities on loan  $   $   $ 
  * Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending collateral, at cost  $   $   $ 
  ** Short-term investments, at cost  $44,842,631   $15,993,268   $5,777,542 
    Purchased options, at cost  $   $   $ 
  # Foreign currency, at cost  $57,792,256   $70,310   $ 
  Proceeds received, securities sold short  $279,222,615   $58,446,137   $72,388 
  + Premiums received, options written  $   $1,249,888   $ 
  Primary risk exposure is equity contracts               

 

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

 

86  |  Annual Report 2022

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS For the Year Ended August 31, 2022
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS  

 

   Boston
Partners
All-Cap
Value Fund
   Boston
Partners
Small Cap
Value Fund II
   WPG Partners
Select Small Cap
Value Fund*
   WPG Partners
Small/Micro Cap
Value Fund
 
Investment Income                    
Dividends †  $30,998,214   $13,312,851   $49,900   $460,267 
Interest   139,090    91,767    4,230    4,753 
Income from securities loaned (Note 8)   133,098    201,238        9,611 
Total investment income   31,270,402    13,605,856    54,130    474,631 
Expenses                    
Advisory fees (Note 2)   12,113,642    7,241,656    55,238    245,903 
Transfer agent fees (Note 2)   1,232,461    669,580    2,493    16,662 
Distribution fees (Investor Class) (Note 2)   650,398    246,651         
Administration and accounting fees (Note 2)   619,598    292,303    28,937    26,434 
Legal fees   200,380    94,099    1,604    3,049 
Director’s fees   192,429    90,230        3,077 
Officer’s fees   149,917    74,237        2,419 
Printing and shareholder reporting fees   118,464    84,173    2,871    3,724 
Custodian fees (Note 2)   85,544    26,258    18,240    16,789 
Registration fees   48,988    40,943    25,381    23,115 
Audit and tax service fees   39,984    39,738    28,743    39,733 
Offering expense           14,521     
Other expenses   118,606    55,211    2,040    6,216 
Dividend expense on securities sold short                
Prime broker interest expense                
Total expenses before waivers and/or reimbursements   15,570,411    8,955,079    180,068    387,121 
Less: waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped (Note 2)   (1,054,852)   (274,029)   (112,555)   (49,003)
Net expenses after waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped   14,515,559    8,681,050    67,513    338,118 
Net investment income/(loss)   16,754,843    4,924,806    (13,383)   136,513 
                     
Net realized gain/(loss) from:                    
Investment securities   141,888,993    37,453,523    (284,147)   4,766,055 
Purchased options **                
Securities sold short                
Options written **                
Contracts for difference **                
Foreign currency transactions   2,522    (36)   (470)   (53)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:
Investment securities   (202,557,726)   (120,654,997)   (851,232)   (3,865,397)
Purchased options **                
Securities sold short                
Options written **   667,594             
Contracts for difference **                
Foreign currency translation   (273)   3    (1)   (53)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   (59,998,890)   (83,201,507)   (1,135,850)   900,552 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations  $(43,244,047)  $(78,276,701)  $(1,149,233)  $1,037,065 
Net of foreign withholding taxes of  $(355,830)  $(12,887)  $(611)  $(2,782)
* The Fund commenced operations on December 29, 2021.
** Primary risk exposure is equity contracts.                    

 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  87

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS For the Year Ended August 31, 2022
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (continued)  

 

   Boston
Partners
Global
Sustainability Fund*
   Boston
Partners Global
Equity Fund
   Boston
Partners
Emerging
Markets Fund
   Boston
Partners
Long/Short
Equity Fund
 
Investment Income                    
Dividends †  $394,878   $5,310,685   $674,999   $1,043,411 
Interest   4,707    24,372    8,141    12,368 
Income from securities loaned (Note 8)       14,196        36,394 
Total investment income   399,585    5,349,253    683,140    1,092,173 
Expenses                    
Advisory fees (Note 2)   120,738    1,663,137    173,986    1,460,898 
Transfer agent fees (Note 2)   3,956    126,165    2,233    45,618 
Distribution fees (Investor Class) (Note 2)               29,822 
Administration and accounting fees (Note 2)   35,419    84,199    31,161    42,627 
Legal fees   1,491    19,636    3,557    6,339 
Director’s fees       20,887    2,866    7,660 
Officer’s fees       11,395    2,080    4,238 
Printing and shareholder reporting fees   3,596    4,661    2,071    1,268 
Custodian fees (Note 2)   15,653    61,431    86,559    13,314 
Registration fees   25,209    20,544    21,164    31,870 
Audit and tax service fees   35,063    54,621    63,781    54,966 
Offering expense   14,521             
Other expenses   5,350    16,252    13,517    8,541 
Dividend expense on securities sold short               28,758 
Prime broker interest expense               355,044 
Total expenses before waivers and/or reimbursements   260,996    2,082,928    402,975    2,090,963 
Less: waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped (Note 2)   (125,165)   (327,392)   (170,692)   (404,556)
Net expenses after waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped   135,831    1,755,536    232,283    1,686,407 
                     
Net investment income/(loss)   263,754    3,593,717    450,857    (594,234)
Net realized gain/(loss) from:                    
Investment securities   (1,302,776)   10,701,002    (3,348,466)   3,931,647 
Purchased options **               (33,666)
Securities sold short               6,110,731 
Options written **               66,653 
Contracts for difference **           306,083    (1,065,162)
Foreign currency transactions   95    (87,479)   (41,580)   7,308 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:
Investment securities   (2,538,801)   (29,826,044)   (3,165,602)   (10,087,610)
Purchased options **                
Securities sold short               5,908,292 
Options written **               (24,640)
Contracts for difference **           (316,190)   913,650 
Foreign currency translation   (1,606)   (75,406)   (2,611)   (370,341)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   (3,843,088)   (19,287,927)   (6,568,366)   5,356,862 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations  $(3,579,334)  $(15,694,210)  $(6,117,509)  $4,762,628 
Net of foreign withholding taxes of  $(30,032)  $(401,690)  $(104,786)  $(61,861)
* The Fund commenced operations on December 29, 2021.
** Primary risk exposure is equity contracts.                    

 

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

 

88  |  Annual Report 2022

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS For the Year Ended August 31, 2022
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (concluded)  

 

   Boston
Partners
Long/Short
Research Fund
   Boston
Partners
Global
Long/Short Fund
   Boston
Partners
Emerging Markets
Dynamic Equity Fund
 
Investment Income               
Dividends †  $14,272,749   $3,336,454   $1,224,379 
Interest   74,092    58,622    29,392 
Income from securities loaned (Note 8)            
Total investment income   14,346,841    3,395,076    1,253,771 
Expenses               
Advisory fees (Note 2)   9,727,246    1,720,739    767,175 
Transfer agent fees (Note 2)   376,454    102,205    12,138 
Distribution fees (Investor Class) (Note 2)   26,749    13,118     
Administration and accounting fees (Note 2)   254,541    49,269    35,910 
Legal fees   75,204    10,486    14,629 
Director’s fees   93,132    12,837    6,925 
Officer’s fees   53,992    6,042    5,667 
Printing and shareholder reporting fees   31,603    11,079    3,991 
Custodian fees (Note 2)   83,116    55,644    101,550 
Registration fees   38,113    33,823    18,796 
Audit and tax service fees   69,960    61,857    75,514 
Offering expense            
Other expenses   106,530    13,524    11,910 
Dividend expense on securities sold short   2,989,673    772,477    9,988 
Prime broker interest expense   1,226,748    99,959    102 
Total expenses before waivers and/or reimbursements   15,153,061    2,963,059    1,064,295 
Less: waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped (Note 2)           (194,970)
Net expenses after waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped   15,153,061    2,963,059    869,325 
Net investment income/(loss)   (806,220)   432,017    384,446 
                
Net realized gain/(loss) from:               
Investment securities   140,291,836    5,714,906    (5,722,417)
Purchased options **            
Securities sold short   34,066,704    6,727,100    (291,483)
Options written **       36,894     
Contracts for difference **   8,864,422    2,675,289    1,627,119 
Foreign currency transactions   (6,343,124)   (49,904)   (146,616)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:               
Investment securities   (164,729,109)   (14,223,438)   (4,148,312)
Purchased options **            
Securities sold short   32,986,273    9,083,395    246,921 
Options written **       298,014     
Contracts for difference **   10,498,895    890,644    1,304,706 
Foreign currency translation   (3,083,519)   (35,643)   (1,289)
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)   52,552,378    11,117,257    (7,131,371)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations  $51,746,158   $11,549,274   $(6,746,925)
Net of foreign withholding taxes of  $(429,558)  $(228,523)  $(183,544)
** Primary risk exposure is equity contracts.               

 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  89

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

   Boston Partners
All-Cap Value Fund
   Boston Partners
Small Cap Value Fund II
 
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021
 
                 
Increase/(decrease) in net assets from operations:
Net investment income/(loss)  $16,754,843   $12,802,459   $4,924,806   $3,765,826 
Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currency   141,891,515    76,613,791    37,453,487    107,612,579 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency translation   (201,890,405)   407,462,982    (120,654,994)   201,239,288 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   (43,244,047)   496,879,232    (78,276,701)   312,617,693 
                     
Dividends and distributions to shareholders:                    
Institutional Class   (89,636,021)   (18,329,964)   (52,624,831)   (3,423,336)
Investor Class   (14,088,626)   (3,338,171)   (7,067,459)   (287,949)
Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders   (103,724,647)   (21,668,135)   (59,692,290)   (3,711,285)
                     
Capital transactions:                    
Institutional Class                    
Proceeds from shares sold   279,553,596    501,357,685    158,734,422    225,304,064 
Reinvestment of distributions   74,080,238    14,385,927    49,549,396    3,242,192 
Shares redeemed   (682,906,325)   (313,709,186)   (175,418,506)   (225,779,177)
Investor Class                    
Proceeds from shares sold   19,585,547    35,551,451    12,962,300    19,042,885 
Reinvestment of distributions   13,527,130    3,215,582    6,920,636    281,646 
Shares redeemed   (58,809,925)   (57,235,933)   (24,229,889)   (30,655,523)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital transactions   (354,969,739)   183,565,526    28,518,359    (8,563,913)
Total increase/(decrease) in net assets   (501,938,433)   658,776,623    (109,450,632)   300,342,495 
                     
Net assets:                    
Beginning of period   1,933,004,357    1,274,227,734    880,723,975    580,381,480 
End of period  $1,431,065,924   $1,933,004,357   $771,273,343   $880,723,975 
                     
Share transactions:                    
Institutional Class                    
Shares sold   8,516,986    16,405,789    5,241,830    7,949,707 
Shares reinvested   2,283,608    520,287    1,643,429    126,254 
Shares redeemed   (20,766,356)   (10,900,947)   (5,867,812)   (7,967,029)
Net increase/(decrease)   (9,965,762)   6,025,129    1,017,447    108,932 
Investor Class                    
Shares sold   604,325    1,161,168    451,279    681,769 
Shares reinvested   419,056    116,803    241,305    11,491 
Shares redeemed   (1,811,471)   (2,013,653)   (903,346)   (1,146,893)
Net increase/(decrease)   (788,090)   (735,682)   (210,762)   (453,633)

 

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

 

90  |  Annual Report 2022

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)

 

   WPG Partners
Select Small Cap Value Fund
  WPG Partners
Small/Micro Cap Value Fund
 
     For the
Period Ended
August 31, 2022*
     For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021
 
                 
Increase/(decrease) in net assets from operations:                   
Net investment income/(loss)    $(13,383)    $136,513   $99,311 
Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currency     (284,617)     4,766,002    5,785,775 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency translation     (851,233)     (3,865,450)   5,431,722 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     (1,149,233)     1,037,065    11,316,808 
                    
Dividends and distributions to shareholders:                   
Institutional Class           (417,759)   (144,307)
Investor Class                
Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders     —-      (417,759)   (144,307)
                    
Capital transactions:                   
Institutional Class                   
Proceeds from shares sold     19,127,270      6,503,416    1,232,374 
Reinvestment of distributions           392,172    133,250 
Shares redeemed     (132,988)     (2,852,853)   (4,086,219)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital transactions     18,994,282      4,042,735    (2,720,595)
Total increase/(decrease) in net assets     17,845,049      4,662,041    8,451,906 
                    
Net assets:                   
Beginning of period           27,602,149    19,150,243 
End of period    $17,845,049     $32,264,190   $27,602,149 
                    
Share transactions:                   
Institutional Class                   
Shares sold     1,912,822      313,324    72,593 
Shares reinvested           19,717    9,209 
Shares redeemed     (13,764)     (141,175)   (255,753)
Net increase/(decrease)     1,899,058      191,866    (173,951)
*    The Fund commenced operations on December 29, 2021.

 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  91

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)

 

   Boston Partners
Global Sustainability Fund
  Boston Partners
Global Equity Fund
 
     For the
Period Ended
August 31, 2022*
     For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021
 
                 
Increase/(decrease) in net assets from operations:                   
Net investment income/(loss)    $263,754     $3,593,717   $2,256,013 
Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currency     (1,302,681)     10,613,523    20,918,171 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency translation     (2,540,407)     (29,901,450)   25,093,512 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     (3,579,334)     (15,694,210)   48,267,696 
                    
Dividends and distributions to shareholders:                   
Institutional Class           (3,282,335)   (2,917,436)
Investor Class                
Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders           (3,282,335)   (2,917,436)
                    
Capital transactions:                   
Institutional Class                   
Proceeds from shares sold     26,219,183      13,720,960    21,725,184 
Reinvestment of distributions           3,267,140    2,898,546 
Shares redeemed           (10,037,979)   (64,010,620)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital transactions     26,219,183      6,950,121    (39,386,890)
Total increase/(decrease) in net assets     22,639,849      (12,026,424)   5,963,370 
                    
Net assets:                   
Beginning of period           183,433,388    177,470,018 
End of period    $22,639,849     $171,406,964   $183,433,388 
                    
Share transactions:                   
Institutional Class                   
Shares sold     2,626,775      672,846    1,220,384 
Shares reinvested           160,233    169,110 
Shares redeemed           (502,686)   (4,261,605)
Net increase/(decrease)     2,626,775      330,393    (2,872,111)
*    The Fund commenced operations on December 29, 2021.

 

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

 

92  |  Annual Report 2022

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)

 

   Boston Partners
Emerging Markets Fund
   Boston Partners
Long/Short Equity Fund
 
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021
   For the
Years Ended
August 31, 2022
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021
 
 
Increase/(decrease) in net assets from operations:
Net investment income/(loss)  $450,857   $255,868   $(594,234)  $(643,602)
Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currency   (3,083,963)   2,811,163    9,017,511    4,814,970 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency translation   (3,484,403)   553,755    (3,660,649)   12,535,721 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   (6,117,509)   3,620,786    4,762,628    16,707,089 
                     
Dividends and distributions to shareholders:                    
Institutional Class   (1,230,604)   (129,801)   (2,222,369)   (19,343,437)
Investor Class           (568,709)   (4,425,358)
Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders   (1,230,604)   (129,801)   (2,791,078)   (23,768,795)
                     
Capital transactions:                    
Institutional Class                    
Proceeds from shares sold   4,922,572    3,599,996    11,580,037    8,277,400 
Reinvestment of distributions   1,230,604    129,801    2,118,791    16,162,041 
Shares redeemed   (1,030,015)       (10,206,570)   (37,972,243)
Investor Class                    
Proceeds from shares sold           1,987,755    1,072,862 
Reinvestment of distributions           549,395    4,320,241 
Shares redeemed           (2,670,683)   (6,939,937)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital transactions   5,123,161    3,729,797    3,358,725    (15,079,636)
Total increase/(decrease) in net assets   (2,224,952)   7,220,782    5,330,275    (22,141,342)
                     
Net assets:                    
Beginning of period   23,728,967    16,508,185    61,122,725    83,264,067 
End of period  $21,504,015   $23,728,967   $66,453,000   $61,122,725 
                     
Share transactions:                    
Institutional Class                    
Shares sold   471,060    315,790    772,646    631,527 
Shares reinvested   120,176    11,507    149,316    1,349,085 
Shares redeemed   (106,407)       (691,858)   (3,033,707)
Net increase/(decrease)   484,829    327,297    230,104    (1,053,095)
Investor Class                    
Shares sold           153,329    90,753 
Shares reinvested           45,405    418,628 
Shares redeemed           (210,827)   (624,820)
Net increase/(decrease)           (12,093)   (115,439)

 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  93

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (continued)

 

   Boston Partners
Long/Short Research Fund
   Boston Partners
Global Long/Short Fund
 
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021
 
                     
Increase/(decrease) in net assets from operations:
Net investment income/(loss)  $(806,220  $(5,767,638)  $432,017   $(95,299)
Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currency   176,879,838    104,890,897    15,104,285    22,984,275 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency translation   (124,327,460)   98,666,760    (3,987,028)   4,347,486 
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   51,746,158    197,790,019    11,549,274    27,236,462 
                     
Dividends and distributions to shareholders:
Institutional Class   (86,584,443)           (79,283)
Investor Class   (1,150,099)            
Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders   (87,734,542)           (79,283)
                     
Capital transactions:                    
Institutional Class                    
Proceeds from shares sold   211,949,877    111,796,131    64,513,248    12,739,191 
Reinvestment of distributions   45,172,097            63,426 
Shares redeemed   (228,297,315)   (580,201,382)   (63,270,608)   (66,774,935)
Investor Class                    
Proceeds from shares sold   3,774,057    1,467,210    6,524,071    973,085 
Reinvestment of distributions   1,144,023             
Shares redeemed   (2,637,299)   (19,465,861)   (5,729,454)   (3,671,460)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital transactions   31,105,440    (486,403,902)   2,037,257    (56,670,693)
Total increase/(decrease) in net assets   (4,882,944)   (288,613,883)   13,586,531    (29,513,514)
                     
Net assets:                    
Beginning of period   818,785,198    1,107,399,081    107,651,059    137,164,573 
End of period  $813,902,254   $818,785,198   $121,237,590   $107,651,059 
                     
Share transactions:                    
Institutional Class                    
Shares sold   12,983,416    7,333,928    4,730,594    1,153,067 
Shares reinvested   2,891,940            5,955 
Shares redeemed   (13,752,873)   (40,620,501)   (4,731,465)   (6,184,959)
Net increase/(decrease)   2,122,483    (33,286,573)   (871)   (5,025,937)
Investor Class                    
Shares sold   239,284    102,009    481,835    90,220 
Shares reinvested   75,463             
Shares redeemed   (163,631)   (1,357,505)   (436,138)   (333,800)
Net increase/(decrease)   151,116    (1,255,496)   45,697    (243,580)

 

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

 

94  |  Annual Report 2022

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (concluded)

 

   Boston Partners
Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund
 
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022
   For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021
 
Increase/(decrease) in net assets from operations:
Net investment income/(loss)  $384,446   $(94,419)
Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currency   (4,533,397)   7,022,105 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency translation   (2,597,974)   (138,717)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   (6,746,925)   6,788,969 
           
Dividends and distributions to shareholders:
Institutional Class   (36,249)   (5,338,757)
Investor Class        
Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders   (36,249)   (5,338,757)
           
Capital transactions:          
Institutional Class          
Proceeds from shares sold   10,840,739    9,772,909 
Reinvestment of distributions   35,160    5,215,269 
Shares redeemed   (4,906,731)   (15,184,277)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital transactions   5,969,168    (196,099)
Total increase/(decrease) in net assets   (814,006)   1,254,113 
           
Net assets:          
Beginning of period   61,429,621    60,175,508 
End of period  $60,615,615   $61,429,621 
           
Share transactions:          
Institutional Class          
Shares sold   1,008,879    861,963 
Shares reinvested   3,301    461,937 
Shares redeemed   (457,685)   (1,310,319)
Net increase/(decrease)   554,495    13,581 

 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  95

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Per Share Operating Performance

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for each class of shares outstanding, total investment return, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

   Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
  Net
Investment
Income/
(Loss)*
  Net Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain/
(Loss) on
Investments
  Net Increase/
(Decrease)
in Net Assets
Resulting
from
Operations
  Dividends to
Shareholders
from Net
Investment
Income
  Distributions
to
Shareholders
from Net
Realized
Gains
  Total
Dividend and
Distributions
to
Shareholders
Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund                          
Institutional Class                                   
8/31/22  $33.77   $0.33   $(1.51)  $(1.18)  $(0.33)  $(1.48)  $(1.81)
8/31/21   24.53    0.26    9.43    9.69    (0.21)   (0.24)   (0.45)
8/31/20   24.97    0.36    (0.08)   0.28    (0.37)   (0.35)   (0.72)
8/31/19   27.86    0.34    (1.76)   (1.42)   (0.29)   (1.18)   (1.47)
8/31/18   25.57    0.22    3.20    3.42    (0.18)   (0.95)   (1.13)
Investor Class                                   
8/31/22  $33.56   $0.25   $(1.51)  $(1.26)  $(0.24)  $(1.48)  $(1.72)
8/31/21   24.39    0.18    9.38    9.56    (0.15)   (0.24)   (0.39)
8/31/20   24.82    0.30    (0.09)   0.21    (0.29)   (0.35)   (0.64)
8/31/19   27.69    0.27    (1.75)   (1.48)   (0.21)   (1.18)   (1.39)
8/31/18   25.42    0.16    3.18    3.34    (0.12)   (0.95)   (1.07)
Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II                          
Institutional Class                                   
8/31/22  $32.34   $0.18   $(2.86)  $(2.68)  $(0.12)  $(2.03)  $(2.15)
8/31/21   21.06    0.15    11.27    11.42    (0.14)       (0.14)
8/31/20   23.42    0.20    (1.94)   (1.74)   (0.28)   (0.34)   (0.62)
8/31/19   27.74    0.23    (3.12)   (2.89)   (0.12)   (1.31)   (1.43)
8/31/18   24.96    0.21    3.75    3.96    (0.20)   (0.98)   (1.18)
Investor Class                                   
8/31/22  $30.81   $0.10   $(2.72)  $(2.62)  $(0.04)  $(2.03)  $(2.07)
8/31/21   20.07    0.07    10.75    10.82    (0.08)       (0.08)
8/31/20   22.33    0.15    (1.85)   (1.70)   (0.22)   (0.34)   (0.56)
8/31/19   26.53    0.16    (2.99)   (2.83)   (0.06)   (1.31)   (1.37)
8/31/18   23.92    0.14    3.59    3.73    (0.14)   (0.98)   (1.12)
WPG Partners Select Small Cap Value Fund                        
Institutional Class                                   
12/29/21** through 8/31/22  $10.00   $(0.01)  $(0.59)  $(0.60)  $   $   $ 
WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund                        
Institutional Class                                   
8/31/22  $19.33   $0.09   $0.80   $0.89   $(0.07)  $(0.23)  $(0.30)
8/31/21   11.96    0.07    7.39    7.46    (0.09)       (0.09)
8/31/20   13.19    0.09    (1.26)   (1.17)   (0.06)       (0.06)
8/31/19   17.52    0.06    (3.36)   (3.30)   (0.05)   (0.98)   (1.03)
8/31/18   16.13    0.04    2.50    2.54    (0.06)   (1.09)   (1.15)
   
* Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.
** Commencement of operations.

 

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

 

96  |  Annual Report 2022

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) Per Share Operating Performance

 

Redemption
Fees*^
   Net Asset
Value, End
of Period
   Total
Investment
Return1,2
   Net Assets,
End of Period
(000)
   Ratio of Expenses
to Average
Net Assets
With Waivers,
Reimbursements
and Recoupment
if any3
   Ratio of Expenses
to Average
Net Assets
With Waivers,
Reimbursements
and Recoupments
if any (Excluding
Dividend and
Interest Expense)
   Ratio of Expenses
to Average Net
Assets Without
Waivers,
Reimbursements
and Recoupments
if any
   Ratio of Net
Investment
Income/(Loss)
to Average Net
Assets With
Waivers and
Reimbursements
   Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
                                 
 $—   $30.78    (3.76%)  $1,200,629    0.80%  N/A   0.86%   1.00%   29%
     33.77    39.91    1,653,698    0.80   N/A   0.83    0.86    33 
     24.53    0.84    1,053,301    0.80   N/A   0.84    1.46    37 
     24.97    (4.65)   1,561,229    0.80   N/A   0.82    1.34    33 
     27.86    13.70    1,853,976    0.80   N/A   0.80    0.83    33 
                                         
 $—   $30.58    (4.00%)  $230,437    1.05%  N/A   1.11%   0.75%   29%
     33.56    39.57    279,306    1.05   N/A   1.08    0.61    33 
     24.39    0.59    220,927    1.05   N/A   1.09    1.21    37 
     24.82    (4.90)   320,962    1.05   N/A   1.07    1.09    33 
     27.69    13.44    510,737    1.05   N/A   1.05    0.58    33 
                                         
 $—   $27.51    (8.88%)  $688,375    0.99%  N/A   1.02%   0.61%   24%
     32.34    54.40    776,442    0.99   N/A   1.01    0.52    33 
     21.06    (7.88)   503,349    1.07   N/A   1.09    0.94    46 
     23.42    (9.92)   421,429    1.10   N/A   1.16    0.97    29 
     27.74    16.25    476,179    1.10   N/A   1.14    0.78    40 
                                         
 $—   $26.12    (9.11%)  $82,898    1.24%  N/A   1.27%   0.36%   24%
     30.81    54.01    104,282    1.24   N/A   1.26    0.27    33 
     20.07    (8.07)   77,032    1.32   N/A   1.34    0.69    46 
     22.33    (10.20)   122,703    1.35   N/A   1.41    0.72    29 
     26.53    15.94    144,315    1.35   N/A   1.39    0.53    40 
                                         
 $—   $9.40    (6.00%)  $17,845    1.10%4  N/A   2.93%4   (0.22%)4   70%5
                                         
 $—   $19.92    4.59%  $32,264    1.10%  N/A   1.26%   0.44%   92%
     19.33    62.66    27,602    1.10   N/A   1.28    0.40    114 
     11.96    (8.92)   19,150    1.10   N/A   1.31    0.74    123 
     13.19    (18.85)   22,273    1.10   N/A   1.23    0.40    79 
     17.52    16.16    32,436    1.09   N/A   1.11    0.23    80 
   
1 Total return is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of the period and is not annualized if period is less than one year.
2 Redemption fees, if any, are reflected in total return calculations.
3 Beginning on September 1, 2018, the expense limitation includes acquired fund fees and expenses (AFFE). AFFE are not reflected as expenses in these financial statements and therefore this may cause the net expense ratios after waivers/reimbursements to be lower than the expense limitation in place.
4 Annualized
5 Not Annualized

 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  97

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) Per Share Operating Performance

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for each class of shares outstanding, total investment return, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

   Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
  Net
Investment
Income/
(Loss)*
  Net Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain/
(Loss) on
Investments
  Net Increase/
(Decrease)
in Net Assets
Resulting
from
Operations
  Dividends to
Shareholders
from Net
Investment
Income
  Distributions
to
Shareholders
from Net
Realized
Gains
  Total
Dividend and
Distributions
to
Shareholders
Boston Partners Global Sustainability Fund                        
Institutional Class                                   
12/29/21** through 8/31/22  $10.00   $0.11   $(1.49)  $(1.38)  $   $   $ 
Boston Partners Global Equity Fund                          
Institutional Class                                   
8/31/22  $20.74   $0.39   $(2.08)  $(1.69)  $(0.36)  $   $(0.36)
8/31/21   15.15    0.25    5.69    5.94    (0.35)       (0.35)
8/31/20   15.91    0.15    (0.67)   (0.52)   (0.24)       (0.24)
8/31/19   18.73    0.25    (1.79)   (1.54)   (0.18)   (1.10)   (1.28)
8/31/18   17.39    0.16    1.56    1.72    (0.12)   (0.26)   (0.38)
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund                        
Institutional Class                                   
8/31/22  $11.78   $0.19   $(2.75)  $(2.56)  $(0.46)  $(0.15)  $(0.61)
8/31/21   9.79    0.13    1.94    2.07    (0.08)       (0.08)
8/31/20   9.18    0.21    0.89    1.10    (0.49)       (0.49)
8/31/19   9.13    0.13    (0.08)   0.05             
10/17/17** through 8/31/18   10.00    0.05    (0.86)   (0.81)   (0.06)       (0.06)
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund                        
Institutional Class                                   
8/31/22  $14.21   $(0.13)  $1.29   $1.16   $   $(0.64)  $(0.64)
8/31/21   15.15    (0.12)   3.69    3.57        (4.51)   (4.51)
8/31/20   17.74    (0.14)   (0.70)   (0.84)       (1.75)   (1.75)
8/31/19   20.51    (0.18)   (1.06)   (1.24)       (1.53)   (1.53)
8/31/18   20.96    (0.35)   0.07    (0.28)       (0.17)   (0.17)
Investor Class                                   
8/31/22  $12.22   $(0.14)  $1.10   $0.96   $   $(0.64)  $(0.64)
8/31/21   13.64    (0.14)   3.23    3.09        (4.51)   (4.51)
8/31/20   16.17    (0.16)   (0.62)   (0.78)       (1.75)   (1.75)
8/31/19   18.88    (0.20)   (0.98)   (1.18)       (1.53)   (1.53)
8/31/18   19.36    (0.38)   0.07    (0.31)       (0.17)   (0.17)
   
* Calculated based on average shares outstanding.
** Commencement of operations.

 

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

 

98  |  Annual Report 2022

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) Per Share Operating Performance

 

Redemption
Fees*^
   Net Asset
Value, End
of Period
   Total
Investment
Return1,2
   Net Assets,
End of Period
(000)
   Ratio of Expenses
to Average
Net Assets
With Waivers,
Reimbursements
and Recoupment
if any3
   Ratio of Expenses
to Average
Net Assets
With Waivers,
Reimbursements
and Recoupments
if any (Excluding
Dividend and
Interest Expense)
  Ratio of Expenses
to Average Net
Assets Without
Waivers,
Reimbursements
and Recoupments
if any
   Ratio of Net
Investment
Income/(Loss)
to Average Net
Assets With
Waivers and
Reimbursements
   Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
                                   
 $—   $8.62    (13.80%)  $22,640    0.90%4  N/A     1.73%4   1.75%4   55%5
                                           
 $—   $18.69    (8.27%)  $171,407    0.95%  N/A     1.13%   1.94%   59%
     20.74    39.66    183,433    0.95   N/A     1.04    1.38    88 
     15.15    (3.40)   177,470    0.95   N/A     1.22    0.96    118 
     15.91    (7.92)   683,649    0.95   N/A     1.03    1.55    97 
     18.73    9.93    666,271    0.95   N/A     1.03    0.88    80 
                                           
 $—   $8.61    (22.55%)  $21,504    1.00%  N/A     1.74%   1.94%   143%
     11.78    21.15    23,729    1.00   N/A     1.56    1.16    123 
     9.79    12.05    16,508    1.06   N/A     2.39    2.29    177 
     9.18    0.55    9,468    1.07   N/A     2.89    1.41    155 
                                           
     9.13    (8.11)   8,296    1.104  N/A     2.954   0.584   1465
                                           
 $—   $14.73    8.35%  $54,733    2.55%  1.96%    3.18%   (0.87%)   40%
     14.21    29.08    49,551    2.60   1.97     3.14    (0.91)   31 
     15.15    (5.78)   68,780    2.57   2.25     2.74    (0.81)   46 
     17.74    (6.05)   227,834    2.67   2.45     2.68    (0.94)   64 
     20.51    (1.38)   651,325    3.01   2.37     3.01    (1.62)   58 
                                           
 $—   $12.54    8.07%  $11,720    2.80%  2.21%    3.43%   (1.12%)   40%
     12.22    28.71    11,571    2.85   2.22     3.39    (1.16)   31 
     13.64    (5.99)   14,484    2.82   2.50     2.99    (1.06)   46 
     16.17    (6.27)   28,156    2.92   2.70     2.93    (1.19)   64 
     18.88    (1.65)   54,167    3.26   2.62     3.26    (1.87)   58 
   
1 Total return is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of the period and is not annualized if period is less than one year.
2 Redemption fees, if any, are reflected in total return calculations.
3 Beginning on September 1, 2018, the expense limitation includes acquired fund fees and expenses (AFFE). AFFE are not reflected as expenses in these financial statements and therefore this may cause the net expense ratios after waivers/reimbursements to be lower than the expense limitation in place.
4 Annualized
5 Not Annualized

 

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

 

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BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) Per Share Operating Performance

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for each class of shares outstanding, total investment return, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

   Net Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
  Net
Investment
Income/
(Loss)*
  Net Realized
and
Unrealized
Gain/
(Loss) on
Investments
  Net Increase/
(Decrease)
in Net Assets
Resulting
from
Operations
  Dividends to
Shareholders
from Net
Investment
Income
  Distributions
to
Shareholders
from Net
Realized
Gains
  Total
Dividend and
Distributions
to
Shareholders
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund                      
Institutional Class                                   
8/31/22  $16.82   $(0.02)  $1.18   $1.16   $   $(2.00)  $(2.00)
8/31/21   13.31    (0.10)   3.61    3.51             
8/31/20   15.15    (0.00)   (1.48)   (1.48)   (0.21)   (0.15)   (0.36)
8/31/19   16.64    0.09    (0.79)   (0.70)   (0.01)   (0.78)   (0.79)
8/31/18   16.27    (0.03)   0.40    0.37             
Investor Class                                   
8/31/22  $16.39   $(0.05)  $1.14   $1.09   $   $(2.00)  $(2.00)
8/31/21   13.01    (0.13)   3.51    3.38             
8/31/20   14.81    (0.04)   (1.44)   (1.48)   (0.17)   (0.15)   (0.32)
8/31/19   16.31    0.06    (0.78)   (0.72)       (0.78)   (0.78)
8/31/18   15.99    (0.08)   0.40    0.32             
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund                        
Institutional Class                                   
8/31/22  $12.18   $0.05   $1.42   $1.47   $   $   $ 
8/31/21   9.72    (0.01)   2.48    2.47    (0.01)       (0.01)
8/31/20   10.74    0.01    (0.89)   (0.88)   (0.14)       (0.14)
8/31/19   11.52    0.07    (0.65)   (0.58)       (0.20)   (0.20)
8/31/18   11.34    (0.01)   0.19    0.18             
Investor Class                                   
8/31/22  $12.01   $0.01   $1.41   $1.42   $   $   $ 
8/31/21   9.61    (0.03)   2.43    2.40             
8/31/20   10.61    (0.02)   (0.88)   (0.90)   (0.10)       (0.10)
8/31/19   11.40    0.05    (0.84)   (0.79)            
8/31/18   11.25    (0.04)   0.19    0.15             
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund                    
Institutional Class                                   
8/31/22  $11.44   $0.07   $(1.27)  $(1.20)  $(0.01)  $   $(0.01)
8/31/21   11.23    (0.02)   1.17    1.15    (0.94)       (0.94)
8/31/20   10.45    0.19    0.82    1.01    (0.23)       (0.23)
8/31/19   10.49    0.04    (0.03)   0.01        (0.05)   (0.05)
8/31/18   12.12    (0.05)   (0.87)   (0.92)   (0.26)   (0.45)   (0.71)
   
* Calculated based on average shares outstanding, unless otherwise noted.
^ Effective January 1, 2016, the Funds do not impose a redemption fee. Prior to January 1, 2016, there was a 1.00% redemption fee on shares redeemed that were held 60 days or less on BP Long/Short Research Fund and BP Global Long/Short Fund. The redemption fees were retained by the Funds for the benefit of the remaining shareholders and recorded as paid-in capital.

 

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

 

100  |  Annual Report 2022

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS  
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (concluded) Per Share Operating Performance

 

Redemption
Fees*^
   Net Asset
Value, End
of Period
  Total
Investment
Return1,2
  Net Assets,
End of Period
(000)
  Ratio of Expenses
to Average
Net Assets
With Waivers,
Reimbursements
and Recoupment
if any3
  Ratio of Expenses
to Average
Net Assets
With Waivers,
Reimbursements
and Recoupments
if any (Excluding
Dividend and
Interest Expense)
  Ratio of Expenses
to Average Net
Assets Without
Waivers,
Reimbursements
and Recoupments
if any
  Ratio of Net
Investment
Income/(Loss)
to Average Net
Assets With
Waivers and
Reimbursements
  Portfolio
Turnover
Rate
                                  
 $—     $15.98    7.17%  $801,913    1.95%   1.40%   1.95%   (0.10%)   85%
       16.82    26.37    808,565    2.15    1.40    2.15    (0.66)   61 
       13.31    (10.13)   1,082,963    2.21    1.37    2.21    (0.01)   66 
       15.15    (4.05)   3,212,731    2.15    1.38    2.15    0.62    60 
       16.64    2.27    6,636,897    2.09    1.34    2.09    (0.19)   60 
                                             
 $—     $15.48    6.91%  $11,989    2.20%   1.65%   2.20%   (0.35%)   85%
       16.39    25.98    10,220    2.40    1.65    2.40    (0.91)   61 
       13.01    (10.32)   24,436    2.46    1.62    2.46    (0.26)   66 
       14.81    (4.27)   54,570    2.40    1.63    2.40    0.37    60 
       16.31    2.00    118,905    2.34    1.59    2.34    (0.44)   60 
                                           
 $—     $13.65    12.07%  $115,079    2.56%   1.81%   2.56%   0.34%   161%
       12.18    25.39    102,691    2.29    1.83    2.29    (0.07)   102 
       9.72    (8.30)   130,857    2.46    1.75    2.46    0.07    125 
       10.74    (5.00)   611,254    2.47    1.65    2.47    0.69    99 
       11.52    1.59    913,237    2.34    1.65    2.34    (0.11)   85 
                                             
 $—     $13.43    11.82%  $6,159    2.81%   2.06%   2.81%   0.09%   161%
       12.01    24.97    4,960    2.54    2.08    2.54    (0.32)   102 
       9.61    (8.55)   6,308    2.71    2.00    2.71    (0.18)   125 
       10.61    (5.14)   14,610    2.72    1.90    2.72    0.44    99 
       11.40    1.33    23,987    2.59    1.90    2.59    (0.36)   85 
                                           
 $—     $10.23    (10.52%)  $60,616    1.42%   1.40%   1.73%   0.63%   136%
       11.44    10.38    61,430    1.75    1.40    2.00    (0.14)   125 
       11.23    9.75    60,176    1.66    1.49    2.19    1.81    219 
       10.45    0.18    58,424    1.96    1.96    2.44    0.43    186 
       10.49    (8.11)   58,245    2.00    2.00    2.37    (0.47)   222 
   
1 Total return is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of the period and is not annualized if period is less than one year.
2 Redemption fees, if any, are reflected in total return calculations.
3 Beginning on September 1, 2018, the expense limitation includes acquired fund fees and expenses (AFFE). AFFE are not reflected as expenses in these financial statements and therefore this may cause the net expense ratios after waivers/reimbursements to be lower than the expense limitation in place.

 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  101

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

August 31, 2022

 

1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The RBB Fund, Inc (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has forty-eight separate investment portfolios, including Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund (“BP All-Cap Value Fund”), Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II (“BP Small Cap Value Fund II”), WPG Partners Select Small Cap Value Fund (“WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund”), WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund (“WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund”), Boston Partners Global Sustainability Fund (“BP Global Sustainability Fund”), Boston Partners Global Equity Fund (“BP Global Equity Fund”), Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund (“BP Emerging Markets Fund”), Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund (“BP Long/Short Equity Fund”), Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund (“BP Long/Short Research Fund”), Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund (“BP Global Long/Short Fund”) and Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund (“BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund”), (collectively the “BP Funds”). As of the end of the reporting period, the Funds (other than the WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund, WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund, BP Global Sustainability Fund, BP Global Equity Fund, BP Emerging Markets Fund and BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund) each offer two classes of shares, Institutional Class and Investor Class. As of the end of the reporting period, Investor Class shares of the BP Global Equity Fund have not been issued. The WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund, WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund, BP Global Sustainability Fund, BP Emerging Markets Fund and BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund are single class funds, offering only the Institutional Class of shares.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 90.023 billion shares are currently classified into two hundred and eleven classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

The investment objective of BP Small Cap Value Fund II and BP All-Cap Value Fund is to seek long-term growth of capital primarily through investment in equity securities. The investment objective of BP Global Equity Fund, BP Global/Long Short Fund, BP Emerging Markets Fund, and BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund is to seek long-term capital growth. The investment objective of WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund and BP Global Sustainability Fund is to seek long-term capital appreciation. The investment objective of BP Long/Short Equity Fund is to seek long-term capital appreciation while reducing exposure to general equity market risk. The investment objective of WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund is to seek capital appreciation by investing primarily in common stocks, securities convertible into common stocks and in special situations. The investment objective of BP Long/Short Research Fund is to seek long-term total return.

 

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

 

The end of the reporting period for the Funds is August 31, 2022, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

PORTFOLIO VALUATION — Each Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by a Fund are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, securities traded principally on an exchange or on NASDAQ will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Foreign securities are valued based on prices from the primary market in which they are traded, and are translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. Investments in other open-end investment companies, if any, are valued based on the NAV of the investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as disclosed in their prospectuses). Options for which the primary market is a national securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which they are traded, or, in the absence of any sale, will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Options not traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last quoted bid price for long option positions and the closing ask price for short option positions. If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments Such procedures use fundamental valuation methods, which may include, but are not limited to, an analysis of the effect of any restrictions on the resale of the security, industry analysis and trends, significant changes in the issuer’s financial position, and any other event which could have a significant impact on the value of the security. Determination of fair value involves subjective judgment as the actual market value of a particular security can be established only by negotiations between the parties in a sales transaction, and the difference between the recorded fair value and the value that would be received in a sale could be significant. The Funds may use fair value pricing more frequently for securities traded primarily in non-U.S. markets because, among other things, most foreign markets close well before the Funds value their securities, generally as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern time. The earlier close of these foreign markets gives rise to the possibility that significant events, including broad market moves, government actions or pronouncements,

 

102  |  Annual Report 2022

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

August 31, 2022

 

aftermarket trading, or news events may have occurred in the interim. To account for this, the Funds may value foreign securities using fair value prices based on third-party vendor modeling tools (international fair value pricing).

 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Funds’ investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

Level 1 —   Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.
     
Level 2 —   Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
     
Level 3 — Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds’ own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

A summary of the inputs used to value each Fund’s investments as of the end of the reporting period is included in each Fund’s Portfolio of Investments.

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Level 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Funds’ investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Funds may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

The following is a summary of quantitative information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements:

 

FUND   TYPE OF SECURITY   UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)
AS OF 8/31/2022
  VALUATION
TECHNIQUES
     UNOBSERVABLE
INPUT
  UNOBSERVABLE
INPUT
VALUES (USD)
  IMPACT TO
VALUATION FROM
AN INCREASE
TO INPUT
BP Long/Short Research Fund   Contracts For Difference – Total Short – South Korea   $2,081,617   Market Approach   Most recent round of financing   N/A   Significant changes in the market quotes would have resulted in direct and proportional changes in the fair value of the security
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund   Contracts For Difference – Total Short – Russia   66,193   Market Approach & Concensus Pricing   Discount for lack of marketability as a result of geopolitical event and sanction   100%   Significant changes in the market quotes would have resulted in direct and proportional changes in the fair value of the security
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund   Contracts For Difference – Total Short – Russia   314,405   Market Approach & Concensus Pricing   Discount for lack of marketability as a result of geopolitical event and sanction   100%   Significant changes in the market quotes would have resulted in direct and proportional changes in the fair value of the security
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund   Contracts For Difference – Total Short – South Korea   70,633   Market Approach   Most recent round of financing   N/A   Significant changes in the market quotes would have resulted in direct and proportional changes in the fair value of the security

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires each Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when a Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for all Level 3 transfers are disclosed if a Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal year, the Funds had no significant level 3 investments or transfers.

 

Annual Report 2022  |  103

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

 

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

August 31, 2022

 

USE OF ESTIMATES — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS, INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES — The Funds record security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The Funds’ investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with The RBB Fund Trust (formerly, PENN Capital Funds Trust) (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Offering costs are amortized for a new fund and accrued over a 12-month period from the inception date of the fund. Offering costs are charged directly to the fund in which they are incurred. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory, offering costs, and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Funds.

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS — Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually to shareholders and recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

U.S. TAX STATUS — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is each Fund’s intention to qualify or continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION — Assets and liabilities initially expressed in non-U.S. currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based on the applicable exchange rates at the date of the last business day of the financial statement period. Purchases and sales of securities, interest income, dividends, variation margin received and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect on the transaction date.

 

The Funds do not separately report the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from changes in market prices of securities held. Such changes are included with the net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments in the Statements of Operations. Other foreign currency transactions resulting in realized and unrealized gain or loss are reported separately as net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on foreign currencies in the Statements of Operations.

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

OTHER — In the normal course of business, the Funds may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. Each Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Funds in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Funds expect the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

CURRENCY RISK — The Funds invest in securities of foreign issuers, including American Depositary Receipts. These markets are subject to special risks associated with foreign investments not typically associated with investing in U.S. markets. Because the foreign securities in which the Funds may invest generally trade in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, changes in currency exchange rates will affect the Funds’ NAV, the value of dividends and interest earned and gains and losses realized on the sale of securities. Because the NAV for the Funds are determined on the basis of U.S. dollars, the Funds may lose money by investing in a foreign security if the local currency of a foreign market depreciates against the U.S. dollar, even if the local currency value of the Funds’ holdings goes up. Generally, a strong U.S. dollar relative to these other currencies will adversely affect the value of the Funds’ holdings in foreign securities.

 

EMERGING MARKETS RISK — The BP Global Sustainability Fund, the BP Emerging Markets Fund and the BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund invest in emerging market instruments which are subject to certain credit and market risks. The securities and currency markets of emerging market countries are generally smaller, less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the securities and currency markets of the United States and other developed markets. Disclosure and regulatory standards in many respects are less stringent than in other developed markets. There also may be a lower level of monitoring and regulation of securities markets in emerging market countries and the activities of investors in such markets and enforcement of existing regulations may be extremely limited. Political and economic structures in many of these countries may be in their infancy and developing rapidly, and such countries may lack the social, political and economic stability characteristics of more developed countries.

 

FOREIGN SECURITIES MARKET RISK — Securities of many non-U.S. companies may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. companies. Securities of companies traded in many countries outside the U.S., particularly emerging markets countries, may be subject to further risks due to the inexperience of local investment professionals and financial institutions,

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

August 31, 2022

 

the possibility of permanent or temporary termination of trading and greater spreads between bid and asked prices of securities. In addition, non-U.S. stock exchanges and investment professionals are subject to less governmental regulation, and commissions may be higher than in the United States. Also, there may be delays in the settlement of non-U.S. stock exchange transactions.

 

LIBOR DISCONTINUATION RISK — The terms of many financial instruments in which the Funds may invest or other transactions to which the Funds may be a party may be tied to the London Interbank Offered Rate, or “LIBOR.” LIBOR is the offered rate for short-term Eurodollar deposits between major international banks. LIBOR may be a significant factor in determining the Funds’ payment obligations under a derivative investment, the cost of financing to the Funds or an investment’s value or return to the Funds, and may be used in other ways that affect the Funds’ investment performance. In July 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), the United Kingdom’s financial regulatory body, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021.

 

The FCA and ICE Benchmark Administrator have since announced that most LIBOR settings will no longer be published after December 31, 2021 and a majority of U.S. dollar LIBOR settings will cease publication after June 30, 2023. It is possible that a subset of LIBOR settings will be published after these dates on a “synthetic” basis, but any such publications would be considered non-representative of the underlying market. The U.S. Federal Reserve, based on the recommendations of the New York Federal Reserve’s Alternative Reference Rate Committee (comprised of major derivative market participants and their regulators), has begun publishing the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) that is intended to replace U.S. dollar LIBOR. Proposals for alternative reference rates for other currencies have also been announced or have already begun publication. Markets are slowly developing in response to these new reference rates. Uncertainty related to the liquidity impact of the change in rates, and how to appropriately adjust these rates at the time of transition, poses risks for the Funds. The effect of any changes to, or discontinuation of, LIBOR on the Funds will depend on, among other things, (1) existing fallback or termination provisions in individual contracts and (2) whether, how, and when industry participants develop and adopt new reference rates and fallbacks for both legacy and new instruments and contracts. In addition, there are obstacles to converting certain longer-term securities and transactions to a new reference rate or rates and the effectiveness of one alternative reference rate versus multiple alternative reference rates in new or existing financial instruments and products has not been determined.

 

The transition away from LIBOR might lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets for instruments whose terms currently reference LIBOR, reduced values of LIBOR-related investments, reduced effectiveness of hedging strategies, increased costs for certain LIBOR-related instruments, increased difficulty in borrowing or refinancing, and prolonged adverse market conditions for the Funds. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and related transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner.

 

Although the Funds are working to minimize its exposure to risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR, all of the aforementioned risks may adversely affect the Funds’ performance or NAV.

 

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC — The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. Although vaccines for COVID-19 are available, the ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers are not known. The operational and financial performance of the issuers of securities in which the Funds invest depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and the pace of recovery which may vary from market to market, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Funds’ investments, impair the Funds’ ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Funds’ performance.

 

UKRAINE-RUSSIA CONFLICT RISK — In February 2022, Russia commenced a military attack on Ukraine. The outbreak of hostilities between the two countries and the threat of wider-spread hostilities could have a severe adverse effect on the region and global economies, including significant negative impacts on the markets for certain securities and commodities, such as oil and natural gas. In addition, sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States and other countries, and any sanctions imposed in the future, could have a significant adverse impact on the Russian economy and related markets. The price and liquidity of investments may fluctuate widely as a result of the conflict and related events. How long the armed conflict and related events will last cannot be predicted. These tensions and any related events could have a significant impact on the Funds’ performance and the value of Funds’ investments, even beyond any direct exposure that the Funds may have to issuers located in these countries.

 

SUSTAINABLE INVESTMENT RISK — The sustainability criterion required for investment by the BP Global Sustainability Fund may cause the Fund to not invest in certain industries or issuers. As a result, the BP Global Sustainability Fund may be overweight or underweight in certain industries or issuers relative to its benchmark index, which may cause the Fund’s performance to be more or less sensitive to developments affecting those industries or issuers. Sustainability information provided by issuers, upon which the portfolio managers may rely, continues to develop, and may be incomplete, inaccurate, use different methodologies, or be applied differently across companies and industries. Further, the regulatory landscape for sustainable investing in the United States is still developing and future rules and regulations may require the BP Global Sustainability Fund to modify or alter its investment process. Similarly, government policies incentivizing issuers to engage in sustainable practices may fall out of favor, which could potentially limit the BP Global Sustainability Fund’s investment universe. There is also a risk that the companies identified through the investment process may fail to adhere to sustainable business practices, which may result in the BP Global Sustainability Fund selling a security when it might otherwise be disadvantageous to do so. There is no guarantee that sustainable investments will outperform the broader market on either an absolute or relative basis.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

August 31, 2022

 

OPTIONS WRITTEN — The Funds may enter into options written for: bona fide hedging; attempting to offset changes in the value of securities held or expected to be acquired or be disposed of; attempting to minimize fluctuations in foreign currencies; attempting to gain exposure to a particular market, index or instrument; or other risk management purposes. Such options may relate to particular securities or domestic stock indices, and may or may not be listed on exchanges regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission or on other non-U.S. exchanges. An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in the contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put) at a specified exercise price at any time during the option exercise period. The writer of the option is required upon exercise to assume a short futures position (if the option is a call) or a long futures position (if the option is a put). Upon exercise of the option, the accumulated cash balance in the writer’s futures margin account is delivered to the holder of the option. That balance represents the amount by which the market price of the futures contract at exercise exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option. The maximum risk of loss associated with writing put options is limited to the exercised fair value of the option contract. The maximum risk of loss associated with writing call options is potentially unlimited. The Funds also have the additional risk of being unable to enter into a closing transaction at an acceptable price if a liquid secondary market does not exist. The Funds also may write OTC options where completing the obligation depends upon the credit standing of the other party. Option contracts also involve the risk that they may result in loss due to unanticipated developments in market conditions or other causes. Written options are initially recorded as liabilities to the extent of premiums received and subsequently marked to market to reflect the current value of the option written. Gains or losses are realized when the option transaction expires or closes. When an option is exercised, the proceeds on sales for a written call option or the purchase cost for a written put option is adjusted by the amount of the premium received. Listed option contracts present minimal counterparty credit risk since they are exchange traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded options, guarantees the options against default. As of the end of the reporting period, all of the Funds’ written options are exchange-traded options.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Funds’ average quarterly volume of options transactions was as follows:

 

FUND  PURCHASED OPTIONS
(COST)
   WRITTEN OPTIONS
(PROCEEDS)
 
BP All-Cap Value Fund  $   $692,431 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund   15,567    159,564 
BP Global Long/Short Fund       621,615 

 

SHORT SALES — When the investment adviser believes that a security is overvalued, the BP Long/Short Equity Fund, the BP Long/Short Research Fund, the BP Global Long/Short Fund and the BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund may sell the security short by borrowing the same security from a broker or other institution and selling the security. A Fund will incur a loss as a result of a short sale if the price of the borrowed security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund buys and replaces such borrowed security. A Fund will realize a gain if there is a decline in price of the security between those dates where the decline in price exceeds the costs of borrowing the security and other transaction costs. There can be no assurance that a Fund will be able to close out a short position at any particular time or at an acceptable price. Although a Fund’s gain is limited to the amount at which it sold a security short, its potential loss is unlimited. Until a Fund replaces a borrowed security, it will maintain at all times cash, U.S. Government securities, or other liquid securities in an amount which, when added to any amount deposited with a broker as collateral, will at least equal the current market value of the security sold short. Depending on arrangements made with brokers, a Fund may not receive any payments (including interest) on collateral deposited with them.

 

In accordance with the terms of its prime brokerage agreements, a Fund may receive rebate income or be charged a fee for borrowed securities. Such income or fee is calculated on a daily basis based upon the market value of each borrowed security and a variable rate that is dependent upon the availability of such security. The Funds record these prime broker charges on a net basis as interest income or interest expense. During the current fiscal period, the BP Long/Short Equity Fund, the BP Long/Short Research Fund, the BP Global Long/Short Fund and the BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund had net income/(charges) of $(353,565), $(1,224,538), $(99,902) and $25, respectively, on borrowed securities. Such amounts are included in prime broker interest expense on the Statements of Operations.

 

As of the end of the reporting period, BP Long/Short Equity Fund, BP Long/Short Research Fund, BP Global Long/Short Fund and BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund had securities sold short valued at $9,339,997, $225,371,842, $51,534,469 and $51,926, respectively, for which securities of $22,488,094, $316,444,637, $39,745,100 and $9,480,898 and deposits of $10,377,832, $227,035,553, $51,953,266 and $1,116,609, respectively, were pledged as collateral.

 

In accordance with Special Custody and Pledge Agreements with Goldman Sachs & Co. (“Goldman Sachs”) (the Funds’ prime broker), BP Long/Short Equity Fund, BP Long/Short Research Fund, BP Global Long/Short Fund and BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund may borrow from Goldman Sachs to the extent necessary to maintain required margin cash deposits on short positions. Interest on such borrowings is charged to the Fund based on the LIBOR rate plus an agreed upon spread.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

August 31, 2022

 

The BP Long/Short Equity Fund, BP Long/Short Research Fund, BP Global Long/Short Fund and BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund utilized cash borrowings from Goldman Sachs to meet required margin cash deposits as follows during the current fiscal period:

 

BP LONG/SHORT EQUITY FUND  BP LONG/SHORT RESEARCH FUND
DAYS
UNITIZED
  AVERAGE DAILY
BORROWINGS
  WEIGHTED AVERAGE
INTEREST RATE
  DAYS
UNITIZED
  AVERAGE DAILY
BORROWINGS
  WEIGHTED AVERAGE
INTEREST RATE
 107         EUR 6,579      0.16%       65         AUD 187,651    0.43%    
 39    GBP 21,654    0.43%   106    CAD 290,211    0.57%
 45    USD 2,458,677    0.48%   41    CHF 186,967    0.39%
                55    DKK 332,076    0.02%
                33    EUR 569,481    0.16%
                8    GBP 95,887    0.44%
                21    HKD 666,725    0.44%
                28    ILS 11    0.00%
                10    JPY 5,215,925    0.36%
                107    MXN 0    0.00%
                40    NOK 2,608,372    0.65%
                25    PLN 319,061    0.69%
                56    SEK 2,669,370    0.34%
                56    SGD 53,723    0.58%
                54    USD 1,981,543    0.48%
    
BP GLOBAL LONG/SHORT FUND  BP EMERGING MARKETS DYNAMIC EQUITY FUND
DAYS
UNITIZED
  AVERAGE DAILY
BORROWINGS
  WEIGHTED AVERAGE
INTEREST RATE
  DAYS
UNITIZED
  AVERAGE DAILY
BORROWINGS
  WEIGHTED AVERAGE
INTEREST RATE
 28         AUD 19,453      0.43%       2        CAD 42,536    0.57%    
 23    CAD 622      0.58   29    HKD 96,202    0.46
 7    CHF 2,339      0.37   60    USD 151,566    0.48
 39    EUR 8,912      0.16               
 25    GBP 1,148      0.43%                   
 22    HKD 34,650      0.45%                   
 67    JPY 1,342,331      0.36%                   
 19    NOK 189,938      0.50               
 28    SEK 175,886      0.34               
 16    USD 154,800      0.48               

 

The BP Long/Short Equity Fund, BP Long/Short Research Fund, BP Global Long/Short Fund and BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund incurred interest expense during the current fiscal period on such borrowings, in the amount of $1,479, $2,210, $57 and $127 respectively.

 

CONTRACTS FOR DIFFERENCE — The BP Emerging Markets Fund, BP Long/Short Equity Fund, BP Long/Short Research Fund, BP Global Long/Short Fund and BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund (for this section only, each a “Fund”) may enter into Contracts for Differences (“CFDs”). CFDs are leveraged derivative instruments that allow a Fund to take a position on the change in the market price of an underlying asset, such as a stock, or the value of an index or currency exchange rate. With a short CFD, a Fund is seeking to profit from falls in the market price of the asset. CFDs are subject to liquidity risk because the liquidity of CFDs is based on the liquidity of the underlying instrument, and are subject to counterparty risk, i.e., the risk that the counterparty to the CFD transaction may be unable or unwilling to make payments or to otherwise honor its financial obligations under the terms of the contract. It is also possible that the market price of the CFD will move between the time the order is placed by a Fund and when it is executed by the issuer, which can result in the trade being executed at a less favorable price. CFDs, like many other derivative instruments, involve the risk that, if the derivative security declines in value, additional margin would be required to maintain the margin level. The seller may require a Fund to deposit additional sums to cover this decline in value, and the margin call may be at short notice. If additional margin is not provided in time, the seller may liquidate the positions at a loss for which a Fund is liable. The potential for margin calls and large losses are much greater in CFDs than in other leveraged products. Most CFDs are traded OTC. CFDs are not registered with the SEC or any U.S. regulator, and are not subject to U.S. regulation. In a short position, the Fund will receive or pay an amount based upon the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the CFD would have decreased or increased in value had it sold the particular stocks short, less the dividends that would have been paid on those stocks, plus a floating rate of interest on the notional amount of the CFD. All of these components are reflected in the market value of the CFD.

 

CFDs are marked-to-market daily based upon quotations from market makers and the resulting changes in market values, if any, are recorded as an unrealized gain or loss in the Statements of Operations. Periodic payments made or received are recorded as realized gains or losses. Entering into CFDs involves, to varying degrees, elements of credit and market risk in excess of the amounts recognized on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Such risks involve the possibility that there will be no liquid market for these contracts, that the counterparty to the contract may default on its obligation to perform and that there may be unfavorable changes in market conditions.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

 

August 31, 2022

 

CFDs outstanding at period end, if any, are listed on the Portfolio of Investments. As of the end of the reporting period, BP Emerging Markets Fund, BP Long/Short Research Fund, BP Global Long/Short Fund and BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund had cash deposits for CFDs of $296,642, $125,033, $2,947,284 and $11,426,864, respectively, which were pledged as collateral. In connection with CFDs, cash or securities may be segregated as collateral by the Funds’ custodian. As of the end of the reporting period, the BP Long/Short Research Fund, BP Global Long/Short Fund, BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund and the BP Emerging Markets Fund held CFDs.

 

During the current fiscal period, the average volume of CFDs was as follows:

 

FUND  NOTIONAL AMOUNT
LONG
   NOTIONAL AMOUNT
SHORT
 
BP Emerging Markets Fund  $1,742,801   $ 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund       3,904,024 
BP Long/Short Research Fund   3,077,752    135,694,150 
BP Global Long/Short Fund   3,432,523    8,366,337 
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund   24,152,266    33,180,887 

 

The following is a summary of CFD’s that are subject to enforceable master netting agreements (or similar arrangements) and collateral received and pledged in connection with the master netting agreements (or similar arrangements) as of the end of the reporting period:

 

       GROSS AMOUNT
NOT OFFSET IN
THE STATEMENTS OF
ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
           GROSS AMOUNT
NOT OFFSET IN
THE STATEMENTS OF
ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
     
FUND  GROSS
AMOUNTS OF
RECOGNIZED  ASSETS
   FINANCIAL
INSTRUMENTS
   CASH
COLLATERAL
RECEIVED
   NET
AMOUNT1
   GROSS
AMOUNTS OF
RECOGNIZED LIABILITIES
   FINANCIAL
INSTRUMENTS
   CASH
COLLATERAL
PLEDGED2
   NET
AMOUNT3
 
                                 
BP Emerging Markets Fund
Goldman Sachs  $36,867   $36,867   $   $   $235,504   $36,867   $198,637   $ 
Total  $36,867   $36,867   $   $   $235,504   $36,867   $198,637   $ 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund
Morgan Stanley  $421,503   $2,124   $   $419,379   $2,124   $2,124   $   $ 
Total  $421,503   $2,124   $   $419,379   $2,124   $2,124   $   $ 
BP Long/Short Research Fund
Bank of America  $   $   $   $   $26,849   $   $   $26,849 
Goldman Sachs   2,946,287    718,389        2,227,898    718,389    718,389         
Merrill Lynch                                
Morgan Stanley   12,046,754    966,282        11,080,472    966,282    966,282    4,089    295,911 
Total  $14,993,041   $1,684,671   $   $13,308,370   $1,711,520   $1,684,671   $4,089   $ 
BP Global Long/Short Fund
Goldman Sachs  $1,019,114   $220,107   $   $799,007   $220,107   $220,107   $   $ 
Macquarie   5,732            5,732                 
Morgan Stanley                   3,693        186,480     
Total  $1,024,846   $220,107   $   $804,739   $223,800   $220,107   $186,480   $ 
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund
Bank of America  $37,922   $37,922   $   $   $96,750   $37,922   $   $58,828 
Citigroup   5,205            5,205                  
Goldman Sachs   2,359,481    1,417,096        942,385    1,417,096    1,417,096         
HSBC   65,832    65,832            67,141    65,832    1,309     
Macquarie   19,268            19,268                 
Merrill Lynch                                
Morgan Stanley   476,010    69,475        406,535    69,475    69,475         
Total  $2,963,718   $1,590,325   $   $1,373,393   $1,650,462   $1,590,325   $1,309   $58,828 

 

1 Net amount represents the net amount receivable from the counterparty in the event of default.
2 Actual collateral pledged may be more than the amount shown.
3 Net amount represents the net amount payable to the counterparty in the event of default.

 

2. INVESTMENT ADVISERS AND OTHER SERVICES

 

Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc. (“Boston Partners” or the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to each Fund. Each Fund compensates the Adviser for its services at an annual rate based on the Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears, as shown in the following table.

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed the rates (“Expense Caps”) shown in the following table of each Fund’s average daily net assets. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed the Expense Caps as applicable: short sale dividend expense, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses, interest and taxes. This contractual limitation for all the Funds is in effect until March 2, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board.

 

       EXPENSE CAPS
FUND  ADVISORY FEE  INSTITUTIONAL
CLASS
  INVESTOR
CLASS
BP All-Cap Value Fund   0.70%   0.80%   1.05%
BP Small Cap Value Fund II   0.85    0.99    1.24 
WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund   0.90    1.10    N/A 
WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund*   0.80    1.10    N/A 
BP Global Sustainability Fund   0.80    0.90    N/A 
BP Global Equity Fund   0.90    0.95    1.20 
BP Emerging Markets Fund   0.75    1.00    N/A 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund   2.25    1.96    2.21 
BP Long/Short Research Fund   1.25    1.50    1.75 
BP Global Long/Short Fund   1.50    2.00    2.25 
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund   1.25    1.40    N/A 

 

* 0.80% of net asset up to $500 million, 0.75% of net assets in excess of $500 million.

 

The Adviser may recoup from each Fund fees and expenses previously paid, waived, or absorbed for a period of three years after such fees or expenses were incurred, provided that the repayments do not cause the Funds’ operating expenses (excluding brokerage commissions, short sale dividend expense, taxes, interest expense, and any extraordinary expenses) to exceed the Expense Caps of each class of each Fund that were in effect at the time the fees and expenses were paid, waived, or absorbed by the Adviser, as well as the Expense Caps that are currently in effect, if different.

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued, waived and/or reimbursed were as follows:

 

FUND  GROSS
ADVISORY FEES
    WAIVERS AND/OR
REIMBURSEMENTS*
    RECOUPMENTS    NET
ADVISORY FEES
BP All-Cap Value Fund  $12,113,642             $(1,054,852)         $             $11,058,790   
BP Small Cap Value Fund II   7,241,656    (274,029)       6,967,627 
WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund   55,238    (112,555)       (57,317)
WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund   245,903    (49,003)       196,900 
BP Global Sustainability Fund   120,738    (125,165)       (4,427)
BP Global Equity Fund   1,663,137    (327,392)       1,335,745 
BP Emerging Markets Fund   173,986    (170,692)       3,294 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund   1,460,898    (404,556)       1,056,342 
BP Long/Short Research Fund   9,727,246            9,727,246 
BP Global Long/Short Fund   1,720,739            1,720,739 
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund   767,175    (194,970)       572,205 
                     
As of the end of the reporting period, the Funds had amounts available for recoupment as follows:
 

 

FUND  August 31, 2023  August 31, 2024 August 31, 2025 TOTAL 
BP All-Cap Value Fund   $746,620  $479,510  $1,054,852            $2,280,982 
BP Small Cap Value Fund II   148,231    139,323    274,029    561,583 
WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund           112,555    112,555 
WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund   45,416    43,934    49,003    138,353 
BP Global Sustainability Fund           125,165    125,165 
BP Global Equity Fund   1,193,888    140,758    327,392    1,662,038 
BP Emerging Markets Fund   178,695    123,547    170,692    472,934 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund   242,417    366,046    404,556    1,013,019 
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund   307,711    168,395    194,970    671,076 

 

* Includes Acquired fund fees and expenses. Acquired fund fees and expenses are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other mutual funds, including money market funds and exchange traded funds.

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as administrator for the Funds. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Funds’ transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Annual Report 2022  |  109

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

August 31, 2022

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Funds. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Funds’ shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Statements of Operations.

 

The Board has approved a Distribution Agreement for the Funds and adopted separate Plans of Distribution for the Investor Class Shares of each BP Fund (the “Plans”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plans, Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Underwriter”) is entitled to receive from each Fund a distribution fee with respect to the Investor Class Shares, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, of up to 0.25% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Investor Class Shares. Amounts paid to the Distributor under the Plans may be used by the Distributor to cover expenses that are related to (i) the sale of the Investor Class Shares, (ii) ongoing servicing and/or maintenance of the accounts of shareholders, and (iii) sub-transfer agency services, subaccounting services or administrative services related to the sale of the Investor Class Shares, all as set forth in the Plans.

 

3. DIRECTOR AND OFFICER COMPENSATION

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as Chief Compliance Officer of the Company and served as President of the Company until August 2022. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Funds or the Company. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Statements of Operations.

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments and derivative transactions) of the Funds were as follows:

 

FUND  PURCHASES   SALES 
BP All-Cap Value Fund  $490,966,839   $932,794,740 
BP Small Cap Value Fund II   202,635,717    212,480,701 
WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund   23,694,966    6,212,880 
WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund   30,594,304    27,575,612 
BP Global Sustainability Fund   36,323,263    11,301,753 
BP Global Equity Fund   109,869,219    105,410,061 
BP Emerging Markets Fund   35,262,701    30,479,641 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund   28,517,365    24,726,260 
BP Long/Short Research Fund   642,154,815    667,088,433 
BP Global Long/Short Fund   172,589,014    164,690,871 
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund   62,657,077    49,668,928 

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government securities during the current fiscal period.

 

5. CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

As of the end of the reporting period, each class of each Fund has 100,000,000 shares of $0.001 par value common stock authorized except for the Institutional Class Shares of the BP Long/Short Research Fund, BP Global Long/Short Fund and WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund, which have 750,000,000 shares, 300,000,000 shares and 50,000,000 shares, respectively, of $0.001 par value common stock authorized.

 

6. RESTRICTED SECURITIES

 

Each Fund may invest in securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale. These securities generally may be resold in transactions exempt from registration or to the public if the securities are registered. Disposal of these securities may involve time-consuming negotiations and expense, and prompt sale at an acceptable price may be difficult. Information regarding restricted securities, if applicable, is included at the end of each Fund’s Portfolio of Investments.

 

As of the end of the reporting period, the Funds did not hold any restricted securities that were illiquid.

 

110  |  Annual Report 2022

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

August 31, 2022

 

7. FEDERAL INCOME TAX INFORMATION

 

The Funds have followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Funds to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Funds have determined that there was no effect on the financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Funds are subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

As of August 31, 2022, the federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by each Fund were as follows:

 

FUND  FEDERAL
TAX COST
   UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION
   UNREALIZED
(DEPRECIATION)
  NET UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)
 
BP All-Cap Value Fund   $1,051,594,229          $515,605,400            $(17,151,073)               $498,454,327 
BP Small Cap Value Fund II   763,526,124    217,031,499    (52,186,201)   164,845,298 
WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund   19,262,101    497,699    (1,758,614)   (1,260,915)
WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund   35,207,952    5,178,621    (2,738,066)   2,440,555 
BP Global Sustainability Fund   25,343,269    709,747    (3,378,798)   (2,669,051)
BP Global Equity Fund   171,300,538    32,066,880    (19,016,723)   13,050,157 
BP Emerging Markets Fund   22,211,654    1,403,103    (2,661,479)   (1,258,376)
BP Long/Short Equity Fund   58,925,959    28,195,029    (2,551,387)   25,643,642 
BP Long/Short Research Fund   678,310,185    210,900,306    (39,055,046)   171,845,260 
BP Global Long/Short Fund   116,847,266    20,521,147    (13,290,223)   7,230,924 
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund   45,977,773    3,439,330    (3,487,105)   (47,775)

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

The following permanent differences as of August 31, 2022 were reclassified among the following accounts. They are primarily attributable to net investment loss, deemed distributions due to shareholder redemptions and investments in partnerships.

 

FUND  DISTRIBUTABLE
EARNINGS/(LOSS)
  PAID-IN
CAPITAL
 
BP All-Cap Value Fund             $(20,607,230)   $20,607,230 
BP Small Cap Value Fund II   (4,315,026)   4,315,026 
WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund   3    (3)
WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund   (225,362)   225,362 
BP Global Sustainability Fund   16    (16)
BP Global Equity Fund        
BP Emerging Markets Fund        
BP Long/Short Equity Fund   7    (7)
BP Long/Short Research Fund   (8,800,702)   8,800,702 
BP Global Long/Short Fund   (2,177)   2,177 
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund        

 

Annual Report 2022  |  111

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

August 31, 2022

 

As of August 31, 2022, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

FUND  UNDISTRIBUTED
ORDINARY
INCOME
     UNDISTRIBUTED
LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAINS
     CAPITAL LOSS
CARRYFORWARDS
     QUALIFIED
LATE-YEAR
LOSS DEFERRAL
     OTHER
TEMPORARY
DIFFERENCES
     UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)
 
BP All-Cap Value Fund   $21,940,541    $91,006,661    $    $          $          $498,454,403 
BP Small Cap Value Fund II   3,467,979    38,767,754        (7,550,552)       164,845,298 
WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund   111,686                    (1,260,916)
WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund   1,862,973    2,806,614                2,440,501 
BP Global Sustainability Fund   255,240        (1,163,901)           (2,670,657)
BP Global Equity Fund   2,131,969        (19,776,513)           12,998,390 
BP Emerging Markets Fund   651,962        (3,679,074)           (1,259,955)
BP Long/Short Equity Fund   3,931,846    3,626,560                25,424,792 
BP Long/Short Research Fund   58,564,394    86,589,178                168,138,995 
BP Global Long/Short Fund   3,244,316        (9,158,562)       (530,699)   7,210,386 
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund   7,610,542        (12,136,889)           (48,607)

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate principally to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes.

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022 was as follows:

 

   2022   2021 
FUND   ORDINARY
INCOME
    LONG-TERM
GAINS
    TOTAL    ORDINARY
INCOME
    LONG-TERM
GAINS
    TOTAL 
BP All-Cap Value Fund     $42,230,699      $61,493,948      $103,724,647      $9,805,102      $11,863,033      $21,668,135 
BP Small Cap Value Fund II   17,060,225    42,632,065    59,692,290    3,711,285        3,711,285 
WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund                           
WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund   417,759        417,759    144,307        144,307 
BP Global Sustainability Fund                           
BP Global Equity Fund   3,282,335        3,282,335    2,917,436        2,917,436 
BP Emerging Markets Fund   926,742    303,862    1,230,604    129,801        129,801 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund       2,791,078    2,791,078        23,768,795    23,768,795 
BP Long/Short Research Fund       87,734,542    87,734,542             
BP Global Long/Short Fund               79,283        79,283 
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund   36,249        36,249    5,338,757        5,338,757 

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

Pursuant to federal income tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies, the Funds may elect to treat certain capital losses between November 1 and August 31 and late year ordinary losses ((i) ordinary losses between January 1 and August 31, and (ii) specified ordinary and currency losses between November 1 and August 31) as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. For the year ended August 31, 2022, any amount of losses elected within the tax return will not be recognized for federal income tax purposes until September 1, 2022.

 

112  |  Annual Report 2022

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

August 31, 2022

 

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, the following Funds deferred to September 1, 2022, the following qualified late-year losses.

 

FUND  LATE-YEAR
ORDINARY LOSS
DEFERRAL
  POST-OCTOBER
CAPITAL LOSS
DEFERRAL
BP All-Cap Value Fund  $     $ 
BP Small Cap Value Fund II       7,550,552 
WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund        
WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund        
BP Global Sustainability Fund        
BP Global Equity Fund        
BP Emerging Markets Fund        
BP Long/Short Equity Fund        
BP Long/Short Research Fund        
BP Global Long/Short Fund        
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund        

 

Accumulated capital losses represent net capital loss carryforwards as of August 31, 2022 that may be available to offset future realized capital gains and thereby reduce future capital gains distributions. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period. Any losses incurred during those future taxable years will be required to be utilized prior to any losses incurred in pre-enactment taxable years. Additionally, post-enactment capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered all short-term as under the previous law. During the fiscal year, the BP Global Equity Fund had utilized $9,128,785, and BP Global Long/Short Fund had utilized $13,718,886 of carry forward capital losses.

 

As of August 31, 2022, the BP Global Sustainability Fund had short-term post-enactment capital losses of $1,163,901. The BP Global Equity Fund had short-term post-enactment capital losses of $19,776,513. The BP Emerging Markets Fund had short-term post-enactment capital losses of $3,679,074. The BP Global Long/Short Fund had short-term post-enactment capital losses of $9,158,562. The BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund had short-term post-enactment capital losses of $11,790,527 and long-term post-enactment capital losses of $346,362. The capital losses can be carried forward for an unlimited period.

 

8. SECURITIES LENDING

 

Securities may be loaned to financial institutions, such as broker-dealers, and are required to be secured continuously by collateral in cash, cash equivalents, letter of credit or U.S. Government securities maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. Cash collateral received, pursuant to investment guidelines established by the Funds and approved by the Board, is invested in short-term investments. All such investments are made at the risk of the Funds and, as such, the Funds are liable for investment losses. Such loans would involve risks of delay in receiving additional collateral in the event the value of the collateral decreased below the value of the securities loaned or of delay in recovering the securities loaned or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However, loans will be made only to borrowers deemed by Boston Partners to be of good standing and only when, in Boston Partners’ judgment, the income to be earned from the loans justifies the attendant risks. Any loans of a Fund’s securities will be fully collateralized and marked to market daily. Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending are overnight and continuous. During the current fiscal period, the Funds participated in securities lending. The market value of securities on loan and cash collateral as of the end of the reporting period and the income generated from the program during the current fiscal period with respect to such loans were as follows:

 

FUND               MARKET VALUE
OF SECURITIES
LOANED
               MARKET VALUE
OF COLLATERAL
               INCOME RECEIVED
FROM SECURITIES
LENDING
BP All-Cap Value Fund       $107,953,391        $ 111,121,981            $133,098        
BP Small Cap Value Fund II   145,477,036    150,679,396    201,238 
WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund   5,172,762    5,344,277    9,611 
BP Global Equity Fund   13,862,258    14,200,918    14,196 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund   8,280,895    8,554,091    36,394 

 

ANNUAL REPORT 2022  |  113

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

August 31, 2022

 

Securities lending transactions are entered into by the Funds’ securities lending agent on behalf of the Funds under a Master Securities Lending Agreement (“MSLA”) which permits the Funds’ securities lending agent on behalf of the Funds, under certain circumstances including an event of default (such as bankruptcy or insolvency), to offset amounts payable on behalf of the Funds to the same counterparty against amounts to be received and create one single net payment due to or from the Funds. The following table is a summary of the Funds’ open securities lending transactions which are subject to a MSLA as of the end of the reporting period:

 

               GROSS AMOUNT NOT OFFSET IN THE
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
FUND  GROSS AMOUNT
OF RECOGNIZED
ASSETS
     GROSS AMOUNTS
OFFSET IN
THE STATEMENT
OF ASSETS
AND LIABILITIES
     NET AMOUNT
OF ASSETS
PRESENTED IN
THE STATEMENT
OF ASSETS
AND LIABILITIES
     FINANCIAL
INSTRUMENTS1
     CASH
COLLATERAL
RECEIVED
     NET AMOUNT
BP All-Cap Value Fund        $107,953,391             $107,953,391       $(107,953,391)        
BP Small Cap Value Fund II   145,477,036        145,477,036    (145,477,036)        
WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund   5,172,762        5,172,762    (5,172,762)        
BP Global Equity Fund   13,862,258        13,862,258    (13,862,258)        
BP Long/Short Equity Fund   8,280,895        8,280,895    (8,280,895)        

 

1 Amount disclosed is limited to the amount of assets presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilites. Actual collateral received may be more than the amount shown.

 

9. LINE OF CREDIT

 

The Company, on behalf of the Funds, has established a line of credit (“LoC”) with the Custodian to be used for temporary or emergency purposes, primarily for financing redemption payments. Any loan issued to a Fund utilizing the LoC (each, a “Borrowing Fund” and together, the “Borrowing Funds”) is secured by securities held in the Borrowing Fund’s portfolio. The LoC was renewed on September 13, 2022. The LoC will mature, unless renewed, on September 12, 2023. Borrowing under the LoC is limited to the lesser of (i) $100,000,000, (ii) 20.0% of the gross market value of a Borrowing Fund, or (iii) 33 1/3% of the net market value of the unencumbered assets of a Borrowing Fund. The interest rate paid by the Borrowing Funds on outstanding borrowings is equal to the prime lending rate of the Custodian, which was 5.50% at August 31, 2022.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Funds’ LoC borrowing activity was as follows:

 

   TOTAL
AMOUNT OF
DAYS BORROWED
  AVERAGE
BORROWINGS
  MAXIMUM
AMOUNT
OUTSTANDING
  INTEREST
EXPENSE
  AVERAGE
INTEREST RATE
 
BP All-Cap Value Fund   9          $25,589,333       $100,000,000         $20,997    3.31%
WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund   4    18,000    25,000    7    3.25 
BP Emerging Markets Fund   6    450,000    820,000    300    3.94 
BP Long/Short Equity Fund   16    123,750    215,000    179    3.25 
BP Long/Short Research Fund   68    9,665,368    41,018,000    59,448    3.27 
BP Global Long/Short Fund   2    3,016,500    3,284,000    545    3.25 

 

10. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In October 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted new regulations governing the use of derivatives by registered investment companies (“Rule 18f-4”). Rule 18f-4 imposes limits on the amount of derivatives a fund can enter into, eliminates the asset segregation framework previously used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, and requires funds whose use of derivatives is greater than a limited specified amount to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager.

 

In December 2020, the SEC adopted a new rule providing a framework for fund valuation practices (“Rule 2a-5”). Rule 2a-5 establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the 1940 Act. Rule 2a-5 will permit fund boards to designate certain parties to perform fair value determinations, subject to board oversight and certain other conditions. Rule 2a-5 also defines when market quotations are “readily available” for purposes of the 1940 Act and the threshold for determining whether a fund must fair value a security. In connection with Rule 2a-5, the SEC also adopted related recordkeeping requirements and is rescinding previously issued guidance, including with respect to the role of a board in determining fair value and the accounting and auditing of fund investments. The Funds will be required to comply with the rules by September 8, 2022. Effective September 8, 2022 and pursuant to the requirements of Rule 2a-5, the Board designated the Adviser as its valuation designee to perform fair value determinations and approved new valuation procedures for the Funds.

 

114  |  Annual Report 2022

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONCLUDED)

 

August 31, 2022

 

In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments on the financial statements.

 

11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no significant events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

Annual Report 2022  |  115

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders of Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II, Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund, WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund, Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund, Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund, Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund, Boston Partners Global Sustainability Fund, and WPG Partners Select Small Cap Value Fund and Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II, Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund, Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund, Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund, WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund, Boston Partners Global Equity Fund, Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund, Boston Partners Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund, Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund, Boston Partners Global Sustainability Fund and WPG Partners Select Small Cap Value Fund (collectively referred to as the “Funds”) (eleven of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”)), including the portfolios of investments, as of August 31, 2022, and the related statements of operations, statements of changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds (eleven of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc.) at August 31, 2022, and the results of their operations, changes in net assets and financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Individual portfolio constituting
The RBB Fund, Inc.
  Statement of operations  Statements of changes
in net assets
  Financial highlights
Boston Partners Small Cap Value Fund II
Boston Partners Long/Short Equity Fund
Boston Partners Long/Short Research Fund
Boston Partners All-Cap Value Fund
WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund
Boston Partners Global Equity Fund
Boston Partners Global Long/Short Fund
Boston Partners Emerging Markets
Dynamic Equity Fund
  For the year ended August 31, 2022  For each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2022  For each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2022
Boston Partners Emerging Markets Fund  For the year ended August 31, 2022  For each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2022  For each of the four years in the period ended August 31, 2022 and the period from October 17, 2017 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2018
WPG Partners Select Small Cap Value Fund Boston Partners Global Sustainability Fund  For the period from December 29, 2021 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2022

 

Basis for Opinion

 

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

 

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

 

116  |  Annual Report 2022

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (concluded)

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2022, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Boston Partners investment companies since 2007.

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

October 28, 2022

 

Annual Report 2022  |  117

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

SHAREHOLDER TAX INFORMATION

 

Certain tax information regarding each Fund is required to be provided to shareholders based upon each Fund’s income and distributions for the taxable year ended August 31, 2022. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ending December 31, 2022. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, the following dividends and distributions were paid by each of the Funds:

 

    ORDINARY
INCOME
  LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAINS
  BP All-Cap Value Fund  $42,230,699   $61,493,948
  BP Small Cap Value Fund II  17,060,225   42,632,065
  WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund     
  WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund  417,759   
  BP Global Sustainability Fund     
  BP Global Equity Fund  3,282,335   
  BP Emerging Markets Fund  926,742   303,862
  BP Long/Short Equity Fund     2,791,078
  BP Long/Short Research Fund     87,734,542
  BP Global Long/Short Fund     
  BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund  36,249   

 

Distributions from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under the Jobs and Growth Tax relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 the following percentages of ordinary dividends paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022 are designated as “qualified dividend income,” as defined in the Act, and are subject to reduced tax rates:

 

  BP All-Cap Value Fund  82.38%     
  BP Small Cap Value Fund II  60.68%   
  WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund  0.00%   
  WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund  62.20%   
  BP Global Sustainability Fund  0.00%   
  BP Global Equity Fund  100.00%   
  BP Emerging Markets Fund  29.53%   
  BP Long/Short Equity Fund  0.00%   
  BP Long/Short Research Fund  0.00%   
  BP Global Long/Short Fund  0.00%   
  BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund  9.12%   

 

The percentage of total ordinary income dividends paid qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction for each Fund is as follows:

 

  BP All-Cap Value Fund  71.13%     
  BP Small Cap Value Fund II  60.61%   
  WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund  0.00%   
  WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund  62.00%   
  BP Global Sustainability Fund  0.00%   
  BP Global Equity Fund  36.82%   
  BP Emerging Markets Fund  0.00%   
  BP Long/Short Equity Fund  0.00%   
  BP Long/Short Research Fund.  0.00%   
  BP Global Long/Short Fund  0.00%   
  BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund  0.00%   

 

The percentage of qualified interest income related dividends not subject to withholding tax for non-resident aliens and foreign corporations is as follows:

 

  BP All-Cap Value Fund  0.00%     
  BP Small Cap Value Fund II  0.00%   
  WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund  0.00%   
  WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund  0.00%   
  BP Global Sustainability Fund  0.00%   
  BP Global Equity Fund  0.18%   
  BP Emerging Markets Fund  0.02%   
  BP Long/Short Equity Fund  0.00%   
  BP Long/Short Research Fund.  0.00%   
  BP Global Long/Short Fund  0.00%   
  BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund  0.25%   

 

118  |  Annual Report 2022

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

SHAREHOLDER TAX INFORMATION (concluded)

 

The percentage of ordinary income distributions designated as qualified short-term gains pursuant to the American Job Creation Act of 2004 is as follows:

 

  BP All-Cap Value Fund  56.73%     
  BP Small Cap Value Fund II  82.00%   
  WPG Select Small Cap Value Fund  0.00%   
  WPG Small/Micro Cap Value Fund  78.88%   
  BP Global Sustainability Fund  0.00%   
  BP Global Equity Fund  0.00%   
  BP Emerging Markets Fund  0.00%   
  BP Long/Short Equity Fund  0.00%   
  BP Long/Short Research Fund.  0.00%   
  BP Global Long/Short Fund  0.00%   
  BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund  0.00%   

 

Pursuant to Section 853 of the Internal Revenue Code, the following Portfolios elect to pass-through to shareholders the credit for taxes paid to eligible foreign countries, which may be less than the actual amount paid for financial statement purposes.

 

          PER SHARE   
FUND  GROSS FOREIGN
SOURCE INCOME
  FOREIGN TAXES
PASSTHROUGH
  GROSS FOREIGN
SOURCE INCOME
  FOREIGN TAXES
PASSTHROUGH
  SHARES
OUTSTANDING
AT 8/31/2022
BP Emerging Markets Fund  778,602       105,898    0.31160583  0.04238165  2,498,676
BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund  1,402,386    186,040    0.23669429  0.03139978  5,924,883

 

Because each Fund’s fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2022. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2023.

 

In general, dividends received by tax exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

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

 

Annual Report 2022  |  119

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling (888) 261-4073 and on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedule

 

The Company files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Investment Advisory Agreement Renewal

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, considered the renewal of the investment co-advisory agreement among Boston Partners and the Company (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) BP Small Cap Value Fund II, BP All-Cap Value Fund, BP Long/Short Equity Fund, BP Long/Short Research Fund, WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund, BP Global Equity Fund, BP Global Long/Short Fund, BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund, and the BP Emerging Markets Fund (for this section only, each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”), and the Advisory Agreement between BP and BP Emerging Markets Long/Short Offshore Ltd. with respect to the BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund (the “Cayman Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreement” and together with the Investment Advisory Agreement, the “Investment Advisory Agreements”), at a meeting of the Board held on May 11-12, 2022 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreements for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreements reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreements, the Board considered information provided by Boston Partners with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreements between the Company and Boston Partners, with respect to the Funds, the Directors took into account all the materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of Boston Partners’ services provided to the Funds; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of Boston Partners personnel providing those services; (iii) Boston Partners’ investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Boston Partners’ assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Boston Partners’ soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) Boston Partners’ current advisory fee arrangements with the Company and other similarly managed clients; (vii) Boston Partners’ compliance procedures; (viii) Boston Partners’ financial information, insurance coverage and profitability analysis related to providing advisory services to the Funds; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Funds; (x) report prepared by Broadridge/Lipper comparing each Fund’s management fees and total expense ratio to those each Fund’s respective Lipper Group and comparing the performance of each Fund to the performance of each Fund’s respective Lipper Group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of each Fund to the performance of its benchmark.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Boston Partners. The Directors concluded that Boston Partners had substantial resources to provide services to the Funds and that Boston Partners’ services had been acceptable.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Funds. Information on the Funds’ investment performance was provided for the one-, three-, five-, ten-years and since inception periods ended March 31, 2022, as applicable. The Directors considered the Funds’ investment performance in light of their investment objectives and investment strategies. The Directors concluded that the investment performance of each of the Funds as compared to their respective benchmarks and Lipper Groups was acceptable.

 

In reaching this conclusion, the Directors noted that the BP All-Cap Value Fund outperformed its benchmark, the Russell 3000 Value Index for year-to-date, one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2022. The Directors also noted that the BP All-Cap Value Fund ranked in the 1st quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the three-year period and in the 3rd quintile for the one-year, four-year and five-year periods ended December 31, 2021.

 

The Directors noted that the BP Long/Short Equity Fund outperformed its primary benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, for the year-to-date, one-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2022, and underperformed its benchmark for the three-year, five-year, and ten-year periods ended March 31, 2022. The Directors noted that the BP Long/Short Equity Fund’s performance ranked in the 1st quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the one-year period ended December 31, 2021, and ranked in the 2nd quintile for the two-year period ended December 31, 2021.

 

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BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

OTHER INFORMATION (continued)

 

The Directors noted that the WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund outperformed its primary benchmark, the Russell 2000 Value Index, for the year-to-date, one-year, three-year, and five-year periods ended March 31, 2022, and underperformed its benchmark for the ten-year and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2022. The Directors noted that the WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund’s performance ranked in the 1st quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the one-year, two-year, three-year and five-year periods ended December 31, 2021.

 

Next, the Directors also reviewed the performance of the BP Long/Short Research Fund, noting that the Fund had outperformed its benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, for the year-to-date and one-year periods ended March 31, 2022, and underperformed its benchmark for the three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2022. The Directors noted that the BP Long/Short Research Fund ranked in the 1st quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the one-year period ended December 31, 2021, and ranked in the 2nd quintile for the three-year and five-year periods ended December 31, 2021.

 

The Directors next reviewed the performance of the BP Small Cap Value Fund II, which outperformed its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Value Index, for the year-to-date, one-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2022, and underperformed its benchmark for the three-year, five-year, and ten-year periods ended March 31, 2022. The Directors noted that the BP Small Cap Value Fund II ranked in the 4th quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the two-year, three-year, and five-year period and in the 3rd quintile for the one-year period ended December 31, 2021.

 

The Directors also considered the performance of the BP Global Equity Fund, which outperformed its benchmark, the MSCI World Index, for the year-to-date period ended March 31, 2022, and underperformed its benchmark for the one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2022. They also noted that Fund ranked in the 3rd quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the two-year and three-year periods and in the 2nd quintile for the one-year periods ended December 31, 2021.

 

The Directors noted that the BP Global Long/Short Fund had outperformed its benchmark, the MSCI World Index, for the year-to-date and one-year periods ended March 31, 2022, and underperformed its benchmark for the three-year, five-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2022. The Directors noted that the BP Global Long/Short Fund ranked in the 3rd quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the two-year, three-year, four-year and five-year periods ended December 31, 2021.

 

The Directors then reviewed the performance of the BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund, which outperformed its benchmark, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, for the year-to-date and one-year periods ended March 31, 2022, and underperformed its benchmark for the three-year, five-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2022. The Directors also noted that the BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund ranked in the 4th quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the five-year period, and in the 5th quintile for the one-year, two-year, three-year and four-year periods ended December 31, 2021.

 

Finally, the Directors noted that the BP Emerging Markets Fund had outperformed its benchmark, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, for the year-to-date period ended March 31, 2022, and underperformed its benchmark for the one-year, three-year and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2022. They also noted that Fund ranked in the 3rd quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the three-year period, and in the 4th quintile for the one-year, two-year, four-year and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2021.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rates payable by the Funds under the Investment Advisory Agreements. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Funds and the Funds’ total operating expense ratios (before and after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) were compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms. The Directors noted that Boston Partners had contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses through at least March 2, 2023 for the Funds to limit total annual operating expenses to agreed upon levels for each Fund.

 

The Directors noted that the BP Small Cap Value Fund II’s actual advisor fees and total expenses ranked in the 4th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the BP Long/Short Equity Fund’s actual advisor fees and total expenses ranked in the 5th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the BP Long/Short Research Fund’s actual advisor fees ranked in the 5th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 2nd quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the BP All-Cap Value Fund’s actual advisor fees ranked in the 4th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 2nd quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the WPG Partners Small/Micro Cap Value Fund’s actual advisor fees and total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 1st quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the BP Global Equity Fund’s actual advisor fees ranked in the 5th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 3rd quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the BP Global Long/Short Fund’s actual advisor fees and total expenses ranked in the 5th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

Annual Report 2022  |  121

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

OTHER INFORMATION (concluded)

 

The Directors noted that the BP Emerging Markets Dynamic Equity Fund’s actual advisor fees and total expenses ranked in the 3rd quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the BP Emerging Markets Fund’s actual advisor fees ranked in the 1st quintile of its Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 3rd quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

After reviewing the information regarding the Funds’ costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering Boston Partners’ services, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Funds were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreements should be approved and continued for an additional one-year period ending August 16, 2023.

 

Liquidity Risk Management Program

 

The Company has adopted and implemented a Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Company Program”) as required by rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Company Program, the Adviser has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Adviser Program” and together with the Company Program, the “Programs”) on behalf of the Funds. The Programs seek to assess, manage and review each Fund’s Liquidity Risk. “Liquidity Risk” is defined as the risk that a Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interest in the Fund.

 

The Board has appointed Vigilant Compliance, LLC (“Vigilant”) as the program administrator for the Company Program and the Adviser as the program administrator for the Company Program. The Adviser has delegated oversight of the Adviser Program to its Liquidity Committee, whose process of monitoring and determining the liquidity of each Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party vendors.

 

At meetings held during the fiscal period, the Board and its Regulatory Oversight Committee received and reviewed a written report (the “Report”) of Vigilant and the Adviser concerning the operation of the Programs for the period from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 (the “Period”). The Report summarized the operation of the Programs and the information and factors considered by Vigilant and the Adviser in reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the implementation of the Programs with respect to each Fund. Such information and factors included, among other things: (i) the methodology used to classify the liquidity of each Fund’s portfolio investments and the Adviser’s assessment that each Fund’s strategy remained appropriate for an open-end mutual fund; (ii) analyses of each Fund’s trading environment and reasonably anticipated trading size; (iii) that each Fund held primarily highly liquid assets (investments that the Fund anticipates can be converted to cash within 3 business days or less in current market conditions without significantly changing their market value); (iv) that each Fund held a percentage of highly liquid assets above its highly liquid investment minimum at all times during the Period; (v) confirmation that none of the Funds had breached the 15% maximum illiquid security threshold (investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven days or less in current market conditions without the sale of the investment significantly changing the market value of the investment) and the procedures for monitoring compliance with the limit; (vi) that the processes, technologies and third-party vendors used to assess, manage, and/or periodically review each Fund’s Liquidity Risk functioned appropriately during the Period; and (vii) that the Programs operated adequately during the Period. The Report also indicated that there were no material changes made to the Programs during the Period. Based on the review, the Report concluded that the Programs were being implemented effectively and reasonably designed to assess and manage Liquidity Risk in each Fund’s portfolio.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company Program or the Adviser Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Funds’ prospectuses for more information regarding a Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

 

122  |  Annual Report 2022

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-888-261-4073.

 

Name, Address, and Age  Position(s)
Held with
Company
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served1
  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
  Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex Overseen
by Director*
  Other Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS            
Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 89
  Director  1988 to present  From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications).  55  AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).
Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 55
  Director  2012 to present  Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020. Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).  55  FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018).
Lisa A. Dolly
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI, 53202
Age: 56
  Director  October 2021 to present  From July 2019-December 2019, Chairman, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm); January 2016-June 2019, Chief Executive Officer, Pershing, LLC.  55  Allfunds Group PLC (United Kingdom wealthtech and fund distribution provider); Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (trade association for broker dealers, investment banks and asset managers); Hightower Advisors (wealth management firm).
Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79
  Director  2006 to present  Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.  55  IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until 2021); Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017).
Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 74
  Chairman  

Director
  2005 to present

1991 to present
  Retired.  55  EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until August 2022).
Brian T. Shea
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 62
  Director  2018 to present  From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).  55  Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company). Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company); WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019).
Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 81
  Director  2006 to present  Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).  55  None.

 

Annual Report 2022  |   123

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS (continued)

 

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

 

Name, Address, and Age  Position(s)
Held with
Company
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served1
  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
  Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex Overseen
by Director*
  Other Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years
Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 84
  Vice Chairman

Director
  2016 to present


1991 to present
  Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).  55  None.
OFFICERS               
Steven Plump
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 63
  President  August 2022 to present  From 2011 to 2021, Executive Vice President, PIMCO Investments LLC.  N/A  N/A
Salvatore Faia, JD,
CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
Gateway Corporate
Center, Suite 216
223 Wilmington
West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 59
  Chief Compliance Officer  2004 to present  Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, Chief Compliance Officer of The RBB Fund Trust; President of The RBB Fund Trust from 2021 to 2022; President of The RBB Fund, Inc. from 2009 to 2022.  N/A  N/A
James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 61
  Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

Chief Operating Officer
  2016 to present




2022 to present
  Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2016) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2021) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund Trust; from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).  N/A  N/A
Craig A. Urciuoli
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 48
  Director of Marketing & Business Development  2019 to present  Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and The RBB Fund Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC (an investment advisory firm).  N/A  N/A
Jennifer Witt
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 39
  Assistant Treasurer  2018 to present  Since 2020, Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020,   Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank   Global Fund Services; from 2007 to   2016, Supervisor, Nuveen Investments (registered investment company).  N/A  N/A
Edward Paz
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 51
  Assistant Secretary  2016 to present  Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC   (fund administrative services firm).  N/A  N/A
Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 63
  Assistant Secretary  1999 to present  Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).  N/A  N/A

 

124  |  Annual Report 2022

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS (concluded)

 

Name, Address, and Age  Position(s)
Held with
Company
  Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served1
  Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years
  Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex Overseen
by Director*
  Other Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years
Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 43
  Assistant Secretary  2017 to present  Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).  N/A  N/A

 

* Each Director oversees 55 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company and The RBB Fund Trust (7 portfolios).
1. Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.
2. Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his or her qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Ms. Dolly has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, and she has demonstrated her leadership and management abilities by serving in numerous senior executive-level positions. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing, and investment services industry, including service on the boards of industry regulatory organizations and a university. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company.

 

Annual Report 2022  |  125

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

PRIVACY NOTICE

 

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

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

 

•     Social Security number

•     account balances

•     account transactions

•     transaction history

•     wire transfer instructions

•     checking account information 

 

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

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

 

Reasons we can share your personal information Do the Boston
 Partners Investment
 Funds share?
Can you limit
 this sharing?
For our everyday business purposes – such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus Yes No
For our marketing purposes – to offer our products and services to you No No
For joint marketing with other financial companies No We don’t share
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your transactions and experiences Yes No
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness No We don’t share
For our affiliates to market to you No Yes
For nonaffiliates to market to you No We don’t share

 

Questions? Call (888) 261-4073 or go to www.boston-partners.com

 

126  |  Annual Report 2022

 
BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS
PRIVACY NOTICE (continued)

 

What we do  
How do the Boston Partners Investment Funds protect my personal information? To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.
How do the Boston Partners Investment Funds collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

•     open an account

•     provide account information

•     give us your contact information

•     make a wire transfer

•     tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

•     sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes-information about your creditworthiness

•     affiliates from using your information to market to you

•     sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation

In addition to the above information, where applicable, you have the following rights under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and U.S. Privacy Laws, as applicable and to the extent permitted by law, to

 

•     Check whether we hold personal information about you and to access such data (in accordance with our policy)

•     Request the correction of personal information about you that is inaccurate

•     Have a copy of the personal information we hold about you provided to you or another “controller” where technically feasible

•     Request the erasure of your personal information

•     Request the restriction of processing concerning you

 

The legal grounds for processing of your personal information is for contractual necessity and compliance with law.

 

If you wish to exercise any of your rights above, please call: 1-888-261-4073.

 

You are required to ensure the personal information we hold about you is up-to-date and accurate and you must notify us of any changes to the personal data you provided to us.

 

Annual Report 2022  |  127

 

BOSTON PARTNERS INVESTMENT FUNDS

PRIVACY NOTICE (concluded)

 

What we do (continued)  
European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (continued) The Boston Partners Investment Funds shall retain your personal data for as long as you are an investor in the Funds and thereafter as long as necessary to comply with applicable laws that require the Funds to retain your personal data, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission’s data retention rules. Your personal data will be transferred to the United States so that the Funds may provide the agreed upon services for you. No adequacy decision has been rendered by the European Commission as to the data protection of your personal data when transferring it to the United States. However, the Funds do take the security of your personal data seriously.
Definitions  
Affiliates

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies. Our affiliates include:

 

•     ORIX Corporation.

•     Robeco Investment Management, Inc.

•     Robeco Securities, LLC

Nonaffiliates

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

 

•     The Boston Partners Investment Funds don’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you. The Boston Partners Investment Funds may share information with nonaffiliates that perform marketing services on our behalf.

Joint marketing

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

 

•     The Boston Partners Investment Funds may share your information with other financial institutions with whom we have joint marketing arrangements who may suggest additional fund services or other investment products which may be of interest to you.

Controller “Controller” means the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data; where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by European Union or European Member State law, the controller or the specific criteria for its nomination may be provided for by European Union or European Member State law.

 

128  |  Annual Report 2022

 

 

 

INVESTMENT ADVISER

 

Boston Partners Global Investors, Inc.
1 Beacon Street, 30th Floor
Boston, MA 02108

 

ADMINISTRATOR AND TRANSFER AGENT

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 E. Kilbourn Ave., Suite 2200
Milwaukee, WI 53202

CUSTODIAN

 

U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

Ernst & Young LLP
One Commerce Square
2005 Market Street, Suite 700 Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

LEGAL COUNSEL

 

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996


 

 

 

BOS-AR22

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

of

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.

 

 

Class A (TICKER: EBSAX)

Class C (TICKER: EBSCX)

Class I (TICKER: EBSIX)

 

Annual Report

 

August 31, 2022

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report
August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Sept 2021 – August 2022

 

The performance of the Fund was down in September 2021, with gains in commodities and foreign exchange more than offset by losses in fixed income and equity indices. From a strategy perspective, losses came from the Fund’s trend following and short term strategies, while the Fund’s systematic macro strategies gained.

 

From a markets perspective, most major global stock indexes finished the month down as the general risk-off sentiment that intensified during the month put an end to the relentless equity rally seen for most of 2021. Global bond yields and the US dollar benefitted from flight-to-safety buying as some major central banks turned more hawkish, supply chain bottlenecks kept inflation concerns elevated, contagion fears surrounding Chinese company Evergrande were heightened, and dysfunction among US lawmakers threatened to derail fiscal stimulus. In energy markets, brent and WTI crude prices rose as a significant percentage of US Gulf Coast output remained offline following Hurricane Ida, while at the same time, the UK grappled with a fuel shortage crisis.

 

The performance of the Fund was up in October 2021, with gains in commodities and equity indices and losses in fixed income and foreign exchange. From a strategy perspective, gains came from the Fund’s trend following and short-term strategies while the Fund’s systematic macro strategies were down.

 

From a markets perspective, nearly all major global equity indices moved higher amid better-than-expected corporate earnings and despite fears that inflationary pressures and supply-chain issues could crimp growth. In fixed income markets, persistent, elevated inflation data and growing concerns over imminent monetary policy tightening pushed yields higher (prices lower) across the curve. Surprisingly, hawkish rhetoric from central bankers disproportionately impacted near-term yields as traders pulled forward expectations on the timing of interest rate hikes. In currency markets, the US dollar weakened compared to most of its developed market peers during the month of October, with the notable exception being the Japanese yen.

 

The performance of the Fund was down in November 2021, with gains in foreign exchange more than offset by losses in commodities, equity indices and fixed income. From a strategy perspective, losses came from the Fund’s trend following, while the Fund’s short-term and systematic macro strategies gained.

 

From a markets perspective, rising COVID-19 cases, concerns about the efficacy of existing vaccines against a new coronavirus strain, and comments from Federal Reserve Chair Powell that it may be appropriate for the Federal Reserve to consider wrapping up its taper a few months sooner sparked a global flight-to-safety move. Global equity markets and yields fell while the US dollar gained versus most of its trading peers on the back of sticky US inflation and a faster normalization schedule from the Federal Reserve. In energy markets, the petroleum complex weakened amid demand concerns along with the new coronavirus strain sparking fears of renewed lockdowns and threatening the recovery outlook.

 

The performance of the Fund was up in December 2021, with gains in commodities and equity indices and losses in foreign exchange and fixed income. From a strategy perspective, gains came from the Fund’s systematic macro strategies and trend following, while the Fund’s short-term strategies were down.

 

From a markets perspective, risk-on appetite took hold during December as studies showed the COVID-19 Omicron variant caused mild illness in most cases and a still-accommodative monetary policy backdrop supported prices. Concerns around lingering inflationary pressures continued to linger in the background. Most major global equity benchmarks gained on the month and G-10 currencies generally gained versus the US dollar. US and European credit spreads tightened along with other risk assets. In interest rate markets, global central banks reacted to persistent inflation by hastening the curtailment of quantitative easing measures and signaling upcoming hikes. Many bond prices began to fall (yields rose) as the age of loose monetary policy seemed to be coming to an end.

 

The performance of the Fund was up in January 2022, with gains in fixed income, commodities and foreign exchange and losses in equity indices. From a strategy perspective, gains came from the Fund’s systematic macro, short-term and trend following strategies.

 

1

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

From a markets perspective, global equity markets fell as investors worried about inflation, persistent supply chain issues, and the upcoming rate hikes from the Federal Reserve. Central banks continued to respond to rising inflation with tighter monetary policy, sending global yields higher. At the January US Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) meeting, the Federal Reserve signaled it intended to raise interest rates as early as March and the market subsequently priced in five hikes during 2022. This hawkish approach from the Federal Reserve pushed the US dollar higher against many other currencies.

 

The performance of the Fund was up in February 2022, with gains in commodities, losses in foreign exchange and equity indices, and flat performance in fixed income. From a strategy perspective, gains came from the Fund’s trend following strategies with losses in the Fund’s systematic macro and short-term strategies.

 

From a markets perspective, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and subsequent sanctions against Moscow in the last few trading days of the month sparked a late month flight-to-safety rally in fixed income markets, sent energy prices higher, and drove demand for commodity-currencies. Global equity markets sank as the appetite for risk assets waned on the growing uncertainty around the conflict and developing global response. Record inflation prints and hawkish central banks also weighed on investor expectations and added to the uncertainty.

 

The performance of the Fund was up in March 2022, with gains in commodities, foreign exchange, fixed income, and equity indices. From a strategy perspective, gains came from the Fund’s momentum, quantitative macro, and short-term strategies.

 

From a markets perspective, many global equity markets gained while fixed income markets traded lower (rates increased) and currencies were mixed. Geopolitical concerns, a US FOMC rate hike, and hawkish Federal Reserve commentary weighed on markets early in the month but risk sentiment turned positive on war de-escalation prospects during the latter half of the month. In currencies, many of the majors fell against the US dollar with the notable exception of the commodity exporters in both the G10 and emerging market countries. In commodities, most markets saw higher prices on supply concerns which were primarily related to the ongoing Russia/Ukraine situation.

 

The performance of the Fund was up in April 2022, with gains in foreign exchange, fixed income, commodities, and equity indices. From a strategy perspective, gains came from the Fund’s momentum, quantitative macro, and short-term strategies.

 

From a markets perspective, global risk-off sentiment took hold, sending nearly all major equity benchmarks into negative territory for the month and pushing demand for the US dollar higher. Global growth concerns increased as Europe continued to struggle with the fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China enacted lockdowns in a bid to curtail the spread of the latest COVID-19 variant. The US Federal Reserve prepared the double act of rate hikes with quantitative tightening in an effort to curb inflation while commodity markets continued to see higher prices, most notably energy markets and grains.

 

The performance of the Fund was down in May 2022, with losses in foreign exchange, commodities, and equity indices and flat performance in fixed income. From a strategy perspective, losses came from the Fund’s momentum, quantitative macro, and short-term strategies.

 

From a markets perspective, global equity returns were mixed during May, experiencing increased volatility across indices, as markets weighed accelerating inflation concerns in Europe, easing COVID-19 restrictions in China, and the possibility of a slowdown in US monetary tightening. In currency markets, while the US dollar remains stronger against the majors on the year, it experienced a reversal in May. The market is reconsidering whether US policy makers might slow or potentially pause the tightening cycle in the latter half of 2022, which limited the demand for the US currency. Additionally, data over the course of the month showed the potential of a weaker US consumer, contributing to US dollar weakness. In commodities, energy markets advanced on continued fallout from the war in Ukraine, easing COVID-19 restrictions in Asia and low inventories, while grains plummeted on the possibility that Russia would allow exports of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea.

 

2

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Concluded)
August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

The performance of the Fund was up in June 2022, with gains in foreign exchange, fixed income, equity indices, and commodities. From a strategy perspective, gains came from the Fund’s momentum, quantitative macro, and short-term strategies.

 

From a markets perspective, the high inflation rate continues to dominate the narrative as the Federal Reserve continues to lead the hawkish charge. Following the hotter US CPI print early in the month, the Federal Reserve indicated that slowing inflation is more important than the possibility of slower economic growth, which helped drive the wide-reaching appreciation in the US dollar. The Bank of England and Reserve Bank of Australia also increased rates in response to growing inflation concerns. Global stock indices sold-off sharply as investors became increasingly convinced that the pace of rising interest rates will trigger a recession. US and European credit spreads widened sharply alongside the selloff in risk assets.

 

The performance of the Fund was down in July 2022, with gains in commodities more than offset by losses in fixed income, foreign exchange and equity indices. From a strategy perspective, losses came from the Fund’s momentum and quantitative macro strategies, while the Fund’s short-term strategies gained.

 

From a markets perspective, monetary policy, geopolitical developments, and economic data continue to captivate investor focus. Two consecutive quarters of negative Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in the US confirmed a technical recession and pushed US Treasury prices higher. Similarly in Canada, 10-year bond prices rose despite a surprise full percentage point rate hike from the central bank after a softer inflation print. In currency markets, JPY experienced strong gains versus the US dollar following the weaker US data and the prospects of a less aggressive Federal Reserve while EUR/USD reached parity for the first time since 2002 on back of the energy crisis in Europe and a series of poor European data. Stock indices advanced in July as easing rate rise expectations and generally strong big tech earnings sparked a broad-based rally.

 

The performance of the Fund was up in August 2022, with gains in fixed income, foreign exchange and equity indices and losses in commodities. From a strategy perspective, gains came from the Fund’s momentum and quantitative macro strategies, while the Fund’s short-term strategies were down.

 

From a markets perspective, global yields surged as hawkish commentary from policymakers heightened fears of aggressive monetary policy action aimed at curtailing inflation, despite the risk of dragging economies into recession. Canadian bonds fell after core inflation rose to a record 5.3% while US Treasury prices declined when a chorus of Federal Reserve officials reiterated their resolve to keep hiking rates and to maintain a restrictive stance “for some time.” The US dollar strengthened throughout the month while global equities sold-off in the latter half of August on expectations of tighter global monetary policy conditions. Energy markets came under pressure on global recession worries and metals prices fell.

 

3

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Performance Data
August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Campbell Systematic Macro Fund - Class A vs. BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index and S&P 500® Total Return Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment, adjusted for the Class A Shares maximum sales charge of 3.50% to a net initial investment of $9,650, in the Class A Shares is made on March 8, 2013 (commencement of operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index and S&P 500® Total Return Index are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average annual total returns for the periods ended AUGUST 31, 2022

 
 

ONE
YEAR

THREE
YEARS

FIVE
YEARS

SINCE
INCEPTION(1)

 

Class A Shares (without sales charge)

30.09%

10.25%(1)

10.22%(1)

5.48%

 

Class A Shares (with sales charge)

25.51%

8.93%(1)

9.44%(1)

5.09%

 

BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index (2)(3)

17.85%

8.15%

6.75%

3.67%

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index (2)(4)

-11.23%

12.39%

11.82%

12.52%

 

 

(1)

The Fund commenced operations on March 8, 2013 as a separate portfolio (the “Predecessor Fund”) of Equinox Funds Trust. Effective May 29, 2020, the Predecessor Fund was reorganized as a new series of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Reorganization”). The performance shown for periods prior to May 29, 2020 represents the performance of the Predecessor Fund.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Class only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(3)

The BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index (“BTOP50 Index”) seeks to replicate the overall composition of the managed futures industry with regard to trading style and overall market exposure. The BTOP50 Index employs a top-down approach in selecting its constituents. The largest investable trading advisor programs, as measured by assets under management, are selected for inclusion in the BTOP50 Index. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

(4)

This is not a primary benchmark of the Fund. Results of the S&P 500® Total Return Index are presented for general comparative purposes. The S&P 500® Total Return Index is a widely accepted, unmanaged index of U.S. stock market performance which does not take into account charges, fees and other expenses. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

4

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)
August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Effective January 15, 2021, the outstanding Class P Shares of the Fund were converted into Class A Shares of the Fund. Class A Shares of the Fund have a 3.50% maximum sales charge. Prior to February 16, 2021, the Class A Shares of the Fund had a 5.75% maximum sales charge.

 

Performance data quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the returns quoted above. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Call the Fund at 1-844-261-6488 for returns current to the most recent month-end.

 

The performance data quoted reflects fee waivers in effect and would have been less in their absence. The Fund’s total annual operating expense ratio for Class A Shares, as stated in the current prospectus dated March 2, 2022, as supplemented, is 2.33% and the Fund’s net operating expense ratio after waivers for Class A Shares is 2.00%. Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for Class A Shares to 2.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. This contractual limitation is in effect until March 2, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Please see the Consolidated Financial Highlights for current figures.

 

An investment in the Fund is speculative and involves substantial risk. The Fund is not suitable for all investors. It is possible that an investor may lose some or all of its investment. The Fund invests in long and short positions in futures, forwards and spot contracts, each of which may be tied to commodities, financial indices and instruments, foreign currencies, or equity indices. The Fund also invests in investment grade fixed income securities of all durations and maturities. The Fund may be more volatile than investments in traditional securities. Losses on futures and other derivatives can be caused by unanticipated market movements and may be potentially unlimited. Commodities, currencies, foreign investments, and interest rate-linked instruments each entail special risks. The Fund is non-diversified; therefore gains or losses on a single holding may have a relatively great impact on the Fund. A more complete description of the Fund’s risks can be found in its prospectus, which should be read carefully before investing.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

5

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)
August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Campbell Systematic Macro Fund - Class C vs. BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index and S&P 500® Total Return Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Class C Shares is made on February 11, 2014 (commencement of operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index and S&P 500® Total Return Index are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average annual total returns for the periods ended AUGUST 31, 2022

 
 

ONE
YEAR

THREE
YEARS

FIVE
YEARS

SINCE
INCEPTION(1)

 

Class C Shares (without contingent deferred sales charge)

29.13%

9.48%(1)

9.40%(1)

5.82%

 

Class C Shares (with contingent deferred sales charge)

28.13%

9.48%(1)

9.40%(1)

5.82%

 

BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index (2)(3)

17.85%

8.15%

6.75%

4.51%

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index (2)(4)

-11.23%

12.39%

11.82%

11.62%

 

 

(1)

Class C Shares of the Fund commenced operations on February 11, 2014 in a separate portfolio (the “Predecessor Fund”) of Equinox Funds Trust. Effective May 29, 2020, the Predecessor Fund was reorganized as a new series of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Reorganization”). The performance shown for periods prior to May 29, 2020 represents the performance of the Predecessor Fund.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Class only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(3)

The BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index (“BTOP50 Index”) seeks to replicate the overall composition of the managed futures industry with regard to trading style and overall market exposure. The BTOP50 Index employs a top-down approach in selecting its constituents. The largest investable trading advisor programs, as measured by assets under management, are selected for inclusion in the BTOP50 Index. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

6

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)
August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

(4)

This is not a primary benchmark of the Fund. Results of the S&P 500® Total Return Index are presented for general comparative purposes. The S&P 500® Total Return Index is a widely accepted, unmanaged index of U.S. stock market performance which does not take into account charges, fees and other expenses. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Performance data quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the returns quoted above. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Call the Fund at 1-844-261-6488 for returns current to the most recent month-end.

 

The performance data quoted reflects fee waivers in effect and would have been less in their absence. The Fund’s total annual operating expense ratio for Class C Shares, as stated in the current prospectus dated March 2, 2022, as supplemented, is 3.08% and the Fund’s net operating expense ratio after waivers for Class C Shares is 2.75%. Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for Class C Shares to 2.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. This contractual limitation is in effect until March 2, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Please see the Consolidated Financial Highlights for current figures.

 

An investment in the Fund is speculative and involves substantial risk. The Fund is not suitable for all investors. It is possible that an investor may lose some or all of its investment. The Fund invests in long and short positions in futures, forwards and spot contracts, each of which may be tied to commodities, financial indices and instruments, foreign currencies, or equity indices. The Fund also invests in investment grade fixed income securities of all durations and maturities. The Fund may be more volatile than investments in traditional securities. Losses on futures and other derivatives can be caused by unanticipated market movements and may be potentially unlimited. Commodities, currencies, foreign investments, and interest rate-linked instruments each entail special risks. The Fund is non-diversified; therefore gains or losses on a single holding may have a relatively great impact on the Fund. A more complete description of the Fund’s risks can be found in its prospectus, which should be read carefully before investing.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

7

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)
August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $100,000 Investment in
Campbell Systematic Macro Fund - Class I vs. BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index and S&P 500® Total Return Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $100,000 initial investment in the Class I Shares is made on March 8, 2013 (commencement of operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index and S&P 500® Total Return Index are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average annual total returns for the periods ended AUGUST 31, 2022

 
 

ONE
YEAR

THREE
YEARS

FIVE
YEARS

SINCE
INCEPTION(1)

 

Class I Shares

30.35%

10.55%(1)

10.49%(1)

5.75%

 

BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index (2)(3)

17.85%

8.15%

6.75%

3.67%

 

S&P 500® Total Return Index (2)(4)

-11.23%

12.39%

11.82%

12.52%

 

 

(1)

The Fund commenced operations on March 8, 2013 as a separate portfolio (the “Predecessor Fund”) of Equinox Funds Trust. Effective May 29, 2020, the Predecessor Fund was reorganized as a new series of The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Reorganization”). The performance shown for periods prior to May 29, 2020 represents the performance of the Predecessor Fund.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Class only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(3)

The BarclayHedge BTOP50 Index (“BTOP50 Index”) seeks to replicate the overall composition of the managed futures industry with regard to trading style and overall market exposure. The BTOP50 Index employs a top-down approach in selecting its constituents. The largest investable trading advisor programs, as measured by assets under management, are selected for inclusion in the BTOP50 Index. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

(4)

This is not a primary benchmark of the Fund. Results of the S&P 500® Total Return Index are presented for general comparative purposes. The S&P 500® Total Return Index is a widely accepted, unmanaged index of U.S. stock market performance which does not take into account charges, fees and other expenses. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

8

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Performance Data (Continued)
August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Performance data quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the returns quoted above. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Call the Fund at 1-844-261-6488 for returns current to the most recent month-end.

 

The performance data quoted reflects fee waivers in effect and would have been less in their absence. The Fund’s total annual operating expense ratio for Class I Shares, as stated in the current prospectus dated March 2, 2022, as supplemented, is 2.08% and the Fund’s net operating expense ratio after waivers is for Class I Shares 1.75%. Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes) for Class I Shares to 1.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. This contractual limitation is in effect until March 2, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Please see the Consolidated Financial Highlights for current figures.

 

An investment in the Fund is speculative and involves substantial risk. The Fund is not suitable for all investors. It is possible that an investor may lose some or all of its investment. The Fund invests in long and short positions in futures, forwards and spot contracts, each of which may be tied to commodities, financial indices and instruments, foreign currencies, or equity indices. The Fund also invests in investment grade fixed income securities of all durations and maturities. The Fund may be more volatile than investments in traditional securities. Losses on futures and other derivatives can be caused by unanticipated market movements and may be potentially unlimited. Commodities, currencies, foreign investments, and interest rate-linked instruments each entail special risks. The Fund is non-diversified; therefore gains or losses on a single holding may have a relatively great impact on the Fund. A more complete description of the Fund’s risks can be found in its prospectus, which should be read carefully before investing.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

 

9

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Performance Data (Concluded)
August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Index (S&P 500 Index)

 

The 500 stocks in the S&P 500 are chosen by Standard & Poor’s based on industry representation, liquidity and stability. The stocks in the S&P 500 are not the 500 largest companies; rather the Index is designed to capture the returns of many different sectors of the U.S. economy. This index includes dividends reinvested.

 

NASDAQ Composite Index

 

Measures all NASDAQ domestic and non-U.S. based common stocks listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market (currently over 3,000 companies). The Index is market-value weighted. This means that each company’s security affects the Index in proportion to its market value. The market value, the last sale price multiplied by total shares outstanding, is calculated throughout the trading day, and is related to the total value of the Index.

 

10

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Fund Expense Example

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, (if any) and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

This example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022, and held for the entire period.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

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

 

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

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
March 1, 2022

Ending
Account Value
August 31, 2022

Expenses
Pa
id During
Period *

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual
Six-Month Total
Investment
Returns for the
Fund

Actual

         

Class A Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,242.70

$ 11.31

2.00%

24.27%

Class C Shares

1,000.00

1,238.30

15.51

2.75%

23.83%

Class I Shares

1,000.00

1,244.80

9.90

1.75%

24.48%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

         

Class A Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,015.12

$ 10.16

2.00%

N/A

Class C Shares

1,000.00

1,011.34

13.94

2.75%

N/A

Class I Shares

1,000.00

1,016.38

8.89

1.75%

N/A

 

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized six-month expense ratio for the period March 1, 2022 to August 31, 2022, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one half year period. The Fund’s ending account values on the first line in the table is based on the actual six-month total investment return for the Fund.

 

11

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

   

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS:

               

U.S. Treasury Bills

    70.3 %   $ 446,731,179  

MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT:

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account

    16.3       104,015,038  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (including futures and forward foreign currency contracts)

    13.4       85,527,901  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 636,274,118  

 

 

The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by allocating its assets among derivatives and fixed income securities.

 

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

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

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

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
12

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2022

 

   

Coupon*

   

Maturity
Date

   

Par
(000’s)

   

Value

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 70.3%

                               

U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS — 70.3%

                               

United States Treasury Bill

    1.019%       09/08/22     $ 60,000     $ 59,976,550  

United States Treasury Bill

    1.344%       10/13/22       60,000       59,838,300  

United States Treasury Bill

    1.498%       11/03/22       60,000       59,725,031  

United States Treasury Bill

    1.468%       11/17/22       50,000       49,713,353  

United States Treasury Bill

    2.204%       12/15/22       65,000       64,476,560  

United States Treasury Bill

    2.926%       01/19/23       75,000       74,124,271  

United States Treasury Bill

    3.068%       02/09/23       80,000       78,877,114  

TOTAL U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS

                               

(Cost $447,280,211)

    446,731,179  
                                 
                   

Number
of Shares
(000’s)

         

MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT —16.3%

                               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.00%(a)

    104,015       104,015,038  

TOTAL MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT

       

(Cost $104,015,038)

    104,015,038  
                                 

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

       

(Cost $551,295,249)

    550,746,217  
         

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 86.6%

       

(Cost $551,295,249)

    550,746,217  
                                 

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 13.4%

    85,527,901  

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

  $ 636,274,118  

 

 

*

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

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
13

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Futures contracts outstanding as of August 31, 2022 were as follows:

 

Long Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

Amsterdam Index

    Sep-22       39     $ 5,330,827     $ (188,370 )

Australian 10-Year Bond

    Sep-22       915       75,105,334       (956,494 )

Australian 3-Year Bond

    Sep-22       333       24,542,670       40,781  

CAC40 10 Euro

    Sep-22       12       738,521       (19,655 )

Coffee

    Dec-22       75       6,616,406       312,186  

Corn

    Dec-22       387       12,974,175       393,126  

Cotton No.2

    Dec-22       290       16,415,450       1,483,299  

DJIA Mini E-CBOT

    Sep-22       16       2,522,560       (32,385 )

Euro-Bobl

    Sep-22       70       8,658,285       (31,960 )

Euro-Bund

    Sep-22       284       42,231,682       (589,599 )

FTSE China A50 Index

    Sep-22       229       3,096,538       20,638  

FTSE Taiwan Index

    Sep-22       160       8,364,800       (158,002 )

FTSE/MIB Index

    Sep-22       60       6,502,457       (244,717 )

IBEX 35 Index

    Sep-22       57       4,519,868       (353,771 )

ICE Three Month SONIA Index Futures

    Sep-23       48       13,334,650       (12,332 )

JPN 10-Year Bond (Osaka Securities Exchange)

    Sep-22       80       86,106,892       (359,752 )

London Metals Exchange Aluminum

    Sep-22       579       34,229,756       (3,059,369 )

London Metals Exchange Aluminum

    Dec-22       553       32,654,650       (1,114,066 )

London Metals Exchange Copper

    Sep-22       301       59,052,438       (4,752,270 )

London Metals Exchange Copper

    Dec-22       188       36,634,150       (1,248,066 )

London Metals Exchange Zinc

    Sep-22       175       15,437,188       1,080,480  

London Metals Exchange Zinc

    Dec-22       109       9,379,450       (22,856 )

Low Sulphur Gasoil G Futures

    Oct-22       99       10,644,975       (625,995 )

Natural Gas

    Oct-22       22       2,007,940       2,727  

Nikkei 225 (Osaka Securities Exchange)

    Sep-22       64       12,954,328       (138,730 )

NY Harbor Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel

    Oct-22       89       13,708,741       384,240  

OMX Stockholm 30 Index

    Sep-22       1,041       18,739,954       (1,115,463 )

SGX Nifty 50

    Sep-22       313       10,961,260       (16,169 )

Silver

    Dec-22       6       536,460       (15,155 )

Soybean

    Nov-22       247       17,567,875       (281,221 )

Soybean Meal

    Dec-22       57       2,366,070       (48,589 )

SPI 200 Index

    Sep-22       6       709,022       (659 )

Sugar No. 11 (World)

    Oct-22       269       5,389,899       (139,222 )

Topix Index

    Sep-22       1       141,227       (509 )

U.S. Treasury 5-Year Notes

    Dec-22       92       10,195,469       (3,644 )

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

    Dec-22       95       12,905,156       (82,882 )

WTI Crude

    Oct-22       19       1,701,450       (30,556 )
                            $ (11,924,981 )

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
14

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Short Contracts

 

Expiration
Date

   

Number of
Contracts

   

Notional
Amount

   

Value and
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

3-Month Euro Euribor

    Sep-23       27     $ (6,614,195 )   $ 48,031  

90-DAY Bank Bill

    Sep-23       50       (33,881,836 )     14,993  

90-Day Euro

    Dec-23       1,834       (441,375,025 )     462,520  

Bank Acceptance

    Dec-23       85       (15,513,382 )     30,819  

Brent Crude

    Dec-22       18       (1,695,780 )     37,429  

Canadian 10-Year Bond

    Dec-22       1,099       (104,255,842 )     448,007  

Cattle Feeder Futures

    Oct-22       76       (6,972,050 )     138,113  

Cocoa

    Dec-22       742       (17,904,460 )     (96,101 )

Copper

    Dec-22       104       (9,148,100 )     352,023  

DAX Index

    Sep-22       83       (26,789,598 )     663,462  

Euro BUXL 30-Year Bond Futures

    Sep-22       46       (7,609,113 )     262,426  

Euro Stoxx 50

    Sep-22       975       (34,490,036 )     678,022  

Euro-BTP

    Sep-22       24       (2,882,450 )     157,110  

Euro-Oat

    Sep-22       50       (6,935,191 )     158,972  

Euro-Schatz

    Sep-22       499       (54,464,902 )     152,950  

FTSE 100 Index

    Sep-22       217       (18,370,924 )     167,351  

FTSE/JSE TOP 40

    Sep-22       50       (1,773,568 )     45,666  

Gasoline RBOB

    Oct-22       99       (10,107,266 )     537,633  

Gold 100 Oz

    Dec-22       244       (42,119,280 )     786,650  

Hang Seng China Enterprises Index

    Sep-22       31       (1,346,452 )     15,527  

Hang Seng Index

    Sep-22       144       (18,185,534 )     (167,922 )

iShares MSCI EAFE ETF

    Sep-22       24       (2,192,520 )     108,644  

Kansas City Hard Red Winter Wheat

    Dec-22       119       (5,429,375 )     (251,791 )

Live Cattle

    Oct-22       80       (4,562,400 )     22,054  

London Metals Exchange Aluminum

    Sep-22       579       (34,229,756 )     2,085,887  

London Metals Exchange Aluminum

    Dec-22       596       (35,193,800 )     1,116,389  

London Metals Exchange Copper

    Sep-22       301       (59,052,437 )     4,824,613  

London Metals Exchange Copper

    Dec-22       210       (40,921,125 )     755,995  

London Metals Exchange Zinc

    Sep-22       175       (15,437,188 )     (353,181 )

London Metals Exchange Zinc

    Dec-22       66       (5,679,300 )     209,603  

Long Gilt

    Dec-22       64       (8,024,442 )     200,418  

MSCI Emerging Markets Index

    Sep-22       48       (2,356,560 )     81,302  

MSCI Singapore Exchange ETS

    Sep-22       259       (5,350,696 )     89,718  

Nasdaq 100 E-Mini

    Sep-22       10       (2,457,050 )     6,388  

Palladium

    Dec-22       24       (4,989,360 )     (134,619 )

Platinum

    Oct-22       132       (5,458,200 )     296,364  

Russell 2000 E-Mini

    Sep-22       76       (7,009,480 )     (88,237 )

S&P 500 E-Mini

    Sep-22       63       (12,462,975 )     159,024  

S&P Mid 400 E-Mini

    Sep-22       41       (9,964,230 )     (239,460 )

S&P/TSX 60 Index

    Sep-22       79       (14,015,305 )     425,014  

Soybean Oil

    Dec-22       41       (1,660,008 )     (23,923 )

U.S. Treasury 10-Year Notes

    Dec-22       448       (52,374,000 )     181,361  

U.S. Treasury 2-Year Notes

    Dec-22       2,031       (423,114,424 )     1,129,076  

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

    Dec-22       40       (5,980,000 )     (10,430 )

Wheat

    Dec-22       254       (10,560,050 )     (349,792 )
                            $ 15,134,098  

Total Futures Contracts

                          $ 3,209,117  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
15

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Forward foreign currency contracts outstanding as of August 31, 2022 were as follows:

 

Currency Purchased

 

 

Currency Sold

 

   

Expiration
Date

   

Counterparty

   

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

AUD

    492,150,000          

USD

    342,701,981               Sep 21 2022       UBS     $ (5,832,787 )

BRL

    272,100,000          

USD

    52,367,764               Sep 21 2022       UBS       (337,578 )

CAD

    893,200,000          

USD

    694,455,774               Sep 21 2022       UBS       (14,470,888 )

CHF

    25,350,000          

USD

    26,326,986               Sep 21 2022       UBS       (349,281 )

CLP

    35,010,000,000          

USD

    38,486,226               Sep 21 2022       UBS       420,240  

CLP

    12,060,000,000          

USD

    13,367,970               Dec 21 2022       UBS       (213,853 )

CNH

    237,900,000          

USD

    35,350,713               Sep 21 2022       UBS       (903,741 )

COP

    237,300,000,000          

USD

    55,620,437               Sep 21 2022       UBS       (2,215,593 )

CZK

    1,359,600,000          

USD

    56,560,502               Sep 21 2022       UBS       (960,179 )

EUR

    314,900,000          

USD

    324,756,128               Sep 21 2022       UBS       (7,849,281 )

GBP

    252,050,000          

USD

    306,832,215               Sep 21 2022       UBS       (13,906,317 )

HUF

    23,277,000,000          

USD

    59,020,041               Sep 21 2022       UBS       (922,494 )

IDR

    857,150,000,000          

USD

    57,731,773               Sep 21 2022       UBS       (24,835 )

INR

    6,830,000,000          

USD

    85,851,798               Sep 21 2022       UBS       (57,031 )

JPY

    36,502,500,000          

USD

    270,275,512               Sep 21 2022       UBS       (7,084,577 )

KRW

    18,930,000,000          

USD

    14,604,983               Sep 21 2022       UBS       (447,515 )

MXN

    2,292,900,000          

USD

    113,241,948               Sep 21 2022       UBS       105,763  

NOK

    1,319,400,000          

USD

    134,469,672               Sep 21 2022       UBS       (1,651,938 )

NZD

    562,750,000          

USD

    352,994,471               Sep 21 2022       UBS       (8,691,658 )

PHP

    3,279,750,000          

USD

    59,398,525               Sep 21 2022       UBS       (1,019,615 )

PLN

    287,775,000          

USD

    63,384,548               Sep 21 2022       UBS       (2,368,309 )

SEK

    524,250,000          

USD

    51,023,420               Sep 21 2022       UBS       (1,792,812 )

SGD

    143,769,000          

USD

    103,478,408               Sep 21 2022       UBS       (590,068 )

TWD

    1,116,000,000          

USD

    37,428,909               Sep 21 2022       UBS       (726,650 )

USD

    373,496,710          

AUD

    535,600,000               Sep 21 2022       UBS       6,886,652  

USD

    34,584,927          

BRL

    184,400,000               Sep 21 2022       UBS       (675,515 )

USD

    787,382,146          

CAD

    1,016,900,000               Sep 21 2022       UBS       13,225,597  

USD

    49,018,245          

CHF

    47,050,000               Sep 21 2022       UBS       803,215  

USD

    38,480,438          

CLP

    35,010,000,000               Sep 21 2022       UBS       (426,027 )

USD

    49,920,449          

CNH

    336,500,000               Sep 21 2022       UBS       1,196,590  

USD

    44,322,187          

COP

    189,030,000,000               Sep 21 2022       UBS       1,780,604  

USD

    78,154,665          

CZK

    1,908,000,000               Sep 21 2022       UBS       127,733  

USD

    477,258,420          

EUR

    463,100,000               Sep 21 2022       UBS       11,207,099  

USD

    276,960,225          

GBP

    228,150,000               Sep 21 2022       UBS       11,810,280  

USD

    46,376,899          

HUF

    18,318,000,000               Sep 21 2022       UBS       656,623  

USD

    44,452,658          

IDR

    660,625,000,000               Sep 21 2022       UBS       (23,391 )

USD

    101,333,192          

INR

    8,059,000,000               Sep 21 2022       UBS       100,391  

USD

    339,561,230          

JPY

    45,340,500,000               Sep 21 2022       UBS       12,646,400  

USD

    48,292,985          

KRW

    61,890,000,000               Sep 21 2022       UBS       2,006,366  

USD

    73,221,485          

MXN

    1,506,900,000               Sep 21 2022       UBS       (1,270,933 )

USD

    118,651,546          

NOK

    1,144,350,000               Sep 21 2022       UBS       3,455,264  

USD

    331,938,049          

NZD

    523,800,000               Sep 21 2022       UBS       11,465,701  

USD

    64,190,132          

PHP

    3,559,500,000               Sep 21 2022       UBS       831,727  

USD

    86,942,224          

PLN

    402,375,000               Sep 21 2022       UBS       1,627,624  

USD

    131,233,336          

SEK

    1,333,350,000               Sep 21 2022       UBS       6,022,786  

USD

    167,692,388          

SGD

    232,305,000               Sep 21 2022       UBS       1,443,225  

USD

    86,358,287          

TWD

    2,527,200,000               Sep 21 2022       UBS       3,245,430  

USD

    82,870,903          

ZAR

    1,384,200,000               Sep 21 2022       UBS       2,216,642  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
16

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Portfolio of Investments (Concluded)

August 31, 2022

 

Currency Purchased

 

 

Currency Sold

 

   

Expiration
Date

   

Counterparty

   

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

ZAR

    1,295,800,000          

USD

    78,533,769               Sep 21 2022       UBS     $ (3,030,380 )

Total Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

                                  $ 15,438,706  

 

AUD

Australian Dollar

 

JPY

Japanese Yen

BRL

Brazilian Real

 

KRW

South Korean Won

CAD

Canadian Dollar

 

MXN

Mexican Peso

CHF

Swiss Franc

 

NOK

Norwegian Krone

CLP

Chilean Peso

 

NZD

New Zealand Dollar

CNH

Chinese Yuan Renminbi

 

PHP

Philippine Peso

COP

Columbian Peso

 

PLN

Polish Zloty

CZK

Czech Koruna

 

SEK

Swedish Krona

EUR

Euro

 

SGD

Singapore Dollar

GBP

British Pound

 

TWD

Taiwan New Dollar

HUF

Hungarian Forint

 

UBS

Union Bank of Switzerland

IDR

Indonesian Rupiah

 

USD

United States Dollar

INR

Indian Rupee

 

ZAR

South African Rand

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
17

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities

August 31, 2022

 

ASSETS

       

Investments, at value (cost $551,295,249)

  $ 550,746,217  

Foreign currency deposits with broker for future contracts (cost $1,718,530)

    1,739,313  

Deposits with brokers:

       

Futures contracts

    41,031,287  

Forward foreign currency contracts

    15,254,702  

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts

    93,281,952  

Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts

    20,567,031  

Receivable for capital shares sold

    10,127,632  

Interest receivable

    141,288  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    56,696  

Total assets

    732,946,118  

LIABILITIES

       

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts

    77,843,246  

Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts

    17,357,914  

Payable for:

       

Advisory fees

    792,572  

Capital shares redeemed

    600,549  

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    77,719  

Total liabilities

    96,672,000  

Net assets

  $ 636,274,118  

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

       

Par value

  $ 59,236  

Paid-in capital

    598,113,009  

Total distributable earnings/(loss)

    38,101,873  

Net assets

  $ 636,274,118  

CAPITAL SHARES:

       

Class A Shares:

       

Net assets applicable to Class A Shares

  $ 65,548,634  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    6,157,288  

Net asset value and redemption price per share

  $ 10.65  

Maximum offering price per share (100/96.5 of $10.65)

  $ 11.04  
         

Class C Shares:

       

Net assets applicable to Class C Shares

  $ 15,653,593  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    1,562,208  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 10.02  
         

Class I Shares:

       

Net assets applicable to Class I Shares

  $ 555,071,891  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    51,516,102  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 10.77  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
18

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended August 31, 2022

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Interest

  $ 2,087,594  

Total investment income

    2,087,594  

EXPENSES

       

Advisory fees (Note 2)

    4,406,185  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    309,608  

Distribution fees - Class A Shares

    146,349  

Distribution fees - Class C Shares

    27,469  

Administration and accounting fees (Note 2)

    112,185  

Registration and filing fees

    62,304  

Audit and tax service fees

    57,006  

Legal fees

    38,314  

Officer fees

    27,217  

Director fees

    20,559  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    19,370  

Custodian fees (Note 2)

    12,458  

Interest expense

    4,206  

Other expenses

    24,732  

Total expenses before waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped

    5,267,962  

Less: waivers and reimbursements (Note 2)

    (388,264 )

Net expenses after waivers and/or reimbursements

    4,879,698  

Net investment income/(loss)

    (2,792,104 )

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

Net realized gain/(loss) from:

       

Investments

     

Futures contracts

    37,847,364  

Foreign currency transactions

    8,888  

Forward foreign currency contracts

    12,581,346  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:

       

Investments

    (544,751 )

Futures contracts

    2,646,961  

Foreign currency translations

    (632,656 )

Forward foreign currency contracts

    17,753,047  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    69,660,199  

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 66,868,095  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
19

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2021

 

Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets From Operations:

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ (2,792,104 )   $ (2,350,654 )

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments, futures contracts, foreign currency transactions and forward foreign currency contracts

    50,437,598       19,865,730  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments, future contracts, foreign currency translation and forward foreign currency contracts

    19,222,601       1,872,596  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    66,868,095       19,387,672  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

Total distributable earnings

    (10,151,201 )      

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (10,151,201 )      
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class A Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    53,370,788       2,308,824  

Proceeds from Class A exchange(1)

          1,359,037  

Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions

    840,478        

Shares redeemed

    (6,522,289 )     (2,953,649 )

Total from Class A Shares

    47,688,977       714,212  

Class C Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    5,670,775       754,588  

Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions

    635,536        

Shares redeemed

    (1,834,074 )     (2,022,531 )

Total from Class C Shares

    4,472,237       (1,267,943 )

Class I Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    494,892,554       27,131,524  

Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions

    8,403,372        

Shares redeemed

    (116,914,962 )     (39,760,338 )

Total from Class I Shares

    386,380,964       (12,628,814 )

Class P Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

          298  

Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions

           

Shares redeemed

          (206,759 )

Shares redeemed from exchange to Class A(1)

          (1,359,037 )

Total from Class P Shares

          (1,565,498 )

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

    438,542,178       (14,748,043 )

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    495,259,072       4,639,629  

 

 

 

(1)

Effective January 15, 2021, the outstanding Class P Shares of the Fund were converted into Class A Shares of the Fund.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
20

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Concluded)

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31,
2021

 

Net Assets:

               

Beginning of period

  $ 141,015,046     $ 136,375,417  

End of period

  $ 636,274,118     $ 141,015,046  
                 

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class A Shares

               

Shares sold

    5,296,683       266,755  

Shares exchanged from Class P(1)

          170,620  

Shares reinvested

    103,635        

Shares redeemed

    (683,187 )     (370,683 )

Total from Class A Shares

    4,717,131       66,692  

Class C Shares

               

Shares sold

    604,995       94,281  

Shares reinvested

    82,860        

Shares redeemed

    (208,784 )     (259,840 )

Total from Class C Shares

    479,071       (165,559 )

Class I Shares

               

Shares sold

    48,866,179       3,267,371  

Shares reinvested

    1,026,053        

Shares redeemed

    (11,782,155 )     (4,947,584 )

Total from Class I Shares

    38,110,077       (1,680,213 )

Class P Shares

               

Shares sold

          38  

Shares reinvested

           

Shares redeemed

          (26,237 )

Shares exchanged into Class A(1)

          (164,862 )

Total from Class P Shares

          (191,061 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    43,306,279       (1,970,141 )

 

 

(1)

Effective January 15, 2021, the outstanding Class P Shares of the Fund were converted into Class A Shares of the Fund at a conversion factor of 1:1.035.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
21

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

   

Class A

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
A
ugust 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
A
ugust 31,
2021

   

For the
Period
Ended
A
ugust 31,
2020
(1)(2)

   

For the
Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2018

   

For the
Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2017

 

Per Share Operating Performance

               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 8.76     $ 7.55     $ 9.81     $ 9.49     $ 9.36     $ 10.13  

Net investment income/(loss)(3)

    (0.11 )     (0.16 )     (0.07 )     (4)      (0.03 )     (0.04 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments, futures, forward currency and swap contracts (5)

    2.57       1.37       (0.76 )     1.45       0.16       (0.73 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    2.46       1.21       (0.83 )     1.45       0.13       (0.77 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                               

Net investment income

    (0.48 )           (0.79 )     (1.13 )            

Net realized capital gain

    (0.09 )           (0.64 )                  

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.57 )           (1.43 )     (1.13 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.65     $ 8.76     $ 7.55     $ 9.81     $ 9.49     $ 9.36  

Total investment return (6)

    30.09 %     16.03 %     (8.86 )%(7)     17.73 %     1.39 %     (7.60 )%

Ratios/Supplemental Data

               

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 65,549     $ 12,613     $ 10,365     $ 12,895     $ 14,744     $ 24,092  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements and/or recoupments (10)

    2.00 %     2.03 %     2.15 %(8)     2.12 %     1.58 %     1.15 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements and/or recoupments (9)(11)

    2.16 %     2.36 %     2.51 %(8)     2.54 %     1.96 %     1.33 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (1.32 )%     (1.93 )%     (0.93 )%(8)     (0.03 )%     (0.32 )%     (0.45 )%

Portfolio turnover rate (12)

    0 %     0 %     0 %(7)     15 %     122 %     0 %

 

 

(1)

The fiscal year end of the Predecessor Fund was September 30. The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31 to reflect the fiscal year end of the other series of the Company. The period ended is from October 1, 2019 to August 31, 2020.

(2)

Prior to May 29, 2020, the Fund was a diversified series (the “Predecessor Fund”) of Equinox Funds Trust, an open-end management investment company (or mutual fund) organized on June 2, 2010, as a statutory trust under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Predecessor Fund was reorganized into the Fund following the close of business on May 29, 2020 (the “Reorganization”). As a result of the Reorganization, the performance and accounting history of the Predecessor Fund was assumed by the Fund. Performance and accounting information prior to May 29, 2020 included herein is that of the Predecessor Fund.

(3)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(4)

Less than $0.005 per share.

(5)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(6)

Total returns are historical and assume changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. Had the Adviser not waived its fees or reimbursed a portion of the Fund’s expenses, the returns would have been lower.

(7)

Not annualized

(8)

Annualized

(9)

Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets absent fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements by the Adviser.

(10) Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense

2.00%

2.00%

2.12%

2.07%

1.58%

1.15%

(11) Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense(9)

2.16%

2.33%

2.48%

2.49%

1.96%

1.33%

 

(12)

Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
22

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Financial Highlights (Continued)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

   

Class C

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
A
ugust 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
A
ugust 31,
2021

   

For the
Period
Ended
A
ugust 31,
2020
(1)(2)

   

For the
Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2018

   

For the
Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2017

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 8.38     $ 7.28     $ 9.51     $ 9.20     $ 9.15     $ 9.98  

Net investment income/(loss)(3)

    (0.20 )     (0.21 )     (0.12 )     (0.07 )     (0.10 )     (0.11 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments, futures, forward currency and swap contracts (4)

    2.45       1.31       (0.74 )     1.42       0.15       (0.72 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    2.25       1.10       (0.86 )     1.35       0.05       (0.83 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                               

Net investment income

    (0.52 )           (0.73 )     (1.04 )            

Net realized capital gain

    (0.09 )           (0.64 )                  

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.61 )           (1.37 )     (1.04 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.02     $ 8.38     $ 7.28     $ 9.51     $ 9.20     $ 9.15  

Total investment return (5)

    29.13 %     15.11 %     (9.49 )%(6)     16.88 %     0.55 %     (8.32 )%

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                               

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 15,654     $ 9,079     $ 9,087     $ 13,237     $ 15,676     $ 22,792  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements and/or recoupments (9)

    2.75 %     2.78 %     2.88 %(7)     2.87 %     2.35 %     1.90 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements and/or recoupments (8)(10)

    2.91 %     3.11 %     3.27 %(7)     3.29 %     2.74 %     2.08 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (2.07 )%     (2.67 )%     (1.65 )%(7)     (0.78 )%     (1.05 )%     (1.19 )%

Portfolio turnover rate (11)

    0 %     0 %     0 %(6)     15 %     122 %     0 %

 

 

(1)

The fiscal year end of the Predecessor Fund was September 30. The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31 to reflect the fiscal year end of the other series of the Company. The period ended is from October 1, 2019 to August 31, 2020.

(2)

Prior to May 29, 2020, the Fund was a diversified series (the “Predecessor Fund”) of Equinox Funds Trust, an open-end management investment company (or mutual fund) organized on June 2, 2010, as a statutory trust under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Predecessor Fund was reorganized into the Fund following the close of business on May 29, 2020 (the “Reorganization”). As a result of the Reorganization, the performance and accounting history of the Predecessor Fund was assumed by the Fund. Performance and accounting information prior to May 29, 2020 included herein is that of the Predecessor Fund.

(3)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(4)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(5)

Total returns are historical and assume changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. Had the Adviser not waived its fees or reimbursed a portion of the Fund’s expenses, the returns would have been lower.

(6)

Not annualized

(7)

Annualized

(8)

Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets absent fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements by the Adviser.

(9) Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense

2.75%

2.75%

2.85%

2.82%

2.35%

1.90%

(10) Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense(8)

2.91%

3.08%

3.24%

3.24%

2.74%

2.08%

 

(11)

Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
23

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Consolidated Financial Highlights (Concluded)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

   

Class I

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
A
ugust 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
A
ugust 31,
2021

   

For the
Period
Ended
A
ugust 31,
2020
(1)(2)

   

For the
Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2018

   

For the
Year
Ended
Sept. 30,
2017

 

Per Share Operating Performance

               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 8.90     $ 7.65     $ 9.93     $ 9.59     $ 9.44     $ 10.20  

Net investment income/(loss)(3)

    (0.09 )     (0.14 )     (0.07 )     0.02       (0.01 )     (0.02 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments, futures, forward currency and swap contracts (4)

    2.59       1.39       (0.77 )     1.48       0.16       (0.74 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    2.50       1.25       (0.84 )     1.50       0.15       (0.76 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                               

Net investment income

    (0.54 )           (0.80 )     (1.16 )            

Net realized capital gain

    (0.09 )           (0.64 )                  

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.63 )           (1.44 )     (1.16 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.77     $ 8.90     $ 7.65     $ 9.93     $ 9.59     $ 9.44  

Total investment return (5)

    30.35 %     16.34 %     (8.75 )%(6)     18.17 %     1.59 %     (7.45 )%

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                               

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 555,072     $ 119,324     $ 115,431     $ 51,067     $ 89,456     $ 279,212  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements and/or recoupments (9)

    1.75 %     1.78 %     1.88 %(7)     1.84 %     1.30 %     0.90 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements and/or recoupments (8)(10)

    1.91 %     2.11 %     2.24 %(7)     2.28 %     1.64 %     1.07 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (1.07 )%     (1.68 )%     (0.91 )%(7)     0.23 %     (0.10 )%     (0.20 )%

Portfolio turnover rate (11)

    0 %     0 %     0 %(6)     15 %     122 %     0 %

 

 

(1)

The fiscal year end of the Predecessor Fund was September 30. The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31 to reflect the fiscal year end of the other series of the Company. The period ended is from October 1, 2019 to August 31, 2020.

(2)

Prior to May 29, 2020, the Fund was a diversified series (the “Predecessor Fund”) of Equinox Funds Trust, an open-end management investment company (or mutual fund) organized on June 2, 2010, as a statutory trust under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Predecessor Fund was reorganized into the Fund following the close of business on May 29, 2020 (the “Reorganization”). As a result of the Reorganization, the performance and accounting history of the Predecessor Fund was assumed by the Fund. Performance and accounting information prior to May 29, 2020 included herein is that of the Predecessor Fund.

(3)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(4)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(5)

Total returns are historical and assume changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. Had the Adviser not waived its fees or reimbursed a portion of the Fund’s expenses, the returns would have been lower.

(6)

Not annualized

(7)

Annualized

(8)

Represents the ratio of expenses to average net assets absent fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements by the Adviser.

(9) Ratio of net expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense

1.75%

1.75%

1.85%

1.80%

1.30%

0.90%

(10) Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense(8)

1.91%

2.08%

2.21%

2.24%

1.64%

1.07%

 

(11)

Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
24

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements

August 31, 2022

 

1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has forty-eight separate investment portfolios, including the Campbell Systematic Macro Fund (the “Fund”), which commenced investment operations on March 4, 2013. The Fund currently offers Class A, Class C and Class I shares. Class A and Class I shares commenced operations on March 4, 2013. Class C commenced operations on February 11, 2014.

 

Class C and Class I shares are offered at net asset value. Class A shares are offered at net asset value plus a maximum sales charge of 3.50%. Prior to February 16, 2021, Class A shares were offered at net asset value plus a maximum sales charge of 5.75%. A contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) of 1.00% is assessed on certain redemptions of Class A shares made within twelve months after a purchase of Class A shares where no initial sales charge was paid at the time of purchase as part of an investment of $1,000,000 or more. A CDSC of 1.00% is assessed on redemptions of Class C shares made within twelve months after a purchase of such shares. Each class represents an interest in the same assets of the Fund and classes are identical except for differences in their sales charge structures and ongoing service and distribution charges. All classes of shares have equal voting privileges except that each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to its service and/or distribution plans. The Fund’s income, expenses (other than class specific distribution fees) and realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated proportionately each day based upon the relative net assets of each class.

 

Prior to May 29, 2020, the Fund was a diversified series (the “Predecessor Fund”) of Equinox Funds Trust (the “Trust”), an open-end management investment company (or mutual fund) organized on June 2, 2010, as a statutory trust under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Predecessor Fund was reorganized into the Fund following the close of business on May 29, 2020 (the “Reorganization”). As a result of the Reorganization, the performance and accounting history of the Predecessor Fund was assumed by the Fund. Performance and accounting information prior to May 29, 2020 included herein is that of the Predecessor Fund. On the conversion date, the Fund’s net assets were $119,211,366 and net asset value (NAV) was $8.07.

 

The fiscal year end of the Predecessor Fund was September 30. The Fund changed its fiscal year end to August 31 to reflect the fiscal year end of the other series of the Company.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 90.023 billion shares are currently classified into two hundred and eleven classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

Effective January 15, 2021 (the “Conversion Date”), the outstanding Class P shares of the Fund were converted into Class A shares of the Fund (the “Class Conversion”). The Class Conversion was completed based on the share classes’ relative net asset values on the Conversion Date, without the imposition of any fees or expenses. All Class P shares of the Fund were converted into Class A shares as of the Conversion Date.

 

The Fund’s investment objective is to seek capital appreciation.

 

The Fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services - Investment Companies.”

 

The end of the reporting period for the Fund is August 31, 2022, and the period covered by these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements is the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

CONSOLIDATION OF SUBSIDIARY —The Adviser’s Campbell Systematic Macro Program is achieved by the Fund investing up to 25% of its total assets in the Campbell Systematic Macro Offshore Limited (the “Subsidiary”), a wholly-owned and controlled subsidiary of the Fund organized under the acts of the Cayman Islands. The consolidated

 

25

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

financial statements of the Fund include the financial statements of the Subsidiary. The Fund consolidates the results of subsidiaries in which the Fund holds a controlling financial interest. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated. As of the end of the reporting period, the net assets of the Subsidiary were $27,061,176, which represented 4.25% of the Fund’s net assets.

 

PORTFOLIO VALUATION — The Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Fund are valued using the closing price or the last sales price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Investments in other open-end investment companies are valued based on the NAV of those investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as discussed in their prospectuses). Forward currency exchange contracts are valued by interpolating between spot and forward currency rates as quoted by an independent pricing service. Futures contracts are generally valued using the settlement price determined by the relevant exchange. If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

Level 1 – Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

Level 2 – Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

Level 3 – Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the reporting period, in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value:

 

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

 

Short-Term Investments

  $ 550,746,217     $ 550,746,217     $     $  

Commodity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    14,818,811       14,818,811              

Equity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    2,460,756       2,460,756              

Interest Rate Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    3,287,464       3,287,464              

Foreign Currency Contracts

                               

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    93,281,952             93,281,952        

Total Assets

  $ 664,595,200     $ 571,313,248     $ 93,281,952     $  

 

26

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

 

Commodity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

  $ (12,546,773 )   $ (12,546,773 )   $     $  

Equity Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    (2,764,049 )     (2,764,049 )            

Interest Rate Contracts

                               

Futures Contracts

    (2,047,092 )     (2,047,092 )            

Foreign Currency Contracts

                               

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    (77,843,246 )           (77,843,246 )      

Total Liabilities

  $ (95,201,160 )   $ (17,357,914 )   $ (77,843,246 )   $  

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Fund’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Fund may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires the Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when the Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for Level 3 transfers are disclosed if the Fund had an amount of total transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund had no Level 3 transfers.

 

DISCLOSURES ABOUT DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

 

Derivative instruments are defined as financial instruments whose value and performance are based on the value and performance of another security or financial instrument. Derivative instruments that the Fund used during the period include forward foreign currency contracts and futures contracts.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund used long and short contracts on U.S. and foreign equity market indices, U.S. and foreign government bonds, foreign currencies and commodities (through investment in the Subsidiary), to gain investment exposure in accordance with its investment objective.

 

The following tables provide quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of, and gains and losses on, the Fund’s derivative instruments as of and for the current fiscal period.

 

27

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

The following tables list the fair values and location on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities of the Fund’s derivative holdings as of the end of the reporting period, grouped by derivative type and primary risk exposure category by contract type.

 

Derivative Type

 

Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities
Location

   

Commodity
Contracts

   

Equity
Contracts

   

Interest
Rate
Contracts

   

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

   

Total

 

Asset Derivatives

Futures Contracts (a)

    Unrealized appreciation on futures contracts     $ 14,818,811     $ 2,460,756     $ 3,287,464     $     $ 20,567,031  

Forward Contracts (a)

    Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts                         93,281,952       93,281,952  

Total Value - Assets

          $ 14,818,811     $ 2,460,756     $ 3,287,464     $ 93,281,952     $ 113,848,983  
                                                 

Liability Derivatives

Futures Contracts (a)

    Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts     $ (12,546,773 )   $ (2,764,049 )   $ (2,047,092 )   $     $ (17,357,914 )

Forward Contracts (a)

    Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts                         (77,843,246 )     (77,843,246 )

Total Value - Liabilities

          $ (12,546,773 )   $ (2,764,049 )   $ (2,047,092 )   $ (77,843,246 )   $ (95,201,160 )

 

 

(a)

This amount represents the cumulative appreciation/(depreciation) of forward and futures contracts as reported in the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments.

 

The following table lists the amounts of realized gains/(losses) included in net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations during the current fiscal period, grouped by derivative type and primary risk exposure category by contract type.

 

Derivative Type

 

Consolidated
Statement of
Operations
Location

   

Commodity
Contracts

   

Equity
Contracts

   

Interest
Rate
Contracts

   

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

   

Total

 

Realized Gain/(Loss)

Futures Contracts

    Net realized gain/(loss) from futures contracts     $ 14,027,965     $ 5,563,329     $ 18,256,070     $     $ 37,847,364  

Forward Contracts

    Net realized gain/(loss) from forward foreign currency contracts                         12,581,346       12,581,346  

Total Realized Gain/(Loss)

 

  $ 14,027,965     $ 5,563,329     $ 18,256,070     $ 12,581,346     $ 50,428,710  

 

28

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

The following table lists the amounts of change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) included in net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations during the current fiscal period, grouped by derivative type and primary risk exposure category by contract type.

 

Derivative Type

 

Consolidated
Statement of
Operations
Location

   

Commodity
Contracts

   

Equity
Contracts

   

Interest
Rate
Contracts

   

Foreign
Currency
Contracts

   

Total

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation)

Futures Contracts

    Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on futures contracts     $ 2,289,555     $ (1,378,173 )   $ 1,735,579     $     $ 2,646,961  

Forward Contracts

    Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on forward foreign currency contracts                         17,753,047       17,753,047  

Total Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation)

          $ 2,289,555     $ (1,378,173 )   $ 1,735,579     $ 17,753,047     $ 20,400,008  

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund’s quarterly average volume of derivatives was as follows:

 

Long Futures
Notional
Amount

Short Futures
Notional
Amount

Forward Foreign
Currency Contracts-
Payable
(Value At Trade Date)

Forward Foreign
Currency Contracts-
Receivable (Value At
Trade Date)

$645,230,367

$(884,403,007)

$(3,946,544,140)

$3,951,706,271

 

For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments and fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral (receivables) or the obligation to return cash collateral (payables) arising from derivative instruments recognized at fair value executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement.

 

29

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

The following is a summary of financial and derivative instruments that are subject to enforceable master netting agreements (or similar arrangements) and collateral received and pledged in connection with the master netting agreements (or similar arrangements).

 

           

Gross Amount Not
Offset in Consolidated
Statement of Assets and
Liabilities

                           

Gross Amount Not
Offset in Consolidated
Statement of Assets and
Liabilities

         

Description

 

Gross Amount
Presented in
the
Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Collateral
Received

   

Net
Amount
(1)

           

Gross Amount
Presented in
the
Consolidated
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

   

Financial
Instruments

   

Collateral
Pledged
(2)

   

Net
Amount
(3)

 
   

Assets

           

Liabilities

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

  $ 93,281,952     $ (77,843,246 )   $     $ 15,438,706             $ 77,843,246     $ 77,843,246     $     $  

 

 

(1)

Net amount represents the net amount receivable from the counterparty in the event of default.

 

(2)

Actual collateral pledged may be more than the amount shown.

 

(3)

Net amount represents the net amount payable to the counterparty in the event of default.

 

Use of Estimates — The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

Investment Transactions, Investment Income and Expenses — The Fund records security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The Fund’s investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with The RBB Fund Trust (formerly, PENN Capital Funds Trust) (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Fund.

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders — Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually to shareholders and recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

U.S. Tax Status — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is the Fund’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

30

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

For tax purposes, the Subsidiary is an exempted Cayman Islands investment company. The Subsidiary has received an undertaking from the Government of the Cayman Islands exempting it from all local income, profits and capital gains taxes. No such taxes are levied in the Cayman Islands at the present time. For U.S. income tax purposes, the Subsidiary is a Controlled Foreign Corporation and as such is not subject to U.S. income tax.

 

Foreign Currency Translation — Assets and liabilities initially expressed in non-U.S. currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based on the applicable exchange rates at the date of the last business day of the consolidated financial statement period. Purchases and sales of securities, interest income, dividends, variation margin received and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect on the transaction date.

 

The Fund does not separately report the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from changes in market prices of securities held. Such changes are included with the net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Other foreign currency transactions resulting in realized and unrealized gain or loss are reported separately as net realized gain or loss and change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on foreign currencies in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

Currency Risk — Investment in foreign securities involves currency risk associated with securities that trade or are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and which may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. An increase in the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to a foreign currency may cause the U.S. dollar value of an investment in that country to decline. Foreign currencies also are subject to risks caused by inflation, interest rates, budget deficits and low savings rates, political factors and government controls. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts may limit potential gains from a favorable change in value between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. Unanticipated changes in currency pricing may result in poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not engaged in these contracts.

 

Commodity Sector Risk — Exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-linked derivative instruments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. The prices of energy, industrial metals, precious metals, agriculture and livestock sector commodities may fluctuate widely due to factors such as changes in value, supply and demand and governmental regulatory policies. The commodity-linked securities in which the Fund invests may be issued by companies in the financial services sector, and events affecting the financial services sector may cause the Fund’s share value to fluctuate.

 

Foreign Securities Market Risk — A substantial portion of the trades of the Fund are expected to take place on markets or exchanges outside the United States. There is no limit to the amount of assets of the Fund that may be committed to trading on foreign markets. The risk of loss in trading foreign futures and options on futures contracts can be substantial. Participation in foreign futures and options on futures contracts involves the execution and clearing of trades on, or subject to the rules of, a foreign board of trade or exchange. Some of these foreign markets, in contrast to U.S. exchanges, are so-called principals’ markets in which performance is the responsibility only of the individual counterparty with whom the trader has entered into a commodity interest transaction and not of the exchange or clearing corporation. In these kinds of markets, there is risk of bankruptcy or other failure or refusal to perform by the counterparty.

 

Counterparty Risk — The derivative contracts entered into by the Fund or its Subsidiary may be privately negotiated in the over-the-counter market. These contracts also involve exposure to credit risk, since contract performance depends in part on the financial condition of the counterparty. Relying on a counterparty exposes the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over

 

31

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. If a counterparty defaults on its payment obligations to the Fund, this default will cause the value of an investment in the Fund to decrease.

 

Futures Contracts — The Fund uses futures contracts in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund must deposit initial margin in addition to segregating cash or liquid assets sufficient to meet its obligation to purchase or provide securities, or to pay the amount owed at the expiration of an index-based futures contract. Such liquid assets may consist of cash, cash equivalents, liquid debt or equity securities or other acceptable assets. Pursuant to the futures contract, the Fund agrees to receive from, or pay to the broker, an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such a receipt of payment is known as “variation margin” and is recorded by the Fund as an unrealized gain or loss. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds from (or cost of) the closing transactions and the Fund’s basis in the contract. Futures contracts have market risks, including the risk that the change in the value of the contract may not correlate with changes in the value of the underlying securities. Use of long futures contracts subjects the Fund to risk of loss in excess of the amount shown on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities, up to the notional value of the futures contract. Use of short futures contracts subjects the Fund to unlimited risk of loss.

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts —The Fund uses forward foreign currency contracts (“forward contracts”) in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. These contracts are marked-to-market daily at the applicable translation rates. The Fund records realized gains or losses at the time the forward contract is closed. A forward contract is extinguished through a closing transaction or upon delivery of the currency or entering an off setting contract. Risks may arise upon entering these contracts from the potential inability of a counterparty to meet the terms of their contracts and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar or other currencies. The Fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk related to forward foreign currency contracts is the fair value of the contract. The risk may be mitigated to some extent if a master netting arrangement between the Fund and the counterparty is in place and to the extent the Fund obtains collateral to cover the Fund’s exposure to the counterparty.

 

Credit Risk — Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of the security or a counterparty in respect of a derivative instrument will not be able to satisfy its payment obligations to the Fund when due. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in that issuer. Securities rated in the four highest categories by the rating agencies are considered investment grade but they may also have some speculative characteristics. Investment grade ratings do not guarantee that bonds will not lose value or default. In addition, the credit quality of securities may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition changes.

 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic — The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. Although vaccines for COVID-19 are available, the ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual companies are not known. The operational and financial performance of individual companies and the market in general depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and the pace of recovery which may vary from market to market, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

Ukraine-Russia Conflict Risk — In February 2022, Russia commenced a military attack on Ukraine. The outbreak of hostilities between the two countries and the threat of wider-spread hostilities could have a severe adverse effect on the region and global economies, including significant negative impacts on the markets for certain securities and commodities, such as oil and natural gas. In addition, sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States and other countries, and any sanctions imposed in the future, could have a significant adverse impact on the Russian economy and related markets. The price and liquidity of investments may fluctuate widely as a result of the conflict and related

 

32

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

events. How long the armed conflict and related events will last cannot be predicted. These tensions and any related events could have a significant impact on Fund performance and the value of Fund investments, even beyond any direct exposure the Fund may have to issuers located in these countries.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

Other — In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Fund in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Fund expects the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

2. Investment Adviser and Other Services

 

Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC (“Campbell” or the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. The Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Campbell & Company, L.P. The Fund compensates the Adviser for its services at an annual rate based on the Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears, as shown in the following table.

 

Prior to May 29, 2020, Equinox Institutional Asset Management, LP (“Equinox”) served as adviser to the Predecessor Fund and Campbell served as a sub-adviser to the Predecessor Fund. Equinox was entitled to an advisory fee from the Predecessor Fund at the same rate payable to Campbell as Adviser to the Fund. Equinox, not the Predecessor Fund, paid a sub-advisory fee to Campbell.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed the rate (“Expense Cap”) shown in the following table of the Fund’s average daily net assets. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed the Expense Cap as applicable: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses, interest and taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until March 2, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board. The Adviser may discontinue this arrangement at any time after March 2, 2023.

 

 

Expense Cap

Advisory Fee

Class A*

Class C

Class I

1.64%

2.00%

2.75%

1.75%

 

*

Effective January 15, 2021, the outstanding Class P Shares of the Fund were converted into Class A Shares of the Fund. Prior to that date, the Adviser had contractually agreed maintain an Expense Cap for Class P Shares of the Fund of 2.00%.

 

Prior to May 29, 2020, Equinox and Campbell had contractually agreed to reduce their advisory fees and/or reimburse certain expenses of the Predecessor Fund, to ensure that the Predecessor Fund’s total annual operating expenses, excluding (i) taxes, (ii) interest, (iii) extraordinary items, (iv) acquired fund fees and expenses, and (v) brokerage commissions, did not exceed, on an annual basis, 2.14% with respect to Class A shares, 2.89% with respect to Class C shares, and 1.89% with respect to Class I shares of the Predecessor Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

33

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued, waived and/or reimbursed by the Adviser and/or Equinox were as follows:

 

Gross
Advisory Fees

Waivers and/or
Reimbursements

Recoupments

Net
Advisory Fees

$4,406,185

$(392,091)

$3,827

$4,017,921

 

If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than the Expense Cap, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed the Expense Cap that was in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

As of the end of the reporting period, the Fund had amounts available for recoupment as follows:

 

Expiration

August 31,
2023

August 31,
2024

August 31,
2025

Total

$74,409

$438,636

$392,091

$905,136

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as administrator for the Fund. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Fund’s transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Fund. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

The Board has adopted a Plan of Distribution (the “Plan”) for the Class A Shares and Class C Shares of the Funds pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Distributor is entitled to receive from each Fund a distribution fee with respect to the Shares, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, of up to 0.25% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Class A Shares and up to 1.00% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Class C Shares. The actual amount of such compensation under the Plan is agreed upon by the Board and by the Distributor. Because these fees are paid out of each Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. Amounts paid to the Distributor under the Plan may be used by the Distributor to cover expenses that are related to (i) the sale of the Shares, (ii) ongoing servicing and/or maintenance of the accounts of shareholders, and (iii) sub-transfer agency services, subaccounting services or administrative services related to the sale of the Shares, all as set forth in each Fund’s 12b-1 Plan.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

3. Director and Officer Compensation

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as Chief Compliance Officer of the Company and served as President of the Company until August 2022. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as President,

 

34

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Fund or the Company. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

4. Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities

 

During the current fiscal period, there were no purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments and derivative transactions) or long-term U.S. Government securities by the Fund.

 

5. Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Fund has followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Fund to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Fund has determined that there was no effect on the consolidated financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Fund is subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

As of August 31, 2022, the federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by the Fund were as follows(a):

 

Federal Tax
Cost

Unrealized
Appreciation

Unrealized
(Depreciation)

Net
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

$575,071,353

$30,680,816

$(40,460,779)

$(9,779,963)

 

 

(a)

The difference between the book basis and tax basis cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments is attributable primarily to futures not regulated by Section 1256 of the Internal Revenue Code and timing difference related to taxable income from a wholly owned controlled foreign corporation.

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

The following permanent differences as of August 31, 2022, primarily attributable to investments in wholly-owned controlled foreign corporation were reclassified among the following accounts:

 

Distributable
Earnings/(Loss)

PAID-IN
CAPITAL

$(14,110,248)

$14,110,248

 

As of August 31, 2022, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains

Capital
Loss
Carryforwards

Qualified
Late-Year Loss
Deferral

Other
Temporary
Differences

Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

$42,343,982

$30,737,246

$—

$—

$(2,861,646)

$(32,117,709)

 

35

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate principally to the timing of recognition of income and gains of the Subsidiary for federal income tax purposes. Short-term and foreign currency gains are reported as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2022 and August 31, 2021 was as follows:

 

 

Ordinary
Income

Long-Term
Gains

Total

2022

$8,660,018

$1,491,183

$10,151,201

2021

$—

$—

$—

 

Pursuant to federal income tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies, the Fund may elect to treat certain capital losses between November 1 and August 31 and late year ordinary losses ((i) ordinary losses between January 1 and August 31, and (ii) specified ordinary and currency losses between November 1 and August 31) as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. For the current fiscal period ended August 31, 2021, any amount of losses elected within the tax return will not be recognized for federal income tax purposes until September 1, 2022. As of August 31, 2022, the Fund had no tax basis qualified late-year loss deferral.

 

6. New Accounting Pronouncements and Regulatory Updates

 

In October 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted new regulations governing the use of derivatives by registered investment companies (“Rule 18f-4”). Rule 18f-4 imposes limits on the amount of derivatives a fund can enter into, eliminates the asset segregation framework previously used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, and requires funds whose use of derivatives is greater than a limited specified amount to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager. The Fund is required to comply with Rule18f-4 and has adopted procedures for investing in derivatives and other transactions in compliance with Rule 18f-4. Rule 18f-4 may require the Fund to observe more stringent requirements than were previously imposed by the 1940 Act, which could adversely affect the ability of the Fund to engage in certain derivatives transactions and/or increase the costs of such derivatives transactions, which could adversely affect the Fund’s performance and increase costs related to the Fund’s use of derivatives.

 

In December 2020, the SEC adopted a new rule providing a framework for fund valuation practices (“Rule 2a-5”). Rule 2a-5 establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the 1940 Act. Rule 2a-5 will permit fund boards to designate certain parties to perform fair value determinations, subject to board oversight and certain other conditions. Rule 2a-5 also defines when market quotations are “readily available” for purposes of the 1940 Act and the threshold for determining whether a fund must fair value a security. In connection with Rule 2a-5, the SEC also adopted related recordkeeping requirements and is rescinding previously issued guidance, including with respect to the role of a board in determining fair value and the accounting and auditing of fund investments. The Fund will be required to comply with the rules by September 8, 2022. Effective September 8, 2022 and pursuant to the requirements of Rule 2a-5, the Board designated the Adviser as its valuation designee to perform fair value determinations and approved new valuation procedures for the Fund.

 

In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments on the financial statements.

 

36

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements (Concluded)

August 31, 2022

 

7. Subsequent Events

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no significant events requiring recognition or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements.

 

37

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of Campbell Systematic Macro Fund
and Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of assets and liabilities of Campbell Systematic Macro Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”)), including the consolidated portfolio of investments, as of August 31, 2022, and the related consolidated statement of operations for the year then ended, the consolidated statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the consolidated financial highlights for each of the two years in the period then ended and the period from October 1, 2019 through August 31, 2020 and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Fund (one of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc.) at August 31, 2022, the consolidated results of its operations for the year then ended, the consolidated changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its consolidated financial highlights for each of the two years in the period then ended and the period from October 1, 2019 through August 31, 2020, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

The consolidated financial highlights of the Fund for each of the periods presented through September 30, 2019, were audited by other auditors whose report dated November 27, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

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

 

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

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2022, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Campbell & Company investment companies since 2015.

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 28, 2022

 

38

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Shareholder Tax Information

(Unaudited)

 

Certain tax information regarding the Fund is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Fund’s income and distributions for the taxable year ended August 31, 2022. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ended December 31, 2022. During the year ended August 31, 2022, the Fund paid $8,660,018 of ordinary income distributions and $1,491,183 of long-term capital gain distributions to its shareholders. Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal tax purposes.

 

The percentage of ordinary income dividends qualifying for the 15% dividend tax rate is 0.00%.

 

The percentage of ordinary income dividends qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction is 0.00%.

 

The Fund designates 0.00% of the ordinary income distributions as qualified short-term gain pursuant to the American Job Creation Act of 2004.

 

Because the Fund’s fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2022. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2023.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Fund, if any.

 

In general, dividends received by tax exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Fund.

 

39

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Other Information

(Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-844-261-6488 and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

 

The Company files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Approval of Investment Agreements

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the renewal of the investment advisory agreement between Campbell and the Company on behalf of the Fund, and the investment advisory agreement between Campbell and the Subsidiary (together, the “Investment Advisory Agreements”) at a meeting of the Board held on May 11-12, 2022 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreements for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreements reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreements, the Board considered information provided by Campbell with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Company and Campbell with respect to the Fund, and the Cayman Subsidiary Investment Advisory Agreement between Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC and Campbell Systematic Macro Offshore Limited with respect to the Campbell Systematic Macro Fund, the Directors took into account all the materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of Campbell’s services to be provided to the Fund; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of Campbell’s personnel providing those services; (iii) Campbell’s investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Campbell’s assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Campbell’s soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) Campbell’s advisory fee arrangement with the Company and other similarly managed clients; (vii) Campbell’s compliance policies and procedures; (viii) Campbell’s financial information, insurance coverage and profitability analysis related to providing advisory services to the Fund; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Fund; (x) a report prepared by Broadridge/Lipper comparing the Fund’s management fees and total expense ratio to those of its Lipper peer group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of their respective benchmark.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Campbell. The Directors concluded that Campbell had substantial resources to provide services to the Fund and that Campbell’s services had been acceptable.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Fund. The Directors noted that the Fund had outperformed its benchmark index (Barclay BTOP50 Index) for the year-to-date, one-year, three-year, five-year and since-inception periods, each ended March 31, 2022. The Directors noted that the Fund ranked in the 1st quintile within its Lipper Performance Group for the one-year, two-year, three-year, four-year, and five-year periods ended December 31, 2021.

 

40

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Other Information (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Fund and the Fund’s total operating expense ratio (before and after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) was compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms. The Directors noted that Campbell had contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses through at least March 2, 2023 for the Fund to limit total annual operating expenses to agreed upon levels for the Fund.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee and the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 4th quintile of the Fund’s Lipper Expense Group.

 

After reviewing the information regarding the Fund’s costs, Campbell’s estimated profitability and economies of scale, and after considering Campbell’s services, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees to be paid by the Fund were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreement should be approved for an additional annual period ending August 16, 2023.

 

Liquidity Risk Management Program

 

The Company has adopted and implemented a Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Company Program”) as required by rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Company Program, the Adviser has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Adviser Program” and together with the Company Program, the “Programs”) on behalf of the Fund. The Programs seek to assess, manage and review the Fund’s Liquidity Risk. “Liquidity Risk” is defined as the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interest in the Fund.

 

The Board has appointed Vigilant Compliance, LLC (“Vigilant”) as the program administrator for the Company Program and the Adviser as the program administrator for the Adviser Program. The Adviser has delegated oversight of the Adviser Program to its Liquidity Risk Management Committee, whose process of monitoring and determining the liquidity of the Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party vendors.

 

At meetings held during the current fiscal period, the Board and its Regulatory Oversight Committee received and reviewed a written report (the “Report”) of Vigilant and the Adviser concerning the operation of the Programs for the period from July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 (the “Period”). The Report summarized the operation of the Programs and the information and factors considered by Vigilant and the Adviser in reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the implementation of the Programs with respect to the Fund. Such information and factors included, among other things: (i) the methodology used to classify the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio investments and the Adviser’s assessment that the Fund’s strategy remained appropriate for an open-end mutual fund; (ii) analyses of the Fund’s trading environment and reasonably anticipated trading size; (iii) that the Fund held primarily highly liquid assets (investments that the Fund anticipates can be converted to cash within 3 business days or less in current market conditions without significantly changing their market value); (iv) that the Fund did not require the establishment of a highly liquid investment minimum and the methodology for that determination; (v) confirmation that the Fund did not breach the 15% maximum illiquid security threshold (investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven days or less in current market conditions without the sale of the investment significantly changing the market value of the investment) during the Period and the procedures for monitoring compliance with the limit; (vi) that the processes, technologies and third-party vendors used to assess, manage, and/or periodically review the Fund’s Liquidity Risk functioned appropriately during the Period; and (vii) that the Programs operated adequately during the Period. The Report also indicated that there were no material changes made to the Programs during the Period.

 

Based on the review, the Report concluded that the Programs were being implemented effectively and reasonably designed to assess and manage Liquidity Risk in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company Program or the Adviser Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Fund’s prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

 

41

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Company Management

(Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (844)-261-6488.

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 89

Director

1988 to present

From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications).

55

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 55

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

55

FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018).

Lisa A. Dolly
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI, 53202
Age: 56

Director

October 2021 to present

From July 2019-December 2019, Chairman, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm); January 2016-June 2019, Chief Executive Officer, Pershing, LLC.

55

Allfunds Group PLC (United Kingdom wealthtech and fund distribution provider); Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (trade association for broker dealers, investment banks and asset managers); Hightower Advisors (wealth management firm)

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

55

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until 2021); Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017).

 

42

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Company Management (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 74

Chairman

 

Director

2005 to present

 

1991 to present

Retired.

55

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until August 2022).

Brian T. Shea
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 62

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

55

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company); WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 81

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

55

None.

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 84

Vice Chairman

 

Director

2016 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

55

None

OFFICERS

Steven Plump
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 63

President

Since August 2022

From 2011 to 2021, Executive Vice President, PIMCO Investments LLC.

N/A

N/A

Salvatore Faia, JD, CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
Gateway Corporate Center, Suite 216
223 Wilmington West
Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 59

Chief Compliance Officer

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, Chief Compliance Officer of The RBB Fund Trust; President of The RBB Fund Trust from 2021 to 2022; President of The RBB Fund, Inc. from 2009 to 2022.

N/A

N/A

 

 

43

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Company Management (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 61

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

 

 

Chief Operating Officer

2016 to present

 

 

 

 

 

 

2022 to present

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2016) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2021) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund Trust; from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 48

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and The RBB Fund Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC (an investment advisory firm).

N/A

N/A

Jennifer Witt
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 39

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services; from 2007 to 2016, Supervisor, Nuveen Investments (registered investment company).

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 51

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 63

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 43

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 55 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company and The RBB Fund Trust (7 portfolios).

 

1

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual

 

44

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Company Management (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his or her qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Ms. Dolly has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, and she has demonstrated her leadership and management abilities by serving in numerous senior executive-level positions. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing, and investment services industry, including service on the boards of industry regulatory organizations and a university. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company.

 

45

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Privacy Notice

(Unaudited)

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

FACTS

WHAT DOES THE Campbell Systematic Macro Fund DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

● Social Security number

● account balances

● account transactions

● transaction history

● wire transfer instructions

● checking account information

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

How?

All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Campbell Systematic Macro Fund chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

       

Reasons we can share your personal information

Does the Campbell
Systematic Macro Fund share?

Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes —
such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes —
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial companies

No

We do not share.

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your creditworthiness

No

We do not share.

For our affiliates to market to you

No

We do not share.

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We do not share.

 

Questions?

Call 1-844-261-6488

 

 

46

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Privacy Notice (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

What we do

 

How does the Campbell Systematic Macro Fund protect my personal information?

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

How does the Campbell Systematic Macro Fund collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

● sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

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

Definitions

 

Affiliates

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

Our affiliates include Campbell Systematic Macro Fund’s investment adviser, Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC.

Nonaffiliates

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

The Campbell Systematic Macro Fund doesn’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

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

The Campbell Systematic Macro Fund does not jointly market.

 

 

47

 

 

Campbell Systematic Macro Fund

 

Affirmation of the Commodity Pool Operator

August 31, 2022

 

To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the information contained in the Annual Report for the year ended August 31, 2022 is accurate and complete.

 

 

 

Kevin D. Cole, Chief Executive Officer &
Chief Investment Officer
Campbell & Company, LP
CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC MACRO FUND

 

48

 

 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 

Investment Adviser
Campbell & Company Investment Adviser LLC
2850 Quarry Lake Drive
Baltimore, Maryland 21209

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Principal Underwriter
Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 E Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Custodian
U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP
One Commerce Square
2005 Market Street, Suite 700
Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

Legal Counsel
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

CSMF-AR22

 

 

 

 

 

FREE MARKET U.S. EQUITY FUND
FREE MARKET INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND
FREE MARKET FIXED INCOME FUND

 

of

 

The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

 

Annual Report

 

August 31, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This report is submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the Funds. It is not authorized for distribution unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus for the Funds.

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

ANNUAL INVESTMENT ADVISER’S REPORT

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

 

The twelve-month period ended August 31, 2022 saw periods of noticeable volatility in domestic equity markets. Common news stories over the past twelve months have continued to include coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic and the availability of vaccine boosters and shortened quarantine periods, post-pandemic global inflation, rising interest rates, rising commodity prices, and the Russia/Ukraine war. The performance of U.S. equities in 2022 has begun to reverse course from the beginning of 2021 and has experienced downturns with noticeable volatility.

 

For the twelve months ended August 31, 2022, the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund provided a total return of -6.77% at net asset value. This compares with a return of -15.54% over the same period for the Fund’s benchmark, the Russell 2500® Index.

 

As a result of the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund’s diversified investment approach, performance principally was determined by broad structural trends in equity markets- rather than the behavior of a limited number of stocks. Among the most important factors explaining differences in the performance of diversified equity funds, like the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, are the size and value/growth characteristics of the underlying fund holdings. Size is measured by market capitalization and “value” classification is a function of stock price relative to one or more fundamental characteristics.

 

U.S. value stocks performed better than U.S. growth stocks during the period. The Russell 2000® Value Index returned -10.18%, and the Russell 1000® Value Index returned -6.23%.

 

Furthermore, for the same time-period, the Russell 2000® Index returned -17.88%, while the S&P 500® Index was down -11.23% for the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2022.

 

In summary, U.S. value stocks outperformed U.S. growth stocks and U.S. large cap stocks performed better than small cap stocks. Factors that contributed to the Fund’s overperformance compared to its benchmark can largely be explained by its tilt toward value stocks.

 

Today’s environment underscores that markets are highly unpredictable over the short term. In other words, anything can happen, so we believe that a balanced, diversified, long-term approach is favored.

 

 

1

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

ANNUAL INVESTMENT ADVISER’S REPORT (Continued)

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Free Market International Equity Fund

 

The global markets experienced a roller coaster ride during the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2022. U.S. equity markets outpaced international equity markets over the twelve months. We also saw the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic that has caused tremendous global human and economic hardships, while global markets attempted to return to some level of pre-pandemic normalcy in light of global inflation.

 

For the twelve months ended August 31, 2022, the Free Market International Equity Fund provided a total return of -15.63% at net asset value. This compares with a return of -18.56% over the same period for the Fund’s benchmark, the MSCI World (ex USA) Index, which captures large and mid-cap representation across 22 of 23 Developed Markets (DM) countries excluding the U.S.

 

As a result of the Free Market International Equity Fund’s diversified investment approach, performance principally was determined by broad structural trends in global equity markets, rather than the behavior of a limited number of stocks. Among the most important factors explaining differences in the behavior of diversified international equity funds, like the Free Market International Equity Fund, are company size and company value/growth characteristics of the underlying fund holdings and broad exposure to emerging market equities.

 

International value stocks fared better than international growth stocks during the fiscal year. The MSCI EAFE Value Index decreased by -13.91%, while the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Value Index returned -21.10% and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index returned -21.80%. Furthermore, the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index returned -25.98% for the twelve months ended August 31, 2022, while the MSCI EAFE Index returned -19.80% for the same period.

 

In summary, factors that contributed to the Fund’s overperformance compared to its benchmark can largely be explained by its tilt toward value stocks.

 

Today’s environment underscores that markets are highly unpredictable over the short term. In other words, anything can happen, so we believe that a balanced, diversified, long-term approach is favored.

 

2

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

ANNUAL INVESTMENT ADVISER’S REPORT (Continued)

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

 

The U.S. economy experienced periods of volatility during the twelve months ended August 31, 2022. We continued to see the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic causing tremendous global human and economic hardship while global markets attempted to return to some level of pre-pandemic normalcy in light of global inflation. Disruptions to economic activity continue to affect financial conditions. The U.S. Federal Reserve shift in monetary policy is in response to persistent high inflation. The broad proxy for the U.S. bond market, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, fell -11.52%, while the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index (hedged) returned -9.99% for the twelve-months ended August 31, 2022. As a result of the increase in interest rates, long-term bonds were outperformed by ones with shorter maturities. For the twelve months ended August 31, 2022, the Bloomberg U.S. Government/Credit 1-3 Years Index returned -4.03% while the Morningstar Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Index, which includes U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government Agency bonds with maturities of seven years or longer, returned -20.57%.

 

The Free Market Fixed Income Fund focuses on assets that invest in global high quality and shorter-term government and corporate fixed income assets. For the twelve-months ended August 31, 2022, the Free Market Fixed Income Fund returned -6.51%. This compares with a return of -4.49% over the same period for the Fund’s benchmark, the FTSE World Government Bond 1-5 Year Currency Hedged U.S. Dollar Index.

 

The Free Market Fixed Income Fund performed as expected, and slightly underperformed its benchmark for the period. A contributing factor to the performance of the Fund compared to its benchmark was the Fund’s slightly lower exposure to certain global markets and exposure to shorter term maturities.

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

ANNUAL INVESTMENT ADVISER’S REPORT (Continued)

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

The Russell 2500 Index: The Russell 2500™ Index measures the performance of the small to mid-cap segment of the US equity universe, commonly referred to as “smid” cap. The Russell 2500™ Index is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index. It includes approximately 2500 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. The Russell 2500™ Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the small to mid-cap segment. The index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the true small to mid-cap opportunity set.

 

Russell 2000® Index: Measures the performance of the small-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe. The Russell 2000® Index is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index representing approximately 10% of the total market capitalization of that index. It includes approximately 2000 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. The Russell 2000® Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased small-cap barometer and is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the true small-cap opportunity set.

 

Russell 2000® Value Index: The Russell 2000® Value Index measures the performance of small-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 2000® companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. The Russell 2000® Value Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the small-cap value segment. The index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the true small-cap opportunity set and that the represented companies continue to reflect value characteristics.

 

The S&P 500® Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index that consists of the 500 largest U.S. publicly traded companies.

 

Russell 1000® Value Index: The Russell 1000® Value Index measures the performance of the large-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 1000® companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower expected growth values. The Russell 1000® Value Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the large-cap value segment. The index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure new and growing equities are included and that the represented companies continue to reflect value characteristics.

 

The MSCI World (ex USA) Index captures large and mid -cap representation across 22 of 23 developed markets (DM) countries*, excluding the U.S. With 934 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country.

 

MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index is an equity index which captures small cap representation across Developed Markets countries* around the world, excluding the U.S. and Canada. With 2,377 constituents, the index covers approximately 14% of the free float adjusted market capitalization in each country.

 

MSCI EAFE Small Cap Value Index captures small cap securities exhibiting overall value style characteristics across Developed Markets countries* around the world, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The value investment style characteristics for index construction are defined using three variables: book value to price, twelve-month forward earnings to price and dividend yield.

 

MSCI EAFE Index is an equity index which captures large and mid-cap representation across 21 Developed Markets countries* around the world, excluding the U.S. and Canada. With 843 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the free float adjusted market capitalization in each country

 

MSCI EAFE Value Index captures large and mid-cap securities exhibiting overall value style characteristics across Developed Markets countries* around the world, excluding the US and Canada. The value investment style characteristics for index construction are defined using three variables: book value to price, twelve-month forward earnings to price and dividend yield.

 

MSCI Emerging Markets Index captures large and mid-cap representation across 24 Emerging Markets (EM) countries**. With 1,387 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country.

 

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market.

 

4

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

ANNUAL INVESTMENT ADVISER’S REPORT (CONCLUDED)

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index is a flagship measure of global investment grade debt from twenty-four local currency markets.

 

Bloomberg U.S. Government/Credit 1-3 Years Index measures the performance of investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate, taxable corporate and government-related debt with one to three years to maturity.

 

Morningstar Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Index includes U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government Agency bonds with maturities of seven years or longer.

 

FTSE World Government Bond 1-5 Year Currency Hedged U.S. Dollar Index is a broad index providing exposure to the global sovereign fixed income market. The index measures the performance of fixed-rate, local currency, investment-grade sovereign bonds. It comprises sovereign debt from over 20 countries, denominated in a variety of currencies. The index provides a broad benchmark for the global sovereign fixed income market. Sub-indexes are available in any combination of currency, maturity, or rating.

 

* Developed Markets countries include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and the U.S.

 

** EM countries include: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.

 

One cannot invest directly in an index.

 

Growth stocks typically are more volatile than value stocks; however, value stocks have a lower expected growth rate in earnings and sales.

 

Opinions expressed are subject to change at any time, are not guaranteed and should not be considered investment advice.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Diversification does not assure a profit nor protect against loss in a declining market. Investing in micro-cap or small cap companies involve additional risks such as limited liquidity and greater volatility than large companies. Investing in foreign securities involves greater volatility and political, economic and currency risks and differences in accounting methods. These risks are greater in emerging markets. Investments in debt securities typically decrease in value when interest rates rise. This risk is usually greater for longer-term debt securities.

 

Shares of the Funds are distributed by Vigilant Distributors, LLC. Member of FINRA and SIPC.

 

5

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

PERFORMANCE DATA

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

 

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Free Market U.S. Equity Fund vs. Russell 2500® Index and Composite Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2012 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is a professionally managed mutual fund while the Russell 2500® Index and Composite Index are unmanaged, do not incur sales charges and/or expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2022

 

1 Year

5 Years

10 Years

Since
Inception

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

-6.77%

8.07%

10.70%

8.60%(1)

Russell 2500® Index

-15.54%

8.54%

10.96%

8.50%

Composite Index(2)

-11.37%

8.45%

10.90%

7.85%

 

(1)

The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2007.

(2)

The Composite Index is comprised of the S&P 500® Index, Russell 1000® Value Index, Russell 2000® Index and Russell 2000® Value Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-866-780-0357 ext. 3863. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratio, as stated in the current prospectus dated March 2, 2022, is 0.78% (included in the ratio is 0.23% attributable to acquired fund fees and expenses).

 

The Fund’s aggregate total return since inception is based on an increase in net asset value from $10.00 per share on December 31, 2007 (commencement of operations) to $21.07 per share on August 31, 2022.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

The Free Market U.S. Equity Fund’s underlying funds invest in small-cap and micro-cap stocks, large-cap stocks and other equity securities. In addition to the ordinary risks of equity investing, small companies entail special risk. Small companies tend to have more risk than large companies. An investor in the Fund will incur the expenses of the underlying funds in addition to the Fund’s expenses. The foregoing is not intended to be a complete discussion of all risks associated with the investment strategies of the Fund.

 

6

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

PERFORMANCE DATA (Continued)

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Free Market International Equity Fund

 

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Free Market International Equity Fund vs. MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index and Composite Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2012 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is a professionally managed mutual fund while the MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index and Composite Index are unmanaged, do not incur sales charges and/or expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2022

 

1 Year

5 Years

10 Years

Since
Inception

Free Market International Equity Fund

-15.63%

0.29%

5.06%

2.47%(1)

MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index

-18.56%

2.08%

4.95%

1.52%

Composite Index(2)

-20.27%

1.02%

4.88%

1.79%

 

(1)

The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2007.

(2)

The Composite Index is comprised of the MSCI EAFE Index, MSCI EAFE Value Index, MSCI EAFE Small Company Index and MSCI Emerging Markets Free Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-866-780-0357 ext. 3863. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratio, as stated in the current prospectus dated March 2, 2022, is 0.91% (included in the ratio is 0.35% attributable to acquired fund fees and expenses).

 

The Fund’s aggregate total return since inception is based on a decrease in net asset value from $10.00 per share on December 31, 2007 (commencement of operations) to $9.66 per share on August 31, 2022.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

The Free Market International Equity Fund’s underlying funds invest in common stock, preferred stock, securities convertible into stocks and other equity securities issued by foreign companies. In addition to the ordinary risks of equity investing, foreign and small companies entail special risk. The return on foreign equities may be adversely affected by currency fluctuations. Emerging markets may be subject to social instability and lack of market liquidity. Small companies tend to have more risk than large companies. An investor in the Fund will incur the expenses of the underlying funds in addition to the Fund’s expenses. The foregoing is not intended to be a complete discussion of all risks associated with the investment strategies of the Fund.

 

7

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

PERFORMANCE DATA (CONCLUDED)

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

 

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Free Market Fixed Income Fund vs. FTSE World Government Bond Index 1-5 Years and Composite Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2012 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is a professionally managed mutual fund while the FTSE World Government Bond Index 1-5 Years and Composite Index are unmanaged, do not incur sales charges and/or expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2022

 

1 Year

5 Years

10 Years

Since
Inception

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

-6.51%

0.23%

0.40%

1.16%(1)

FTSE World Government Bond Index 1-5 Years

-4.49%

0.87%

1.12%

1.75%

Composite Index(2)

-5.80%

0.78%

0.95%

1.80%

 

(1)

The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2007.

(2)

The Composite Index is comprised of the Three-Month Treasury Bill Index, Bloomberg Barclays Intermediate Government/Credit Bond Index, ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 1-3 Year US Government/Corporate Index and Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Capital Aggregate Bond Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-866-780-0357 ext. 3863. The Fund’s annual operating expense ratio, as stated in the current prospectus dated March 2, 2022, is 0.68% (included in the ratio is 0.12% attributable to acquired fund fees and expenses).

 

The Fund’s aggregate total return since inception is based on a decrease in net asset value from $10.00 per share on December 31, 2007 (commencement of operations) to $9.82 per share on August 31, 2022.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

The Free Market Fixed Income Fund’s underlying funds invest in fixed income securities. The underlying funds may invest their assets in bonds and other debt securities issued by domestic and foreign governments and companies. Debt instruments involve the risk that their prices will fall when interest rates rise, and they are subject to the risk that the borrower may default. In addition, the return on foreign debt securities may be adversely affected by currency fluctuations. An investor in the Fund will incur expenses of the underlying funds in addition to the Fund’s expenses. The foregoing is not intended to be a complete discussion of all risks associated with the investment strategies of the Fund.

 

8

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Fund Expense Examples

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund(s), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund(s) and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022, and held for the entire period.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical EXAMPLES for Comparison Purposes

 

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

 

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

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
MARCH 1, 2022

Ending
Account Value
AUGUST 31, 2022

Expenses
Paid*

Annualized
Expense Ratio*

Actual
S
ix-Month
Total
Investment
Return for the
Portfolio

Actual

         

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

$ 1,000.00

$ 922.50

$ 2.71

0.56%

-7.75%

Free Market International Equity Fund

1,000.00

865.60

2.63

0.56%

-13.44%

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

1,000.00

958.70

2.76

0.56%

-4.13%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

         

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,022.38

$ 2.85

0.56%

N/A

Free Market International Equity Fund

1,000.00

1,022.38

2.85

0.56%

N/A

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

1,000.00

1,022.38

2.85

0.56%

N/A

 

*

Expenses are equal to each Fund’s annualized six-month expense ratio for the period March 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one half year period. The annualized expense ratios do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the underlying funds. If such fees and expenses had been included, the expenses would have been higher. Each Fund’s ending account values in the first section in the table is based on the actual six-month total investment return for each Fund for the period March 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022, The range of weighted expense ratios of the underlying funds held by the Funds, as stated in the underlying funds’ current prospectuses, were as follows:

 

FUNDS

RANGE OF WEIGHTED
EXPENSE RATIO

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

0.00% - 0.08%

Free Market International Equity Fund

0.00% - 0.17%

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

0.00% - 0.04%

 

9

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

FREE MARKET U.S. EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2022

 

   

Number
of Shares

   

Value

 

DOMESTIC EQUITY FUNDS — 99.9%

       

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF

    536,203     $ 212,969,108  

iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF

    2,813,675       259,983,570  

U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio III (a)

    19,647,513       536,180,623  

U.S. Large Cap Value Series (b)

    2,825,615       180,161,241  

U.S. Large Company Portfolio (a)

    9,702,781       273,715,453  

U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio (c)

    20,600,654       493,385,662  

U.S. Small Cap Portfolio (c)

    12,201,607       493,677,038  

U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio (c)

    20,627,044       838,076,817  

TOTAL DOMESTIC EQUITY FUNDS

       

(Cost $2,172,495,137)

            3,288,149,512  
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.1%

       

STIT-Government & Agency Portfolio, 2.22%*

    3,500,208       3,500,208  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

       

(Cost $3,500,208)

            3,500,208  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.0%

       

(Cost $2,175,995,345)

            3,291,649,720  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 0.0%

            1,204,791  

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 3,292,854,511  

 

 

 

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

 

   

% of
Net Assets

   

Value

 

Domestic Equity Funds

    99.9 %   $ 3,288,149,512  

Short-Term Investments

    0.1       3,500,208  

Other Assets In Excess Of Liabilities

    0.0       1,204,791  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 3,292,854,511  

 

 

*

Seven-day yield as of August 31, 2022.

(a)

A portfolio of Dimensional Investment Group Inc.

(b)

A portfolio of DFA Investment Trust Company.

(c)

A portfolio of DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc.

 

ETF

Exchange-Traded Fund

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

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

 

10

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

FREE MARKET INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2022

 

   

Number of
Shares/
Beneficial
Interest

   

Value

 

INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUNDS — 99.7%

       

Canadian Small Company Series (a)

    2,108,704     $ 32,933,803  

DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio (b)

    53,504,429       953,448,926  

DFA International Value Portfolio III (c)

    25,752,044       371,859,515  

DFA International Value Series (a)

    13,331,142       342,743,672  

Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio (b)

    5,707,672       121,402,191  

Emerging Markets Value Portfolio, Class Institutional (b)

    4,346,001       120,471,158  

iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF

    1,981,684       115,512,360  

iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

    2,611,663       126,561,189  

iShares MSCI EAFE Small-Cap ETF

    3,737,990       204,767,092  

TOTAL INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUNDS

       

(Cost $2,377,533,630)

            2,389,699,906  
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.2%

       

STIT-Government & Agency Portfolio, 2.22%*

    3,793,230       3,793,230  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

       

(Cost $3,793,230)

            3,793,230  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 99.9%

       

(Cost $2,381,326,860)

            2,393,493,136  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 0.1%

            1,883,609  

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 2,395,376,745  

 

 

 

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

 

   

% of
Net Assets

   

Value

 

International Equity Funds

    99.7 %   $ 2,389,699,906  

Short-Term Investments

    0.2       3,793,230  

Other Assets In Excess Of Liabilities

    0.1       1,883,609  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 2,395,376,745  

 

 

*

Seven-day yield as of August 31, 2022.

(a)

A portfolio of DFA Investment Trust Company.

(b)

A portfolio of DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc.

(c)

A portfolio of Dimensional Investment Group Inc.

 

ETF

Exchange-Traded Fund

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

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

 

11

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

FREE MARKET FIXED INCOME FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2022

 

   

Number
of Shares

   

Value

 

FIXED INCOME FUNDS — 99.3%

       

DFA One-Year Fixed Income Portfolio (a)

    39,717,515     $ 400,352,554  

DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio (a)

    71,568,962       687,777,725  

iShares 1-3 Year Treasury Bond ETF

    1,351,732       111,234,026  

iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF

    1,385,230       163,304,765  

iShares Core International Aggregate Bond ETF

    8,220,799       408,655,918  

iShares Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF

    3,228,551       164,236,389  

iShares Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF

    13,078,268       659,275,490  

iShares TIPS Bond ETF

    1,200,755       136,778,002  

TOTAL FIXED INCOME FUNDS

       

(Cost $2,876,386,759)

            2,731,614,869  
                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.6%

       

STIT-Government & Agency Portfolio, 2.22%*

    15,651,318       15,651,318  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

       

(Cost $15,651,318)

            15,651,318  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 99.9%

       

(Cost $2,892,038,077)

            2,747,266,187  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 0.1%

            1,897,330  

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 2,749,163,517  

 

 

 

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

 

   

% of
Net Assets

   

Value

 

Fixed Income Funds

    99.3 %   $ 2,731,614,869  

Short-Term Investments

    0.6       15,651,318  

Other Assets In Excess Of Liabilities

    0.1       1,897,330  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 2,749,163,517  

 

 

*

Seven-day yield as of August 31, 2022.

(a)

A portfolio of DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc.

 

ETF

Exchange-Traded Fund

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

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

 

12

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

August 31, 2022

 

   

Free Market
U.S. Equity
Fund

   

Free Market
International
Equity Fund

   

Free Market
Fixed Income
Fund

 

ASSETS

                       

Investments, at value (cost $2,172,495,137, $2,377,533,630 and $2,876,386,759, respectively)

  $ 3,288,149,512     $ 2,389,699,906     $ 2,731,614,869  

Short-term investments, at value (cost $3,500,208, $3,793,230 and $15,651,318, respectively)

    3,500,208       3,793,230       15,651,318  

Receivables for:

                       

Capital shares sold

    3,410,734       3,359,738       3,723,339  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    123,574       92,716       136,237  

Total assets

    3,295,184,028       2,396,945,590       2,751,125,763  

LIABILITIES

                       

Payables for:

                       

Advisory fees

    1,437,442       1,035,855       1,161,806  

Capital shares redeemed

    496,918       242,503       508,492  

Administration and accounting fees

    227,993       165,187       166,854  

Transfer agent fees

    17,345       17,344       16,735  

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    149,819       107,956       108,359  

Total liabilities

    2,329,517       1,568,845       1,962,246  

Net assets

  $ 3,292,854,511     $ 2,395,376,745     $ 2,749,163,517  
                         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

                       

Par value

  $ 156,301     $ 247,960     $ 279,892  

Paid-in capital

    1,936,630,347       2,298,834,048       2,893,022,264  

Total distributable earnings/(loss)

    1,356,067,863       96,294,737       (144,138,639 )

Net assets

  $ 3,292,854,511     $ 2,395,376,745     $ 2,749,163,517  
                         

CAPITAL SHARES:

                       

Net assets

  $ 3,292,854,511     $ 2,395,376,745     $ 2,749,163,517  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 700,000,000 shares authorized)

    156,300,535       247,960,241       279,891,690  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 21.07     $ 9.66     $ 9.82  

 

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

 

13

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Statements of Operations

FOR THE YEAR ENDED August 31, 2022

 

   

Free Market
U.S. Equity
Fund

   

Free Market
International
Equity Fund

   

Free Market
Fixed Income
Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

                       

Dividends from non-affiliated funds

  $ 51,716,409     $ 94,327,003     $ 30,185,850  

Total investment income

    51,716,409       94,327,003       30,185,850  
                         

EXPENSES

                       

Advisory fees (Note 2)

    17,246,496       12,779,566       13,973,667  

Administration and accounting fees (Note 2)

    913,668       673,729       704,451  

Director fees

    324,916       236,687       233,903  

Officer fees

    209,722       151,340       155,314  

Legal Fees

    200,752       147,284       155,498  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    159,475       125,976       130,157  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    129,544       112,380       112,042  

Custodian fees (Note 2)

    97,706       75,392       74,928  

Registration and filing fees

    48,045       42,582       48,899  

Audit and tax service fees

    33,906       35,238       33,916  

Other expenses

    151,882       179,135       102,670  

Total expenses

    19,516,112       14,559,309       15,725,445  

Net investment income/(loss)

    32,200,297       79,767,694       14,460,405  
                         

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

                       

Net realized gain/(loss) from:

                       

Non-affiliated funds

    69,420,117       7,650,063       (4,021,907 )

Capital gain distributions from non-affiliated fund investments

    204,340,980       11,500,191       6,239,289  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:

                       

Non-affiliated funds

    (532,671,620 )     (522,820,062 )     (207,628,479 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    (258,910,523 )     (503,669,808 )     (205,411,097 )

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ (226,710,226 )   $ (423,902,114 )   $ (190,950,692 )

 

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

 

14

 

FREE MARKET U.S. EQUITY FUND

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 32,200,297     $ 34,543,502  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    273,761,097       117,878,423  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    (532,671,620 )     1,129,419,277  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (226,710,226 )     1,281,841,202  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (160,049,321 )     (50,706,505 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (160,049,321 )     (50,706,505 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    505,375,262       432,642,543  

Reinvestment of distributions

    159,919,251       50,687,033  

Shares redeemed

    (620,998,823 )     (918,483,367 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital shares

    44,295,690       (435,153,791 )

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    (342,463,857 )     795,980,906  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    3,635,318,368       2,839,337,462  

End of period

  $ 3,292,854,511     $ 3,635,318,368  
                 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    22,341,943       20,921,700  

Dividends and distributions reinvested

    6,724,947       2,722,182  

Shares redeemed

    (26,856,120 )     (46,351,977 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    2,210,770       (22,708,095 )

 

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

 

15

 

FREE MARKET INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 79,767,694     $ 41,367,092  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    19,150,254       (5,700,840 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    (522,820,062 )     659,178,653  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (423,902,114 )     694,844,905  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (35,219,290 )     (70,369,565 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (35,219,290 )     (70,369,565 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    454,919,419       362,663,494  

Reinvestment of distributions

    35,204,207       70,361,038  

Shares redeemed

    (317,838,272 )     (528,942,045 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital shares

    172,285,354       (95,917,513 )

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    (286,836,050 )     528,557,827  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    2,682,212,795       2,153,654,968  

End of period

  $ 2,395,376,745     $ 2,682,212,795  
                 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    42,243,193       34,174,355  

Dividends and distributions reinvested

    3,107,167       6,987,193  

Shares redeemed

    (28,689,507 )     (51,989,791 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    16,660,853       (10,828,243 )

 

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

 

16

 

FREE MARKET FIXED INCOME FUND

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 14,460,405     $ 6,876,144  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    2,217,382       1,331,942  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    (207,628,479 )     (753,197 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (190,950,692 )     7,454,889  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (15,000,590 )     (17,950,325 )

Return of capital

          (79,992 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (15,000,590 )     (18,030,317 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    561,502,718       923,051,070  

Reinvestment of distributions

    14,991,009       18,024,820  

Shares redeemed

    (441,988,903 )     (417,799,422 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital shares

    134,504,824       523,276,468  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    (71,446,458 )     512,701,040  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    2,820,609,975       2,307,908,935  

End of period

  $ 2,749,163,517     $ 2,820,609,975  
                 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    54,774,661       87,481,192  

Dividends and distributions reinvested

    1,463,991       1,703,385  

Shares redeemed

    (43,490,265 )     (39,568,985 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    12,748,387       49,615,592  

 

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

 

17

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

FREE MARKET U.S. EQUITY FUND

 

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for each share outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2020

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2019

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2018

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.59     $ 16.06     $ 16.90     $ 20.37     $ 17.60  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.21       0.21       0.17       0.17       0.15  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    (1.69 )     7.62       (2)      (2.73 )     3.34  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (1.48 )     7.83       0.17       (2.56 )     3.49  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.41 )     (0.08 )     (0.16 )     (0.15 )     (0.20 )

Net realized capital gains

    (0.63 )     (0.22 )     (0.85 )     (0.76 )     (0.52 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (1.04 )     (0.30 )     (1.01 )     (0.91 )     (0.72 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 21.07     $ 23.59     $ 16.06     $ 16.90     $ 20.37  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    (6.77 )%     49.28 %     0.32 %     (12.09 )%     20.11 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 3,292,855     $ 3,635,318     $ 2,839,337     $ 2,899,018     $ 3,413,559  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets(4)

    0.56 %     0.55 %     0.56 %     0.55 %     0.55 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets(4)

    0.92 %     1.05 %     1.05 %     0.96 %     0.76 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    7 %     5 %     14 %     7 %     2 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated using the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

Amount less than $(0.005) per share.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

The Fund also will indirectly bear its prorated share of expenses of the underlying funds. Such expenses are not included in the calculation of this ratio.

 

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

 

18

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

FREE MARKET INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND

 

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for each share outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2020

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2019

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2018

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.60     $ 8.89     $ 9.09     $ 10.72     $ 10.97  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.34       0.18       0.19       0.21       0.22  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    (2.13 )     2.84       (0.13 )     (1.47 )     (0.10 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (1.79 )     3.02       0.06       (1.26 )     0.12  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.15 )     (0.13 )     (0.14 )     (0.18 )     (0.26 )

Net realized capital gains

          (0.18 )     (0.12 )     (0.19 )     (0.11 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.15 )     (0.31 )     (0.26 )     (0.37 )     (0.37 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.66     $ 11.60     $ 8.89     $ 9.09     $ 10.72  

Total investment return/(loss)(2)

    (15.63 )%     34.43 %     0.30 %     (11.66 )%     0.98 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 2,395,377     $ 2,682,213     $ 2,153,655     $ 2,154,908     $ 2,312,863  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets(3)

    0.56 %     0.56 %     0.58 %     0.58 %     0.57 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets(3)

    3.08 %     1.70 %     2.13 %     2.22 %     1.93 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    2 %     5 %     28 %     4 %     3 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated using the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(3)

The Fund also will indirectly bear its prorated share of expenses of the underlying funds. Such expenses are not included in the calculation of this ratio.

 

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

 

19

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

FREE MARKET FIXED INCOME FUND

 

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for each share outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2022

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2021

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2020

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2019

   

For the
Year Ended
August 31, 2018

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.56     $ 10.61     $ 10.47     $ 10.22     $ 10.36  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.05       0.03       0.15       0.27       0.10  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    (0.74 )     (2)      0.16       0.24       (0.14 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (0.69 )     0.03       0.31       0.51       (0.04 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.05 )     (0.05 )     (0.17 )     (0.26 )     (0.09 )

Net realized capital gains

          (0.03 )           (2)      (0.01 )

Return of capital

          (2)                   

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.05 )     (0.08 )     (0.17 )     (0.26 )     (0.10 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.82     $ 10.56     $ 10.61     $ 10.47     $ 10.22  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    (6.51 )%     0.31 %     2.98 %     5.11 %     (0.35 )%
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 2,749,164     $ 2,820,610     $ 2,307,909     $ 2,748,593     $ 2,867,621  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets(4)

    0.56 %     0.56 %     0.56 %     0.55 %     0.55 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets(4)

    0.51 %     0.27 %     1.39 %     2.62 %     1.02 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    3 %     2 %     46 %     3 %     0 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated using the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

Amount less than $(0.005) per share.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

The Fund also will indirectly bear its prorated share of expenses of the underlying funds. Such expenses are not included in the calculation of this ratio.

  

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

 

20

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements

August 31, 2022

 

1.

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has forty-eight separate investment portfolios, including the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, the Free Market International Equity Fund and the Free Market Fixed Income Fund (each a “Fund,” collectively the “Funds”). Each Fund operates as a “fund of funds” and commenced investment operations on December 31, 2007.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 90.023 billion shares are currently classified into two hundred and eleven classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

Free Market U.S. Equity and Free Market International Equity’s investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation. Free Market Fixed Income’s investment objective is to seek total return (consisting of current income and capital appreciation).

 

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

 

The end of the reporting period for the Funds is August 31, 2022, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

Investment Company Securities – The Funds pursue their investment objectives by investing primarily in shares of registered, open-end investment companies and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) (collectively, “underlying funds”). When a Fund invests in underlying funds it will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any fees and expenses payable directly by the underlying fund. In connection with its investments in other investment companies, a Fund will incur higher expenses, many of which may be duplicative. Furthermore, because the Funds invest in shares of ETFs and underlying funds their performances are directly related to the ability of the ETFs and underlying funds to meet their respective investment objectives, as well as the allocation of each Fund’s assets among the ETFs and underlying funds. Accordingly, the Funds’ investment performance will be influenced by the investment strategies of and risks associated with the ETFs and underlying funds in direct proportion to the amount of assets the Funds allocate to the ETFs and underlying funds utilizing such strategies. As disclosed in the Portfolio of Investments, the Funds invest in a number of different underlying funds, including underlying funds that are portfolios of DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc., and Dimensional Investment Group Inc. (collectively, “DFA Underlying Funds”) and iShares by BlackRock (“iShares Underlying Funds”). Information about DFA Underlying Funds and iShares Underlying Funds’ risks may be found in such DFA Underlying Funds’ and iShares Underlying Funds’ annual or semiannual report to shareholders, which can be found at us.dimensional.com and iShares.com, respectively. Additional information about derivatives related risks, if applicable, may also be found in each such DFA Underlying Fund or iShares Underlying Funds’ annual or semiannual report to shareholders. The annual and semiannual reports to shareholders for the underlying funds may also be found by visiting the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

PORTFOLIO VALUATION — Investments in the underlying funds are valued at each Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) determined as of the close of business on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). Investments in ETFs are valued at their last reported sale price. As required, some securities and assets may be valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Direct investments in fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market.

 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Funds’ investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

● Level 1 —

Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

● Level 2 —

Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

21

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

 

● Level 3 —

Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds’ own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the reporting period, in valuing the Funds’ investments carried at fair value:

 

FREE MARKET U.S. EQUITY Fund

 

   

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED AT NET
ASSET VALUE*

 

Domestic Equity Funds

  $ 3,288,149,512     $ 3,107,988,271     $     $     $ 180,161,241  

Short-Term Investments

    3,500,208       3,500,208                    

Total Investments**

  $ 3,291,649,720     $ 3,111,488,479     $     $     $ 180,161,241  

 

*

Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

**

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments for further details.

 

FREE MARKET INTERNATIONAL EQUITY Fund

 

   

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED AT NET
ASSET VALUE*

 

International Equity Funds

  $ 2,389,699,906     $ 2,014,022,431     $     $     $ 375,677,475  

Short-Term Investments

    3,793,230       3,793,230                    

Total Investments**

  $ 2,393,493,136     $ 2,017,815,661     $     $     $ 375,677,475  

 

*

Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

**

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments for further details.

 

FREE MARKET FIXED INCOME VI Fund

 

   

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED AT NET
ASSET VALUE*

 

Fixed Income Funds

  $ 2,731,614,869     $ 2,731,614,869     $     $     $  

Short-Term Investments

    15,651,318       15,651,318                    

Total Investments**

  $ 2,747,266,187     $ 2,747,266,187     $     $     $  

 

*

Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

**

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments for further details.

 

22

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Funds’ investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Funds may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires each Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when a Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for all Level 3 transfers are disclosed if a Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Funds had no Level 3 transfers.

 

USE OF ESTIMATES — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS, INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES — The Funds record security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. Each Fund’s investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with The RBB Fund Trust (formerly, PENN Capital Funds Trust) (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Funds. In addition to the net annual operating expenses that the Funds bear directly, the shareholders indirectly bear the Funds’ pro-rata expenses of the underlying mutual funds in which each Fund invests.

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS — Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually to shareholders recorded on the ex-dividend date for each Fund with the exception of the Free Market Fixed Income Fund which declares and pays quarterly dividends from net investment income. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

23

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

U.S. TAX STATUS — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is each Fund’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

MARKET RISK — The value of a Fund’s shares will fluctuate as a result of the movement of the overall stock market or the value of the underlying fund held by a Fund, and you could lose money.

 

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC — The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. Although vaccines for COVID-19 are available, the ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers are not known. The operational and financial performance of the issuers of securities in which the Funds invest depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and the pace of recovery which may vary market to market, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Funds’ investments, impair the Funds’ ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Funds’ performance.

 

UKRAINE-RUSSIA CONFLICT RISK — In February 2022, Russia commenced a military attack on Ukraine. The outbreak of hostilities between the two countries and the threat of wider-spread hostilities could have a severe adverse effect on the region and global economies, including significant negative impacts on the markets for certain securities and commodities, such as oil and natural gas. In addition, sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States and other countries, and any sanctions imposed in the future, could have a significant adverse impact on the Russian economy and related markets. The price and liquidity of investments may fluctuate widely as a result of the conflict and related events. How long the armed conflict and related events will last cannot be predicted. These tensions and any related events could have a significant impact on Fund performance and the value of Fund investments, even beyond any direct exposure the Fund may have to issuers located in these countries.

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

OTHER — In the normal course of business, the Funds may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. Each Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Funds in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Funds expect the risk of material loss for such claims is considered to be remote.

 

For additional information about the DFA Underlying Funds and iShares Underlying Funds’ valuation policies, refer to the DFA Underlying Funds and iShares Underlying Funds’ most recent annual or semiannual report which can be found at us.dimensional.com and iShares.com, respectively.

 

2.

Investment Adviser and Other Services

 

Matson Money, Inc. (“Matson Money” or the “Adviser”), serves as the investment adviser to each Fund. Each Fund compensates the Adviser for its services at an annual rate based on each Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears, as shown in the following tables.

 

AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS

 

ADVISORY FEE

 

For the first $1 billion

    0.50 %

Over $1 billion to $3 billion

    0.49  

Over $3 billion to $5 billion

    0.48  

Over $5 billion

    0.47  

 

24

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses exceed the rates (“Expense Caps”) shown in the following table annually of each Fund’s average daily net assets. The Adviser may not recoup waived management fees or reimbursed expenses. The Adviser may discontinue these arrangements at any time.

 

FUND

 

EXPENSE CAPS

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

    1.13 %

Free Market International Equity Fund

    1.35  

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

    1.00  

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued were as follows:

 

FUND

 

ADVISORY FEES

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

  $ 17,246,496  

Free Market International Equity Fund

    12,779,566  

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

    13,973,667  

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as administrator for the Funds. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Funds’ transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Funds. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Vigilant Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Funds’ shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Statements of Operations.

 

3.

Director and Officer Compensation

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as Chief Compliance Officer of the Company and served as President of the Company until August 2022. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Funds or the Company. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Statements of Operations.

 

4.

Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchase and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) of the Funds were as follows:

 

   

Purchases

   

Sales

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

  $ 353,840,331     $ 236,519,329  

Free Market International Equity Fund

    275,863,944       62,580,857  

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

    233,328,497       93,661,340  

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government securities during the current fiscal period.

 

25

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

5.

Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Funds have followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Funds to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Funds have determined that there was no effect on the financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Funds are subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

As of August 31, 2022, the federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by each Fund were as follows:

 

   

FEDERAL
TAX COST

   

UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION

   

UNREALIZED
(DEPRECIATION)

   

NET UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

  $ 2,161,839,023     $ 1,164,755,951     $ (34,945,254 )     1,129,810,697  

Free Market International Equity Fund

    2,305,194,402       197,679,142       (109,380,408 )     88,298,734  

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

    2,894,150,687             (146,884,500 )     (146,884,500 )

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

Permanent differences as of August 31, 2022, primarily attributable to equalization, short term dividend reclass, distribution reclass, and dividend reclass were reclassified among the following accounts:

 

   

DISTRIBUTABLE
EARNINGS/(LOSS)

   

Paid-In
Capital

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

  $ (26,171,102 )   $ 26,171,102  

Free Market International Equity Fund

           

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

           

 

As of August 31, 2022, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

   

Undistributed
Ordinary Income

   

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains

   

Capital Loss
CarryForwards

   

NET Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

  $ 7,863,581     $ 218,393,585     $     $ 1,129,810,697  

Free Market International Equity Fund

    86,538,908             (78,542,905 )     88,298,734  

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

    3,970,625             (1,224,764 )     (146,884,500 )

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate primarily to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes and are inclusive of underlying partnerships and investments. Short-term and foreign currency gains, if applicable, are reported as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

26

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Concluded)

August 31, 2022

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2021 and August 31, 2022 was as follows:

 

           

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Gains

   

RETURN OF
CAPITAL

   

Total

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

2022

  $ 62,775,363     $ 97,273,958     $     $ 160,049,321  
 

2021

    14,110,436       36,596,069             50,706,505  

Free Market International Equity Fund

2022

    35,219,290                 $ 35,219,290  
 

2021

    29,143,899       41,225,666             70,369,565  

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

2022

    15,000,590                 $ 15,000,590  
 

2021

    11,112,294       6,838,031       79,992       18,030,317  

 

Distributions from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

The Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period. Capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of August 31, 2022, the Free Market International Equity Fund had $13,568,310 of short-term capital loss carryforwards and $64,974,595 of long-term capital loss carryforwards, the Free Market Fixed Income Fund had $1,224,764 of short-term capital loss carryforwards.

 

6.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In October 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted new regulations governing the use of derivatives by registered investment companies (“Rule 18f-4”). Rule 18f-4 imposes limits on the amount of derivatives a fund can enter into, eliminates the asset segregation framework previously used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, and requires funds whose use of derivatives is greater than a limited specified amount to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager. The Fund is required to comply with Rule 18f-4 and has adopted procedures for investing in derivatives and other transactions in compliance with Rule 18f-4. Rule 18f-4 may require the Fund to observe more stringent requirements than were previously imposed by the 1940 Act, which could adversely affect the ability of the Fund to engage in certain derivatives transactions and/or increase the costs of such derivatives transactions, which could adversely affect the Fund’s performance and increase costs related to the Fund’s use of derivatives.

 

In December 2020, the SEC adopted a new rule providing a framework for fund valuation practices (“Rule 2a-5”). Rule 2a-5 establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the 1940 Act. Rule 2a-5 will permit fund boards to designate certain parties to perform fair value determinations, subject to board oversight and certain other conditions. Rule 2a-5 also defines when market quotations are “readily available” for purposes of the 1940 Act and the threshold for determining whether a fund must fair value a security. In connection with Rule 2a-5, the SEC also adopted related recordkeeping requirements and is rescinding previously issued guidance, including with respect to the role of a board in determining fair value and the accounting and auditing of fund investments. The Funds will be required to comply with the rules by September 8, 2022. Effective September 8, 2022 and pursuant to the requirements of Rule 2a-5, the Board designated the Adviser as its valuation designee to perform fair value determinations and approved new valuation procedures for the Funds.

 

In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments on the financial statements.

 

7.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined there were no subsequent events.

 

27

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. and Shareholders of Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund and Free Market Fixed Income Fund

 

Opinions on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the portfolios of investments, of Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund and Free Market Fixed Income Fund (three of the funds constituting The RBB Fund, Inc., hereafter collectively referred to as the “Funds”) as of August 31, 2022, the related statements of operations for the year ended August 31, 2022, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2022, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2022 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds as of August 31, 2022, the results of each of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in each of their net assets for each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2022 and each of the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2022 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinions

 

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

 

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2022 by correspondence with the custodian and transfer agent. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

 

 

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 28, 2022

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Matson Money, Inc. investment companies since 2008.

 

28

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

SHAREHOLDER TAX INFORMATION

(UNAUDITED)

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022 were as follows:

 

   

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
CAPITAL GAINS

   

RETURN OF
CAPITAL

   

Total

 

Free Market U.S. Equity Fund

  $ 62,775,363     $ 97,273,958     $     $ 160,049,321  

Free Market International Equity Fund

    35,219,290                   35,219,290  

Free Market Fixed Income Fund

    15,000,590                   15,000,590  

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

The percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions that are designated as short-term capital gain distributions under Internal Revenue Section 871(k)(2)(c) are 0.00% for each Fund.

 

The percentage of total ordinary income dividends qualifying for the 15% dividend income tax rate is 100% for the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund and 78.05% for the Free Market International Equity Fund.

 

The percentage of total ordinary dividends qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction is 100% for the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund.

 

The percentage of qualified interest income related dividends not subject to withholding tax for non-resident aliens and foreign corporations is 61.35% for the Free Market Fixed Income Fund. A total of 60.73% of the dividend distributed during the fiscal year was derived from U.S. Government securities, which is generally exempt from state income tax for the Free Market Fixed Income Fund.

 

Because each Fund’s fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2022. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2023.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Funds, if any. The Free Market International Equity Fund passed through foreign tax credits of $5,379,042 and earned $58,331,389 of gross foreign source income during the fiscal year.

 

In general, dividends received by tax-exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

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

 

29

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Other Information

(Unaudited)

 

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling Free Market Funds at (866) 780-0357, ext. 3863 and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

 

The Company files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Free Market Funds Approval of Investment Advisory Agreements

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the renewal of the investment advisory agreement between Matson Money and the Company (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund and Free Market Fixed Income Fund (for this section only, each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”), at a meeting of the Board held on May 11-12, 2022 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreement for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board considered information provided by Matson Money with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreements between the Company and Matson Money with respect to the Funds, the Directors took into account all the materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of Matson Money’s services provided to the Funds; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of Matson Money’s personnel providing those services; (iii) Matson Money’s investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Matson Money’s assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Matson Money’s current advisory fee arrangements with the Company and other similarly managed clients; (vi) Matson Money’s compliance procedures; (vii) Matson Money’s financial information, insurance coverage and profitability analysis related to providing advisory services to the Funds; (viii) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Funds; (ix) a report prepared by Broadridge/Lipper comparing each Fund’s management fees and total expense ratio to those of its respective Lipper Group and comparing the performance of each Fund to the performance of its respective Lipper Group; and (x) a report comparing the performance of each Fund to the performance of its primary and composite benchmarks.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Matson Money. The Directors concluded that Matson Money had substantial resources to provide services to the Funds and that Matson Money’s services had been acceptable.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Funds and Matson Money. Information on the Funds’ investment performance was provided for the year-to-date, one-year, five-year, ten-year, and since-inception periods, as applicable, and for the quarter ended March 31, 2022. The Directors considered the Funds’ investment performance in light of their investment objectives and investment strategies. The Directors concluded that the investment performance of each of the Funds as compared to their respective benchmarks and Lipper Groups was acceptable.

 

30

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Other Information (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

 

In reaching this conclusion, the Directors observed that the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund had outperformed its benchmark for the year-to-date and one-year periods ended March 31, 2022, and underperformed its benchmark for the five-year, ten-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2022. The Directors also noted that the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund ranked in the 1st quintile in its Performance Group for the one-year period, and in the 5th quintile for the two-year, three-year, four-year and five-year periods ended December 31, 2021.

 

The Directors noted the Free Market International Equity Fund had outperformed its benchmark for the year-to-date, one-year, and since-inception periods, and underperformed its benchmark for the five-year and ten-year periods, each ended March 31, 2022. The Directors also noted that the Free Market International Equity Fund ranked in the 1st quintile in its Performance Group for the one-year period and in the 2nd quintile for the two-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2021.

 

The Directors noted the Free Market Fixed Income Fund had underperformed its benchmark for the year-to-date, one-year, five-year, ten-year, and since-inception periods, each ended March 31, 2022. The Directors also noted that the Free Market Fixed Income Fund ranked in the 5th quintile in its Performance Group for the one-year, two-year, three-year, four-year and five-year periods ended December 31, 2021.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rates payable by the Funds under the Investment Advisory Agreement. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Funds and the Funds’ total operating expense ratios (before and after the voluntary fee waiver and expense reimbursements) were compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee of the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund ranked in the 3rd quintile of the Fund’s Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 1st quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee of the Free Market International Equity Fund ranked in the 1st quintile of the Fund’s Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 1st quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee of the Free Market Fixed Income Fund ranked in the 3rd quintile of the Fund’s Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 1st quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

In addition, the Directors took note that Matson Money had voluntarily agreed to waive its advisory fee and reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses to 1.13%, 1.35% and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, Free Market International Equity Fund and Free Market Fixed Income Fund, respectively.

 

After reviewing the information regarding the Funds’ costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering Matson Money’s services, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Funds were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreements should be approved and continued for an additional one year period ending August 16, 2023.

 

31

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

Liquidity Risk Management Program

(Unaudited)

 

 

The Company has adopted and implemented a Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Company Program”) as required by rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. In accordance with the Company Program, the “Adviser has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Adviser Program” and together with the Company Program, the “Programs”) on behalf of the Free Market Fixed Income Fund, Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, and Free Market International Equity Fund (each a “Fund” and together, the “Funds”). The Programs seek to assess, manage and review each Fund’s Liquidity Risk. “Liquidity Risk” is defined as the risk that a Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interest in the Fund.

 

The Board has appointed Vigilant Compliance, LLC (“Vigilant”) as the program administrator for the Company Program and the Adviser as the program administrator for the Company Program. The Adviser has delegated oversight of the Adviser Program to its Liquidity Risk Committee, whose process of monitoring and determining the liquidity of each Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party vendors.

 

At meetings held during the fiscal period, the Board and its Investment and Regulatory Oversight Committee received and reviewed a written report (the “Report”) of Vigilant and the Adviser concerning the operation of the Programs for the period from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 (the “Period”). The Report summarized the operation of the Programs and the information and factors considered by Vigilant and the Adviser in reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the implementation of the Programs with respect to each Fund. Such information and factors included, among other things: (i) the methodology used to classify the liquidity of each Fund’s portfolio investments and the Adviser’s assessment that each Fund’s strategy remained appropriate for an open-end mutual fund; (ii) that each Fund held primarily highly liquid assets (investments that the Fund anticipates can be converted to cash within 3 business days or less in current market conditions without significantly changing their market value); (iii) that none of the Funds required the establishment of a highly liquid investment minimum and the methodology for that determination; (iv) confirmation that none of the Funds had breached the 15% maximum illiquid security threshold (investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven days or less in current market conditions without the sale of the investment significantly changing the market value of the investment) and the procedures for monitoring compliance with the limit; (v) that the processes, technologies and third-party vendors used to assess, manage, and/or periodically review each Fund’s Liquidity Risk functioned appropriately during the Period; and (vi) that the Programs operated adequately during the Period. The Report also indicated that there were no material changes made to the Programs during the Period.

 

Based on the review, the Report concluded that the Programs were being implemented effectively and reasonably designed to assess and manage Liquidity Risk in each Fund’s portfolio.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company Program or the Adviser Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Funds’ prospectus for more information regarding a Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

 

32

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

COMPANY MANAGEMENT

(UNAUDITED)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 866-780-0357, ext. 3863.

 

Name, Address, and Age

Position(s) Held
with Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 89

Director

1988 to present

From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications).

55

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

Gregory P. Chandler

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 55

 

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

55

FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018).

Lisa A. Dolly

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI, 53202

Age: 56

Director

October 2021 to present

From July 2019-December 2019, Chairman, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm); January 2016-June 2019, Chief Executive Officer, Pershing, LLC.

55

Allfunds Group PLC (United Kingdom wealthtech and fund distribution provider); Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (trade association for broker dealers, investment banks and asset managers); Hightower Advisors (wealth management firm).

 

33

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

COMPANY MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

 

Name, Address, and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Nicholas A. Giordano

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 79

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

55

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until 2021); Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017).

Arnold M. Reichman

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 74

Chairman

Director

2005 to present

1991 to present

Retired.

55

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until August 2022).

Brian T. Shea

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 62

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

55

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company); WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019).

Robert A. Straniere

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 81

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

55

None.

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

Robert Sablowsky

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 84

Vice Chairman

Director

2016 to present

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

55

None.

 

 

34

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

COMPANY MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

 

Name, Address, and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

OFFICERS

Steven Plump

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 63

President

August 2022 to present

From 2011 to 2021, Executive Vice President, PIMCO Investments LLC.

N/A

N/A

Salvatore Faia, JD,

CPA, CFE

Vigilant Compliance, LLC

Gateway Corporate

Center, Suite 216

223 Wilmington West

Chester Pike

Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Age: 59

Chief Compliance Officer

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, Chief Compliance Officer of The RBB Fund Trust; President of The RBB Fund Trust from 2021 to 2022; President of The RBB Fund, Inc. from 2009 to 2022.

N/A

N/A

James G. Shaw

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 61

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

Chief Operating Officer

2016 to present

 

 

 

2022 to present

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2016) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2021) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund Trust; from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 48

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and The RBB Fund Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC.

N/A

N/A

OFFICERS

Jennifer Witt

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 39

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services; from 2007 to 2016, Supervisor, Nuveen Investments (registered investment company).

N/A

N/A

 

 

35

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

COMPANY MANAGEMENT (CONCLUDED)

(UNAUDITED)

 

Name, Address, and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Edward Paz

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 51

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy

One Logan Square

Ste. 2000

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 63

Assistant
Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann

One Logan Square

Ste. 2000

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 43

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 55 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company and The RBB Fund Trust (7 portfolios).

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his or her qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Ms. Dolly has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, and she has demonstrated her leadership and management abilities by serving in numerous senior executive-level positions. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing, and investment services industry, including service on the boards of industry regulatory organizations and a university. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company.

 

36

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

PRIVACY NOTICE

(UNAUDITED)

 

FACTS

WHAT DO THE FREE MARKET FUNDS DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

 

● Social Security number

● account balances

● account transactions

● transaction history

● wire transfer instructions

● checking account information

 

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

How?

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

       

Reasons we can share your information

Do the Free Market Funds share?

Can you limit this sharing?

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

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial companies

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes
information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

 

Questions?

Call (866) 780-0357 Ext. 3863 or go to www.MatsonMoney.com

 

 

37

 

 

FREE MARKET FUNDS

PRIVACY NOTICE (CONCLUDED)

(UNAUDITED)

 

What we do

 

How does the Free Market Funds protect my personal information?

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

How does the Free Market Funds collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

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

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

Definitions

 

Affiliates

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

 

Our affiliates include McGriff Video Productions and Matson Money, Inc.

Nonaffiliates

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

 

The Free Market Funds don’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you. The Funds may share information with nonaffiliates that perform marketing services on our behalf.

Joint marketing

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

 

The Free Market Funds may share your information with other financial institutions with whom we have joint marketing arrangements who may suggest additional fund services or other investment products which may be of interest to you.

 

 

38

 

 

Investment Adviser

Matson Money, Inc.
5955 Deerfield Blvd.
Mason, OH 45040

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Principal Underwriter

Vigilant Distributors, LLC
Gateway Corporate Center, Suite 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317

 

Custodian

U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Two Commerce Square, Suite 1800
2001 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103-7042

 

Legal Counsel

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

FMFI-AR22

 

 

 

 

 

MATSON MONEY U.S. EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO
MATSON MONEY INTERNATIONAL EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO
MATSON MONEY FIXED INCOME VI PORTFOLIO

 

of

 

The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

 

Annual Report

 

August 31, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This report is submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the Portfolios. It is not authorized for distribution unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus for the Portfolios.

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

 

The twelve-month period ended August 31, 2022 saw periods of noticeable volatility in domestic equity markets. Common news stories over the past twelve months have continued to include coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic and the availability of vaccine boosters and shortened quarantine periods, post-pandemic global inflation, rising interest rates, rising commodity prices, and the Russia/Ukraine war. The performance of U.S. equities in 2022 has begun to reverse course from the beginning of 2021 and has experienced downturns with noticeable volatility.

 

For the twelve months ended August 31, 2022, the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio provided a total return of -6.64% at net asset value. This compares with a return of -15.54% over the same period for the Portfolio’s benchmark, the Russell 2500® Index.

 

As a result of the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio’s diversified investment approach, performance principally was determined by broad structural trends in equity markets, rather than the behavior of a limited number of stocks. Among the most important factors explaining differences in the performance of diversified equity funds, like the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, are the size and value/growth characteristics of the underlying fund holdings. Size is measured by market capitalization and “value” classification is a function of stock price relative to one or more fundamental characteristics.

 

U.S. value stocks performed better than U.S. growth stocks during the period. The Russell 2000® Value Index returned -10.18% and the Russell 1000® Value Index returned -6.23%.

 

Furthermore, for the same time-period the Russell 2000® Index returned -17.88%, while the S&P 500® Index was down -11.23% for the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2022.

 

In summary, U.S. value stocks outperformed U.S. growth stocks and U.S. large cap stocks performed better than small cap stocks. Factors that contributed to the Portfolio’s overperformance compared to its benchmark can largely be explained by its tilt toward value stocks, as well as the Portfolio’s limited exposure to real estate investment trusts.

 

Today’s environment underscores that markets are highly unpredictable over the short term. In other words, anything can happen, so we believe that a balanced, diversified, long-term approach is favored.

 

 

1

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

 

The global markets experienced a roller coaster ride during the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2022. U.S. equity markets outpaced international equity markets over the twelve months. We also saw the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic that has caused tremendous global human and economic hardships, while global markets attempted to return to some level of pre-pandemic normalcy in light of global inflation.

 

For the twelve months ended August 31, 2022, the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio provided a total return of -15.66% at net asset value. This compares with a return of -18.56% over the same period for the Portfolio’s benchmark, the MSCI World (ex USA) Index, which captures large and mid-cap representation across 22 of 23 Developed Markets (DM) countries, excluding the U.S.

 

As a result of the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio’s diversified investment approach, performance principally was determined by broad structural trends in global equity markets, rather than the behavior of a limited number of stocks. Among the most important factors explaining differences in the behavior of diversified international equity funds, like the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio, are company size and company value/growth characteristics of the underlying fund holdings and broad exposure to emerging market equities.

 

International value stocks fared better than international growth stocks during the fiscal year. The MSCI EAFE Value Index decreased by -13.91%, while the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Value Index returned -21.10% and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index returned -21.80%. Furthermore, the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index returned -25.98% for the twelve months ended August 31, 2022, while the MSCI EAFE Index returned -19.80% for the same period.

 

In summary, factors that contributed to the Portfolio’s overperformance compared to its benchmark can largely be explained by its tilt toward value stocks.

 

Today’s environment underscores that markets are highly unpredictable over the short term. In other words, anything can happen, so we believe that a balanced, diversified, long-term approach is favored.

 

2

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

 

The U.S. economy experienced periods of volatility during the twelve months ended August 31, 2022. We continued to see the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic causing tremendous global human and economic hardship while global markets attempted to return to some level of pre-pandemic normalcy in light of global inflation. Disruptions to economic activity continue to affect financial conditions. The U.S. Federal Reserve shift in monetary policy is in response to persistent high inflation. The broad proxy for the U.S. bond market, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index fell -11.52%, while the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index (hedged) returned -9.99% for the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2022. As a result of the increase in interest rates, long-term bonds were outperformed by ones with shorter maturities. For the twelve months ended August 31, 2022, the Bloomberg U.S. Government/Credit 1-3 Years Index returned -4.03% while the Morningstar Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Index, which includes U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government Agency bonds with maturities of seven years or longer, returned -20.57%.

 

The Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio focuses on assets that invest in global high quality and shorter-term government and corporate fixed income assets. For the twelve months ended August 31, 2022, the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio returned -7.08%. This compares with a return of -4.49% over the same period for the Portfolio’s benchmark, the FTSE World Government Bond 1-5 Year Currency Hedged U.S. Dollar Index.

 

The Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio performed as expected, and slightly underperformed its benchmark for the period. A contributing factor to the performance of the Portfolio compared to its benchmark was the Portfolio’s slightly lower exposure to certain global markets and exposure to shorter term maturities.

 

3

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

The Russell 2500 Index: The Russell 2500™ Index measures the performance of the small to mid-cap segment of the US equity universe, commonly referred to as “smid” cap. The Russell 2500™ Index is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index. It includes approximately 2500 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. The Russell 2500™ Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the small to mid-cap segment. The index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the true small to mid-cap opportunity set.

 

Russell 2000® Index: Measures the performance of the small-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe. The Russell 2000® Index is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index representing approximately 10% of the total market capitalization of that index. It includes approximately 2000 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. The Russell 2000® Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased small-cap barometer and is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the true small-cap opportunity set.

 

Russell 2000® Value Index: The Russell 2000® Value Index measures the performance of small-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 2000® companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. The Russell 2000® Value Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the small-cap value segment. The index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the true small-cap opportunity set and that the represented companies continue to reflect value characteristics.

 

The S&P 500® Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index that consists of the 500 largest U.S. publicly traded companies.

 

Russell 1000® Value Index: The Russell 1000® Value Index measures the performance of the large-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 1000® companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower expected growth values. The Russell 1000® Value Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the large-cap value segment. The index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure new and growing equities are included and that the represented companies continue to reflect value characteristics.

 

The MSCI World (ex USA) Index captures large and mid -cap representation across 22 of 23 developed markets (DM) countries*--excluding the U.S. With 934 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country.

 

MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index is an equity index which captures small cap representation across Developed Markets countries* around the world, excluding the U.S. and Canada. With 2,377 constituents, the index covers approximately 14% of the free float adjusted market capitalization in each country.

 

MSCI EAFE Small Cap Value Index captures small cap securities exhibiting overall value style characteristics across Developed Markets countries* around the world, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The value investment style characteristics for index construction are defined using three variables: book value to price, twelve-month forward earnings to price and dividend yield.

 

MSCI EAFE Index is an equity index which captures large and mid-cap representation across 21 Developed Markets countries* around the world, excluding the U.S. and Canada. With 843 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the free float adjusted market capitalization in each country

 

MSCI EAFE Value Index captures large and mid-cap securities exhibiting overall value style characteristics across Developed Markets countries* around the world, excluding the US and Canada. The value investment style characteristics for index construction are defined using three variables: book value to price, twelve-month forward earnings to price and dividend yield.

 

MSCI Emerging Markets Index captures large and mid-cap representation across 24 Emerging Markets (EM) countries**. With 1,387 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country.

 

4

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Concluded)

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market.

 

Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index is a flagship measure of global investment grade debt from twenty-four local currency markets.

 

Bloomberg U.S. Government/Credit 1-3 Years Index measures the performance of investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate, taxable corporate and government-related debt with one to three years to maturity.

 

Morningstar Long-Term US Government Bond Index includes U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government Agency bonds with maturities of seven years or longer.

 

FTSE World Government Bond 1-5 Year Currency Hedged U.S. Dollar Index is a broad index providing exposure to the global sovereign fixed income market. The index measures the performance of fixed-rate, local currency, investment-grade sovereign bonds. It comprises sovereign debt from over 20 countries, denominated in a variety of currencies. The index provides a broad benchmark for the global sovereign fixed income market. Sub-indexes are available in any combination of currency, maturity, or rating.

 

* Developed Markets countries include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and the U.S.

 

** EM countries include: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.

 

One cannot invest directly in an index.

 

Growth stocks typically are more volatile than value stocks; however, value stocks have a lower expected growth rate in earnings and sales.

 

Opinions expressed are subject to change at any time, are not guaranteed and should not be considered investment advice.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Diversification does not assure a profit nor protect against loss in a declining market. Investing in micro-cap or small cap companies involve additional risks such as limited liquidity and greater volatility than large companies. Investing in foreign securities involves greater volatility and political, economic and currency risks and differences in accounting methods. These risks are greater in emerging markets. Investments in debt securities typically decrease in value when interest rates rise. This risk is usually greater for longer-term debt securities.

 

Shares of the Portfolios are distributed by Vigilant Distributors, LLC. Member of FINRA and SIPC.

 

5

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Performance Data

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

 

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio vs. Russell 2500® Index and Composite Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment in the Portfolio made on February 18, 2014 (commencement of operations) and reflects Portfolio expenses. Investors should note that the Portfolio is a professionally managed mutual fund while the Russell 2500® Index and Composite Index are unmanaged, do not incur sales charges and/or expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2022

 

1 YEAR

5 YEARS

SINCE
INCEPTION

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

-6.64%

7.98%

7.57%(1)

Russell 2500® Index

-15.54%

8.54%

8.07%(3)

Composite Index(2)

-11.37%

8.45%

8.83%(3)

 

(1)

The Portfolio commenced operations on February 18, 2014.

(2)

The Composite Index is comprised of the S&P 500® Index, Russell 1000® Value Index, Russell 2000® Index and Russell 2000® Value Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively.

(3)

Index information is not available as of the date of the inception of the Portfolio. The average annual returns for the Russell 2500® Index and the Composite Index are presented as of March 1, 2014. If the Portfolio had commenced operations on March 1, 2014, its average annual return since inception would have been 7.41%.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or on the redemption of Portfolio shares. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-866-780-0357 ext. 3863. The Portfolio’s annual operating expense ratio, as stated in the current prospectus dated March 2, 2022 is 0.98% (included in the ratio is 0.24% attributable to acquired fund fees and expenses).

 

The Portfolio’s aggregate total return since inception is based on an increase in net asset value from $25.00 per share on February 18, 2014 (commencement of operations) to $31.90 per share on August 31, 2022.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

The Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio’s underlying funds invest in small-cap and micro-cap stocks, large-cap stocks and other equity securities. In addition to the ordinary risks of equity investing, small companies entail special risk. Small companies tend to have more risk than large companies. An investor in the Portfolio will incur the expenses of the underlying funds in addition to the Portfolio’s expenses. The foregoing is not intended to be a complete discussion of all risks associated with the investment strategies of the Portfolio.

 

6

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

 

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio vs. MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index and Composite Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment in the Portfolio made on February 18, 2014 (commencement of operations) and reflects Portfolio expenses. Investors should note that the Portfolio is a professionally managed mutual fund while the MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index and Composite Index are unmanaged, do not incur sales charges and/or expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2022

 

1 YEAR

5 YEARS

SINCE
INCEPTION

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

-15.66%

0.23%

1.67%(1)

MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index

-18.56%

2.08%

2.91%(3)

Composite Index(2)

-20.27%

1.02%

2.96%(3)

 

(1)

The Portfolio commenced operations on February 18, 2014.

(2)

The Composite Index is comprised of the MSCI EAFE Index, MSCI EAFE Value Index, MSCI EAFE Small Company Index, and MSCI Emerging Markets Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively.

(3)

Index information is not available as of the date of the inception of the Portfolio. The average annual returns for the MSCI World (excluding U.S.) Index and the Composite Index are presented as of March 1, 2014. If the Portfolio had commenced operations on March 1, 2014, its average annual return since inception would have been 1.52%.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or on the redemption of Portfolio shares. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-866-780-0357 ext. 3863. The Portfolio’s annual operating expense ratio, as stated in the current prospectus dated March 2, 2022 is 1.14% (included in the ratio is 0.34% attributable to acquired fund fees and expenses).

 

The Portfolio’s aggregate total return since inception is based on a decrease in net asset value from $25.00 per share on February 18, 2014 (commencement of operations) to $22.22 per share on August 31, 2022.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

The Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio’s underlying funds invest in common stock, preferred stock, securities convertible into stocks and other equity securities issued by foreign companies. In addition to the ordinary risks of equity investing, foreign and small companies entail special risk. The return on foreign equities may be adversely affected by currency fluctuations. Emerging markets may be subject to social instability and lack of market liquidity. Small companies tend to have more risk than large companies. An investor in the Portfolio will incur the expenses of the underlying funds in addition to the Portfolio’s expenses. The foregoing is not intended to be a complete discussion of all risks associated with the investment strategies of the Portfolio.

 

7

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Performance Data (Concluded)

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

 

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in
Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio vs. FTSE World Government Bond Index 1-5 Years and Composite Index

 

 

The chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment in the Portfolio made on February 18, 2014 (commencement of operations) and reflects Portfolio expenses. Investors should note that the Portfolio is a professionally managed mutual fund while the FTSE World Government Bond Index 1-5 years and Composite Index are unmanaged, do not incur sales charges and/or expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2022

 

1 YEAR

5 YEARS

SINCE
INCEPTION

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

-7.08%

0.00%

0.25%(1)

FTSE World Government Bond Index 1-5 Years

-4.49%

0.87%

1.11%(3)

Composite Index(2)

-5.80%

0.78%

1.08%(3)

 

(1)

The Portfolio commenced operations on February 18, 2014.

(2)

The Composite Index is comprised of the Three-Month Treasury Bill Index, Bloomberg Barclays Capital Intermediate Government Bond Index, ICE BofA Merrill Lynch 1-3 Year US Government/Corporate Index and Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, each weighted 25%, 25%, 25% and 25%, respectively.

(3)

Index information is not available as of the date of the inception of the Portfolio. The average annual returns for the FTSE World Government Bond Index 1-5 Years (formerly known as the Citigroup World Govt. Bond 1-5 Year Currency Hedged U.S. Dollar Index), and the Composite Index are presented as of March 1, 2014. If the Portfolio had commenced operations on March 1, 2014, its average annual return since inception would have been 0.23%.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown include the reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions and do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or on the redemption of Portfolio shares. For performance data current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-866-780-0357 ext. 3863. The Portfolio’s annual operating expense ratio, as stated in the current prospectus dated March 2, 2022 is 0.84% (included in the ratio is 0.11% attributable to acquired fund fees and expenses).

 

The Portfolio’s aggregate total return since inception is based on a decrease in net asset value from $25.00 per share on February 18, 2014 (commencement of operations) to $23.67 per share on August 31, 2022.

 

Portfolio composition is subject to change.

 

The Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio’s underlying funds invest in fixed income securities. The underlying funds may invest their assets in bonds and other debt securities issued by domestic and foreign governments and companies. Debt instruments involve the risk that their prices will fall when interest rates rise, and they are subject to the risk that the borrower may default. In addition, the return on foreign debt securities may be adversely affected by currency fluctuations. An investor in the Portfolio will incur expenses of the underlying funds in addition to the Portfolio’s expenses. The foregoing is not intended to be a complete discussion of all risks associated with the investment strategies of the Portfolio.

 

8

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Fund Expense ExampleS

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Portfolio(s), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, and other Portfolio expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Portfolio(s) and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022, and held for the entire period.

 

ACTUAL EXPENSES

 

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

 

HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLES FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES

 

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

 

The expenses shown in the accompanying table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as redemption fees. Therefore, the second section of the accompanying table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

 

BEGINNING
ACCOUNT VALUE
MARCH 1, 2022

ENDING
ACCOUNT VALUE
AUGUST 31, 2022

EXPENSES
PAID DURING
PERIOD*

Annualized
EXPENSE
RATIO*

ACTUAL SIX-
MONTH TOTAL
INVESTMENT
RETURN FOR
THE PORTFOLIO

Actual

         

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

$ 1,000.00

$ 923.30

$ 3.54

0.73%

-7.67%

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

1,000.00

865.30

3.76

0.80%

-13.47%

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

1,000.00

956.40

3.60

0.73%

-4.36%

 

9

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Fund Expense Examples (CONCLUDED)

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

 

BEGINNING
ACCOUNT VALUE
MARCH 1, 2022

ENDING
ACCOUNT VALUE
AUGUST 31, 2022

EXPENSES
PAID DURING
PERIOD*

Annualized
EXPENSE
RATIO*

ACTUAL SIX-
MONTH TOTAL
INVESTMENT
RETURN FOR
THE PORTFOLIO

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,021.53

$ 3.72

0.73%

N/A

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

1,000.00

1,021.17

4.08

0.80%

N/A

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

1,000.00

1,021.53

3.72

0.73%

N/A

 

*

Expenses are equal to each Portfolio’s annualized six-month expense ratio for the period March 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one half year period. The annualized expense ratios do not reflect fees and expenses associated with the underlying funds. Fees and expenses presented for a Portfolio do not reflect any fees and expenses imposed on shares of the Portfolio purchased through variable annuity contracts, variable life insurance policies, and certain qualified pension and retirement plans, which would increase overall fees and expenses. If such fees and expenses had been included, the expenses would have been higher. Each Portfolio’s ending account value in the first section in the table is based on the actual six-month total investment return for each Portfolio for the period March 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022. The range of weighted expense ratios of the underlying funds held by the Portfolios, as stated in the underlying funds’ current prospectuses, were as follows:

 

FUNDS

RANGE OF WEIGHTED
EXPENSE RATIO

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

0.01% - 0.06%

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

0.00% - 0.12%

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

0.00% - 0.02%

 

10

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

MATSON MONEY U.S. EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO

 

Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2022

 

   

NUMBER OF
SHARES

   

VALUE

 

DOMESTIC EQUITY FUNDS — 99.2%

       

U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio III (a)

    266,326     $ 7,268,049  

U.S. Large Company Portfolio (a)

    135,716       3,828,551  

U.S. Micro Cap Portfolio (b)

    174,267       4,173,695  

U.S. Small Cap Portfolio (b)

    103,683       4,195,018  

U.S. Small Cap Value Portfolio (b)

    69,520       2,824,583  

VA U.S. Large Value Portfolio (b)

    36,011       1,086,799  

VA U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio (b)

    190,774       4,212,281  

TOTAL DOMESTIC EQUITY FUNDS

       

(Cost $24,271,617)

            27,588,976  
         

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 1.0%

       

STIT-Government & Agency Portfolio, 2.22%*

    279,035       279,035  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

       

(Cost $279,035)

            279,035  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.2%

       

(Cost $24,550,652)

            27,868,011  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS — (0.2)%

            (51,083 )

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 27,816,928  

 

 

 

                 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS SUMMARY TABLE

   

% of
Net Assets

   

Value

 

Domestic Equity Funds

    99.2 %   $ 27,588,976  

Short-Term Investments

    1.0       279,035  

Liabilities In Excess Of Other Assets

    (0.2 )     (51,083 )

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 27,816,928  

 

 

*

Seven-day yield as of August 31, 2022.

(a)

A portfolio of Dimensional Investment Group Inc.

(b)

A portfolio of DFA Investment Trust Company.

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

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

 

11

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

MATSON MONEY INTERNATIONAL EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO

 

Portfolio of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

   

NUMBER OF
SHARES

   

VALUE

 

INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUNDS — 99.1%

       

DFA International Small Cap Value Portfolio (a)

    298,382     $ 5,317,165  

DFA International Value Portfolio III (b)

    397,602       5,741,372  

Emerging Markets Small Cap Portfolio (a)

    44,900       955,032  

Emerging Markets Value Portfolio, Class Institutional (a)

    35,030       971,028  

iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF

    12,955       755,147  

iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF

    21,427       1,038,352  

VA International Small Portfolio (a)

    297,391       3,199,932  

VA International Value Portfolio (a)

    80,027       956,326  

TOTAL INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUNDS

       

(Cost $20,215,531)

            18,934,354  
         

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 1.1%

       

STIT-Government & Agency Portfolio, 2.22%*

    212,339       212,339  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

       

(Cost $212,339)

            212,339  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.2%

       

(Cost $20,427,870)

            19,146,693  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS — (0.2)%

            (46,513 )

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 19,100,180  

 

 

 

                 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS SUMMARY TABLE

   

% of
Net Assets

   

Value

 

International Equity Funds

    99.1 %   $ 18,934,354  

Short-Term Investments

    1.1       212,339  

Liabilities In Excess Of Other Assets

    (0.2 )     (46,513 )

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 19,100,180  

 

 

*

Seven-day yield as of August 31, 2022.

(a)

A portfolio of DFA Investment Trust Company.

(b)

A portfolio of DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc.

ETF

Exchange-Traded Fund

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.    

 

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

 

12

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

MATSON MONEY FIXED INCOME VI PORTFOLIO

 

Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2022

 

   

NUMBER OF
SHARES

   

VALUE

 

FIXED INCOME FUNDS — 98.7%

       

DFA One-Year Fixed Income Portfolio (a)

    325,750     $ 3,283,557  

DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio (a)

    446,534       4,291,191  

iShares 1-3 Year Treasury Bond ETF

    13,859       1,140,457  

iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF

    14,258       1,680,876  

iShares Core International Aggregate Bond ETF

    84,150       4,183,097  

iShares Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF

    33,166       1,687,154  

iShares Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF

    135,298       6,820,372  

iShares TIPS Bond ETF

    12,306       1,401,777  

VA Global Bond Portfolio (a)

    291,035       2,855,057  

VA Short-Term Fixed Income Portfolio (a)

    57,104       572,755  

TOTAL FIXED INCOME FUNDS

       

(Cost $29,615,638)

            27,916,293  
         

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 1.5%

       

STIT-Government & Agency Portfolio, 2.22%*

    433,126       433,126  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

       

(Cost $433,126)

            433,126  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.2%

       

(Cost $30,048,764)

            28,349,419  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS — (0.2)%

            (50,587 )

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 28,298,832  

 

 

 

                 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS SUMMARY TABLE

   

% of
Net Assets

   

Value

 

Fixed Income Funds

    98.7 %   $ 27,916,293  

Short-Term Investments

    1.5       433,126  

Liabilities In Excess Of Other Assets

    (0.2 )     (50,587 )

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 28,298,832  

 

 

*

Seven-day yield as of August 31, 2022.

(a)

A portfolio of DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc.

ETF

Exchange-Traded Fund

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

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

 

13

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

   

MATSON MONEY
U.S. EQUITY
VI PORTFOLIO

   

MATSON MONEY
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY
VI PORTFOLIO

   

MATSON MONEY
FIXED INCOME
VI PORTFOLIO

 

ASSETS

                       

Investments, at value (cost $24,271,617, $20,215,531 and $29,615,638, respectively)

  $ 27,588,976     $ 18,934,354     $ 27,916,293  

Short-term investments, at value (cost $279,035, $212,339 and $433,126, respectively)

    279,035       212,339       433,126  

Receivables for:

                       

Investments sold

    554       387       799  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    814       106       837  

Total assets

    27,869,379       19,147,186       28,351,055  
                         

LIABILITIES

                       

Payables for:

                       

Audit fees

    31,685       31,744       31,719  

Advisory fees

    12,322       8,396       12,141  

Administration and accounting fees

    4,308       3,776       4,423  

Transfer agent fees

    426       392       452  

Capital shares redeemed

    292       204       297  

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    3,418       2,494       3,191  

Total liabilities

    52,451       47,006       52,223  

Net assets

  $ 27,816,928     $ 19,100,180     $ 28,298,832  
                         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

                       

Par Value

  $ 872     $ 860     $ 1,196  

Paid-in capital

    22,197,137       20,525,619       30,072,473  

Total distributable earnings/(loss)

    5,618,919       (1,426,299 )     (1,774,837 )

Net assets

  $ 27,816,928     $ 19,100,180     $ 28,298,832  
                         

CAPITAL SHARES:

                       

Net assets

  $ 27,816,928     $ 19,100,180     $ 28,298,832  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    871,868       859,586       1,195,610  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 31.90     $ 22.22     $ 23.67  

 

 

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

 

14

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Statements of Operations

FOR THE YEAR ENDED August 31, 2022

 

   

MATSON MONEY
U.S. EQUITY
VI PORTFOLIO

   

MATSON MONEY
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY
VI PORTFOLIO

   

MATSON MONEY
FIXED INCOME
VI PORTFOLIO

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

                       

Dividends from non-affiliated funds

  $ 424,952     $ 796,208     $ 349,141  

Total investment income

    424,952       796,208       349,141  
                         

EXPENSES:

                       

Advisory fees (Note 2)

    153,553       108,748       156,515  

Audit and tax service fees

    30,590       30,873       30,839  

Administration and accounting fees (Note 2)

    21,122       18,932       21,460  

Custodian fees (Note 2)

    3,405       2,880       2,747  

Director fees

    2,821       1,996       2,713  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    2,364       1,936       2,253  

Officer fees

    1,821       1,290       1,837  

Legal fees

    1,690       1,206       1,737  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    1,006       732       1,044  

Other expenses

    5,674       5,110       5,894  

Total expenses

    224,046       173,703       227,039  

Net investment income/(loss)

    200,906       622,505       122,102  
                         

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

                       

Net realized gain/(loss) from:

                       

Non-affiliated funds

    845,439       21,741       (100,223 )

Capital gain distributions from non-affiliated fund investments

    1,905,216       350,354       72,383  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:

                       

Non-affiliated funds

    (4,996,942 )     (4,576,837 )     (2,400,845 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    (2,246,287 )     (4,204,742 )     (2,428,685 )

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ (2,045,381 )   $ (3,582,237 )   $ (2,306,583 )

 

 

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

 

15

 

 

MATSON MONEY U.S. EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2022

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 200,906     $ 222,068  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    2,750,655       1,982,475  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    (4,996,942 )     9,177,417  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (2,045,381 )     11,381,960  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (2,291,039 )     (1,112,545 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (2,291,039 )     (1,112,545 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    3,769,795       4,806,910  

Reinvestment of distributions

    2,291,039       1,112,545  

Shares redeemed

    (5,703,434 )     (9,463,229 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital shares

    357,400       (3,543,774 )

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    (3,979,020 )     6,725,641  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    31,795,948       25,070,307  

End of period

  $ 27,816,928     $ 31,795,948  
                 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    106,781       140,452  

Dividends and distributions reinvested

    63,871       38,350  

Shares redeemed

    (165,123 )     (290,841 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    5,529       (112,039 )

 

 

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

 

16

 

 

MATSON MONEY INTERNATIONAL EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2022

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 622,505     $ 308,548  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    372,095       742,327  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    (4,576,837 )     4,992,500  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (3,582,237 )     6,043,375  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (1,361,460 )     (430,312 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (1,361,460 )     (430,312 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    2,954,287       3,504,955  

Reinvestment of distributions

    1,361,460       430,312  

Shares redeemed

    (3,051,625 )     (5,327,668 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital shares

    1,264,122       (1,392,401 )

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    (3,679,575 )     4,220,662  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    22,779,755       18,559,093  

End of period

  $ 19,100,180     $ 22,779,755  
                 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    114,254       133,013  

Dividends and distributions reinvested

    52,183       17,679  

Shares redeemed

    (120,422 )     (206,417 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    46,015       (55,725 )

 

 

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

 

17

 

 

MATSON MONEY FIXED INCOME VI PORTFOLIO

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2022

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 122,102     $ 21,588  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (27,840 )     48,963  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    (2,400,845 )     2,245  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (2,306,583 )     72,796  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (100,067 )     (170,529 )

Return of capital

          (14,611 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (100,067 )     (185,140 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    2,888,692       9,842,877  

Reinvestment of distributions

    100,067       185,140  

Shares redeemed

    (5,386,524 )     (4,135,263 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from capital shares

    (2,397,765 )     5,892,754  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    (4,804,415 )     5,780,410  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    33,103,247       27,322,837  

End of period

  $ 28,298,832     $ 33,103,247  
                 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    116,203       385,803  

Dividends and distributions reinvested

    3,969       7,229  

Shares redeemed

    (220,221 )     (162,244 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    (100,049 )     230,788  

 

 

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

 

18

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

MATSON MONEY U.S. EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO

 

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for each share outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2022

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2020

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2019

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2018

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 36.70     $ 25.62     $ 27.08     $ 33.12     $ 29.15  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.23       0.25       0.22       0.21       0.18  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    (2.37 )     12.06       (0.04 )     (4.34 )     5.40  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (2.14 )     12.31       0.18       (4.13 )     5.58  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.34 )     (0.29 )     (0.24 )     (0.27 )     (0.33 )

Net realized capital gains

    (2.32 )     (0.94 )     (1.40 )     (1.64 )     (1.28 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (2.66 )     (1.23 )     (1.64 )     (1.91 )     (1.61 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 31.90     $ 36.70     $ 25.62     $ 27.08     $ 33.12  

Total investment return/(loss)(2)

    (6.64 )%     49.31 %     (0.02 )%     (11.89 )%     19.56 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 27,817     $ 31,796     $ 25,070     $ 24,839     $ 26,181  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers, if any(3)

    0.73 %     0.74 %     0.76 %     0.76 %     0.73 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers, if any(3)

    0.73 %     0.74 %     0.76 %     0.76 %     0.73 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets with waivers(3)

    0.65 %     0.77 %     0.86 %     0.72 %     0.58 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    15 %     18 %     18 %     17 %     12 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated using the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(3)

The Portfolio also will indirectly bear its prorated share of expenses of the underlying funds. Such expenses are not included in the calculation of this ratio.

 

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

 

19

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

MATSON MONEY INTERNATIONAL EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO

 

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for each share outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2022

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2020

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2019

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2018

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 28.00     $ 21.35     $ 22.27     $ 26.16     $ 26.60  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.73       0.37       0.42       0.43       0.47  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    (4.87 )     6.80       (0.25 )     (3.51 )     (0.13 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (4.14 )     7.17       0.17       (3.08 )     0.34  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.82 )     (0.35 )     (0.52 )     (0.39 )     (0.54 )

Net realized capital gains

    (0.82 )     (0.17 )     (0.57 )     (0.42 )     (0.24 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (1.64 )     (0.52 )     (1.09 )     (0.81 )     (0.78 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 22.22     $ 28.00     $ 21.35     $ 22.27     $ 26.16  

Total investment return/(loss)(2)

    (15.66 )%     33.96 %     0.17 %     (11.62 )%     1.13 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 19,100     $ 22,780     $ 18,559     $ 18,228     $ 17,950  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers, if any(3)

    0.80 %     0.80 %     0.83 %     0.86 %     0.79 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers, if any(3)

    0.80 %     0.80 %     0.83 %     0.86 %     0.79 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets with waivers(3)

    2.86 %     1.48 %     1.99 %     1.82 %     1.70 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    11 %     18 %     26 %     13 %     8 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated using the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(3)

The Portfolio also will indirectly bear its prorated share of expenses of the underlying funds. Such expenses are not included in the calculation of this ratio.

 

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

 

20

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

MATSON MONEY FIXED INCOME VI PORTFOLIO

 

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for each share outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2022

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2020

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2019

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2018

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 25.55     $ 25.66     $ 25.38     $ 24.74     $ 25.12  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.10       0.02       0.43       0.59       0.23  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    (1.90 )     0.04       0.27       0.61       (0.36 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (1.80 )     0.06       0.70       1.20       (0.13 )

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.08 )     (0.16 )     (0.42 )     (0.56 )     (0.22 )

Net realized capital gains

                      (2)      (0.03 )

Return of capital

          (0.01 )                  

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.08 )     (0.17 )     (0.42 )     (0.56 )     (0.25 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 23.67     $ 25.55     $ 25.66     $ 25.38     $ 24.74  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    (7.08 )%     0.22 %     2.80 %     4.98 %     (0.50 )%
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 28,299     $ 33,103     $ 27,323     $ 29,546     $ 30,405  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers, if any(4)

    0.73 %     0.73 %     0.74 %     0.74 %     0.71 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers, if any(4)

    0.73 %     0.73 %     0.74 %     0.74 %     0.71 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets with waivers(4)

    0.39 %     0.07 %     1.69 %     2.39 %     0.93 %

Portfolio turnover rate

    7 %     8 %     46 %     19 %     2 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated using the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

Amount less than $(0.005) per share.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated by assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

The Portfolio also will indirectly bear its prorated share of expenses of the underlying funds. Such expenses are not included in the calculation of this ratio.

 

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

 

21

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Notes to Financial Statements

August 31, 2022

 

1.

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has forty-eight separate investment portfolios, including the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio (each a “Portfolio,” collectively the “Portfolios”). Each Portfolio operates as a “fund of funds” and commenced investment operations on February 18, 2014. Shares of the Portfolios are offered to separate accounts of participating life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 90.023 billion shares are currently classified into two hundred and eleven classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio’s investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation. Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio’s investment objective is to seek total return (consisting of current income and capital appreciation).

 

The Portfolios are investment companies and follow accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services - Investment Companies”.

 

The end of the reporting period for the Portfolios is August 31, 2022, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

INVESTMENT COMPANY SECURITIES — The Portfolios pursue their investment objectives by investing primarily in shares of registered, open-end investment companies and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) (collectively, “underlying funds”). When a Portfolio invests in underlying funds it will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any fees and expenses payable directly by the underlying fund. In connection with its investments in other investment companies, a Portfolio will incur higher expenses, many of which may be duplicative. Furthermore, because the Portfolios invest in shares of ETFs and underlying funds their performances are directly related to the ability of the ETFs and underlying funds to meet their respective investment objectives, as well as the allocation of each Portfolio’s assets among the ETFs and underlying funds. Accordingly, the Portfolios’ investment performance will be influenced by the investment strategies of and risks associated with the ETFs and underlying funds in direct proportion to the amount of assets the Portfolios allocate to the ETFs and underlying funds utilizing such strategies. As disclosed in the Portfolio of Investments, the Portfolios invest in a number of different underlying funds, including underlying funds that are portfolios of DFA Investment Dimensions Group Inc., and Dimensional Investment Group Inc. (collectively, “DFA Underlying Funds”) and iShares by BlackRock (“iShares Underlying Funds”). Information about DFA Underlying Funds’ and iShares Underlying Funds’ risks may be found in such DFA Underlying Funds and iShares Underlying Funds’ annual or semiannual report to shareholders, which can be found at us.dimensional.com and iShares.com, respectively. Additional information about derivatives related risks, if applicable, may also be found in each such DFA Underlying Fund or iShares Underlying Funds’ annual or semiannual report to shareholders. The annual and semiannual reports to shareholders for the underlying funds may also be found by visiting the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

PORTFOLIO VALUATION — Investments in the underlying funds are valued at each Portfolio’s net asset value (“NAV”) determined as of the close of business on the New York Stock Exchange (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). Investments in ETFs are valued at their last reported sale price. As required, some securities and assets may be valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Direct investments in fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market.

 

22

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2022

 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Portfolios’ investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

● Level 1 —

Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

● Level 2 —

Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

● Level 3 —

Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Portfolios’ own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the reporting period, in valuing the Portfolios’ investments carried at fair value:

 

MATSON MONEY U.S. EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO

 

   

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED AT NET
ASSET VALUE*

 

Domestic Equity Funds

  $ 27,588,976     $ 22,289,896     $     $     $ 5,299,080  

Short-Term Investments

    279,035       279,035                    

Total Investments**

  $ 27,868,011     $ 22,568,931     $     $     $ 5,299,080  

 

*

Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

**

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments for further details.

 

MATSON MONEY INTERNATIONAL EQUITY VI PORTFOLIO

 

   

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED AT NET
ASSET VALUE*

 

International Equity Funds

  $ 18,934,354     $ 14,778,096     $     $     $ 4,156,258  

Short-Term Investments

    212,339       212,339                    

Total Investments**

  $ 19,146,693     $ 14,990,435     $     $     $ 4,156,258  

 

*

Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

**

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments for further details.

 

23

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

MATSON MONEY FIXED INCOME VI PORTFOLIO

 

   

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED AT NET
ASSET VALUE*

 

Fixed Income Funds

  $ 27,916,293     $ 24,488,481     $     $     $ 3,427,812  

Short-Term Investments

    433,126       433,126                    

Total Investments**

  $ 28,349,419     $ 24,921,607     $     $     $ 3,427,812  

 

*

Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

**

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments for further details.

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Portfolios’ investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Portfolios may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires each Portfolio to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchases and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when a Portfolio had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for all Level 3 transfers are disclosed if a Portfolio had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Portfolios had no Level 3 transfers.

 

USE OF ESTIMATES — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS, INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES — The Portfolios record security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. Each Portfolio’s investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with The RBB Fund Trust (formerly, PENN Capital Funds Trust) (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net

 

24

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Portfolios. In addition to the net annual operating expenses that the Portfolios bear directly, the shareholders indirectly bear the Portfolios’ pro-rata expenses of the underlying mutual funds in which each Portfolio invests.

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS — Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually to shareholders recorded on the ex-dividend date for each Portfolio. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

U.S. TAX STATUS — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is each Portfolio’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

MARKET RISK — The value of a Portfolio’s shares will fluctuate as a result of the movement of the overall stock market or the value of the underlying fund held by a Portfolio, and you could lose money.

 

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC — The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. Although vaccines for COVID-19 are available, the ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers are not known. The operational and financial performance of the issuers of securities in which the Portfolios invest depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and the pace of recovery which may vary market to market, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Portfolios’ investments, impair the Portfolios’ ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Portfolios’ performance.

 

UKRAINE-RUSSIA CONFLICT RISK — In February 2022, Russia commenced a military attack on Ukraine. The outbreak of hostilities between the two countries and the threat of wider-spread hostilities could have a severe adverse effect on the region and global economies, including significant negative impacts on the markets for certain securities and commodities, such as oil and natural gas. In addition, sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States and other countries, and any sanctions imposed in the future, could have a significant adverse impact on the Russian economy and related markets. The price and liquidity of investments may fluctuate widely as a result of the conflict and related events. How long the armed conflict and related events will last cannot be predicted. These tensions and any related events could have a significant impact on Fund performance and the value of Fund investments, even beyond any direct exposure the Fund may have to issuers located in these countries.

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

OTHER — In the normal course of business, the Portfolios may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. Each Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Portfolios in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Portfolios expect the risk of material loss for such claims to be remote.

 

For additional information about the DFA Underlying Funds and iShares Underlying Funds’ valuation policies, refer to the DFA Underlying Funds and iShares Underlying Funds’ most recent annual or semiannual report which can be found at us.dimensional.com and iShares.com, respectively.

 

25

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

2.

Investment Adviser and Other Services

 

Matson Money, Inc. (“Matson Money” or the “Adviser”), serves as the investment adviser to each Portfolio. Each Portfolio compensates the Adviser for its services at an annual rate based on each Portfolio’s average daily net assets (the “Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears, as shown in the following table.

 

AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS

 

ADVISORY FEE

 

For the first $1 billion

    0.50 %

Over $1 billion to $5 billion

    0.49  

Over $5 billion

    0.47  

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent that total annual Portfolio operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed the rates (“Expense Caps”) shown in the following table of each Portfolio’s average daily net assets. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and certain of these expenses could cause total annual Portfolio operating expenses to exceed the Expense Caps: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board. The Adviser may discontinue these arrangements at any time after December 31, 2023.

 

PORTFOLIO

 

EXPENSE CAPS

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

    1.13 %

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

    1.35  

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

    1.00  

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued were as follows:

 

PORTFOLIO

 

ADVISORY FEES

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

  $ 153,553  

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

    108,748  

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

    156,515  

 

Effective September 1, 2019, if at any time a Portfolio’s total annual Portfolio operating expenses for a year are less than the Expense Cap, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Portfolio of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Portfolio within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Portfolio to exceed the Expense Cap that was in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. As of the end of the reporting period, the Portfolios had no amounts available for recoupment.

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services serves as administrator for the Portfolios. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Portfolios’ transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Portfolios. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Vigilant Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Funds’ shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Statements of Operations.

 

26

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Notes to Financial Statements (CONTINUED)

August 31, 2022

 

3.

Director and Officer Compensation

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as Chief Compliance Officer of the Company and served as President of the Company until August 2022. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Portfolios or the Company. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Statements of Operations.

 

4.

Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) of the Portfolios were as follows:

 

   

PURCHASES

   

SALES

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio

  $ 4,874,491     $ 4,637,984  

Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio

    3,153,639       2,265,595  

Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

    2,300,621       4,538,631  

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government securities during the current fiscal period.

 

5.

Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Portfolios have followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Portfolios to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Portfolios have determined that there was no effect on the financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Portfolios are subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

As of August 31, 2022, the federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by each Portfolio were as follows:

 

   

FEDERAL TAX
COST

   

UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION

   

UNREALIZED
(DEPRECIATION)

   

NET
UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity Fund

  $ 24,782,062     $ 4,079,158     $ (993,209 )   $ 3,085,949  

Matson Money International Equity Fund

    20,885,586       685,789       (2,424,682 )     (1,738,893 )

Matson Money Fixed Income Fund

    30,139,701       37,189       (1,827,472 )     (1,790,283 )

 

Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

27

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Notes to Financial Statements (CONTINUED)

August 31, 2022

 

Permanent differences as of August 31, 2022, primarily attributed to short-term capital gain distributions, distribution reclass, and dividend reclass. There were no permanent differences between distributable earnings/(loss) and paid in capital.

 

As of August 31, 2022, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

   

Undistributed
Ordinary Income

   

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains

   

Capital Loss
Carry Forwards

   

Net
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity Fund

  $ 14,896     $ 2,518,074     $     $ 3,085,949  

Matson Money International Equity Fund

    102,331       210,263             (1,738,893 )

Matson Money Fixed Income Fund

    68,675             (53,229 )     (1,790,283 )

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate primarily to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes. Short-term and foreign currency gains, if applicable, are reported as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2021 and August 31, 2022 was as follows:

 

           

ORDINARY
INCOME

   

LONG-TERM
GAINS

   

RETURN OF
CAPITAL

   

TOTAL

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity Fund

2022

  $ 290,468     $ 2,000,571     $     $ 2,291,039  
 

2021

    262,875       849,670             1,112,545  

Matson Money International Equity Fund

2022

    679,887       681,573             1,361,460  
 

2021

    293,803       136,509             430,312  

Matson Money Fixed Income Fund

2022

    100,067                   100,067  
 

2021

    149,987       20,542       14,611       185,140  

 

Distributions from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

Pursuant to federal income tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies, the Funds may elect to treat certain capital losses between November 1 and August 31 and late year ordinary losses ((i) ordinary losses between January 1 and August 31, and (ii) specified ordinary and currency losses between November 1 and August 31) as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, any amount of losses elected within the tax return will not be recognized for federal income tax purposes until September 1, 2022. The Matson Money Fixed Income Fund deferred qualified late-year losses of $53,229 which will be treated as arising on the first business day of the following fiscal year.

 

The Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period. Capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of August 31, 2022, the Funds had no unexpiring short-term or long-term losses.

 

6.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In October 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted new regulations governing the use of derivatives by registered investment companies (“Rule 18f-4”). Rule 18f-4 imposes limits on the amount of derivatives a fund can enter into, eliminates the asset segregation framework previously used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, and requires funds whose use of derivatives is greater than a limited specified amount to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager. The Fund is required to comply with Rule 18f-4 and has adopted procedures for investing in derivatives and other transactions in compliance with Rule 18f-4.

 

28

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Notes to Financial Statements (concluded)

August 31, 2022

 

Rule 18f-4 may require the Fund to observe more stringent requirements than were previously imposed by the 1940 Act, which could adversely affect the ability of the Fund to engage in certain derivatives transactions and/or increase the costs of such derivatives transactions, which could adversely affect the Fund’s performance and increase costs related to the Fund’s use of derivatives.

 

In December 2020, the SEC adopted a new rule providing a framework for fund valuation practices (“Rule 2a-5”). Rule 2a-5 establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the 1940 Act. Rule 2a-5 will permit fund boards to designate certain parties to perform fair value determinations, subject to board oversight and certain other conditions. Rule 2a-5 also defines when market quotations are “readily available” for purposes of the 1940 Act and the threshold for determining whether a fund must fair value a security. In connection with Rule 2a-5, the SEC also adopted related recordkeeping requirements and is rescinding previously issued guidance, including with respect to the role of a board in determining fair value and the accounting and auditing of fund investments. The Funds will be required to comply with the rules by September 8, 2022. Effective September 8, 2022 and pursuant to the requirements of Rule 2a-5, the Board designated the Adviser as its valuation designee to perform fair value determinations and approved new valuation procedures for the Funds.

 

In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments on the financial statements.

 

7.

Subsequent Events

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined there were no subsequent events.

 

29

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. and Shareholders of Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio

 

Opinions on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the portfolios of investments, of Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio (three of the funds constituting The RBB Fund, Inc., hereafter collectively referred to as the “Funds”) as of August 31, 2022, the related statements of operations for the year ended August 31, 2022, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2022, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2022 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds as of August 31, 2022, the results of each of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in each of their net assets for each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2022 and each of the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2022 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinions

 

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

 

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2022 by correspondence with the custodian and transfer agent. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 


Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 28, 2022

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Matson Money, Inc. investment companies since 2008.

 

30

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Shareholder Tax Information

(Unaudited)

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022 were as follows:

 

   

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
CAPITAL GAINS

   

Return of
Capital

   

Total

 

Matson Money U.S. Equity Fund

  $ 290,468     $ 2,000,571     $     $ 2,291,039  

Matson Money International Equity Fund

    679,887       681,573             1,361,460  

Matson Money Fixed Income Fund

    100,067                   100,067  

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

The percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions that are designated as short-term capital gain distributions under Internal Revenue Section 871(k)(2)(c) is 0.33% for the Matson Money International Equity Fund and 0.00% for the Matson Money U.S. Equity Fund and Matson Money Fixed Income Fund.

 

The percentage of total ordinary income dividends qualifying for the 15% dividend income tax rate is 100% for the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio and 74.78% for the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio.

 

The percentage of total ordinary dividends qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction is 100% for the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio.

 

The percentage of qualified interest income related dividends not subject to withholding tax for non-resident aliens and foreign corporations is 63.96% for the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio.

 

Because each Portfolio’s fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2022. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2023.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Portfolios, if any. The Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio passed through foreign tax credits of $44,012 and earned $585,433 of gross foreign source income during the fiscal year.

 

In general, dividends received by tax-exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Portfolios.

 

31

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Other Information

(Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Portfolios use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Portfolios voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling Matson Money VI Portfolios at (866) 780-0357, ext. 3863 and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

 

The Company files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Approval of Investment Advisory Agreements

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the renewal of the investment advisory agreement between Matson Money and the Company (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio (for this section only, each a “Portfolio” and collectively the “Portfolios”), at a meeting of the Board held on May 11-12, 2022 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreement for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board considered information provided by Matson Money with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreements between the Company and Matson Money with respect to the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio (for this section only, each a “Portfolio” and collectively the “Portfolios”), the Directors took into account all the materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of Matson Money’s services provided to the Portfolios; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of Matson Money’s personnel providing those services; (iii) Matson Money’s investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Matson Money’s assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Matson Money’s current advisory fee arrangements with the Company and other similarly managed clients; (vi) Matson Money’s compliance procedures; (vii) Matson Money’s financial information, insurance coverage and profitability analysis related to providing advisory services to the Portfolios; (viii) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Portfolios; (ix) a report prepared by Broadridge/Lipper comparing each Portfolio’s management fees and total expense ratio to those of its respective Lipper Group and comparing the performance of each Portfolio to the performance of its respective Lipper Group; and (x) a report comparing the performance of each Portfolio to the performance of its primary and composite benchmarks.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Matson Money. The Directors concluded that Matson Money had substantial resources to provide services to the Portfolios and that Matson Money’s services had been acceptable.

 

32

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Other Information (CONCLUDED)

(Unaudited)

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Funds and Matson Money. Information on the Portfolios’ investment performance was provided for the year-to-date, one-year, five-year, ten-year, and since-inception periods, as applicable, and for the quarter ended March 31, 2022. The Directors considered the Portfolios’ investment performance in light of their investment objectives and investment strategies. The Directors concluded that the investment performance of each of the Portfolios as compared to their respective benchmarks and Lipper Groups was acceptable.

 

The Directors noted the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio had outperformed its benchmark for the year-to-date, one-year, and three-year periods, and underperformed its benchmark for the five-year and since inception periods, each ended March 31, 2022. The Directors also noted that the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio ranked in the 1st quintile in its Performance Group for the one-year period and in the 5th quintile for the three-year, four-year and five-year periods ended December 31, 2021.

 

Directors also considered that the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio had outperformed its benchmark for the year-to-date period, and underperformed its benchmark for the one-year, three-year, five-year, and since inception periods, each ended March 31, 2022. The Directors also noted that the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio ranked in the 2nd quintile in its Performance Group for the one-year period, and in the 4th quintile for the two-year and three-year periods ended December 31, 2021.

 

The Directors noted the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio had underperformed its benchmark for the year-to-date, one-year, three-year, five-year, and since inception periods, each ended March 31, 2022. The Directors also noted that the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio ranked in the 1st quintile in its Performance Group for the one-year period, and in the 4th quintile for the four-year period ended December 31, 2021.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rates payable by the Portfolios under the Investment Advisory Agreements. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Portfolios and the Portfolios’ total operating expense ratios (before and after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) were compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee of the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio ranked in the 2nd quintile of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Portfolio ranked in the 4th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee and total expenses of the Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio each ranked in the 2nd quintile of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee and total expenses of the Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio each ranked in the 2nd quintile of the Portfolio’s Lipper Expense Group.

 

In addition, the Directors noted that Matson Money had contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses through at least March 2, 2023 to limit total annual operating expenses to agreed upon levels for the Matson Money U.S. Equity VI Portfolio, Matson Money International Equity VI Portfolio, and Matson Money Fixed Income VI Portfolio.

 

After reviewing the information regarding the Portfolios’ costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering Matson Money’s services, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolios were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreements should be approved and continued for an additional one year period ending August 16, 2023.

 

33

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Liquidity Risk Management Program

(Unaudited)

 

The Company has adopted and implemented a Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Company Program”) as required by rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. In accordance with the Company Program, the “Adviser has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Adviser Program” and together with the Company Program, the “Programs”) on behalf of the Free Market Fixed Income Fund, Free Market U.S. Equity Fund, and Free Market International Equity Fund (each a “Fund” and together, the “Funds”). The Programs seek to assess, manage and review each Fund’s Liquidity Risk. “Liquidity Risk” is defined as the risk that a Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interest in the Fund.

 

The Board has appointed Vigilant Compliance, LLC (“Vigilant”) as the program administrator for the Company Program and the Adviser as the program administrator for the Company Program. The Adviser has delegated oversight of the Adviser Program to its Liquidity Risk Committee, whose process of monitoring and determining the liquidity of each Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party vendors.

 

At meetings held during the fiscal period, the Board and its Investment and Regulatory Oversight Committee received and reviewed a written report (the “Report”) of Vigilant and the Adviser concerning the operation of the Programs for the period from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 (the “Period”). The Report summarized the operation of the Programs and the information and factors considered by Vigilant and the Adviser in reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the implementation of the Programs with respect to each Fund. Such information and factors included, among other things: (i) the methodology used to classify the liquidity of each Fund’s portfolio investments and the Adviser’s assessment that each Fund’s strategy remained appropriate for an open-end mutual fund; (ii) that each Fund held primarily highly liquid assets (investments that the Fund anticipates can be converted to cash within 3 business days or less in current market conditions without significantly changing their market value); (iii) that none of the Funds required the establishment of a highly liquid investment minimum and the methodology for that determination; (iv) confirmation that none of the Funds had breached the 15% maximum illiquid security threshold (investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven days or less in current market conditions without the sale of the investment significantly changing the market value of the investment) and the procedures for monitoring compliance with the limit; (v) that the processes, technologies and third-party vendors used to assess, manage, and/or periodically review each Fund’s Liquidity Risk functioned appropriately during the Period; and (vi) that the Programs operated adequately during the Period. The Report also indicated that there were no material changes made to the Programs during the Period.

 

Based on the review, the Report concluded that the Programs were being implemented effectively and reasonably designed to assess and manage Liquidity Risk in each Fund’s portfolio.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company Program or the Adviser Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Funds’ prospectus for more information regarding a Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

 

34

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Company Management

(Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 866-780-0357, ext. 3863.

 

Name, Address, and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 89

Director

1988 to present

From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications).

55

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

Gregory P. Chandler

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 55

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); from 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

55

FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018).

Lisa A. Dolly

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI, 53202

Age: 56

Director

October 2021 to present

From July 2019-December 2019, Chairman, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm); January 2016-June 2019, Chief Executive Officer, Pershing, LLC.

55

Allfunds Group PLC (United Kingdom wealthtech and fund distribution provider); Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (trade association for broker dealers, investment banks and asset managers); Hightower Advisors (wealth management firm).

 

35

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Company Management (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address, and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Nicholas A. Giordano

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 79

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

55

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance); Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017).

Arnold M. Reichman

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 74

Chairman

 

Director

2005 to present

 

1991 to present

From 2006-2016, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Lifebooker, LLC (online beauty and health appointment booking service).

55

Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until August 2022).

Brian T. Shea
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 62

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm).

55

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company); WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019).

Robert A. Straniere

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 81

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

55

Reich and Tang Group (asset management) (until 2015).

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

Robert Sablowsky

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 84

Vice Chairman

 

Director

2016 to present

 

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director - Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

55

None

 

 

36

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Company Management (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address, and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

OFFICERS

Steven Plump

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 63

President

August 2022 to present

From 2011 to 2021, Executive Vice President, PIMCO Investments LLC.

N/A

N/A

Salvatore Faia, JD,

CPA, CFE

Vigilant Compliance, LLC

Gateway Corporate

Center Suite 216

223 Wilmington West

Chester Pike

Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Age: 59

Chief Compliance Officer

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, Chief Compliance Officer of The RBB Fund Trust; President of The RBB Fund Trust from 2021 to 2022; President of The RBB Fund, Inc. from 2009 to 2022.

N/A

N/A

James G. Shaw

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 61

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

Chief Operating Officer

2016 to present

 

 

 

 

2022 to present

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2016) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2021) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund Trust; from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 48

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Since 2019, Director of Marketing & Business Development, The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management, LLC.

N/A

N/A

Jennifer Witt

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 39

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2016, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm); from 2007 to 2016, Supervisor, Nuveen Investments (investment company).

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 51

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

 

 

37

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Company Management (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address, and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Michael P. Malloy

One Logan Square

Ste. 2000

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 63

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann

One Logan Square

Ste. 2000

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 43

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm) (2017-Present); Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (2006-Present).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 55 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series of the Company and The RBB Fund Trust (7 portfolios).

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his or her qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Ms. Dolly has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, and she has demonstrated her leadership and management abilities by serving in numerous senior executive-level positions. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing, and investment services industry, including service on the boards of industry regulatory organizations and a university. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company

 

38

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Privacy Notice

(Unaudited)

 

FACTS

WHAT DO THE MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

 

● Social Security number

● account balances

● account transactions

● transaction history

● wire transfer instructions

● checking account information

 

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

How?

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

       

Reasons we can share your personal information

Do the Matson Money VI Portfolios share?

Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes —
such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes —
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial companies

Yes

No

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share.

For our affiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share.

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share.

 

Questions?

Call (866) 780-0357 Ext. 3863 or go to www.MatsonMoney.com

 

 

39

 

 

MATSON MONEY VI PORTFOLIOS

Privacy Notice (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

What we do

   

How do the Matson Money VI Portfolios protect my personal information?

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

How do the Matson Money VI Portfolios collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

● sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

Definitions

Affiliates

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

 

Our affiliates include McGriff Video Productions and Matson Money, Inc.

Nonaffiliates

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

 

The Matson Money VI Portfolios don’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you. The Portfolios may share information with nonaffiliates that perform marketing services on our behalf.

Joint marketing

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

 

The Matson Money VI Portfolios may share your information with other financial institutions with whom we have joint marketing arrangements who may suggest additional fund services or other investment products which may be of interest to you.

 

 

40

 

 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 

[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 

Investment Adviser

Matson Money, Inc.
5955 Deerfield Blvd.
Mason, OH 45040

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Principal Underwriter

Vigilant Distributors, LLC
Gateway Corporate Center, Suite 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317

 

Custodian

U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Two Commerce Square, Suite 1800
2001 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103-7042

 

Legal Counsel

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

MMFI-AR22

 

 

 

 

ANNUAL
report 2022

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs
Series of The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

8/31/22

 

Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF

(Formerly MFAM Global Opportunities Fund)

Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF

(Formerly MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund)

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF

(Formerly MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF)

Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF

Motley Fool Next Index ETF

 

 

 

 

Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF (TMFG)

Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF (TMFM)

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF (TMFC)

Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF (TMFS)

Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF (TMFE)

Motley Fool Next Index ETF (TMFX)

 

 

Table of Contents

 

   

President’s Letter to Shareholders

1

Letter to Shareholders

3

Portfolio Characteristics

11

Fund Expense Examples

24

Schedules of Investments

26

Financial Statements

57

Notes to Financial Statements

75

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

91

Shareholder Tax Information

93

Notice to Shareholders

94

Privacy Notice

97

Directors and Officers

100

 

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFS

President’s Letter to Shareholders

AUGUST 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Kelsey Mowrey
President,
Motley Fool Asset Management

 

Dear Fellow Shareholders,

 

First, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for being members of our Foolish Family. We realize you have many investment options and appreciate the trust you place in us. We consider ourselves very fortunate to be on this journey with you.

 

And what a journey the last 12 months have been! Have you ever had the opportunity to ride Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride in Disneyland or Walt Disney World? When I sat down to write this letter and reflect on the past year, that beloved theme park ride kept coming to mind.

 

Maybe you can recall the magical, whimsical, sometimes perilous, and often buggy ride through Toad Hall and the English countryside. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride was an original attraction when both Disneyland and Walt Disney World opened. While the Disney World iteration closed in 1998, the ride at Disneyland has had several reimaginations over the years, and still operates today.

 

As the Disney Universe keeps expanding, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride provides a happy sense of nostalgia for many visitors, a reminder of the original magic that made Disney so special. This year, we also got a bit nostalgic and made the decision to bring Foolishness back to our brand in a big way. We moved away from our acronym, MFAM, and reintroduced our proper name, Motley Fool Asset Management. In addition, we are once again proudly wearing and displaying our jester cap in our company logo.

 

But Mr. Toad has evolved since 1955 as well (the original ride had plywood cutout characters!) Technical updates in 1961 and 1983 have transformed Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride into the beloved attraction we know today. At Motley Fool Asset Management, we had a transformation of our own last year. We converted two mutual funds to ETFs (a somewhat bumpy transition, to be honest!) and launched two new passive ETF products. With these ETF products we were able to improve efficiency, lower fees, increase transparency, and gain more access to our sister company, The Motley Fool, LLC’s stock recommendations.

 

That brings me to perhaps the most obvious parallel between Mr. Toad and the stock market: The Wild Ride. The past year, particularly the last 8 months, has been a challenging time to be an investor to say the least. Domestic stock market indexes logged numerous record highs during the latter half of 2021, only to come tumbling down in 2022. The S&P 500 Index closed at an all-time high on January 3, 2022, and then dropped 19.96% by June 30, 2022. As of August 31, 2022, it is down 16.14% year to date. Similar scenarios played out in the Dow Jones Industrial Average as well as the Nasdaq Composite and the domestic bond markets have not been the usual safe havens we have come to expect. A wild ride, indeed!

 

Throughout their trip with Mr. Toad, travelers encounter several obstacles or dangers. Whether you are trying to avoid a stack of falling books, plunging into a stream, or a collision with a delivery truck, there’s a lot that threatens to knock you off course. These last twelve months have had their share of obstacles too. Historically high inflation, continued supply chain issues and slowing domestic growth are just a few of the issues impeding our investment path.

 

Even though our time with Mr. Toad consists of many twists, turns, and startling moments, most park goers wouldn’t consider jumping out of the buggy mid-ride. That’s because they know if they wait long enough, the trek will end with a satisfying resolution. Investing shouldn’t be much different. With patience and a long time horizon, we believe short term market fluctuations most likely will not prevent us from reaching our long-term goals.

 

With that in mind, I’d like to thank you for staying on this ride with us. As investors, we know it is always important to stay the course; however, when the ride gets wild it can be difficult to maintain that mindset. Please know that we will continue to navigate this track along with you and be good stewards for your investments. We are grateful for your business and look forward to more adventures with you in the coming year, whatever the road ahead may bring.

 

Kindly,

 

 

Kelsey Mowrey

 

President

 

 

 

1

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFS

President’s Letter to Shareholders (Concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Motley Fool Asset Management’s ETFs are distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

 

The investment advisor for each fund is Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC (“MFAM”). MFAM is a wholly owned subsidiary of Motley Fool Investment Management, LLC, whose parent company, The Motley Fool Holdings, Inc., is a multimedia financial-services holding company. MFAM, an affiliate of The Motley Fool LLC (“TMF”), is a separate legal entity. No TMF analyst is involved in the investment decision-making or daily operations of MFAM. With respect to its actively-managed funds, MFAM does not attempt to track any TMF services and, as such, those funds may diverge completely from TMF’s services.

 

The information contained herein does not take into account the particular investment objectives or financial circumstances of any specific person who may receive it.

 

All investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Each of Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs invests in particular market capitalizations or qualifications distinct to that individual fund, including small cap stocks and mid cap stocks, thus each fund’s performance will be especially sensitive to market conditions that particularly affect that fund’s particular market. Some funds are non-diversified, which means its NAV, market price and total returns may fluctuate or fall more than a diversified fund. Gains or losses on a single stock may have a greater impact on any of Motley Fool Asset Management’s ETFs. For these and other reasons, there is no guarantee any of Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs will achieve its particular, stated objective.

 

Please consider the charges, risks, expenses, and investment objectives carefully before you invest. Please see the prospectuses for the Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF, the Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF, the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF, the Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF, the Motley Fool Next Index ETF and the Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF containing this and other information. Read it carefully before you invest or send money.

 

2

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFS

Letter to Shareholders

AUGUST 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

 

Bryan Hinmon
Chief Investment Officer,
Motley Fool Asset Management

 

“It is imperative that we remain vigilant in questioning how we do things that lead to decisions about investing your capital. We are on a quest to do this better, every day.”

 

    — Me, back in 2016

 

Dear Fellow Shareholder,

 

You’re probably thinking: I can’t believe the ego of this guy, quoting himself to open this letter! Let me reassure you that my ego is kept well in check by my two year old. Most recently, he has admired the “stripes” across my forehead and around my eyes, mocked my “silly” attempt to build his train tracks, and laughed uncontrollably as my mini breakfast burritos “look like trash cans.” Writing this reminds me those barbs still sting and my ego has no chance of inflating.

 

In preparing to write this letter I went back and read what I’ve written in the past. I’ve touched on several important topics over the years: the folly of economic and market forecasting, bias and decision making, and simplicity and focus, to name a few. But the idea that tends to come up again and again, as highlighted in the opening quote, is the need to be open to change on a never-ending quest for better.

 

I think the reason this is the most popular idea to explore is because of the nature of investing. Investing resembles a wicked problem.1 That is, the problem isn’t fully understood, the context and constraints are always changing, and there is no obvious single answer that a rote process can solve for.

 

Given the messy nature of the endeavor, blindly applying thinking and methods that have worked in the past can be dangerous. Reflection, which addresses an honest capacity to accept underperformance and intelligently adapt, is critical for making sure we remain on the path to long term success. I believe that is the path we are on. We reflect on and consider improving our methods every year, but the state of affairs here in late 2022 make the exercise seem more poignant.

 

CAPACITY TO SUFFER

 

It is well known that investors feel losses more powerfully than gains. The urge to sell or to shift investing styles or methods, when things aren’t going well, is rooted in pain relief. Even if an investor is wired to handle some pain, as their stocks head relentlessly lower, the emotional hits keep coming. Research shows that, under such stress, investor focus narrows to the immediate future and, according to Michael Mauboussin, “turn[s] off any thought about the long term. So even if an investor believes a stock or industry group is likely to fare well over a three to six year period, anxiety about the next three to six months prevails – and a great opportunity slips away.”2

 

This narrowing of time frame has, in our view, come to life today via the broad selling of companies with the promise of strong cash flow generation in the future, but little current profitability. In investing shorthand, there has been a strong preference for value stocks over growth stocks. Value stocks, with their perceived tendency for tangible, bird-in-the-hand cash generation, have outperformed growth stocks by more than 35 percentage points over the past two years.3

 

This performance gap is breathtaking. Within the context of persistent inflation, rising global recession risk, changing monetary policy, and ongoing war during that two year period, a recalibration of the value of future cash flows seems warranted in our opinion. But the breadth and violence of the growth exodus suggests to us a degree of “stress” selling4 and raises the chance of some perfectly viable, high-value-creating (but not-yet-cash-flowing) businesses being tossed aside with the pretenders.

 

 

1

The idea of Wicked Problems was developed by Horst Rittel and Melvin Webber in the early 1970s. Their definition was focused on social policy issues, but over the subsequent 50 years, the idea of wicked problems has been more loosely defined and broadly applied. The fact that investing is wicked is one of the aspects that make it so challenging, but also so fun.

2

Mauboussin, Michael. Anatomy of a Market Crash. Forbes, October 25, 2007.

3

Value stocks, here, are represented by the Russell 1000 Value Index. Growth stocks, here, are represented by the Russell 1000 Growth Index. Return data from Standard & Poor’s Capital IQ for the period 9/1/2020 to 8/31/2022.

4

We would recommend exploring the concept of “hyperbolic discounting” if you’re curious.

 

 

3

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFS

Letter to Shareholders (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

We can’t in good faith, and simply won’t, state that many high-flyers are pretenders while ours are clear-cut, long-term winners that the market is mistreating. We have inked plenty of mistakes in the past and time will show us to have made additional ones. Said differently, it is unclear whether the market is treating our chosen growthy businesses rationally or whether it is panicking to some degree. But what we can say with confidence is that we understand our own beliefs and expectations behind each investment (thanks to our research process) and accept such pricing swings in exchange for the reward potential we believe persists.

 

We are, and remain, patient owners of businesses. While we don’t like poor performance, we appreciate that it is what sometimes creates mispricings and may open the door to long-term rewards.

 

ADAPTATION

 

You probably didn’t ignore the statement above about our past and inevitable future mistakes. We understand that no flavor of investing works 100% of the time, and that no active manager can operate in a mistake free utopia. The recent past has been trying, and we are frustrated with our performance. It is critical we dispassionately assess the situation and learn the right lessons.

 

Most importantly, we wholeheartedly believe that our core investing principle and core investing belief remain on firm foundations. Let’s lay these out plainly. The core principle that underpins our investing program is that, in the long run, we believe portfolio returns will converge on the business returns our companies achieve, as determined by realized earnings power (cash flows). The core belief that emerges from that principle, in our practice, is that independent research (centered on our unique definition of Quality) with a long-term mindset, expressed through focused portfolios, can potentially outperform and is how our team is best wired to achieve outperformance.

 

We’ve stress tested these ideas and have happily and completely re-underwritten them.

 

With our philosophy checked, we can move to execution. The largest class of mistake we made over the fiscal year, in my view, was in execution. Specifically, it was the improper weighting of base rates and the attendant link to position sizing. Let’s take a moment to make that not sound like gobbledygook.

 

We study businesses deeply, in an attempt to assess each company’s management, culture, and incentives; its economics, competitive advantages, and trajectory. Understanding a business in this fashion helps inform a view of the value it might be able to create for the world and how much of that value it might capture for itself, in a future that will undoubtedly be filled with competitors, changing preferences, and other uncertainties. It’s a complicated exercise where experience, imagination, humility, and skepticism are all needed. In the end, we’ve crafted a researched story behind each investment, called an inside view.

 

A problem arises when, as our knowledge of a business grows, our confidence in a single (but highly uncertain!) future grows even more quickly. Because of a highly informed inside view of each specific investment, our calibration of the reference class (the base rate statistical average, or the outside view of what has actually shown to most likely happen in similar situations) may be crowded out.5

 

Investing decisions are best made with a balanced account of the inside and outside views. However, the nature of our endeavor, to strive to find truly special Quality companies that can and do defy base rates, means that we must invest counter to what action the outside view suggests, and do it regularly. We knowingly override it.

 

The error is not in investing counter to what the outside view might recommend, but in not adequately using a tool we have available to marry the two views: position sizing. Knowing the outside view, of both the reference class of the stock and the business, should help us better assess the odds our inside view is correct, which should help establish guardrails for the amount of capital we put at risk in a given stock or class of risk exposures.

 

This is an exercise we can, will, and must do better. The outside view is something that has already entered our conversations more and more – like a voice over our shoulder. Practical implementations we are exploring further are making the outside view explicit in a premortem6 or establishing the role of a decision observer.7 Refinement of our process is ongoing and we’re energized when we uncover helpful possible solutions.

 

 

5

For a deeper dive into the Inside/Outside view problem, we highly recommend Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Khaneman and Think Twice by Michael Mauboussin.

6

Professor Gary Klein has been the leading thinker on premortems. We are grateful for his continued work on the subject.

7

The role of a “decision observer” was introduced to us in the book Noise, by Daniel Kahneman, Olivier Sibony, and Cass Sunstein. On page 240 they write, “We suggest that observers can be trained to spot, in real time, the diagnostic signs that one or several familiar biases are affecting someone else’s decisions or recommendations.”

 

4

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFS

Letter to Shareholders (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

MARKET PERFORMANCE AND COMMENTARY

 

Coming into calendar year 2022, the U.S. economy was strong and inflation was accelerating. Some level of inflation was expected as the result of shifting consumption patterns influenced by the flow-through of pandemic imbalances. The prevailing debate was whether this would fix itself (this was the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the “Fed”) thinking) or be persistent. The purity of that debate was muddied as early 2022 brought about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and China’s continued aggressive lockdown policy to manage the spread of COVID – both events mucking up global supply chains and exacerbating the supply-demand imbalance that has been feeding inflation.

 

Over the full year fiscal period of September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022, monthly U.S. inflation rates were between 5.4% and 9.1%. This, unsurprisingly, contributed to the Fed’s Open Market Committee decision to raise rates by 25 basis points, 50 basis points, 75 basis points, and another 75 basis points between March and July of this year. (Although outside the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, we know the Fed raised another 75 basis points in September.) They were busy, and the aggressive pace of rate increases marked a clear new stance in monetary policy. This shift, alongside weakening European economic outlooks, had a negative impact on markets broadly as investors dealt with greater uncertainty, grappled with the likelihood of a global recession, and repriced risk.

 

The broad brush outcome was that, for the full year period of September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022, there was almost no safe place to hide.

 

Cash lost value given the strongly rising inflation. Bonds had a historically poor period, falling more than 10% as interest rates moved higher. Gold, often seen as a safe-haven and beneficiary of inflation, lost more than 5%. Bellwether large capitalization stocks fell 12% with eight of 11 sectors declining. Small- and mid-capitalization stocks fell similarly to large caps. Simple style preferences offered no reprieve, with growth stocks continuing their recent trend of underperformance relative to value stocks (-17% vs -5%). Outside the U.S., global stocks fell 20%.8

 

ACTIVE ETF PERFORMANCE AND COMMENTARY

 

Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF

 

With that sour backdrop, the Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF returned -27.61% during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, trailing its benchmark’s return of -15.98% for the same period. Cumulatively since inception, the Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF has returned 91.55% versus 70.94% returns for the benchmark over the same period.9

 

During the period, the ETF’s investments’ tilt towards growth companies, a lack of exposure to the Energy sector, and security selection within the Information Technology sector drove its underperformance. These headwinds were offset by strong security selection within the Industrials and Consumer Staples sectors. Our aim, as you know, is to construct focused portfolios of truly special Quality businesses (we have a “no strangers in the portfolio” mantra), so whether our performance is relatively good or bad, we can usually attribute the bulk of any relative performance versus the benchmark to stock selection. That was again the case this year.

 

 

8

Bonds are represented by the S&P U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. The index is designed to measure the performance of publicly issued U.S. dollar denominated investment-grade debt. Gold is represented by the COMEX price per troy ounce of gold. Large capitalization stocks are represented by the S&P 500 TR Index. The index measures the total return performance of 500 leading companies comprising nearly 80% of available U.S. market capitalization. Small capitalization stocks are represented by the S&P SmallCap 600 TR Index. The index measures the total return performance of 600 small-sized U.S. companies that meet certain liquidity and financial thresholds. Mid-capitalization stocks are represented by the S&P MidCap 400 TR Index. The index measures the total return performance of 400 mid-sized U.S. companies comprising about 5% of available U.S. market capitalization. Growth stocks are represented by the S&P 500 Growth TR Index. The index measures the performance of a subset of S&P 500 stocks based on three factors: sales growth, the ratio of earnings change to price, and momentum. Value stocks are represented by the S&P 500 Value TR Index. The index measures the performance of a subset of S&P 500 stocks based on three factors: the ratios of book value, earnings, and sales to price. Global stocks are represented by the S&P Global X-US BMI TR Index. The index measures stock market performance globally, including developed and emerging markets, but excluding the U.S.

9

Returns are for Net Asset Value, net of fees and expenses. Inception of the ETF was 6/17/2014, which represents the inception of the Advisor share class of the pre-conversion mutual fund. The benchmark of the Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF is the FTSE Global All Cap Net Tax Index.

 

 

5

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFS

Letter to Shareholders (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

The top three contributors to returns10 were Gentera (+45%), Waste Connections (+8%), and Costco (+15%). Gentera has historically been a unique, group lender in several Latin American countries. Management has deftly handled pandemic and general macroeconomic challenges, achieving admiral loan and customer growth in Mexico and Peru while keeping costs in check. Shares soared as the company won back investor confidence, though we chose to sell our position towards the end of the period as the company’s business model is changing via its entry into a more crowded lending arena. Waste Connections is a North American trash hauler with irreplaceable landfill assets and an admirable service record. Trash collection is a safe-haven type of business that often does well in uncertain times – demand for its services doesn’t change much regardless of world events and proven pricing power above the rate of inflation are key business model features that investors are looking for. Costco, the membership retail behemoth, continues to use its scale to bring more products and services to its loyal customer base. The value proposition, in terms of savings and purchase confidence, has never been stronger, in our view, and the model continues to translate outside the core U.S. market.

 

The bottom three contributors to returns were Paypal Holdings(-68%), MercadoLibre (-54%), and Everbridge (-75%). Paypal remains an entrenched player in online payments, but it has seen its primary end market (ecommerce) slow as pandemic demand pull-forward is digested. A lack of internal innovation has also contributed to slowing new user growth, and several high profile leaders have left the company. Payments remains a hyper-competitive and dynamic industry, but Paypal’s scale and newfound sense of urgency equip it well to thrive once again. MercadoLibre, the everything business in Latin America, continues to strengthen its network effects across commerce and payments. The only significant business blip we have seen is a spike in non-payments of installment loans at peer companies (many e-commerce transactions are paid by installment in Latin America). The more likely drivers of the stock’s decline, in our view, are the simple market-wide declines in highly-valued tech companies that were clear pandemic beneficiaries. Everbridge’s decline has been swift. In early December, during a widespread sell-off of many software businesses, the company announced the unexpected resignation of its CEO and preliminary 2022 guidance that was lower than expected. This was a powerfully poisonous cocktail and shares fell by nearly half in a single day. As the dust has settled, it appears that the former CEO was too aggressive pursuing growth via acquisitions and product launches, at the expense of product integration and a clear product map. Under new leadership, and with greater focus, we believe these issues are fixable.

 

Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF

 

The Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF returned -26.66% during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, edging its benchmark’s return of -26.69% for the same period. Cumulatively since inception (8 years and counting!), the Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF has returned 79.75% versus 111.00% returns for its benchmark over the same period.11

 

The ETF’s performance, relative to its benchmark, was impacted by a lack of exposure to the energy sector, which was strong and where we had no investment. Performance was also driven by our investments in the Consumer Discretionary and Financials sectors, where our stock selection was strong, and offset by stock selection in the Information Technology and Healthcare sectors.

 

The top three contributors to returns were Brown & Brown (+9%), Healthequity (+3%), and Broadridge Financial Solutions (+1%). Brown & Brown is an insurance broker that has been churning out great results – quarterly results have been consistently outstanding. Insurance, itself, is a cyclical market and Brown is benefiting from strong pricing that won’t last forever. However, its ability to grow policy count, make smart acquisitions, and manage costs have helped its business perform well through up and down cycles. HealthEquity, the largest administrator of Health Savings Accounts, is a beneficiary of the rising interest rate and inflation environment. Account holders opt to invest their savings in funds or cash, and as rates rise, the interest earned on that cash rises too. As an administrator, HealthEquity earns more on better rates and higher balances. Inflation is also likely to drive healthcare costs higher, in general, and should continue to highlight the value of Health Savings Accounts and benefit HealthEquity with greater adoption and contributions. Broadridge had a business-as-usual year. Its business model benefits from facilitating investor communications required by law which provides steady demand it has been able to turn into stable cash flow. This stability and proven profit engine are highly prized by investors given all the uncertainties elsewhere, and shares of the company’s stock have held up recently.

 

 

10

Contribution to return is a combination of average weighting in the portfolio and total return during the period.

11

Returns are for Net Asset Value, net of fees and expenses. Inception of the ETF was 6/17/2014, which represents the inception of the Advisor share class of the pre-conversion mutual fund. The benchmark of the Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF is the Russell Midcap Growth Total Return Index.

 

6

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFS

Letter to Shareholders (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

The bottom three contributors to returns were Axon Enterprise (-36%), Teladoc Health (-77%), and Everbridge (-75%). Axon Enterprise, the business, continues to hum along. Its safety, transparency, and efficiency-focused products are resonating with law enforcement far and wide. However, the company’s CFO unexpectedly took another job and several members of its ethics board resigned in the wake of the company pushing forward its Taser-equipped drone initiative. The CFO departure is a clear loss for the company, but one which we believe will be overcome. The ethics board drama bears watching. Axon is a mission-driven company and its Founder/CEO’s ambition is great – but we have admired the checks and balances of impartial counsel and dislike the apparent lack of teeth it has been given. Telemedicine provider Teladoc continues to struggle to achieve profitability even as the pandemic created a strong adoption and utilization tailwind for its business. In addition, in the second calendar quarter of 2022, management wrote down over $6 billion of goodwill from its 2020 merger with Livongo Health. In hindsight, the merger was an obviously atrocious capital allocation decision, and combined with continued uneven execution, we have lost faith in management and sold our position. We detailed Everbridge’s poor performance above, in the Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF section.

 

Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF

 

The Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF returned -36.66% during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, exceeding its benchmark’s decline of -25.26% for the same period. Cumulatively since inception, the Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF has returned 38.08% versus 27.87% returns for the benchmark over the same period.12

 

The ETF’s performance, relative to its benchmark, was impacted negatively by an underweight of exposure to the Energy sector. However, the primary driver of underperformance was stock selection in the Industrials, Financials, and Information Technology sectors. The market environment was highly punitive to companies delaying profits to pursue growth and market development. Our holdings were not spared, with roughly one-third of the portfolio’s holdings declining in price by 50% or more.

 

The top three contributors to returns13 were Ping Identity Holding (+8%), Northern Oil and Gas (+15%), and PTC Therapeutics (+14%). Enterprise security software veteran Ping Identity had been working hard to transform its business to be a long-term winner in the critical enterprise security world. Private Equity firm Thoma Bravo apparently believed this too, and announced it would take Ping private at an enterprise value of $2.8 billion. The transaction had not yet closed at period end and Ping shares have continued to bop around the buyout price. We purchased shares of Northern Oil and Gas in May. Historically, we haven’t found many businesses in the Energy sector that meet our Quality threshold, but Northern’s unique business model and strong leadership fit the bill. The company buys up land leases and then lets other exploration and production companies drill on their land. As the land owner, Northern can choose to participate in the production cash flows or not. We believe the company’s controlling family has valuable insights and experience to make that decision wisely, more often than not. As energy prices increase, the value of Northern’s land rights and production options has increased. PTC Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that focuses on orphan diseases. More often than not, the performance of companies like PTC depends on whether there have been beneficial or adverse developments in the perceived medical and commercial progress of its drug pipeline. PTC had positive news on both fronts as its diversified portfolio of drugs and candidates continues to demonstrate value and efficacy.

 

The bottom three contributors to returns were Everbridge (-75%), Cardlytics (-85%), and Heska (-66%). We detailed Everbridge’s poor performance above, in the Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF section. Cardlytics provides app-native digital advertising solutions to financial institutions. The business experienced a tumultuous year, punctuated by executive turnover, slow-moving customers, and a potentially competitive acquisition by a key customer. The stock’s decline reflects this, as well as the aggressive sell-off of profit promise stocks we outlined earlier. In our view, the new CEO brings the right experience for Cardlytics’ future, development of its self-serve ad platform has gone well, and the likelihood of customer defection remains low. In short, we think the market is getting this one wrong. Heska provides diagnostic tools and tests to veterinarians. Investors had bid up shares reflecting what we believe to be the company’s strong execution strengthening its domestic business and vision in becoming a market leader in several non-U.S. markets. Investors fear that a pandemic-related pet adoption boom may harm upcoming growth rates, which we view as a likely short-term blip in a longer-term attractive opportunity.

 

 

12

Returns are for Net Asset Value, net of fees and expenses. Inception of the ETF was 10/29/2018, which represents the inception of the Advisor share class of the pre-conversion mutual fund. The benchmark is the Russell 2000 Growth Total Return Index.

13

Contribution to return is a combination of average weighting in the portfolio and total return during the period.

 

 

7

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFS

Letter to Shareholders (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

PASSIVE ETF PERFORMANCE AND COMMENTARY

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

 

The Motley Fool 100 Index ETF declined -19.18% during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022. During the same period, the Motley Fool 100 Index, which the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF is designed to track, declined -18.79% and the S&P 500 Total Return Index declined -11.23%. Cumulatively since inception, the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF returned 73.03%. Over that period, the Motley Fool 100 Index returned 77.03% and the S&P 500 Index returned 50.38%.14

 

The ETF’s net asset value return differed from that of its underlying index, the Motley Fool 100 Index, due primarily to the deduction of management fees and transaction costs. A small cash balance across the period and securities lending income helped reduce tracking error.

 

As a passive implementation of active stock selection, the ETF’s performance in each period is reflective of the construction of its underlying index, the Motley Fool 100 Index, which is a market capitalization weighted portfolio of the 100 largest, liquid, high-conviction stock selections from The Motley Fool, LLC.15 The Motley Fool 100 Index has historically had, and continues through this measurement period to have, a top-heavy construction and concentration in a subset of sectors. As a result, the largest holdings and sector exposures have a significant impact on overall performance.

 

The top three contributors16 to the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF’s performance were UnitedHealth Group (+26%), Apple (+5%) and Costco (+15%). These three companies had a combined average portfolio weight during the period of more than 16%. The bottom three contributors were Meta Platforms (-57%), Alphabet (-25%), and Amazon (-27%). These three companies had a combined average portfolio weight during the period of nearly 20%.

 

Over the period from September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022, a drastic underweighting to the Energy sector and overweighting to the Communication Services sector drove underperformance versus the S&P 500 Index.

 

Motley Fool Next Index ETF

 

On December 30, 2021, we launched The Motley Fool Next Index ETF. Over the period from December 30, 2021 to August 31, 2022, the ETF declined -24.88%. During the same period, the Motley Fool Next Index, which the Motley Fool Next Index ETF is designed to track, declined -24.72% and the Russell Midcap Growth Total Return Index (the “benchmark”) declined -25.42%.17

 

The ETF’s net asset value return differed from that of its underlying index, the Motley Fool Next Index, due primarily to the deduction of management fees and transaction costs. A small cash balance across the period helped reduce tracking error.

 

As a passive implementation of active stock selection, the ETF’s performance in each period is reflective of the construction of its underlying index, the Motley Fool Next Index, which is a market capitalization weighted index of the mid- and small-capitalization U.S. companies that have been recommended by The Motley Fool, LLC’s analysts, or research publications.18

 

The top three contributors to the Motley Fool Next Index ETF’s performance were McKesson (+31%), EPAM Systems (+44%) and Cloudflare (+43%). These three companies had a combined average portfolio weight during the period of a bit more than 3%. The bottom three contributors were The Trade Desk (-33%), Zebra Technologies (-50%), and Wayfair (-73%). These three companies had a combined average portfolio weight during the period of 3%.

 

 

14

Returns are for Net Asset Value, net of fees and expenses. The market price return for the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF for the year ended 8/31/2022 was -19.24%, and since inception, was 12.70%. Inception of the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF was 1/29/2018.

15

Motley Fool Asset Management LLC is a subsidiary of The Motley Fool. The Motley Fool is responsible for independently managing the Motley Fool 100 Index. To learn more about the index, see its website: https://www.fool100.com/

16

Contribution to return is a combination of average weighting in the portfolio and total return during the period.

17

Returns are for Net Asset Value, net of fees and expenses. The market price return for the Motley Fool Next Index ETF for the period from 12/30/2021 to 8/31/2022 was -24.97%.

18

Motley Fool Asset Management LLC is a subsidiary of The Motley Fool. The Motley Fool is responsible for independently managing the Motley Fool 100 Index. To learn more about the index, see its website: https://www.fool100.com/

 

8

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFS

Letter to Shareholders (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

The Motley Fool Next Index was significantly underweight in the Energy sector and overweight in the Communication Services sector, relative to the benchmark. During the year ended August 31, 2022, the ETF reflected these relative positions, and performance suffered accordingly. Stock selection was strongest in the Healthcare sector to which the Motley Fool Next Index and ETF maintained a modest underweight to the benchmark.

 

Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF

 

On December 30, 2021, we launched The Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF. Over the period from December 30, 2021 to August 31, 2022, the ETF declined -23.13%. During the same period, the Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index, which the Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF is designed to track, declined -23.07% and the S&P 500 Total Return Index (the “benchmark”) declined -16.36%.19

 

The ETF’s net asset value return differed from that of its underlying index, the Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index, due primarily to the deduction of management fees and transaction costs. A small cash balance across the period helped reduce tracking error.

 

As a passive implementation of active stock selection, the ETF’s performance in each period is reflective of the construction of its underlying index, the Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index, which tracks the performance of the highest scoring stocks of U.S. companies, measured by a company’s capital efficiency, that have been recommended The Motley Fool’s analysts and newsletters.20 Capital efficiency is a measure of how a business turns its investments into revenue and profit, and it provides insight into the company’s return on invested capital.

 

The top three contributors21 to the Motley Fool Capital Efficiency Index ETF’s performance were UnitedHealth Group (+4%), Texas Instruments (+8%) and Vertex Pharmaceuticals (+27%). These three companies had a combined average portfolio weight during the period of nearly 7%. The bottom three contributors were Meta Platforms (-53%), NVIDIA (-49%), and Alphabet (-25%). These three companies had a combined average portfolio weight during the period of just over 14%.

 

The Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index was significantly underweight in the Energy sector and overweight in the Communication Services and Information Technology sectors, relative to the benchmark during the period ended August 31, 2022. In fact, the Index and ETF had no Energy sector exposure and nearly 55% to Communication Services and IT, compared to 4% and 37%, respectively, for the benchmark.

 

MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER

 

We know that in challenging, stressful times the timeframe of the typical market participant shrinks. We posit that there is a degree of pessimism-extrapolation present in equity markets today. This puts us squarely in a place where maintaining a long-term orientation is increasingly valuable to achieve long-term returns.

 

Thankfully, our investing philosophy guides us to do just that. Our focus remains on patiently owning a collection of special, Quality businesses that will create winning outcomes for their stakeholders over time. We hope this orientation still rings true to you.

 

We remain thankful for and humbled by your trust.

 

Onward,

 

 

Bryan Hinmon
Chief Investment Officer, Motley Fool Asset Management LLC

 

 

19

Returns are for Net Asset Value, net of fees and expenses. The market price return for the Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF for the period 12/30/2021 to 8/31/2022 was -23.09%.

20

Motley Fool Asset Management LLC is a subsidiary of The Motley Fool. The Motley Fool is responsible for independently managing the Motley Fool 100 Index. To learn more about the index, see its website: https://www.fool100.com/

21

Contribution to return is a combination of average weighting in the portfolio and total return during the period.

 

 

9

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFS

Letter to Shareholders (Concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Past performance does not guarantee future results. There can be no guarantee that any strategy (risk management or otherwise) will be successful. All investing involves risk, including potential loss of principal. Securities in a Fund may not match those in an index and performance of the Fund will be different. You cannot invest directly into an index.

 

The Letter to Shareholders seeks to describe some of the Adviser’s current opinions and views of the financial markets. Although the Adviser believes it has a reasonable basis for any opinions or views expressed, actual results may differ, sometimes significantly so, from those expected or expressed. The securities held by the Funds that are discussed in the Letter to Shareholders were held during the period covered by the annual report. They do not comprise the entire investment portfolio of the Funds, may be sold at any time, and may no longer be held by the Funds. The opinions of the Adviser with respect to those securities may change at any time.

 

10

 

 

 

Motley Fool GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES ETF

Portfolio Characteristics

(Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended AUGUST 31, 2022

 

One
Year

FIVE
YEAR

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF*

-27.61%

8.87%

8.24%

6/17/2014

FTSE Global All Cap Net Tax Index**

-15.98%

7.06%

6.75%(1)

Fund Expense Ratio:(2) 0.85%

 

 

Effective December 3, 2021, the outstanding Investor Class Shares of the Fund were converted into Institutional Class Shares of the Fund.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained at www.fooletfs.com. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(2)

The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios.

 

*

The Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF operated as a series of The Motley Fool Funds Trust (the “Predecessor Fund”) prior to December 21, 2016 at which time the Predecessor Fund was reorganized into the Fund. The performance shown for periods prior to December 21, 2016 represents the performance of the Predecessor Fund. These returns reflect expense waivers by the Fund’s investment adviser. Without these waivers, returns would have been lower.

 

**

The FTSE Global All Cap Net Tax Index is a market-capitalization weighted index representing the performance of large, mid and small cap companies in Developed and Emerging markets. The index is comprised of approximately 9,500 securities from 49 countries and captures 98% of the world’s investable market capitalization. Fair value prices and foreign exchange as of 4 pm ET are used in the calculation of this index, and returns are adjusted for withholding taxes applicable to dividends received by a U.S. Regulated Investment Company domiciled in the United States. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investments. Its performance does not reflect deductions for fees, expenses or taxes.

 

 

11

 

 

Motley Fool GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES ETF

Portfolio Characteristics (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

 

The investment objective of the Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF is to achieve long-term capital appreciation, and it pursues this objective by investing primarily in common stocks of companies located anywhere in the world. The Fund seeks long-term growth by identifying and acquiring securities of companies that are, in the view of Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC (the “Adviser”), high quality. To identify these high-quality businesses, the Adviser engages in research to evaluate each company under consideration using four criteria: management, culture, and incentives; the economics of the business; competitive advantage; and trajectory. The Adviser’s approach prizes a long-term mindset and a balance of qualitative and quantitative factors.

 

The Fund will invest in areas of the market, that, in the view of the Adviser, offer the greatest potential for long-term capital appreciation, and it does not attempt to match the allocations of its benchmark. As such, significant deviation from the benchmark is expected from time to time, especially over shorter time frames.

 

The allocations to various sectors, countries, or any other macro-economic designation, are the byproduct of rigorous bottom-up analysis rather than an intentional top-down opinion of asset classes. While market conditions are constantly changing, exposure to equity market risk is needed to consistently achieve equity-like returns.

 

The following tables show the top ten holdings, sector allocations, and top ten countries in which the Fund was invested in as of August 31, 2022. Portfolio holdings are subject to change without notice.

 

Top Ten Holdings

% OF NET
Assets

Amazon.com, Inc.

5.9%

Mastercard, Inc., Class A

5.7

Watsco, Inc.

5.0

Atlassian Corp., PLC, Class A

4.7

Waste Connections, Inc.

4.4

Alphabet, Inc., Class C

4.0

Cellnex Telecom SA

3.7

Axon Enterprise, Inc.

3.6

ICON PLC

3.4

International Container Terminal Services, Inc.

3.2

 

43.6%

 

12

 

 

 

Motley Fool GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES ETF

Portfolio Characteristics (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

The Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF uses the Global Industry Classification StandardSM (“GICS SM”) as the basis for the classification of securities on the Schedule of Investments (“SOI”).

 

Sector Allocation

% OF Net
Assets

Industrials

20.5%

Information Technology

19.7

Consumer Discretionary

14.2

Financials

12.7

Communication Services

12.1

Real Estate

8.6

Health Care

7.5

Consumer Staples

2.4

 

97.7%

 

Top ten Countries

% OF Net
Assets

United States*

54.0%

Canada

9.2

Ireland

6.0

Australia

4.7

Spain

3.7

Philippines

3.2

China

3.2

Taiwan

3.1

United Kingdom

2.8

India

2.6

 

92.5%

 

*

As of the date of this report, the Fund had a holding of 2.1% in the U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account.

 

 

13

 

 

Motley Fool MID-CAP GROWTH ETF

Portfolio Characteristics

(Unaudited)

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended AUGUST 31, 2022

 

One
Year

FIVE
YEAR

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF*

-26.66%

7.69%

7.41%

6/17/2014

Russell MidCap® Growth Total Return Index**

-26.69%

10.16%

9.53%(1)

Fund Expense Ratio:(2) 0.85%

 

 

Effective December 3, 2021, the outstanding Investor Class Shares of the Fund were converted into Institutional Class Shares of the Fund.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained at www.fooletfs.com. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(2)

The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report. See the Financial Highlights for more current expense ratios.

 

*

The Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF operated as a series of The Motley Fool Funds Trust (the “Predecessor Fund”) prior to December 21, 2016 at which time the Predecessor Fund was reorganized into the Fund. The performance shown for periods prior to December 21, 2016 represents the performance of the Predecessor Fund. These returns reflect expense waivers by the Fund’s investment adviser. Without these waivers, returns would have been lower.

 

**

The Russell Midcap® Growth Total Return Index measures the performance of the mid-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell Midcap® Index companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The Russell Midcap® Growth Total Return Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer of the mid-cap growth market. The Index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the true mid-cap growth market.

 

The investment objective of the Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF is to achieve long-term capital appreciation, and it pursues this objective by investing primarily in common stocks of companies organized in the United States. The Fund seeks long-term growth by identifying and acquiring securities of companies that are, in the view of the Adviser, high quality. To identify these high-quality businesses, the Adviser engages in research to evaluate each company under consideration using four criteria: management, culture, and incentives; the economics of the business; competitive advantage; and trajectory. The Adviser’s approach prizes a long-term mindset and a balance of qualitative and quantitative factors.

 

14

 

 

 

Motley Fool MID-CAP GROWTH ETF

Portfolio Characteristics (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

The Fund will invest in areas of the market, that, in the view of the Adviser, offer the greatest potential for long-term capital appreciation, and it does not attempt to match the allocations of its benchmark. As such, significant deviation from the benchmark is expected from time to time, especially over shorter time frames.

 

The allocations to various sectors, or any other macro-economic designation, are the byproduct of rigorous bottom-up analysis rather than an intentional top-down opinion of asset classes. While market conditions are constantly changing, exposure to equity market risk is needed to consistently achieve equity-like returns. The Adviser views its time as best spent focused on evaluating businesses and seeking to minimize company-specific risk in order to pursue its objective of long-term capital appreciation.

 

Although the Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF may invest in companies with any market capitalization, the Adviser expects that investments in the securities of companies having smaller- and mid-market capitalizations will be important components of the Fund’s investment program. Investments in securities of these companies may involve greater risk than do investments in larger, more established companies. Small- and mid-cap stocks tend to be more volatile and less liquid than their large-cap counterparts.

 

The following tables show the top ten holdings, and sector allocations in which the Fund was invested in as of August 31, 2022.Portfolio holdings are subject to change without notice.

 

Top ten Holdings

% OF Net
Assets

Watsco, Inc.

7.5%

SBA Communications Corp.

6.2

Brown & Brown, Inc.

5.3

Paylocity Holding Corp.

5.0

ResMed, Inc.

4.7

Markel Corp.

4.5

Tyler Technologies, Inc.

4.5

Axon Enterprise, Inc.

4.5

Fastenal Co.

4.1

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

4.0

 

50.3%

 

The Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF uses the Global Industry Classification StandardSM (“GICS SM”) as the basis for the classification of securities on the Schedule of Investments (“SOI”).

 

Sector Allocation

% OF Net
Assets

Information Technology

28.0%

Industrials

20.2

Financials

13.5

Health Care

11.7

Consumer Discretionary

10.6

Real Estate

9.8

 

93.8%

 

 

15

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Portfolio Characteristics

(Unaudited)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIODS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2022

 

One
Year

THREE
Years

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

-19.18%

15.26%

12.70%

1/29/2018

Motley Fool 100 Index*

-18.79%

15.85%

13.26%(1)

S&P 500* Total Return Index**

-11.23%

12.39%

9.30%(1)

Fund Expense Ratio:(2) 0.50%

       

 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(2)

The expense ratio of the Fund is set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratio disclosed in the Financial Highlights table in this report. See the Financial Highlights for most current expense ratio.

 

*

The Motley Fool 100 Index (“Fool 100 Index”) was developed by The Motley Fool, LLC (“The Motley Fool”), an affiliate of Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC (“Adviser”), in 2017 and is a proprietary, rules-based index designed to track the performance of the 100 largest, most liquid U.S. companies that have been recommended by The Motley Fool’s analysts and newsletters or the highest-rated stocks in Fool IQ, the company’s analyst opinion database. Every company included in the Fool 100 Index is incorporated and listed in the U.S. The Fool 100 Index is calculated and administered by Solactive AG (the “Index Calculation Agent”), which is not affiliated with the Fund, the Adviser or The Motley Fool. Additional information regarding the Fool 100 Index, including its value, is available on the websites of the Fund at www.fooletfs.com and the Index Calculation Agent, at www.solactive.com. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

**

The S&P 500® Total Return Index is the total return version of the S&P 500® Index. Dividends are reinvested on a daily basis and all regular cash dividends are assumed reinvested in the index on the ex-dividend date. The S&P 500® Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index of 500 US stocks chosen for market size, liquidity and industry grouping, among other factors. The S&P 500® Index is designed to be a leading indicator of U.S. equities and is meant to reflect the risk/return characteristics of the large cap universe. The S&P 500® Index was first introduced on the 1st of January, 1923, though expanded to 500 stocks on March 4, 1957.

 

16

 

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Portfolio Characteristics (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

The following tables show the top ten holdings and sector allocations, in which the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF was invested in as of August 31, 2022. Portfolio holdings are subject to change without notice.

 

Top TEN Holdings

% OF Net
Assets

Apple, Inc.

14.1%

Microsoft Corp.

10.8

Alphabet, Inc., Class C

7.9

Amazon.com, Inc.

7.1

Tesla, Inc.

4.7

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B

3.4

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

2.7

Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A

2.4

Johnson & Johnson

2.3

Visa, Inc., Class A

2.3

 

57.7%

 

The Motley Fool 100 Index ETF uses the Global Industry Classification StandardSM (“GICSSM”) as the basis for the classification of securities on the Schedule of Investments (“SOI”). We believe that this makes the SOI classifications more standard with the rest of the industry.

 

Sector Allocation

% OF Net
Assets

Information Technology

41.9%

Consumer Discretionary

17.1

Communication Services

14.0

Health Care

11.0

Financials

8.0

Industrials

3.0

Real Estate

1.6

Consumer Staples

1.5

Utilities

0.9

Materials

0.6

Energy

0.2

 

99.8%

 

 

17

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL SMALL-CAP GROWTH ETF

Portfolio Characteristics

(Unaudited)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIODS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2022

 

One
Year

Three
Years

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF

-36.66%

5.79%

8.77%

10/29/2018

Russell 2000 Growth Total Return® Index*

-25.26%

5.93%

6.61%(1)

Fund Expense Ratio:(2) 0.85%

       

 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(2)

The expense ratio of the Fund is set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratio disclosed in the Financial Highlights table in this report. See the Financial Highlights for most current expense ratio.

 

*

The Russell 2000 Growth Total Return® Index measures the performance of those companies included in the Russell 2000 Index with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted earnings growth rates. The Russell 2000 Index measures the performance of approximately 2,000 companies with small-market capitalizations.

 

18

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL SMALL-CAP GROWTH ETF

Portfolio Characteristics (CONCLUDED)

(Unaudited)

 

The following tables show the top ten holdings and sector allocations, in which the Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF was invested in as of August 31, 2022. Portfolio holdings are subject to change without notice.

 

Top TEN Holdings

% OF Net
Assets

Watsco, Inc.

6.6%

Alarm.com Holdings, Inc.

6.2

Ping Identity Holding Corp.

5.5

Axon Enterprise, Inc.

5.1

Paylocity Holding Corp.

4.3

Globus Medical, Inc., Class A

4.2

Penumbra, Inc.

3.8

Heska Corp.

3.8

Gentex Corp.

3.4

RADA Electronic Industries Ltd.

3.4

 

46.3%

 

The Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF uses GICSSM as the basis for the classification of securities on the Schedule of Investments.

 

Sector Allocation

% OF Net
Assets

Information Technology

25.0%

Industrials

22.5

Health Care

20.5

Real Estate

9.0

Consumer Discretionary

7.5

Financials

4.9

Energy

2.8

Communication Services

1.4

 

93.6%

 

 

19

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL CAPITAL EFFICIENCY 100 INDEX ETF

Portfolio Characteristics

(Unaudited)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIODS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2022

 

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF

-23.13%

12/30/2021

Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index*

-23.07%(1)

S&P 500 Total Return Index**

-16.36%(1)

Fund Expense Ratio:(2) 0.50%

   

 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

Not annualized.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(2)

The expense ratio of the Fund is set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratio disclosed in the Financial Highlights table in this report. See the Financial Highlights for most current expense ratio.

 

*

The Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index (“Capital Efficiency 100 Index”) was developed by The Motley Fool, LLC (“The Motley Fool”), an affiliate of Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC (“Adviser”), in 2021 and is a proprietary, rules-based index designed to track the performance of the highest scoring stocks of U.S. companies, measured by a company’s capital efficiency, that have been recommended by The Motley Fool’s analysts and newsletters, and that also meet certain liquidity requirements. Capital efficiency is a measure of how a business turns its investments into revenue and profit and it provides insight into the company’s return on invested capital. Every company included in the Capital Efficiency 100 Index is incorporated and listed in the U.S. The Capital Efficiency 100 Index is calculated and administered by Solactive AG (the “Index Calculation Agent”), which is not affiliated with the Fund, the Adviser or The Motley Fool. Additional information regarding the Capital Efficiency 100 Index, including its value, is available on the websites of the Fund at www.fooletfs.com and the Index Calculation Agent, at www.solactive.com. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

**

The S&P 500® Total Return Index is the total return version of the S&P 500® Index. Dividends are reinvested on a daily basis and all regular cash dividends are assumed reinvested in the index on the ex-dividend date. The S&P 500® Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index of 500 US stocks chosen for market size, liquidity and industry grouping, among other factors. The S&P 500® Index is designed to be a leading indicator of U.S. equities and is meant to reflect the risk/return characteristics of the large cap universe. The S&P 500® Index was first introduced on the 1st of January, 1923, though expanded to 500 stocks on March 4, 1957.

 

20

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL CAPITAL EFFICIENCY 100 INDEX ETF

Portfolio Characteristics (CONCLUDED)

(Unaudited)

 

The following tables show the top ten holdings and sector allocations, in which the Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF was invested in as of August 31, 2022. Portfolio holdings are subject to change without notice.

 

Top TEN Holdings

% OF Net
Assets

Apple, Inc.

5.6%

Amazon.com, Inc.

5.6

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

5.4

Home Depot, Inc., (The)

5.0

Microsoft Corp.

4.9

Visa, Inc., Class A

4.9

Alphabet, Inc., Class C

4.7

Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A

4.6

Mastercard, Inc., Class A

4.5

Johnson & Johnson

4.4

 

49.6%

 

The Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF uses GICSSM as the basis for the classification of securities on the Schedule of Investments.

 

Sector Allocation

% OF Net
Assets

Information Technology

43.6%

Health Care

17.0

Consumer Discretionary

16.3

Communication Services

12.2

Industrials

5.4

Consumer Staples

4.1

Materials

0.8

Financials

0.4

 

99.8%

 

 

21

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL NEXT INDEX ETF

Portfolio Characteristics

(Unaudited)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIODS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2022

 

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

Motley Fool Next Index ETF

-24.88%

12/30/2021

Motley Fool Next Index*

-24.72%(1)

Russell Midcap® Growth Total Return Index**

-25.42%(1)

Fund Expense Ratio:(2) 0.50%

   

 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

Not annualized.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(2)

The expense ratio of the Fund is set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratio disclosed in the Financial Highlights table in this report. See the Financial Highlights for most current expense ratio.

 

*

The Motley Fool Next Index (“Next Index”) was developed by The Motley Fool, LLC (“The Motley Fool”), an affiliate of Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC (“Adviser”), in 2021 and is a proprietary, rules-based index designed to track the performance of the 100 largest, most liquid U.S. companies that have been recommended by The Motley Fool’s analysts and newsletters. Every company included in the Capital Efficiency 100 Index is incorporated and listed in the U.S. The Next Index is calculated and administered by Solactive AG (the “Index Calculation Agent”), which is not affiliated with the Fund, the Adviser or The Motley Fool. Additional information regarding the Next Index, including its value, is available on the websites of the Fund at www.fooletfs.com and the Index Calculation Agent, at www.solactive.com. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

**

The Russell Midcap® Growth Total Return Index measures the performance of the mid-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell Midcap® Index companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The Russell Midcap® Growth Total Return Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer of the mid-cap growth market. The Index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the true mid-cap growth market.

 

22

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL NEXT INDEX ETF

Portfolio Characteristics (CONCLUDED)

(Unaudited)

 

The following tables show the top ten holdings and sector allocations, in which the Motley Fool Next Index ETF was invested in as of August 31, 2022. Portfolio holdings are subject to change without notice.

 

Top TEN Holdings

% OF Net
Assets

Arista Networks, Inc.

2.3%

Warner Bros Discovery, Inc.

2.0

Trade Desk, Inc., (The), Class A

1.9

Cummins, Inc.

1.9

Nasdaq, Inc.

1.8

Corning, Inc.

1.8

Seagen, Inc.

1.8

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

1.5

EPAM Systems, Inc.

1.5

Sirius XM Holdings, Inc.

1.5

 

18.0%

 

The Motley Fool Next Index ETF uses GICSSM as the basis for the classification of securities on the Schedule of Investments.

 

Sector Allocation

% OF Net
Assets

Information Technology

37.5%

Consumer Discretionary

14.6

Health Care

13.4

Industrials

12.1

Communication Services

8.5

Financials

8.1

Consumer Staples

3.3

Materials

1.0

Real Estate

1.0

Energy

0.2

 

99.7%

 

 

23

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Fund Expense Examples

AUGUST 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund(s), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, (if any), including brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of Fund shares, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund(s) and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other ETFs.

 

These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022, and held for the entire period.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical Examples for Comparison Purposes

 

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

 

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

 

Do you know how many times a fund, or the market, has returned a smooth 5% over a long period of time? Never. But we have to pick some example. In reality, the market’s returns are always far bumpier, with the market returning 20% one year, followed by a loss of 10% the next year, followed by a 3% gain,etc. These variations affect actual expenses as well. Happily, over almost all time periods of 20 years or longer, according to the research of University of Pennsylvania’s Jeremy Siegel and others, the domestic market’s returns have been at least 5% per year on average.

 

 

24

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Fund Expense Examples (Concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
march 1,
2022

Ending
Account Value
august 31,
2022

Expenses
Paid During
Period
(1)

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual Six-Month Total Investment Returns
for the Funds

Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF

         

Actual

$ 1,000.00

$ 877.40

$ 4.02

0.85%

-12.26%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

1,020.92

4.33

0.85%

N/A

Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF

         

Actual

$ 1,000.00

$ 878.50

$ 4.02

0.85%

-12.15%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

1,020.92

4.33

0.85%

N/A

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

 

 

 

 

 

Actual

$ 1,000.00

$ 874.50

$ 2.36

0.50%

-12.55%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

1,022.68

2.55

0.50%

N/A

Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF

         

Actual

$ 1,000.00

$ 812.70

$ 3.88

0.85%

-18.73%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

1,020.92

4.33

0.85%

N/A

Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF

       

Actual

$ 1,000.00

$ 879.60

$ 2.37

0.50%

-12.04%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

1,022.68

2.52

0.50%

N/A

Motley Fool Next Index ETF

         

Actual

$ 1,000.00

$ 858.00

$ 2.34

0.50%

-14.20%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

1,022.68

2.52

0.50%

N/A

 

(1)

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio for the period March 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one-half year period. The Fund’s ending account value in the first section in the table is based on the actual since inception total investment return for the Fund.

 

 

25

 

 

Motley Fool global opportunities ETF

Schedule of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 

 

               

Common Stocks — 97.7%

               

Aerospace & Defense — 3.6%

               

Axon Enterprise, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    131,952     $ 15,396,159  

Banks — 6.9%

               

Bank of Georgia Group PLC (Georgia)

    257,804       5,989,800  

HDFC Bank., Ltd., ADR (India)

    185,356       11,315,984  

Signature Bank/NY (United States)

    52,188       9,099,500  

SVB Financial Group (United States)(a)*

    8,544       3,473,307  
              29,878,591  

Capital Markets — 3.4%

               

Brookfield Asset Management, Inc., Class A (Canada)

    261,710       12,590,868  

Georgia Capital PLC (Georgia)*

    273,377       2,172,255  
              14,763,123  

Commercial Services & Supplies — 4.4%

               

Waste Connections, Inc. (Canada)

    136,376       18,980,812  

Diversified Telecommunication Services — 3.7%

               

Cellnex Telecom SA (Spain)*(d)

    413,330       16,104,198  

Entertainment — 2.1%

               

Universal Music Group NV (Netherlands)

    461,736       9,190,452  

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 7.3%

               

American Tower Corp. (United States)

    39,624       10,066,477  

Equinix, Inc. (United States)

    17,600       11,569,712  

SBA Communications Corp. (United States)

    31,276       10,172,519  
              31,808,708  

Food & Staples Retailing — 2.5%

               

Costco Wholesale Corp. (United States)

    20,302       10,599,674  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 4.1%

               

Medtronic PLC (Ireland)

    129,536       11,388,805  

ResMed, Inc. (United States)

    28,160       6,192,947  
              17,581,752  

Health Care Providers & Services — 0.0%

               

NMC Health PLC (United Arab Emirates)(b)*

    485,482        

 

 

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

 

26

 

 

 

Motley Fool global opportunities ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 

 

               

Common Stocks (continued)

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 5.8%

               

Starbucks Corp. (United States)

    136,376     $ 11,465,130  

Yum China Holdings, Inc. (China)(a)

    272,301       13,645,003  
              25,110,133  

Insurance — 2.4%

               

Aon PLC, Class A (United Kingdom)

    37,948       10,597,359  

Interactive Media & Services — 4.0%

               

Alphabet, Inc., Class C (United States)*

    159,304       17,388,032  

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 8.4%

               

Amazon.com, Inc. (United States)*

    200,980       25,478,235  

MercadoLibre, Inc., Class A (Uruguay)*

    12,659       10,828,002  
              36,306,237  

IT Services — 7.3%

               

Mastercard, Inc., Class A (United States)

    75,632       24,532,752  

PayPal Holdings, Inc. (United States)*

    77,340       7,226,649  
              31,759,401  

Life Sciences Tools & Services — 3.4%

               

ICON PLC (Ireland)*

    70,400       14,772,032  

Machinery — 0.5%

               

FANUC Corp. (Japan)

    14,080       2,283,914  

Media — 2.1%

               

Comcast Corp., Class A (United States)

    206,680       7,479,749  

System1 Group PLC (United Kingdom)*

    567,240       1,449,714  
              8,929,463  

Real Estate Management & Development — 1.3%

               

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc. (United States)*

    32,202       5,570,946  

Road & Rail — 2.0%

               

Canadian National Railway Co. (Canada)

    71,394       8,489,461  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 3.1%

               

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., SP ADR (Taiwan)

    161,724       13,479,695  

 

 

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

 

 

27

 

 

Motley Fool global opportunities ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 

 

               

Common Stocks (continued)

Software — 9.2%

               

Atlassian Corp., PLC, Class A (Australia)*ADR

    82,672     $ 20,474,547  

Everbridge, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    99,868       3,972,749  

Paycom Software, Inc. (United States)*

    32,584       11,443,501  

Splunk, Inc. (United States)*

    45,760       4,119,773  
              40,010,570  

Trading Companies & Distributors — 6.8%

               

Fastenal Co. (United States)

    161,222       8,114,303  

Watsco, Inc. (United States)(a)

    79,152       21,531,719  
              29,646,022  

Transportation Infrastructure — 3.2%

               

International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (Philippines)

    4,331,453       13,976,659  

Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.2%

               

Safaricom PLC (Kenya)

    4,000,000       930,116  

Total Common Stocks (Cost $256,755,317)

            423,553,509  
                 

Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral — 7.8%

               

Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 2.44%

    33,805,832       33,805,832  

Total Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral (Cost $33,805,832)

            33,805,832  
                 

 

 

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

 

28

 

 

 

Motley Fool global opportunities ETF

Schedule of Investments (CONCLUDED)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 

 

               

Short-Term Investments — 2.1%

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.00% (United States)(c)

    9,326,426     $ 9,326,426  

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $9,326,426)

            9,326,426  
                 

Total Investments (Cost $299,887,575) — 107.6%

            466,685,767  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (7.6)%

            (33,033,724 )

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

               

(Applicable to 17,518,873 shares outstanding)

          $ 433,652,043  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

ADR — American Depositary Receipt

 

PLC — Public Limited Company

 

SP ADR — Sponsored ADR

 

(a)

All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2022, the market value of securities on loan was $32,824,775.

 

(b)

Security has been valued at fair market value using significant unobservable inputs as determined in good faith by or under the direction of The RBB Fund, Inc.’s Board of Directors. As of August 31, 2022, these securities amounted to $0 or 0% of net assets.

 

(c)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.

 

(d)

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration to qualified institutional buyers. As of August 31, 2022, total market value of Rule 144A securities is $16,104,198 and represents 3.7% of net assets.

 

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

 

 

29

 

 

Motley Fool mid-cap growth ETF

Schedule of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 
                 

Common Stocks — 93.8%

               

Aerospace & Defense — 4.4%

               

Axon Enterprise, Inc. (United States)*

    79,848     $ 9,316,665  

Air Freight & Logistics — 1.9%

               

GXO Logistics, Inc. (United States)*

    88,688       3,935,973  

Auto Components — 6.2%

               

Gentex Corp. (United States)

    266,066       7,260,941  

LCI Industries (United States)

    49,163       5,696,517  
              12,957,458  

Automobiles — 2.5%

               

Thor Industries, Inc. (United States)(a)

    64,322       5,210,725  

Banks — 3.1%

               

SVB Financial Group (United States)(a)*

    15,979       6,495,783  

Biotechnology — 0.2%

               

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc. (United States)*

    9,778       466,313  

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 2.3%

               

Cognex Corp. (United States)

    113,111       4,763,104  

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 6.2%

               

SBA Communications Corp. (United States)

    39,924       12,985,281  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 8.8%

               

Cooper Companies, Inc., (The) (United States)

    22,080       6,346,675  

Heska Corp. (United States)(a)*

    24,051       2,190,325  

ResMed, Inc. (United States)

    44,813       9,855,275  
              18,392,275  

Health Care Providers & Services — 2.7%

               

HealthEquity, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    84,273       5,568,760  

Insurance — 10.4%

               

Brown & Brown, Inc. (United States)

    177,376       11,181,783  

Goosehead Insurance, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    20,000       1,040,000  

Markel Corp. (United States)*

    7,913       9,448,993  
              21,670,776  

IT Services — 4.0%

               

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (United States)

    48,796       8,352,411  

 

 

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

 

30

 

 

 

Motley Fool mid-cap growth ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Real Estate Management & Development — 3.6%

               

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc. (United States)*

    43,048       7,447,304  

Road & Rail — 2.2%

               

XPO Logistics, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    88,688       4,649,025  

Software — 21.8%

               

Alarm.com Holdings, Inc. (United States)*

    121,439       8,087,838  

ANSYS, Inc. (United States)*

    7,107       1,764,668  

Avalara, Inc. (United States)*

    22,047       2,019,285  

Everbridge, Inc. (United States)*

    33,490       1,332,232  

Paycom Software, Inc. (United States)*

    19,872       6,979,046  

Paylocity Holding Corp. (United States)*

    43,695       10,530,495  

Splunk, Inc. (United States)*

    60,339       5,432,320  

Tyler Technologies, Inc. (United States)*

    25,204       9,363,538  
              45,509,422  

Specialty Retail — 1.9%

               

Tractor Supply Co. (United States)

    22,027       4,078,299  

Trading Companies & Distributors — 11.6%

               

Fastenal Co. (United States)

    171,598       8,636,527  

Watsco, Inc. (United States)(a)

    57,668       15,687,426  
              24,323,953  

Total Common Stocks (Cost $110,089,287)

            196,123,527  
                 

Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral — 15.0%

               

Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 2.44%

    31,234,388       31,234,388  

Total Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral (Cost $31,234,388)

            31,234,388  
                 

 

 

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

 

 

31

 

 

Motley Fool mid-cap growth ETF

Schedule of Investments (CONCLUDED)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 
                 

Short-Term Investments — 6.5%

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.00% (United States)(b)

    13,654,888     $ 13,654,888  

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $13,654,888)

            13,654,888  
                 

Total Investments (Cost $154,978,563) — 115.3%

            241,012,803  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (15.3)%

            (31,968,788 )

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

               

(Applicable to 9,217,511 shares outstanding)

          $ 209,044,015  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

(a)

All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2022, the market value of securities on loan was $30,222,704.

 

(b)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.

 

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

 

32

 

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Schedule of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 
                 

Common Stocks — 99.8%

               

Aerospace & Defense — 0.2%

               

TransDigm Group, Inc. (United States)

    1,262     $ 757,692  

Air Freight & Logistics — 0.3%

               

FedEx Corp. (United States)

    5,987       1,262,119  

Automobiles — 4.7%

               

Tesla, Inc. (United States)*

    71,689       19,758,205  

Banks — 2.0%

               

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (United States)

    67,587       7,686,669  

SVB Financial Group (United States)(a)*

    1,361       553,274  
              8,239,943  

Beverages — 0.3%

               

Monster Beverage Corp. (United States)*

    12,234       1,086,746  

Biotechnology — 2.0%

               

Amgen, Inc. (United States)

    12,339       2,965,062  

Biogen, Inc. (United States)*

    3,384       661,166  

Gilead Sciences, Inc. (United States)

    28,969       1,838,662  

Moderna, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    9,188       1,215,297  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (United States)*

    5,907       1,664,356  
              8,344,543  

Capital Markets — 2.4%

               

Charles Schwab Corp., (The) (United States)

    43,796       3,107,326  

CME Group, Inc. (United States)

    8,302       1,623,954  

Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (United States)

    12,944       1,305,402  

Moody’s Corp. (United States)

    4,256       1,210,917  

S&P Global, Inc. (United States)(a)

    7,486       2,636,420  
              9,884,019  

Chemicals — 0.6%

               

Ecolab, Inc. (United States)

    6,598       1,080,950  

Sherwin-Williams Co., (The) (United States)

    5,979       1,387,726  
              2,468,676  

Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.8%

               

Cintas Corp. (United States)

    2,365       962,177  

Copart, Inc. (United States)*

    4,990       597,053  

 

 

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

 

 

33

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Commercial Services & Supplies (continued)

Waste Management, Inc. (United States)

    9,590     $ 1,620,998  
              3,180,228  

Diversified Financial Services — 3.4%

               

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B (United States)*

    51,009       14,323,327  

Electric Utilities — 0.9%

               

NextEra Energy, Inc. (United States)(a)

    45,371       3,859,257  

Entertainment — 2.3%

               

Activision Blizzard, Inc. (United States)

    18,059       1,417,451  

Electronic Arts, Inc. (United States)

    6,458       819,327  

Netflix, Inc. (United States)*

    10,262       2,294,173  

ROBLOX Corp., Class A (United States)(a)*

    13,756       537,997  

Walt Disney Co., (The) (United States)

    42,068       4,714,981  
              9,783,929  

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 1.6%

               

American Tower Corp. (United States)

    10,689       2,715,541  

Crown Castle, Inc. (United States)

    10,002       1,708,642  

Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (United States)

    6,575       812,867  

Equinix, Inc. (United States)

    2,103       1,382,449  
              6,619,499  

Food & Staples Retailing — 1.3%

               

Costco Wholesale Corp. (United States)

    10,233       5,342,649  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 1.4%

               

Align Technology, Inc. (United States)*

    1,821       443,778  

Becton Dickinson and Co. (United States)

    6,584       1,661,933  

Dexcom, Inc. (United States)*

    9,152       752,386  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (United States)*

    1,941       674,731  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (United States)*

    8,291       1,705,790  

ResMed, Inc. (United States)

    3,383       743,989  
              5,982,607  

Health Care Providers & Services — 4.0%

               

CVS Health Corp. (United States)

    30,285       2,972,473  

HCA Healthcare, Inc. (United States)

    6,826       1,350,661  

McKesson Corp. (United States)

    3,317       1,217,339  

 

 

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

 

34

 

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Health Care Providers & Services (continued)

UnitedHealth Group, Inc. (United States)

    21,668     $ 11,252,842  
              16,793,315  

Health Care Technology — 0.2%

               

Veeva Systems, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    3,608       719,147  

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 1.9%

               

Airbnb, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    14,700       1,662,864  

Booking Holdings, Inc. (United States)*

    939       1,761,386  

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    646       1,031,533  

Marriott International, Inc., Class A (United States)

    7,560       1,162,274  

Starbucks Corp. (United States)

    26,488       2,226,846  
              7,844,903  

Industrial Conglomerates — 0.4%

               

3M Co. (United States)(a)

    13,144       1,634,456  

Insurance — 0.2%

               

Aflac, Inc. (United States)(a)

    14,878       884,051  

Interactive Media & Services — 10.6%

               

Alphabet, Inc., Class C (United States)*

    302,620       33,030,973  

Match Group, Inc. (United States)*

    6,691       378,242  

Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    62,503       10,183,614  

Twitter, Inc. (United States)*

    17,621       682,814  
              44,275,643  

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 7.3%

               

Amazon.com, Inc. (United States)*

    234,600       29,740,242  

eBay, Inc. (United States)(a)

    12,931       570,645  
              30,310,887  

IT Services — 5.4%

               

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A (United States)

    12,038       760,440  

Mastercard, Inc., Class A (United States)

    22,464       7,286,648  

PayPal Holdings, Inc. (United States)*

    26,746       2,499,146  

Snowflake, Inc. Class A (United States)(a)*

    7,186       1,300,307  

 

 

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

 

 

35

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

IT Services (continued)

Block, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    13,498     $ 930,147  

Twilio, Inc., Class A (United States)(a)*

    4,268       296,967  

Visa, Inc., Class A (United States)(a)

    48,112       9,560,336  
              22,633,991  

Life Sciences Tools & Services — 0.2%

               

Illumina, Inc. (United States)*

    3,629       731,752  

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 0.2%

               

Kinder Morgan, Inc. (United States)

    52,368       959,382  

Pharmaceuticals — 3.1%

               

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (United States)

    49,172       3,314,684  

Johnson & Johnson (United States)

    60,773       9,805,116  
              13,119,800  

Professional Services — 0.1%

               

CoStar Group, Inc. (United States)*

    8,383       583,792  

Road & Rail — 1.3%

               

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (United States)(a)

    2,619       710,823  

Uber Technologies, Inc. (United States)*

    45,741       1,315,511  

Union Pacific Corp. (United States)

    14,505       3,256,518  
              5,282,852  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 5.9%

               

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (United States)*

    36,916       3,133,061  

Broadcom, Inc. (United States)

    9,328       4,655,698  

Lam Research Corp. (United States)

    3,205       1,403,502  

NVIDIA Corp. (United States)

    57,831       8,729,011  

QUALCOMM, Inc. (United States)

    25,564       3,381,350  

Texas Instruments, Inc. (United States)

    20,361       3,363,841  
              24,666,463  

Software — 16.5%

               

Adobe, Inc. (United States)*

    10,913       4,075,351  

Autodesk, Inc. (United States)*

    5,019       1,012,533  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (United States)*

    6,370       1,106,915  

Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    5,401       986,276  

Datadog, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    7,366       773,062  

 

 

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

 

36

 

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Schedule of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Software (continued)

Fortinet, Inc. (United States)*

    18,538     $ 902,615  

Intuit, Inc. (United States)

    6,515       2,813,047  

Microsoft Corp. (United States)

    172,451       45,090,763  

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (United States)*

    2,302       1,281,776  

Roper Technologies, Inc. (United States)

    2,488       985,516  

Salesforce, Inc. (United States)*

    22,981       3,587,794  

ServiceNow, Inc. (United States)*

    4,630       2,012,290  

Synopsys, Inc. (United States)*

    3,533       1,222,489  

VMware, Inc., Class A (United States)

    9,734       1,129,436  

Workday, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    5,894       969,917  

Zoom Video Communications, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    6,892       554,117  

Zscaler, Inc. (United States)*

    3,324       529,314  
              69,033,211  

Specialty Retail — 2.3%

               

Home Depot, Inc., (The) (United States)

    23,737       6,846,226  

Lowe’s Cos, Inc. (United States)

    14,073       2,732,132  
              9,578,358  

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 14.1%

               

Apple, Inc. (United States)

    373,196       58,673,875  

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 0.9%

               

NIKE, Inc., Class B (United States)

    36,347       3,869,138  

Wireless Telecommunication Services — 1.0%

               

T-Mobile US, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    28,953       4,168,075  

Total Common Stocks (Cost $321,461,306)

            416,656,530  

Rights — 0.0%

               

Altaba, Inc. - Escrow Shares (United States)*(b)

    8,565       32,547  

Total Rights (Cost $8,126)

            32,547  
                 

Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral — 5.1%

               

Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 2.44%

    21,230,044       21,230,044  

Total Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral (Cost $21,230,044)

            21,230,044  
                 

 

 

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

 

 

37

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Schedule of Investments (Concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 
                 

Short-Term Investments — 0.1%

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.00% (United States)(c)

    387,749     $ 387,749  

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $387,749)

            387,749  
                 

Total Investments (Cost $343,087,225) — 105.0%

            438,306,870  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (5.0)%

            (21,038,133 )

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

               

(Applicable to 12,275,000 shares outstanding)

          $ 417,268,737  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

(a)

All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2022, the market value of securities on loan was $20,543,351.

 

(b)

Security has been valued at fair market value using significant unobservable inputs as determined in good faith by or under the direction of The RBB Fund, Inc.’s Board of Directors. As of August 31, 2022, these securities amounted to $32,547 or 0.0% of net assets.

 

(c)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.

 

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

 

38

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL Small-Cap Growth ETF

Schedule of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 
                 

Common Stocks — 93.6%

               

Aerospace & Defense — 8.5%

               

Axon Enterprise, Inc. (United States)*

    34,080     $ 3,976,455  

RADA Electronic Industries Ltd. (Israel)*

    263,872       2,646,636  
              6,623,091  

Auto Components — 6.0%

               

Fox Factory Holding Corp. (United States)*

    21,699       2,022,564  

Gentex Corp. (United States)

    97,264       2,654,334  
              4,676,898  

Banks — 1.9%

               

Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (United States)

    41,339       1,498,125  

Biotechnology — 4.3%

               

PTC Therapeutics, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    37,374       1,866,458  

Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc. (United States)*

    31,141       1,485,114  
              3,351,572  

Building Products — 1.2%

               

Trex Co., Inc. (United States)(a)*

    19,795       926,208  

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 1.8%

               

nLight, Inc. (United States)*

    112,358       1,403,351  

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 2.6%

               

STAG Industrial, Inc. (United States)

    65,887       2,029,320  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 13.9%

               

Globus Medical, Inc., Class A (United States)(a)*

    54,782       3,242,547  

Heska Corp. (United States)(a)*

    32,615       2,970,248  

Mesa Laboratories, Inc. (United States)(a)

    9,528       1,627,954  

Penumbra, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    18,228       2,992,491  
              10,833,240  

Health Care Providers & Services — 1.1%

               

HealthEquity, Inc. (United States)*

    12,794       845,428  

Health Care Technology — 1.2%

               

Schrodinger, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    35,387       971,019  

Insurance — 2.9%

               

Goosehead Insurance, Inc., Class A (United States)(a)*

    43,989       2,287,428  

 

 

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

 

 

39

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL Small-Cap Growth ETF

Schedule of Investments (CONTINUED)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Leisure Products — 1.5%

               

Clarus Corp. (United States)(a)

    77,500     $ 1,175,675  

Machinery — 2.9%

               

John Bean Technologies Corp. (United States)

    21,662       2,236,818  

Media — 1.4%

               

Cardlytics, Inc. (United States)*

    79,641       1,054,447  

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 2.8%

               

Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. (United States)

    70,308       2,224,545  

Real Estate Management & Development — 6.4%

               

Howard Hughes Corp., (The) (United States)*

    38,908       2,475,716  

Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc. (United States)*

    8,163       1,412,199  

Newmark Group, Inc., Class A (United States)(a)

    110,373       1,131,323  
              5,019,238  

Road & Rail — 3.4%

               

Landstar System, Inc. (United States)(a)

    17,980       2,636,407  

Software — 23.2%

               

Alarm.com Holdings, Inc. (United States)*

    72,344       4,818,110  

Everbridge, Inc. (United States)*

    33,566       1,335,256  

Paylocity Holding Corp. (United States)*

    14,075       3,392,075  

Ping Identity Holding Corp. (United States)*

    151,404       4,260,509  

Q2 Holdings, Inc. (United States)(a)*

    44,888       1,782,951  

Smartsheet, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    52,749       1,754,959  

Upland Software, Inc. (United States)*

    73,466       769,189  
              18,113,049  

Trading Companies & Distributors — 6.6%

               

Watsco, Inc. (United States)(a)

    18,848       5,127,222  

Total Common Stocks (Cost $93,146,756)

            73,033,081  
                 

Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral — 21.9%

               

Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 2.44%

    17,127,093       17,127,093  

Total Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending Collateral (Cost $17,127,093)

            17,127,093  
                 

 

 

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

 

40

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL Small-Cap Growth ETF

Schedule of Investments (Concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 
                 

Short-Term Investments — 6.5%

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.00% (United States)(b)

    5,053,164     $ 5,053,164  

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $5,053,164)

            5,053,164  
                 

Total Investments (Cost $115,327,013) — 122.0%

            95,213,338  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (22.0)%

            (17,163,483 )

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

               

(Applicable to 3,100,000 shares outstanding)

          $ 78,049,855  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

(a)

All or a portion of the security is on loan. At August 31, 2022, the market value of securities on loan was $16,722,909.

 

(b)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.

 

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

 

 

41

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL CAPITAL EFFICIENCY 100 INDEX ETF

Schedule of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 
                 

Common Stocks — 99.8%

               

Aerospace & Defense — 0.0%

               

AeroVironment, Inc. (United States)*

    54     $ 4,787  

Beverages — 0.7%

               

Boston Beer Co., Inc., (The) (United States)*

    22       7,416  

Monster Beverage Corp. (United States)*

    1,550       137,686  
              145,102  

Biotechnology — 3.0%

               

Amgen, Inc. (United States)

    1,499       360,210  

Biogen, Inc. (United States)*

    402       78,543  

Exelixis, Inc. (United States)*

    1,026       18,201  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (United States)*

    621       174,973  
              631,927  

Capital Markets — 0.4%

               

Nasdaq, Inc. (United States)

    1,215       72,329  

PJT Partners, Inc., Class A (United States)

    54       3,738  
              76,067  

Chemicals — 0.8%

               

Balchem Corp. (United States)

    81       10,677  

Ecolab, Inc. (United States)

    715       117,139  

RPM International, Inc. (United States)

    373       34,749  
              162,565  

Commercial Services & Supplies — 1.8%

               

Cintas Corp. (United States)

    288       117,170  

Copart, Inc. (United States)*

    618       73,944  

Waste Management, Inc. (United States)

    1,037       175,284  
              366,398  

Communications Equipment — 0.2%

               

Ubiquiti, Inc. (United States)

    148       45,938  

Construction & Engineering — 0.1%

               

MasTec, Inc. (United States)*

    162       13,041  

Consumer Finance — 0.0%

               

Upstart Holdings, Inc. (United States)*

    217       5,620  

 

 

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

 

42

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL CAPITAL EFFICIENCY 100 INDEX ETF

Schedule of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Distributors — 0.2%

               

LKQ Corp. (United States)

    865     $ 46,035  

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 1.1%

               

CDW Corp. (United States)

    381       65,037  

Cognex Corp. (United States)

    409       17,223  

Corning, Inc. (United States)

    1,999       68,605  

National Instruments Corp. (United States)

    442       17,574  

Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A (United States)*

    173       52,184  
              220,623  

Entertainment — 2.2%

               

Activision Blizzard, Inc. (United States)

    2,037       159,884  

Netflix, Inc. (United States)*

    1,120       250,387  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (United States)*

    426       52,211  
              462,482  

Food & Staples Retailing — 3.3%

               

Casey’s General Stores, Inc. (United States)

    111       23,729  

Costco Wholesale Corp. (United States)

    1,261       658,368  
              682,097  

Food Products — 0.1%

               

Darling Ingredients, Inc. (United States)*

    388       29,511  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 2.3%

               

ABIOMED, Inc. (United States)*

    111       28,780  

Globus Medical, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    270       15,981  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (United States)*

    340       118,191  

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (United States)*

    897       184,549  

Masimo Corp. (United States)*

    134       19,683  

ResMed, Inc. (United States)

    461       101,383  
              468,567  

Health Care Providers & Services — 6.9%

               

HCA Healthcare, Inc. (United States)

    916       181,249  

McKesson Corp. (United States)

    358       131,386  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc. (United States)

    2,141       1,111,886  
              1,424,521  

 

 

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

 

 

43

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL CAPITAL EFFICIENCY 100 INDEX ETF

Schedule of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Health Care Technology — 0.4%

               

Veeva Systems, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    426     $ 84,910  

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 0.1%

               

Wingstop, Inc. (United States)

    86       9,792  

Household Durables — 0.2%

               

iRobot Corp. (United States)*

    54       3,180  

Meritage Homes Corp. (United States)*

    93       7,287  

NVR, Inc. (United States)*

    8       33,120  
              43,587  

Industrial Conglomerates — 0.8%

               

3M Co. (United States)

    1,405       174,712  

Interactive Media & Services — 9.5%

               

Alphabet, Inc., Class C (United States)*

    8,940       975,801  

Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    5,902       961,613  

Pinterest, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    1,636       37,693  
              1,975,107  

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 6.0%

               

Amazon.com, Inc. (United States)*

    9,095       1,152,973  

eBay, Inc. (United States)

    1,356       59,840  

Etsy, Inc. (United States)*

    354       37,386  
              1,250,199  

IT Services — 10.5%

               

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A (United States)

    1,559       98,482  

EPAM Systems, Inc. (United States)*

    158       67,387  

GoDaddy, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    416       31,541  

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. (United States)

    203       39,016  

Mastercard, Inc., Class A (United States)

    2,862       928,347  

TaskUS, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    245       3,646  

Visa, Inc., Class A (United States)

    5,093       1,012,030  
              2,180,449  

Machinery — 0.4%

               

Cummins, Inc. (United States)

    335       72,149  

 

 

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

 

44

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL CAPITAL EFFICIENCY 100 INDEX ETF

Schedule of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Media — 0.4%

               

New York Times Co., (The), Class A (United States)

    486     $ 14,818  

Sirius XM Holdings, Inc. (United States)

    11,739       71,491  
              86,309  

Pharmaceuticals — 4.4%

               

Johnson & Johnson (United States)

    5,711       921,413  

Professional Services — 0.0%

               

Upwork, Inc. (United States)*

    311       5,411  

Road & Rail — 2.2%

               

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (United States)

    357       96,893  

Union Pacific Corp. (United States)

    1,595       358,094  
              454,987  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 12.4%

               

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (United States)*

    4,498       381,745  

Broadcom, Inc. (United States)

    1,060       529,057  

Cirrus Logic, Inc. (United States)*

    130       9,970  

Lam Research Corp. (United States)

    422       184,798  

NVIDIA Corp. (United States)

    5,862       884,810  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc. (United States)

    372       36,661  

Texas Instruments, Inc. (United States)

    3,196       528,011  

Universal Display Corp. (United States)

    108       12,067  
              2,567,119  

Software — 13.7%

               

Adobe Systems, Inc. (United States)*

    1,644       613,935  

Appfolio, Inc. (United States)*

    75       7,603  

Autodesk, Inc. (United States)*

    751       151,507  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (United States)*

    881       153,091  

Fair Isaac Corp. (United States)*

    97       43,592  

Fortinet, Inc. (United States)*

    2,423       117,976  

Microsoft Corp. (United States)

    3,907       1,021,563  

Paycom Software, Inc. (United States)*

    131       46,007  

ServiceNow, Inc. (United States)*

    564       245,126  

Synopsys, Inc. (United States)*

    490       169,550  

UiPath, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    1,273       20,941  

VMware, Inc., Class A (United States)

    992       115,102  

 

 

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

 

 

45

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL CAPITAL EFFICIENCY 100 INDEX ETF

Schedule of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Software (continued)

Workday, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    721     $ 118,648  

Zendesk, Inc. (United States)*

    298       22,877  
              2,847,518  

Specialty Retail — 7.7%

               

Camping World Holdings, Inc., Class A (United States)

    113       3,404  

Home Depot, Inc., (The) (United States)

    3,574       1,030,813  

Lowe’s Cos, Inc. (United States)

    2,252       437,203  

RH (United States)*

    72       18,426  

Ulta Beauty, Inc. (United States)*

    154       64,660  

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (United States)

    211       31,386  

Winmark Corp. (United States)

    20       4,127  
              1,590,019  

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 5.7%

               

Apple, Inc. (United States)

    7,345       1,154,781  

Pure Storage, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    817       23,668  
              1,178,449  

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 2.2%

               

NIKE, Inc., Class B (United States)

    4,152       441,980  

Under Armour, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    1,404       11,822  
              453,802  

Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 0.0%

               

Walker & Dunlop, Inc. (United States)

    72       7,233  

Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.1%

               

Watsco, Inc. (United States)

    111       30,195  

Total Common Stocks (Cost $22,636,269)

            20,718,641  
                 

 

 

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

 

46

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL CAPITAL EFFICIENCY 100 INDEX ETF

Schedule of Investments (Concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 
                 

Short-Term Investments — 0.1%

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.00% (United States)(a)

    17,495     $ 17,495  

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $17,495)

            17,495  
                 

Total Investments (Cost $22,653,764) — 99.9%

            20,736,136  

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.1%

            18,053  

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

               

(Applicable to 1,350,000 shares outstanding)

          $ 20,754,189  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.

 

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

 

 

47

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL next index ETF

Schedule of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 
                 

Common Stocks — 99.7%

               

Aerospace & Defense — 2.7%

               

AeroVironment, Inc. (United States)*

    509     $ 45,123  

Axon Enterprise, Inc. (United States)*

    1,430       166,853  

HEICO Corp. (United States)

    2,421       368,718  

Textron, Inc. (United States)

    4,330       270,105  

Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (United States)*

    5,245       30,998  
              881,797  

Air Freight & Logistics — 0.3%

               

GXO Logistics, Inc. (United States)*

    2,313       102,651  

Airlines — 0.5%

               

Alaska Air Group, Inc. (United States)*

    2,539       110,599  

Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (United States)*

    1,044       15,649  

JetBlue Airways Corp. (United States)*

    6,525       50,830  
              177,078  

Auto Components — 0.6%

               

BorgWarner, Inc. (United States)

    4,823       181,827  

Banks — 0.5%

               

Western Alliance Bancorp (United States)

    2,163       165,945  

Beverages — 0.3%

               

Boston Beer Co., Inc., (The) (United States)*

    246       82,922  

Biotechnology — 6.3%

               

2seventy bio, Inc. (United States)*

    760       11,195  

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (United States)*

    2,433       502,828  

AnaptysBio, Inc. (United States)*

    549       12,748  

BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc. (United States)*

    3,724       332,181  

Bluebird Bio, Inc. (United States)*

    1,392       8,129  

Editas Medicine, Inc. (United States)*

    1,392       20,462  

Emergent BioSolutions, Inc. (United States)*

    1,012       24,308  

Exact Sciences Corp. (United States)*

    3,542       125,918  

Exelixis, Inc. (United States)*

    6,457       114,547  

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (United States)*

    2,855       121,395  

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (United States)*

    1,924       201,308  

Seagen, Inc. (United States)*

    3,720       573,959  
              2,048,978  

 

 

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

 

48

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL next index ETF

Schedule of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Building Products — 0.3%

               

Trex Co., Inc. (United States)*

    2,280     $ 106,681  

Capital Markets — 5.4%

               

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (United States)

    779       99,214  

Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (United States)

    2,139       252,338  

FactSet Research Systems, Inc. (United States)

    763       330,638  

Interactive Brokers Group, Inc., Class A (United States)

    1,979       121,887  

Jefferies Financial Group, Inc. (United States)

    4,822       154,738  

MarketAxess Holdings, Inc. (United States)

    760       188,928  

Nasdaq, Inc. (United States)

    9,948       592,204  

PJT Partners, Inc., Class A (United States)

    473       32,741  
              1,772,688  

Chemicals — 1.0%

               

Balchem Corp. (United States)

    647       85,288  

RPM International, Inc. (United States)

    2,607       242,868  
              328,156  

Commercial Services & Supplies — 1.0%

               

Rollins, Inc. (United States)

    9,915       334,730  

Communications Equipment — 3.4%

               

Arista Networks, Inc. (United States)*

    6,206       743,975  

Ubiquiti, Inc. (United States)

    1,217       377,745  
              1,121,720  

Construction & Engineering — 0.5%

               

MasTec, Inc. (United States)*

    1,494       120,267  

NV5 Global, Inc. (United States)*

    318       44,762  
              165,029  

Consumer Finance — 0.1%

               

Upstart Holdings, Inc. (United States)*

    1,733       44,885  

Distributors — 0.9%

               

LKQ Corp. (United States)

    5,694       303,035  

Diversified Consumer Services — 0.2%

               

2U, Inc. (United States)*

    1,524       10,851  

 

 

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

 

 

49

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL next index ETF

Schedule of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Diversified Consumer Services (continued)

Chegg, Inc. (United States)*

    2,535     $ 49,889  
              60,740  

Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.0%

               

Bandwidth, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    522       8,091  

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 6.0%

               

CDW Corp. (United States)

    2,731       466,182  

Cognex Corp. (United States)

    3,498       147,301  

Corning, Inc. (United States)

    17,004       583,577  

II-VI, Inc. (United States)*

    2,599       122,751  

IPG Photonics Corp. (United States)*

    1,045       94,667  

Littelfuse, Inc. (United States)

    502       119,084  

National Instruments Corp. (United States)

    2,641       105,006  

Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A (United States)*

    1,058       319,135  
              1,957,703  

Energy Equipment & Services — 0.1%

               

Oceaneering International, Inc. (United States)*

    2,001       17,709  

Entertainment — 5.4%

               

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (United States)*

    4,579       413,758  

Roku, Inc. (United States)*

    2,738       186,184  

Skillz, Inc. (United States)*

    8,439       11,224  

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (United States)*

    3,150       386,064  

Warner Bros Discovery, Inc. (United States)*

    49,044       649,343  

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., Class A (United States)

    1,503       102,219  
              1,748,792  

Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 0.5%

               

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. (United States)

    2,477       41,490  

STAG Industrial, Inc. (United States)

    3,608       111,126  
              152,616  

Food & Staples Retailing — 0.5%

               

Casey’s General Stores, Inc. (United States)

    747       159,686  

Food Products — 2.4%

               

Beyond Meat, Inc. (United States)*

    1,305       31,842  

Darling Ingredients, Inc. (United States)*

    3,252       247,347  

 

 

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

 

50

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL next index ETF

Schedule of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Food Products (continued)

Freshpet, Inc. (United States)*

    966     $ 42,050  

McCormick & Co., Inc. (United States)

    5,443       457,593  
              778,832  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 4.1%

               

ABIOMED, Inc. (United States)*

    917       237,760  

Globus Medical, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    2,049       121,280  

Insulet Corp. (United States)*

    1,396       356,636  

Masimo Corp. (United States)*

    1,118       164,223  

NuVasive, Inc. (United States)*

    1,058       44,976  

QuidelOrtho Corp. (United States)*

    1,352       107,160  

Shockwave Medical, Inc. (United States)*

    721       214,036  

STAAR Surgical Co. (United States)*

    972       91,941  
              1,338,012  

Health Care Providers & Services — 0.7%

               

Fulgent Genetics, Inc. (United States)*

    609       26,473  

Guardant Health, Inc. (United States)*

    2,053       102,773  

HealthEquity, Inc. (United States)*

    1,695       112,006  
              241,252  

Health Care Technology — 0.9%

               

Doximity, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    3,895       129,275  

GoodRx Holdings, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    7,982       48,690  

Teladoc Health, Inc. (United States)*

    3,246       100,821  
              278,786  

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 2.2%

               

Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc. (United States)*

    982       40,596  

Hyatt Hotels Corp., Class A (United States)*

    2,221       199,046  

Planet Fitness, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    1,710       115,853  

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. (United States)

    1,373       121,867  

Vail Resorts, Inc. (United States)

    811       182,215  

Wingstop, Inc. (United States)

    613       69,796  
              729,373  

Household Durables — 1.2%

               

Dream Finders Homes, Inc. (United States)*

    1,915       23,650  

iRobot Corp. (United States)*

    542       31,913  

 

 

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

 

 

51

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL next index ETF

Schedule of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Household Durables (continued)

Meritage Homes Corp. (United States)*

    739     $ 57,901  

NVR, Inc. (United States)*

    67       277,384  
              390,848  

Household Products — 0.2%

               

Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (United States)

    821       51,715  

Insurance — 1.7%

               

Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. (United States)

    462       117,154  

Lemonade, Inc. (United States)*

    1,249       27,628  

Markel Corp. (United States)*

    274       327,186  

Safety Insurance Group, Inc. (United States)

    289       26,025  

Trupanion, Inc. (United States)*

    835       58,934  
              556,927  

Interactive Media & Services — 1.2%

               

Bumble, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    2,608       65,330  

Eventbrite, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    1,914       13,609  

fuboTV, Inc. (United States)*

    3,045       11,023  

Pinterest, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    13,357       307,745  
              397,707  

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 2.1%

               

Chewy, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    8,468       290,707  

Etsy, Inc. (United States)*

    2,559       270,256  

Stitch Fix, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    2,216       11,124  

Wayfair, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    2,120       111,745  
              683,832  

IT Services — 11.6%

               

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (United States)

    2,361       404,132  

Cloudflare, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    6,593       412,524  

DigitalOcean Holdings, Inc. (United States)*

    2,056       86,537  

EPAM Systems, Inc. (United States)*

    1,151       490,901  

Euronet Worldwide, Inc. (United States)*

    1,019       90,345  

Fastly, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    2,436       22,777  

Gartner, Inc. (United States)*

    1,622       462,789  

GoDaddy, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    3,257       246,946  

SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. (United States)

    5,130       286,049  

 

 

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

 

52

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL next index ETF

Schedule of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

IT Services (continued)

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. (United States)

    1,467     $ 281,957  

Marqeta, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    11,003       85,713  

MongoDB, Inc. (United States)*

    1,372       442,964  

Okta, Inc. (United States)*

    3,189       291,475  

TaskUS, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    2,001       29,775  

WEX, Inc. (United States)*

    906       139,750  
              3,774,634  

Leisure Products — 0.9%

               

Hasbro, Inc. (United States)

    2,807       221,248  

Peloton Interactive, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    6,786       69,149  
              290,397  

Life Sciences Tools & Services — 0.7%

               

Repligen Corp. (United States)*

    1,117       245,036  

Machinery — 4.4%

               

Chart Industries, Inc. (United States)*

    722       139,967  

Cummins, Inc. (United States)

    2,841       611,866  

Middleby Corp., (The) (United States)*

    1,096       157,627  

Proto Labs, Inc. (United States)*

    549       21,082  

Tennant Co. (United States)

    368       22,209  

Toro Co. (The) (United States)

    2,106       174,650  

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp. (United States)

    3,677       322,289  
              1,449,690  

Media — 1.9%

               

Boston Omaha Corp., Class A (United States)*

    609       16,340  

Magnite, Inc. (United States)*

    2,697       20,308  

New York Times Co., (The), Class A (United States)

    3,372       102,812  

Sirius XM Holdings, Inc. (United States)

    79,240       482,572  
              622,032  

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 0.1%

               

Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (United States)*

    4,611       30,986  

Pharmaceuticals — 0.7%

               

Viatris, Inc. (United States)

    24,407       233,087  

 

 

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

 

 

53

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL next index ETF

Schedule of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Professional Services — 0.7%

               

Robert Half International, Inc. (United States)

    2,190     $ 168,564  

Upwork, Inc. (United States)*

    2,610       45,414  
              213,978  

Real Estate Management & Development — 0.6%

               

Redfin Corp. (United States)*

    2,175       17,813  

Zillow Group, Inc., Class C (United States)*

    4,979       166,598  
              184,411  

Road & Rail — 1.0%

               

AMERCO (United States)

    395       207,639  

XPO Logistics, Inc. (United States)*

    2,316       121,405  
              329,044  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 2.8%

               

Cirrus Logic, Inc. (United States)*

    1,126       86,353  

First Solar, Inc. (United States)*

    2,146       273,722  

Impinj, Inc. (United States)*

    509       45,444  

Silicon Laboratories, Inc. (United States)*

    737       92,368  

Skyworks Solutions, Inc. (United States)

    3,240       319,302  

Universal Display Corp. (United States)

    951       106,255  
              923,444  

Software — 13.1%

               

Alarm.com Holdings, Inc. (United States)*

    1,009       67,199  

Alteryx, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    1,392       86,749  

Appfolio, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    708       71,777  

Appian Corp. (United States)*

    1,457       68,333  

Asana, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    3,830       73,345  

Avalara, Inc. (United States)*

    1,769       162,023  

Blackbaud, Inc. (United States)*

    1,048       54,810  

Blackline, Inc. (United States)*

    1,195       81,188  

Cerence, Inc. (United States)*

    783       15,668  

Confluent, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    5,632       154,092  

Coupa Software, Inc. (United States)*

    1,535       89,644  

DocuSign, Inc. (United States)*

    4,041       235,267  

Fair Isaac Corp. (United States)*

    523       235,036  

Five9, Inc. (United States)*

    1,401       137,452  

 

 

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

 

54

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL next index ETF

Schedule of Investments (Continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Software (continued)

HubSpot, Inc. (United States)*

    962     $ 324,232  

LivePerson, Inc. (United States)*

    1,479       17,156  

New Relic, Inc. (United States)*

    1,364       82,808  

Nutanix, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    4,552       78,750  

PagerDuty, Inc. (United States)*

    1,761       45,856  

Paycom Software, Inc. (United States)*

    1,169       410,553  

Pegasystems, Inc. (United States)

    1,647       60,297  

Q2 Holdings, Inc. (United States)*

    1,155       45,877  

Smartsheet, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    2,610       86,835  

Splunk, Inc. (United States)*

    3,241       291,787  

Trade Desk, Inc., (The), Class A (United States)*

    9,791       613,896  

UiPath, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    11,009       181,098  

Unity Software, Inc. (United States)*

    5,982       255,551  

Varonis Systems, Inc. (United States)*

    2,199       60,143  

Zendesk, Inc. (United States)*

    2,467       189,392  

Zuora, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    2,610       20,045  
              4,296,859  

Specialty Retail — 5.7%

               

Camping World Holdings, Inc., Class A (United States)

    839       25,271  

CarMax, Inc. (United States)*

    3,225       285,219  

Designer Brands, Inc., Class A (United States)

    1,479       25,232  

Five Below, Inc. (United States)*

    1,118       142,970  

GameStop Corp., Class A (United States)*

    6,100       174,704  

RH (United States)*

    499       127,699  

Sleep Number Corp. (United States)*

    454       18,809  

Tractor Supply Co. (United States)

    2,253       417,143  

Ulta Beauty, Inc. (United States)*

    1,044       438,344  

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (United States)

    1,385       206,019  

Winmark Corp. (United States)

    71       14,652  
              1,876,062  

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 0.5%

               

Pure Storage, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    5,960       172,661  

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 0.8%

               

Carter’s, Inc. (United States)

    811       59,892  

Skechers USA, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    3,137       118,579  

 

 

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

 

 

55

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL next index ETF

Schedule of Investments (Concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value
(Note 2)

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods (continued)

Under Armour, Inc., Class A (United States)*

    8,885     $ 74,812  
              253,283  

Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 0.4%

               

Axos Financial, Inc. (United States)*

    1,218       50,888  

Walker & Dunlop, Inc. (United States)

    667       67,007  
              117,895  

Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.6%

               

Watsco, Inc. (United States)

    719       195,589  

Total Common Stocks (Cost $38,781,975)

            32,579,831  
                 

Short-Term Investments — 0.3%

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.00% (United States)(a)

    85,879       85,879  

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $85,879)

            85,879  
                 

Total Investments (Cost $38,867,854) — 100.0%

            32,665,710  

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.0%

            12,267  

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

               

(Applicable to 2,175,000 shares outstanding)

          $ 32,677,977  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.

 

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

 

56

 

 

 

Motley Fool ETFs

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Motley
Fool Global
Opportunities
ETF

   

Motley Fool
Mid-Cap
Growth ETF

   

Motley
Fool 100
Index ETF

   

Motley Fool
Small-Cap
Growth ETF

 

ASSETS

                               

Investments in securities of unaffiliated issurers, at value (cost $256,755,317, $110,089,287, $321,469,432 and $93,146,756 respectively)^

  $ 423,553,509     $ 196,123,527     $ 416,689,077     $ 73,033,081  

Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending collateral (cost $33,805,832, $31,234,388, $21,230,044 and $17,127,093 respectively)

    33,805,832       31,234,388       21,230,044       17,127,093  

Short-term investments, at value (cost $9,326,426, $13,654,888, $387,749 and $5,053,164 respectively)

    9,326,426       13,654,888       387,749       5,053,164  

Foreign currency, at value (cost $21,232, $—, $— and $—, respectively)

    21,214                    

Receivables for:

                               

Dividends and tax reclaims

    1,157,542       103,250       381,664       23,708  

Investments sold

    1,170,011       408,541              

Total assets

    469,034,534       241,524,594       438,688,534       95,237,046  
                                 

LIABILITIES

                               

Payables for:

                               

Securities lending collateral (see Note 7)

    33,805,832       31,234,388       21,230,044       17,127,093  

Advisory fees

    332,054       206,979       189,753       60,098  

Shares of beneficial interest redeemed

    1,244,605                    

Investments purchased

          1,039,212              

Total liabilities

    35,382,491       32,480,579       21,419,797       17,187,191  

Net assets

  $ 433,652,043     $ 209,044,015     $ 417,268,737     $ 78,049,855  
                                 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

                               

Par value

  $ 17,519     $ 9,218     $ 12,275     $ 3,100  

Paid-in capital

    266,636,862       123,598,018       331,733,639       99,509,170  

Total distributable earnings/(losses)

    166,997,662       85,436,779       85,522,823       (21,462,415 )

Net assets

  $ 433,652,043     $ 209,044,015     $ 417,268,737     $ 78,049,855  
                                 

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    17,518,873       9,217,511       12,275,000       3,100,000  

Net asset value, price per share

  $ 24.75     $ 22.68     $ 33.99     $ 25.18  

^ Includes market value of securities on loan

  $ 32,824,775     $ 30,222,704     $ 20,543,351     $ 16,722,909  

 

 

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

 

 

57

 

 

Motley Fool ETFs

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Motley Fool
Capital
Efficiency 100
Index ETF

   

Motley
Fool Next
Index ETF

 

ASSETS

               

Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $22,636,269 and $38,781,975 respectively)

  $ 20,718,641     $ 32,579,831  

Short-term investments, at value (cost $17,495 and $85,879 respectively)

    17,495       85,879  

Receivables for:

               

Dividends and tax reclaims

    27,503       26,997  

Total assets

    20,763,639       32,692,707  
                 

LIABILITIES

               

Payables for:

               

Advisory fees

    9,450       14,730  

Total liabilities

    9,450       14,730  

Net assets

  $ 20,754,189     $ 32,677,977  
                 

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

               

Par value

  $ 1,350     $ 2,175  

Paid-in capital

    22,929,059       39,076,875  

Total distributable earnings/(losses)

    (2,176,220 )     (6,401,073 )

Net assets

  $ 20,754,189     $ 32,677,977  
                 

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    1,350,000       2,175,000  

Net asset value, price per share

  $ 15.37     $ 15.02  

 

 

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

 

58

 

 

 

Motley Fool ETFs

Statements of Operations

FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Motley
Fool Global
Opportunities
ETF

   

Motley Fool
Mid-Cap
Growth ETF

   

Motley
Fool 100
Index ETF

   

Motley Fool
Small-Cap
Growth ETF

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

                               

Dividends

  $ 21,490,156     $ 1,784,857     $ 3,419,229     $ 455,293  

Less foreign taxes withheld

    (2,682,775 )                  

Securities lending income

    450,755       39,668       43,353       34,085  

Total investment income

    19,258,136       1,824,525       3,462,582       489,378  
                                 

EXPENSES

                               

Advisory fees (Note 3)

    4,720,440       2,259,426       2,481,677       1,060,744  

Shareholder service fees

    121,437       38,618              

Transfer agent fees and shareholder account services

    62,923       40,251              

Administration and accounting services fees

    35,500       16,574              

Registration and filing fees

    30,961       26,936              

Legal fees

    27,787       12,996              

Officer fees

    25,036       11,851              

Director fees

    23,717       10,344              

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    9,275       4,381              

Custodian fees

    6,842       689              

Other expenses

    40,268       37,276              

Total expenses

    5,104,186       2,459,342       2,481,677       1,060,744  

Expense fees waived/reimbursed net of amount recaptured

    (9,581 )     26,071              

Net expenses after waivers/reimbursements

    5,094,605       2,485,413       2,481,677       1,060,744  

Net investment income/(loss)

    14,163,531       (660,888 )     980,905       (571,366 )
                                 

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

                               

Net realized gain/(loss) from:

                               

Investments

    2,427,919       2,301,137       (8,300,879 )     (1,123,147 )

Foreign currency transactions

    (11,591 )                  

Redemption in-kind

    26,577,730       14,461,455       20,465,901       13,282,778  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:

                               

Investments

    (227,584,440 )     (100,048,288 )     (120,161,259 )     (70,725,754 )

Foreign currency transactions

    (138,046 )                  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)

    (198,728,428 )     (83,285,696 )     (107,996,237 )     (58,566,123 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (184,564,897 )   $ (83,946,584 )   $ (107,015,332 )   $ (59,137,489 )

 

 

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

 

 

59

 

 

Motley Fool ETFs

Statements of Operations (CONCLUDED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Motley Fool
Capital
Efficiency 100
Index ETF

   

Motley
Fool NEXT
INDEX ETF

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

               

Dividends

  $ 85,592     $ 150,268  

Total investment income

    85,592       150,268  
                 

EXPENSES

               

Advisory fees (Note 3)

    42,809       99,316  

Total expenses

    42,809       99,316  

Net investment income/(loss)

    42,783       50,952  
                 

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

               

Net realized gain/(loss) from:

               

Investments

    (336,104 )     (250,007 )

Redemption in-kind

    (33,665 )     (18,804 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on:

               

Investments

    (1,917,628 )     (6,202,144 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)

    (2,287,397 )     (6,470,955 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (2,244,614 )   $ (6,420,003 )

 

 

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

 

60

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL Global Opportunities ETF
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2022

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2021

 

OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 14,163,531     $ (1,529,228 )

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currency transactions

    28,994,058       40,352,385  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments, foreign currency translation and assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies

    (227,722,486 )     127,446,258  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (184,564,897 )     166,269,415  

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Investor Shares

    (35,341,409 )     (29,627,168 )

Institutional Shares

    (12,707,670 )     (8,731,295 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (48,049,079 )     (38,358,463 )

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Investor Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    6,643,104       38,245,067  

Reinvestment of dividends

    34,321,026       28,940,492  

Shares redeemed

    (21,570,991 )     (70,627,638 )

Shares redeemed from exchange to Institutional Class(1)

    (458,343,422 )      

Total from Investor Shares

    (438,950,283 )     (3,442,079 )

Institutional Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    6,411,019       26,065,853  

Proceeds from Institutional Class exchange(1)

    458,343,422        

Reinvestment of dividends

    12,058,120       8,440,970  

Shares redeemed

    (73,170,311 )     (7,360,393 )

Total from Institutional Shares

    403,642,250       27,146,430  

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

    (35,308,033 )     23,704,351  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    (267,922,009 )     151,615,303  

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

  $ 701,574,052     $ 549,958,749  

End of period

  $ 433,652,043     $ 701,574,052  

 

(1)

Effective December 3, 2021, the outstanding Investor Class Shares of the Fund were converted into Institutional Class Shares of the Fund.

 

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

 

 

61

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL Global Opportunities ETF
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (CONCLUDED)

 

 

 

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2022

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2021

 

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Investor Shares

               

Shares sold

    187,055       1,169,191  

Shares reinvested

    1,111,072       908,079  

Shares redeemed

    (612,521 )     (2,183,641 )

Shares exchanged into Institutional Class(1)

    (14,816,530 )      

Net increase/(decrease) in shares

    (14,130,924 )     (106,371 )
                 

Institutional Shares

               

Shares sold

    179,722       806,765  

Shares exchanged from Investor Class(1)

    14,718,418        

Shares reinvested

    387,721       263,533  

Shares redeemed

    (2,668,501 )     (225,516 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares

    12,617,360       844,782  

 

(1)

Effective December 3, 2021, the outstanding Investor Class Shares of the Fund were converted into Institutional Class Shares of the Fund.

 

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

 

62

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL Mid-Cap Growth ETF
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2022

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2021

 

OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ (660,888 )   $ (1,276,392 )

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currency transactions

    16,762,592       27,656,516  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments, foreign currency translation, and assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies

    (100,048,288 )     41,096,995  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (83,946,584 )     67,477,119  

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Investor Shares

    (3,423,164 )     (28,230,758 )

Institutional Shares

    (17,390,769 )     (4,600,549 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (20,813,933 )     (32,831,307 )

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Investor Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    3,029,266       13,864,720  

Reinvestment of dividends

    16,920,328       27,593,542  

Shares redeemed

    (10,054,968 )     (44,985,080 )

Shares redeemed from exchange to Institutional Class(1)

    (250,730,153 )      

Total from Investor Shares

    (240,835,531 )     (3,526,818 )

Institutional Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    1,532,940       7,535,394  

Proceeds from Institutional Class exchange(1)

    250,730,153        

Reinvestment of dividends

    3,235,692       4,435,828  

Shares redeemed

    (32,143,643 )     (2,493,650 )

Total from Institutional Shares

    223,355,142       9,477,572  

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

    (17,480,385 )     5,950,754  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    (122,240,902 )     40,596,566  

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

  $ 331,284,917     $ 290,688,351  

End of period

  $ 209,044,015     $ 331,284,917  

 

(1)

Effective December 3, 2021, the outstanding Investor Class Shares of the Fund were converted into Institutional Class Shares of the Fund.

 

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

 

 

63

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL Mid-Cap Growth ETF
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (CONCLUDED)

 

 

 

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2022

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2021

 

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Investor Shares

               

Shares sold

    95,439       457,162  

Shares reinvested

    601,505       952,158  

Shares redeemed

    (316,334 )     (1,484,062 )

Shares exchanged into Institutional Class(1)

    (8,829,770 )      

Net increase/(decrease) in shares

    (8,449,160 )     (74,742 )
                 

Institutional Shares

               

Shares sold

    47,461       243,287  

Shares exchanged from Investor Class(1)

    8,699,588        

Shares reinvested

    113,334       151,238  

Shares redeemed

    (1,283,081 )     (80,018 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares

    7,577,302       314,507  

 

(1)

Effective December 3, 2021, the outstanding Investor Class Shares of the Fund were converted into Institutional Class Shares of the Fund.

 

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

 

64

 

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2022

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2021

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 980,905     $ 608,321  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    12,165,022       3,950,823  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    (120,161,259 )     98,157,416  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (107,015,332 )     102,716,560  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (1,325,790 )     (1,629,559 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (1,325,790 )     (1,629,559 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    41,513,113       92,015,882  

Shares redeemed

    (43,914,753 )     (2,638,120 )

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

    (2,401,640 )     89,377,762  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    (110,742,762 )     190,464,763  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    528,011,499       337,546,736  

End of period

  $ 417,268,737     $ 528,011,499  
                 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    975,000       2,575,000  

Shares redeemed

    (1,225,000 )     (75,000 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    (250,000 )     2,500,000  

 

 

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

 

 

65

 

 

Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2022

   

FOR THE
PERIOD ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2021

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ (571,366 )   $ (838,753 )

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    12,159,631       11,029,903  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    (70,725,754 )     26,857,789  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (59,137,489 )     37,048,939  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (3,829,540 )     (8,371,857 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (3,829,540 )     (8,371,857 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    2,045,968       68,065,890  

Shares redeemed

    (50,410,673 )     (14,105,940 )

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

    (48,364,705 )     53,959,950  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    (111,331,734 )     82,637,032  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    189,381,589       106,744,557  

End of period

  $ 78,049,855     $ 189,381,589  
                 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    50,000       1,750,000  

Shares redeemed

    (1,600,000 )     (375,000 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    (1,550,000 )     1,375,000  

 

 

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

 

66

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL CAPITAL EFFICIENCY 100 INDEX ETF

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

FOR THE
PERIOD
ENDED
august 31,
2022*

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

       

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 42,783  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (369,769 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    (1,917,628 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (2,244,614 )
         

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

       

Proceeds from shares sold

    24,197,108  

Shares redeemed

    (1,198,305 )

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

    22,998,803  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    20,754,189  
         

NET ASSETS:

       

Beginning of period

     

End of period

  $ 20,754,189  
         

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

       

Shares sold

    1,425,000  

Shares redeemed

    (75,000 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    1,350,000  

 

*

Inception date of the Fund was December 30, 2021.

 

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

 

 

67

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL NEXT INDEX ETF

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

FOR THE
PERIOD
ENDED
august 31,
2022*

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

       

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 50,952  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (268,811 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    (6,202,144 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (6,420,003 )
         

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

       

Proceeds from shares sold

    39,453,233  

Shares redeemed

    (355,253 )

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

    39,097,980  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    32,677,977  
         

NET ASSETS:

       

Beginning of period

     

End of period

  $ 32,677,977  
         

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

       

Shares sold

    2,200,000  

Shares redeemed

    (25,000 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    2,175,000  

 

*

Inception date of the Fund was December 30, 2021.

 

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

 

68

 

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL Global Opportunities ETF
Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

YEARS ENDED
AUGUST 31,

 

 

 

2022

   

2021

   

2020

   

2019

   

2018

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 37.03     $ 30.17     $ 25.09     $ 25.97     $ 24.09  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.30       (0.05 )     *     0.05       0.02  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (10.00 )     9.03       6.21       0.80       4.94  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (9.70 )     8.98       6.21       0.85       4.96  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.77 )           (0.04 )           (0.03 )

Net realized capital gains

    (1.81 )     (2.12 )     (1.09 )     (1.73 )     (3.05 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (2.58 )     (2.12 )     (1.13 )     (1.73 )     (3.08 )

Redemption and small-balance account fees

                            *

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 24.75     $ 37.03     $ 30.17     $ 25.09     $ 25.97  

Market value, end of period

  $ 24.74     $     $     $     $  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value(2)

    (27.61 )%     30.86 %     25.64 %     4.94 %     22.48 %

Total investment return/(loss) on market price(3)

    (27.65 )%     %     %     %     %

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 433,652     $ 181,509     $ 122,406     $ 92,760     $ 78,987  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.87 %     0.95 %     0.95 %     0.95 %     0.95 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets (before waivers and reimbursement of expenses and/or recapture of previously waived fees)

    0.88 %     0.98 %     1.00 %     0.99 %     1.06 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    1.08 %     (0.16 )%     (0.01 )%     0.19 %     0.07 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets (before waivers and reimbursement of expenses and/or recapture of previously waived fees)

    1.07 %     (0.19 )%     (0.06 )%     0.15 %     (0.04 )%

Portfolio turnover rate

    14 %     12 %     10 %     11 %     15 %

 

*

Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.

 

(1)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(2)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

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

 

 

69

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL Mid-Cap Growth ETF
Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

YEARS ENDED
AUGUST 31,

 

 

 

2022

   

2021

   

2020

   

2019

   

2018

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 33.20     $ 29.79     $ 24.48     $ 27.50     $ 22.14  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    (0.04 )     (0.09 )     (0.02 )     0.02       (0.01 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (8.38 )     6.90       6.79       (1.88 )     6.72  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (8.42 )     6.81       6.77       (1.86 )     6.71  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

                             

Net realized capital gains

    (2.10 )     (3.40 )     (1.46 )     (1.16 )     (1.35 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (2.10 )     (3.40 )     (1.46 )     (1.16 )     (1.35 )

Redemption and small-balance account fees

                            *

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 22.68     $ 33.20     $ 29.79     $ 24.48     $ 27.50  

Market value, end of period

  $ 22.62     $     $     $     $  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value (2)

    (26.66 )%     24.38 %     28.77 %     (5.97 )%     31.10 %

Total investment return/(loss) on market price (3)

    (26.84 )%     %     %     %     %

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 209,044     $ 54,460     $ 39,488     $ 29,205     $ 30,562  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.90 %     0.95 %     0.95 %     0.95 %     0.95 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets (before waivers and reimbursement of expenses and/or recapture of previously waived fees)

    0.88 %     0.98 %     1.00 %     0.98 %     1.17 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (0.17 )%     (0.30 )%     (0.06 )%     0.10 %     (0.05 )%

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets (before waivers and reimbursement of expenses and/or recapture of previously waived fees)

    (0.15 )%     (0.33 )%     (0.11 )%     0.07 %     (0.26 )%

Portfolio turnover rate

    2 %     15 %     14 %     4 %     19 %

 

*

Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.

 

(1)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(2)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

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

 

70

 

 

 

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,

   

For the
Period Ended
august 31,

 

 

 

2022

   

2021

   

2020

   

2019

   

2018(1)

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 42.16     $ 33.67     $ 22.46     $ 22.10     $ 20.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    0.08       0.05       0.11       0.15       0.08  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (8.15 )     8.59       11.23       0.32       2.02  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (8.07 )     8.64       11.34       0.47       2.10  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.02 )     (0.10 )     (0.13 )     (0.11 )      

Net realized capital gains

    (0.08 )     (0.05 )                  

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.10 )     (0.15 )     (0.13 )     (0.11 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 33.99     $ 42.16     $ 33.67     $ 22.46     $ 22.10  

Market value, end of period

  $ 34.00     $ 42.20     $ 33.66     $ 22.42     $ 22.13  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value(3)

    (19.18 )%     25.74 %     50.67 %     2.27 %     10.49 %(5)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price(4)

    (19.24 )%     25.91 %     50.89 %     1.93 %     10.65 %(5)

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 417,269     $ 528,011     $ 337,547     $ 185,871     $ 140,879  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.50 %     0.50 %     0.50 %     0.50 %     0.50 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    0.20 %     0.15 %     0.43 %     0.69 %     0.68 %(6)

Portfolio turnover rate

    15 %     23 %     26 %     26 %     10 %(5)

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was January 29, 2018.

 

(2)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

(5)

Not annualized.

 

(6)

Annualized.

 

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

 

 

71

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL Small-Cap Growth ETF

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss) return, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,

   

FOR THE
PERIOD ENDED
AUGUST 31,

 

 

 

2022

   

2021

   

2020

   

2019(1)

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

                               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 40.73     $ 32.59     $ 23.33     $ 20.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    (0.15 )     (0.19 )     (0.07 )     *

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (14.53 )     10.48       9.67       3.33  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (14.68 )     10.29       9.60       3.33  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                               

Net realized capital gains

    (0.87 )     (2.15 )     (0.34 )      

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.87 )     (2.15 )     (0.34 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 25.18     $ 40.73     $ 32.59     $ 23.33  

Market value, end of period

  $ 25.18     $ 40.74     $ 32.68     $ 23.34  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value(3)

    (36.66 )%     32.00 %     41.58 %     16.65 %(5)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price(4)

    (36.65 )%     31.54 %     41.88 %     16.69 %(5)

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

                               

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 78,050     $ 189,382     $ 106,745     $ 71,153  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.85 %     0.85 %     0.85 %     0.85 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (0.46 )%     (0.51 )%     (0.29 )%     (0.01 )%(6)

Portfolio turnover rate

    11 %     21 %     27 %     21 %(5)

 

*

Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was October 29, 2018.

 

(2)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

(5)

Not annualized.

 

(6)

Annualized.

 

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

 

72

 

 

 

Motley Fool CAPITAL EFFICIENCY 100 INDEX ETF

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss) return, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective period. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

For the
Period Ended
august 31,

 

 

 

2022(1)

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 20.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    0.05  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (4.68 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (4.63 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 15.37  

Market value, end of period

  $ 15.38  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value(3)

    (23.13 )%(5)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price(4)

    (23.09 )%(5)

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 20,754  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.50 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    0.50 %(6)

Portfolio turnover rate

    17 %(5)

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was December 30, 2021.

 

(2)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

(5)

Not annualized.

 

(6)

Annualized.

 

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

 

 

73

 

 

MOTLEY FOOL NEXT INDEX ETF

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss) return, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective period. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

For the
Period Ended
august 31,

 

 

 

2022(1)

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 20.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    0.03  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (5.01 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (4.98 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 15.02  

Market value, end of period

  $ 15.01  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value(3)

    (24.88 )%(5)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price(4)

    (24.97 )%(5)

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 32,678  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.50 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    0.26 %(6)

Portfolio turnover rate

    11 %(5)

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was December 30, 2021.

 

(2)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

(5)

Not annualized.

 

(6)

Annualized.

 

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

 

74

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has forty-eight separate investment portfolios, including the Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF (“Global Opportunities Fund”) (formerly MFAM Global Opportunities Fund), the Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF (“Mid-Cap Growth Fund”) (formerly MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund), the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF (the “Fool 100 Fund”), the Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF (“Small-Cap Growth Fund”) (formerly MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF), the Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF (“Capital Efficiency Fund”) and the Motley Fool Next Index ETF (“Next Fund”) (each a “Fund” and together the “Funds”). The Global Opportunities Fund, Mid-Cap Growth Fund, Fool 100 Fund, Small-Cap Growth Fund, Capital Efficiency Fund and Next Fund commenced investment operations on June 17, 2014, June 17, 2014, January 29, 2018, October 29, 2018, December 30, 2021 and December 30, 2021, respectively.

 

Effective December 3, 2021 (the “Conversion Date”), the outstanding Investor Class Shares of the Global Opportunities Fund and Mid-Cap Growth Fund were converted into Institutional Class Shares of the Funds (the “Class Conversions”). The Class Conversions were completed based on the share classes’ relative net asset values on the Conversion Date, without the imposition of any fees or expenses. All Investor Class Shares of the Funds were converted into Institutional Class Shares as of the Conversion Date.

 

Global Opportunities Fund

 

SHARES
OUTSTANDING

   

NET ASSETS

   

NAV
PER SHARE

   

SHARE
CONVERSION
RATIO

 

Investor Class

    14,816,530     $ 458,343,422     $ 30.93       0.993  

Institutional Class (before conversion)

    5,282,341       164,492,179       31.14          

Institutional Class (after conversion)

    20,001,071       622,835,355       31.14          

 

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

SHARES
OUTSTANDING

   

NET ASSETS

   

NAV
PER SHARE

   

SHARE
CONVERSION
RATIO

 

Investor Class

    8,829,770     $ 250,730,153     $ 28.40       0.985  

Institutional Class (before conversion)

    1,739,846       50,143,889       28.82          

Institutional Class (after conversion)

    10,439,367       300,874,042       28.82          

 

The Funds identified below as “Acquiring Portfolios” became series of the Trust as of the date indicated following a reorganization (“Reorganization”), pursuant to Agreements and Plans of Reorganization dated as shown below (each, a “Plan” and collectively, the “Plans”), which resulted in the conversion of corresponding “Target Portfolios” organized as mutual funds to ETFs. The Acquiring Portfolios were established as “shell” funds, organized solely in connection with the Reorganization for the purpose of acquiring the assets and liabilities of the corresponding Target Portfolios and continuing the operations of the Target Portfolios as ETFs. The Acquiring Portfolios had no performance history prior to the Reorganization.

 

TARGET PORTFOLIO

 

ACQUIRING PORTFOLIO

   

DATE

 

MFAM Global Opportunities Fund

  Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF     December 10, 2021  

MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund

  Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF     December 10, 2021  

 

 

75

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

Each Reorganization was accomplished by a tax-free exchange of shares (with an exception for fractional mutual fund shares) of the Acquiring Portfolio for shares of the Target Portfolio of equivalent aggregate net asset value as noted below:

 

 

 

TOTAL
SHARES

   

NET ASSETS

   

NAV
PER SHARE

   

NET UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

 

MFAM Global Opportunities Fund

    19,909,457     $ 630,424,871     $ 31.66       317,322,900  

MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    10,390,334       300,059,021       28.88       161,308,304  

 

Fees and expenses incurred to effect the Reorganizations were borne by Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC (the “Adviser”). The management fee of each Acquiring Portfolio is the same as the management fee of its corresponding Target Portfolio, however, each Acquiring Portfolio is expected to experience lower overall expenses as compared to its corresponding Target Portfolio because each Acquiring Portfolio has a unitary fee structure under which both operating expenses and management fees are paid. The Reorganizations did not result in a material change to the Target Portfolios’ investment portfolios as compared to those of the Acquiring Portfolios. There are no material differences in accounting policies of the Target Portfolios as compared to those of the Acquiring Portfolios.

 

The Acquiring Portfolios did not purchase or sell securities following the Reorganizations for purposes of realigning its investment portfolio. Accordingly, the acquisition of the Target Portfolios did not affect the Acquiring Portfolios’ portfolio turnover ratios for the period ended August 31, 2022.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 90.023 billion shares are currently classified into two hundred and eleven classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

The investment objective of each Fund is to achieve long-term capital appreciation. The Global Opportunities Fund pursues its objective by investing primarily in common stocks of United States companies and of companies that are organized under the laws of other countries around the world. The Mid-Cap Growth Fund pursues its objective by investing primarily in common stocks of companies that are organized in the United States and that are engaged in a broad range of industries.

 

The investment objective of the Fool 100 Fund is to achieve investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the total return performance of the Motley Fool 100 Index (the “Fool 100 Index”). The Fool 100 Index was developed by The Motley Fool, LLC (“The Motley Fool”), an affiliate of the Adviser, in 2017 and is a proprietary, rules-based index designed to track the performance of the 100 largest, most liquid U.S. companies that have been recommended by The Motley Fool’s analysts and newsletters or the highest-rated stocks in Fool IQ, the company’s analyst opinion database. Every company include in the Fool 100 Index is incorporated and listed in the U.S. The investment objective of the Small-Cap Growth Fund is to achieve long-term capital appreciation.

 

The investment objective of the Capital Efficiency Fund is to seek investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the total return performance of the Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index (the “Capital Efficiency 100 Index”). The Capital Efficiency 100 Index was developed by The Motley Fool in 2021 and is a proprietary, rules-based index designed to track the performance of the highest scoring stocks of U.S. companies, measured by a company’s capital efficiency, that have been recommended by The Motley Fool’s analysts and newsletters, and that also meet certain liquidity requirements. Capital efficiency is a measure of how a business turns its investments into revenue and profit and it provides insight into the company’s return on invested capital. Every company included in the Capital Efficiency 100 Index is incorporated and listed in the U.S. The investment objective of the Next Fund is to seek investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the total return performance of the Motley Fool Next Index (the “Next Index”). The Next Index was developed by The Motley Fool in 2021 and is a proprietary, rules-based index designed to track the performance of the 100 largest, most liquid U.S. companies that have been recommended by The Motley Fool’s analysts and newsletters. Every company included in the Next Index is incorporated and listed in the U.S.

 

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

 

76

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

The end of the reporting period for the Funds is August 31, 2022, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

PORTFOLIO VALUATION — Each Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Funds are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, securities traded principally on an exchange or on NASDAQ will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Foreign securities are valued based on prices from the primary market in which they are traded, and are translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments. Such procedures use fundamental valuation methods, which may include, but are not limited to, an analysis of the effect of any restrictions on the resale of the security, industry analysis and trends, significant changes in the issuer’s financial position, and any other event which could have a significant impact on the value of the security. Determination of fair value involves subjective judgment as the actual market value of a particular security can be established only by negotiations between the parties in a sales transaction, and the difference between the recorded fair value and the value that would be received in a sale could be significant.

 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Funds’ investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

Level 1 – Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

Level 2 – Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

Level 3 – Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds’ own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the reporting period, in valuing the Funds’ investments carried at fair value:

 

GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

 

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET ASSET
VALUE^

 

Common Stocks

  $ 423,553,509     $ 423,553,509     $     $ **   $  

Investments Purchased with Proceeds From Securities Lending Collateral

    33,805,832                         33,805,832  

Short-Term Investments

    9,326,426       9,326,426                    

Total Investments*

  $ 466,685,767     $ 432,879,935     $     $     $ 33,805,832  

 

 

77

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

MID-CAP GROWTH FUND

 

 

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET ASSET
VALUE^

 

Common Stocks

  $ 196,123,527     $ 196,123,527     $     $     $  

Investments Purchased with Proceeds From Securities Lending Collateral

    31,234,388                         31,234,388  

Short-Term Investments

    13,654,888       13,654,888                    

Total Investments*

  $ 241,012,803     $ 209,778,415     $     $     $ 31,234,388  

 

FOOL 100 FUND

 

 

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET ASSET
VALUE^

 

Common Stocks

  $ 416,656,530     $ 416,656,530     $     $     $  

Rights

    32,547                   32,547        

Investments Purchased with Proceeds From Securities Lending Collateral

    21,230,044                         21,230,044  

Short-Term Investments

    387,749       387,749                    

Total Investments*

  $ 438,306,870     $ 417,044,279     $     $ 32,547     $ 21,230,044  

 

SMALL-CAP GROWTH FUND

 

 

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET ASSET
VALUE^

 

Common Stocks

  $ 73,033,081     $ 73,033,081     $     $     $  

Investments Purchased with Proceeds From Securities Lending Collateral

    17,127,093                         17,127,093  

Short-Term Investments

    5,053,164       5,053,164                    

Total Investments*

  $ 95,213,338     $ 78,086,245     $     $     $ 17,127,093  

 

78

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

CAPITAL EFFICIENCY FUND

 

 

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET ASSET
VALUE^

 

Common Stocks

  $ 20,718,641     $ 20,718,641     $     $     $  

Short-Term Investments

    17,495       17,495                    

Total Investments*

  $ 20,736,136     $ 20,736,136     $     $     $  

 

NEXT FUND

 

 

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

   

INVESTMENTS
MEASURED
AT NET ASSET
VALUE^

 

Common Stocks

  $ 32,579,831     $ 32,579,831     $     $     $  

Short-Term Investments

    85,879       85,879                    

Total Investments*

  $ 32,665,710     $ 32,665,710     $     $     $  

 

*

Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for further details.

 

**

Value equals zero as of the end of the reporting period.

 

^

Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Funds’ investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Funds may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires each Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when a Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for all Level 3 transfers are disclosed if a Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Funds had no Level 3 transfers.

 

 

79

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

USE OF ESTIMATES — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS, INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES — The Funds record security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gains are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. Certain expenses are shared with The RBB Fund Trust (formerly, PENN Capital Funds Trust) (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of each Fund.

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS — Each Fund pays dividends from its net investment income and distributes any net capital gains that it realizes. Dividends and capital gains distributions are generally paid once a year and as required to comply with federal excise tax requirements. Distributions to shareholders are determined in accordance with tax regulations and recorded on ex dividend date. Additionally, each Fund reports details of distribution-related transactions on quarterly account statements. You may not receive a separate confirmation statement for these transactions.

 

U.S. TAX STATUSNo provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is the Funds’ intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC — The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. Although vaccines for COVID-19 are available, the ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers are not known. The operational and financial performance of the issuers of securities in which the Funds invest depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and the pace of recovery which may vary from market to market, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Funds’ investments, impair the Funds’ ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Funds’ performance.

 

UKRAINE-RUSSIA CONFLICT RISK — In February 2022, Russia commenced a military attack on Ukraine. The outbreak of hostilities between the two countries and the threat of wider-spread hostilities could have a severe adverse effect on the region and global economies, including significant negative impacts on the markets for certain securities and commodities, such as oil and natural gas. In addition, sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States and other countries, and any sanctions imposed in the future, could have a significant adverse impact on the Russian economy and related markets. The price and liquidity of investments may fluctuate widely as a result of the conflict and related events. How long the armed conflict and related events will last cannot be predicted. These tensions and any related events could have a significant impact on Fund performance and the value of Fund investments, even beyond any direct exposure the Fund may have to issuers located in these countries.

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION — The books and records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars as follows: (1) the values of investment securities and other assets and liabilities stated in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period; and (2) purchases, sales and income are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Transaction gains or losses resulting from changes in exchange rates during the reporting period or upon settlement from foreign currency transactions are reported in the Statements of Operations for the current period. The Funds do not isolate the portion of gains and losses on investments.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

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OTHER — In the normal course of business, the Funds may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. Each Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Funds in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Funds expect the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

2. Investment Policies and Practices

 

The sections below describe some of the different types of investments that may be made by the Funds and the investment practices in which the Funds may engage.

 

TYPES OF FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES — Each Fund may invest in bonds and other types of debt obligations of U.S. and foreign issuers. Fixed income securities purchased by a Fund may include, among others, bonds, notes, and debentures issued by corporations; debt securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities (“U.S. Government Securities”); municipal securities; mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities; and debt securities issued or guaranteed by foreign governments, their agencies, instrumentalities, or political subdivisions, or by government-owned, -controlled, or -sponsored entities, including central banks. These investments also include money market instruments and other types of obligations. Investors should recognize that, although securities ratings issued by S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”), a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and Moody’s Investors Services©, Inc. (“Moody’s”), provide a generally useful guide as to credit risks, they do not offer any criteria to evaluate interest rate risk. Changes in interest rate levels generally cause fluctuations in the prices of fixed-income securities and will, therefore, cause fluctuations in the NAV per share of a Fund. Subsequent to the purchase of a fixed-income security by a Fund, the ratings or credit quality of such security may deteriorate. Any such subsequent adverse changes in the rating or quality of a security held by a Fund would not require a Fund to sell the security.

 

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS — Real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) are pooled investment vehicles that manage a portfolio of real estate or real estate-related loans to earn profits for their shareholders. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs, or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks associated with investing in the real estate industry in general. Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the REITs, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of the borrower on any credit extended. REITs are dependent upon management skills, may not be diversified geographically or by property type, and are subject to heavy cash-flow dependency, default by borrowers, and self-liquidation. REITs must also meet certain requirements under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), to avoid entity level tax and be eligible to pass through certain tax attributes of their income to shareholders. REITs are consequently subject to the risk of failing to meet these requirements for favorable tax treatment and of failing to maintain their exemptions from registration under the 1940 Act. REITs are also subject to the risks of changes in the Code, affecting their tax status.

 

REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risks. When interest rates decline, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed-rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed-rate obligations can be expected to decline. In contrast, as interest rates on adjustable-rate mortgage loans are reset periodically, yields on a REIT’s investments in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates, causing the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed-rate obligations.

 

The management of a REIT may be subject to conflicts of interest with respect to the operation of the business of the REIT and may be involved in real estate activities competitive with the REIT. REITs may own properties through joint ventures or in other circumstances in which a REIT may not have control over its investments. REITs may use significant amounts of leverage.

 

REITs often do not provide complete tax information until after the end of the calendar year. Consequently, because of the delay, it may be necessary for a Fund, if invested in REITs, to request permission to extend the deadline for issuance of Forms 1099-DIV beyond January 31. Alternatively, amended Forms 1099-DIV may be sent.

 

FOREIGN SECURITIES — The Global Opportunities Fund and the Mid-Cap Growth Fund may invest in equity and fixed-income securities of foreign companies, including companies located in both developed and emerging-market countries. Investment in foreign securities may include the purchase of American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) and other depositary receipts (European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”)) that represent indirect interests in securities of foreign issuers. A significant portion of a Fund’s exposure to foreign investments may be composed of such investments. Investments in foreign securities are affected by risk factors generally not associated with investments in the securities

 

 

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Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

of U.S. companies in the U.S. With respect to such securities, there may be more limited information publicly available concerning the issuer than would be the case with respect to domestic securities, foreign issuers may use different accounting standards, and foreign trading markets may not be as liquid as are U.S. markets. Foreign securities also involve such risks as currency risks, possible imposition of withholding or confiscatory taxes, possible currency transfer restrictions, expropriation or other adverse political or economic developments, and the difficulty of enforcing obligations in other countries. These risks may be greater in emerging-market countries and in less-developed countries.

 

The purchase of securities denominated in foreign currencies will subject the value of the Funds’ investments in those securities to fluctuations caused by changes in foreign exchange rates. To hedge against the effects of changes in foreign exchange rates, the Funds may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts (“forward contracts”). These contracts represent agreements to exchange an amount of currency at an agreed-upon future date and rate. The Funds will generally use forward contracts only to “lock in” the price in U.S. dollars of a foreign security that a Fund plans to purchase or to sell. In certain limited cases, it may use such contracts to hedge against an anticipated substantial decline in the price of a foreign currency against the U.S. dollar that would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value of foreign securities held by the Fund. Forward contracts will not be used in all cases and, in any event, cannot completely protect the Funds against all changes in the values of foreign securities resulting from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. The Funds will not enter into a forward contract if, as a result, forward contracts would represent more than 20% of a Fund’s total assets. For hedging purposes, the Funds may also use options on foreign currencies, which expose the Funds to certain risks.

 

Some foreign securities are traded in the U.S. in the form of ADRs. ADRs are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or company evidencing ownership of the underlying securities of foreign issuers. EDRs and GDRs are receipts typically issued by foreign banks or trust companies, evidencing ownership of underlying securities issued by either a foreign or U.S. issuer. Generally, depositary receipts in registered form are designed for use in the U.S. and depositary receipts in bearer form are designed for use in securities markets outside the U.S. Depositary receipts may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities into which they may be converted. Depositary receipts generally involve the same risks as other investments in foreign securities. However, holders of ADRs and other depositary receipts may not have all the legal rights of shareholders and may experience difficulty in receiving shareholder communications.

 

PARTICIPATORY NOTES — A participatory note, as used by a Fund, is an instrument used by investors to obtain exposure to an equity investment, including common stocks and warrants, in a local market where direct ownership is not permitted (or is impractical.) In countries where direct ownership by a foreign investor, such as a Fund, is not allowed by local law, such as Saudi Arabia, an investor may gain exposure to the market through a participatory note, which derives its value from a group of underlying equity securities. A participatory note is intended (disregarding the effect of any fees and expenses) to reflect the performance of the underlying equity securities on a one-to-one basis so that investors will not normally gain more in absolute terms than they would have made had they invested in the underlying securities directly, and will not normally lose more than they would have lost had they invested in the underlying securities directly.

 

In addition to providing access to otherwise closed markets, participatory notes can also provide a less expensive option to direct investment (where ownership by foreign investors is permitted) by reducing registration and transaction costs in acquiring and selling local registered shares. The Funds’ investment manager also believes that participatory notes can offer greater liquidity in markets that restrict the ability of the Funds to dispose of an investment by either restricting transactions by size or requiring registration and/or regulatory approvals.

 

The purchase of participatory notes involves risks that are in addition to the risks normally associated with a direct investment in the underlying securities. The Fund is subject to the risk that the issuer of the participatory note (i.e., the issuing bank or broker-dealer), which is the only responsible party under the note, is unable or refuses to perform under the terms of the participatory note, also known as counterparty risk.

 

While the holder of a participatory note is entitled to receive from the bank or broker-dealer any dividends or other distributions paid on the underlying securities, the holder is not entitled to the same rights as an owner of the underlying securities, such as voting rights.

 

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Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

Participatory notes may not be traded on exchanges, are privately issued, and may be illiquid. To the extent a participatory note is determined to be illiquid, it would be subject to the Fund’s limitation on investments in illiquid securities. There can be no assurance that the trading price or value of participatory notes will equal the value of the underlying value of the equity securities they seek to replicate.

 

TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS — During periods of adverse market or economic conditions, a Fund may temporarily invest all or a substantial portion of its assets in high-quality, fixed-income securities, money market instruments, and shares of money market mutual funds, or it may hold cash. At such times, a Fund would not be pursuing its stated investment objective with its usual investment strategies. A Fund may also hold these investments for liquidity purposes. Fixed-income securities will be deemed to be of high quality if they are rated “A” or better by S&P or Moody’s or, if unrated, are determined to be of comparable quality by the Adviser. Money market instruments are high-quality, short-term fixed income obligations (which generally have remaining maturities of one year or less), and may include U.S. Government Securities, commercial paper, certificates of deposit and banker’s acceptances issued by domestic branches of United States banks that are members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and repurchase agreements for US. Government Securities. In lieu of purchasing money market instruments, a Fund may purchase shares of money market mutual funds that invest primarily in U.S. Government Securities and repurchase agreements involving those securities, subject to certain limitations imposed by the 1940 Act. A Fund, as an investor in a money market fund, will indirectly bear the fees and expenses of the money market fund. These indirect fees and expenses will be in addition to the fees and expenses of the Funds. Repurchase agreements involve certain risks not associated with direct investments in debt securities.

 

3. INVESTMENT adviser and other services

 

Each Fund pays all of its expenses other than those expressly assumed by Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC (the “Adviser”). Expenses of each Fund are deducted from the Fund’s total income before dividends are paid. Subject to the supervision of the Board, the Adviser manages the overall investment operations of each Fund in accordance with the Fund’s respective investment objective and policies and formulates a continuing investment strategy for each Fund pursuant to the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreements between the Adviser and the Company on behalf of each Fund. The Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Motley Fool Investment Management, LLC, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Motley Fool Holdings Inc. (“TMF Holdings”), a multimedia financial-services holding company that also owns The Motley Fool, which publishes investment information and analysis across a wide range of media, including investment newsletter services, websites, and books. TMF Holdings is controlled by David Gardner and Tom Gardner, along with other private shareholders. Each Fund compensates the Adviser with a unitary management fee for its services at an annual rate based on each Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears, as shown on the following table. From the Advisory Fee, the Adviser pays most of the expenses of each Fund, including the cost of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services. However, the Adviser is not responsible for interest expenses, brokerage commissions and other trading expenses, taxes and other extraordinary costs such as litigation and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of business.

 

FUND

 

ADVISORY FEE

 

Global Opportunities Fund

    0.85 %

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    0.85 %

Fool 100 Fund

    0.50 %

Small-Cap Growth Fund

    0.85 %

Capital Efficiency Fund

    0.50 %

Next Fund

    0.50 %

 

Effective December 3, 2021, the outstanding Investor Class Shares of the Global Opportunities Fund and Mid-Cap Growth Fund were converted into Institutional Class Shares of each Fund. Prior to that date, the Adviser had contractually agreed to maintain Expense Caps for Investor Class Shares and Institutional Class Shares of the Funds of 1.15% and 0.95%, respectively.

 

 

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Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued were as follows:

 

FUND

 

GROSS ADVISORY
FEES

   

RECOUPMENT/
WAIVERS

   

NET ADVISORY
FEES

 

Global Opportunities Fund

  $ 4,720,440     $ (9,581 )   $ 4,710,859  

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    2,259,426       26,071       2,285,497  

Fool 100 Fund

    2,481,677             2,481,677  

Small-Cap Growth Fund

    1,060,744             1,060,744  

Capital Efficiency Fund

    42,809             42,809  

Next Fund

    99,316             99,316  

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as administrator for the Funds. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Funds’ transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Funds. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Foreside Funds Distributors, LLC (“Foreside”) serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Global Opportunities Fund’s shares and Mid-Cap Growth Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (“Quasar”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Fool 100 Fund’s shares, Small-Cap Growth Fund’s shares, Capital Efficiency Fund’s shares and Next Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

Under the Fund’s unitary fee, the Adviser compensates Fund Services and the Custodian for its services provided.

 

DIRECTOR AND OFFICER COMPENSATION — The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as Chief Compliance Officer of the Company and served as President of the Company until August 2022. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Funds or the Company. Until October 1, 2020, an employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC served as Chief Compliance Officer of the Adviser. Neither the Funds nor the Company compensated this individual or Vigilant Compliance, LLC for the services provided to Motley Fool Asset Management. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Statements of Operations.

 

SHAREHOLDER SERVICING FEE — Prior to December 3, 2021, the Global Opportunities Fund and Mid-Cap Growth Fund had entered into a shareholder servicing agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Adviser, under which the Adviser provides, or arranges for others to provide, certain specified shareholder services. As compensation for the provision of shareholder services, the Funds may pay servicing fees up to an annual rate of 0.20% of the average daily net assets of the Investor Shares. Payments to the Adviser under the Agreement may reimburse the Adviser for payments it makes to selected brokers, dealers and administrators which have entered into service agreements with the Adviser for services provided to shareholders of the Funds. The services provided by such intermediaries are primarily designed to assist shareholders of the Funds and include the furnishing of office space and equipment, telephone facilities, personnel, and assistance to the Fund in servicing such shareholders. Services provided by such intermediaries also include the provision of support services to the Funds and include establishing and maintaining

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

shareholders’ accounts and record processing, purchase and redemption transactions, answering routine client inquiries regarding the Funds, and providing such other personal services to shareholders as the Funds may reasonably request. During the current fiscal period, the Funds incurred shareholder servicing fees as follows:

 

FUND

 

SHAREHOLDER
SERVICING FEES

 

Global Opportunities Fund – Investor Shares

  $ 121,437  

Mid-Cap Growth Fund – Investor Shares

    38,618  

 

REDEMPTION FEE — Prior to January 1, 2018, the Global Opportunities Fund and Mid-Cap Growth Fund imposed a redemption fee of 2.00% on redemptions/exchanges of Fund shares held less than 90 days. The redemption fee was calculated as a percentage of the net asset value of the total redemption proceeds and was retained by the Funds and accounted for as additional paid-in capital. Effective January 1, 2018, the Funds have eliminated their redemption fees. Please see the Funds’ prospectus for more information.

 

TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES — Advisers to investment companies, including the Motley Fool Asset Management Funds, are permitted under 17a-7 of the 1940 Act to purchase or sell securities directly between affiliated clients. When affecting these “cross” transactions, Rule 17a-7 imposes restrictions on how the trades are processed and reported. The specified conditions within Rule 17a-7 are outlined in procedures established by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. The procedures have been designed to provide assurance that any purchase or sale of securities by the Fund from or to another Fund complies with Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Funds did not engage in any security transactions with affiliates.

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales and maturities of investment securities (excluding in-kind transactions and short-term investments) of the Funds were as follows:

 

FUND

 

PURCHASES

   

SALES

 

Global Opportunities Fund

  $ 77,164,411     $ 79,251,506  

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    5,590,638       27,297,252  

Fool 100 Fund

    75,047,564       75,328,819  

Small-Cap Growth Fund

    12,830,822       18,866,888  

Capital Efficiency Fund

    2,847,829       2,261,679  

Next Fund

    4,585,360       3,242,001  

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government Securities during the current fiscal period.

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales and maturities of in-kind transactions of the Funds were as follows:

 

FUND

 

PURCHASES

   

SALES

 

Global Opportunities Fund

  $     $ 59,866,195  

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

          27,476,542  

Fool 100 Fund

    40,741,828       43,127,911  

Small-Cap Growth Fund

    2,650,775       48,711,747  

Capital Efficiency Fund

    23,586,806       1,158,288  

Next Fund

    38,243,694       341,628  

 

 

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Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

5. Federal Income tax information

 

The Funds have followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Funds to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Funds have determined that there was no effect on the financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Funds are subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired. Since the Capital Efficiency Fund and Next Fund did not have a full fiscal year, the tax cost of investments is the same as noted in the Schedule of Investments.

 

As of August 31, 2022, the federal tax cost, aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of securities held by the Funds were as follows:

 

FUND

 

FEDERAL
TAX COST

   

UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION

   

UNREALIZED
(DEPRECIATION)

   

NET UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

 

Global Opportunities Fund

  $ 299,887,575     $ 193,641,843     $ (26,974,236 )   $ 166,667,607  

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    154,978,563       95,591,547       (9,557,307 )     86,034,240  

Fool 100 Fund

    346,104,539       123,076,386       (30,874,055 )     92,202,331  

Small-Cap Growth Fund

    115,340,590       7,601,478       (27,728,730 )     (20,127,252 )

Capital Efficiency Fund

    22,911,589       574,023       (2,749,476 )     (2,175,453 )

Next Fund

    38,887,385       1,392,214       (7,613,889 )     (6,221,675 )

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

The following permanent differences as of August 31, 2022, primarily attributable to foreign currency transactions and in-kind redemptions gains, were reclassified among the following accounts:

 

FUND

 

DISTRIBUTABLE
EARNINGS/(LOSS)

   

PAID-IN
CAPITAL

 

Global Opportunities Fund

  $ (26,462,033 )   $ 26,462,033  

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    (12,729,248 )     12,729,248  

Fool 100 Fund

    (20,166,702 )     20,166,702  

Small-Cap Growth Fund

    (12,327,921 )     12,327,921  

Capital Efficiency Fund

    68,394       (68,394 )

Next Fund

    18,930       (18,930 )

 

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Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

As of August 31, 2022, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

FUND

 

UNDISTRIBUTED
ORDINARY
INCOME

   

UNDISTRIBUTED
LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAINS

   

CAPITAL Loss
Carryover

   

Post October
Losses and
Qualified Late-
Year losses

   

UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

   

Total

 

Global Opportunities Fund

  $     $ 330,055     $     $     $ 166,667,607     $ 166,997,662  

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

                      (597,461 )     86,034,240       85,436,779  

Fool 100 Fund

    982,823             (7,662,331 )           92,202,331       85,522,823  

Small-Cap Growth Fund

                (953,492 )     (381,671 )     (20,127,252 )     (21,462,415 )

Capital Efficiency Fund

    42,783             (43,550 )           (2,175,453 )     (2,176,220 )

Next Fund

    50,952             (230,350 )           (6,221,675 )     (6,401,073 )

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate primarily to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes.

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2022 and August 31, 2021 was as follows:

 

FUND

 

Tax
year

   

ORDINARY
INCOME

   

LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAIN

   

TOTAL

 

Global Opportunities Fund

    2022     $ 13,281,199     $ 34,767,880     $ 48,049,079  
      2021       254,531       38,103,932       38,358,463  

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    2022             20,813,933       20,813,933  
      2021             32,831,307       32,831,307  

Fool 100 Fund

    2022       309,330       1,016,460       1,325,790  
      2021       1,067,239       562,320       1,629,559  

Small-Cap Growth Fund

    2022             3,829,540       3,829,540  
      2021       454,925       7,916,932       8,371,857  

Capital Efficiency Fund

    2022                    

Next Fund

    2022                    

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

Pursuant to federal income tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies, the Funds may elect to treat certain capital losses between November 1 and August 31 and late year ordinary losses ((i) ordinary losses between January 1 and August 31, and (ii) specified ordinary and currency losses between November 1 and August 31) as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, any amount of losses elected within the tax return will not be recognized for federal income tax purposes until September 1, 2022. The Mid-Cap Growth Fund and Small-Cap Growth Fund deferred $514,142 post October loss and $83,319 late-year loss and $185,190 post October loss and $196,481 late-year loss, respectively, which will be treated as arising on the first business day of the following fiscal year.

 

 

87

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (CONTINUED)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period. Additionally, capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered all short-term as under the previous law. As of August 31, 2022, the Fool 100 Fund, Small-Cap Growth Fund, Capital Efficiency Fund and Next Fund had unexpiring short-term losses of $7,662,331, $953,492, $43,550 and $230,350, respectively.

 

6. SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

Shares of the Global Opportunities Fund, Mid-Cap Growth Fund, Fool 100 Fund and Small-Cap Growth Fund are listed and trade on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. Shares of the Capital Efficiency Fund and Next Fund are listed and trade on the NYSE, Arca, Inc. Market prices for the shares may be different from their NAV. Each Fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis at NAV only in blocks of 25,000 shares, called “Creation Units.” Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities included in a specified universe. Once created, shares generally trade in the secondary market at market prices that change throughout the day. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, shares are not redeemable securities of each Fund. Creation Units may only be purchased or redeemed by certain financial institutions (“Authorized Participants”). An Authorized Participant is either (i) a broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation or (ii) a Depository Trust Company participant and, in each case, must have executed a Participant Agreement with the Distributor. Most retail investors do not qualify as Authorized Participants nor have the resources to buy and sell whole Creation Units. Therefore, they are unable to purchase or redeem shares directly from each Fund. Rather, most retail investors may purchase shares in the secondary market with the assistance of a broker and are subject to customary brokerage commissions or fees.

 

Each Fund currently offers one class of shares, which has no front-end sales load, no deferred sales charge, and no redemption fee. A fixed transaction fee is imposed for the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the purchase or sale of Creation Units. The standard fixed transaction fee for each Fund is $250, payable to the custodian. In addition, a variable fee may be charged on all cash transactions or substitutes for Creation Units of up to a maximum of 2% as a percentage of the value of the Creation Units subject to the transaction. Variable fees are imposed to compensate each Fund for the transaction costs associated with the cash transactions. Variable fees received by each Fund, if any, are displayed in the capital shares transactions section of the Statements of Changes in Net Assets. Each Fund may issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, with $0.001 par value per share. Shares of each Fund have equal rights and privileges.

 

7. SECURITIES LENDING

 

The Funds may make secured loans of their portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions to earn additional income and receive cash collateral equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned securities, as marked to market each day that the NAV of the Funds is determined. When the collateral falls below specified amounts, the Funds’ lending agent will use its best effort to obtain additional collateral on the next business day to meet required amounts under the security lending agreement. The Funds will pay administrative and custodial fees in connection with the loan of securities. Collateral is invested in short-term investments and the Funds will bear the risk of loss of the invested collateral. Investments purchased with proceeds from securities lending are overnight and continuous. Securities lending will expose the Funds to the risk of loss should a borrower default on its obligation to return the borrowed securities. The market value of the securities on loan and cash collateral as of the end of the reporting period and the income generated from the program during the current fiscal period with respect to such secured loans were as follows:

 

FUND

 

MARKET VALUE
OF SECURITIES
LOANED

   

MARKET VALUE
OF COLLATERAL

   

INCOME
RECEIVED FROM
SECURITIES
LENDING

 

Global Opportunities Fund

  $ 32,824,775     $ 33,805,832     $ 450,755  

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    30,222,704       31,234,388       39,668  

Fool 100 Fund

    20,543,351       21,230,044       43,353  

Small-Cap Growth Fund

    16,722,909       17,127,093       34,085  

 

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Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

Securities lending transactions are entered into by the Funds’ securities lending agent on behalf of the Funds under a Master Securities Lending Agreement (“MSLA”) which permits the Funds’ securities lending agent on behalf of the Funds under certain circumstances including an event of default (such as bankruptcy or insolvency), to offset amounts payable on behalf of the Funds to the same counterparty against amounts to be received and create one single net payment due to or from the Funds. The following table is a summary of the Funds’ open securities lending transactions which are subject to a MSLA as of the end of the reporting period:

 

                           

GROSS AMOUNTS NOT OFFSET IN THE
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

FUND

 

GROSS
AMOUNTS OF
RECOGNIZED
ASSETS

   

GROSS
AMOUNTS
OFFSET IN THE
STATEMENTS
OF ASSETS
AND
LIABILITIES

   

NET AMOUNTS
OF ASSETS
PRESENTED
IN THE
STATEMENTS
OF ASSETS
AND
LIABILITIES

   

FINANCIAL
INSTRUMENTS
1

   

CASH
COLLATERAL
RECEIVED

   

NET
AMOUNT
2

 

Global Opportunities Fund

  $ 32,824,775     $     $ 32,824,775     $ (32,824,775 )   $     $  

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    30,222,704             30,222,704       (30,222,704 )            

Fool 100 Fund

    20,543,351             20,543,351       (20,543,351 )            

Small-Cap Growth Fund

    16,722,909             16,722,909       (16,722,909 )            

 

1

Amount disclosed is limited to the amount of assets presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Actual collateral received may be more than the amount shown.

 

2

Net amount represents the net amount receivable from the counterparty in the event of default.

 

8. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In October 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted new regulations governing the use of derivatives by registered investment companies (“Rule 18f-4”). Rule 18f-4 imposes limits on the amount of derivatives a fund can enter into, eliminates the asset segregation framework previously used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, and requires funds whose use of derivatives is greater than a limited specified amount to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager. The Funds are required to comply with Rule 18f-4 and have adopted procedures for investing in derivatives and other transactions in compliance with Rule 18f-4. Rule 18f-4 may require the Funds to observe more stringent requirements than were previously imposed by the 1940 Act, which could adversely affect the ability of the Funds to engage in certain derivatives transactions and/or increase the costs of such derivatives transactions, which could adversely affect the Funds’ performance and increase costs related to the Funds’ use of derivatives.

 

In December 2020, the SEC adopted a new rule providing a framework for fund valuation practices (“Rule 2a-5”). Rule 2a-5 establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the 1940 Act. Rule 2a-5 will permit fund boards to designate certain parties to perform fair value determinations, subject to board oversight and certain other conditions. Rule 2a-5 also defines when market quotations are “readily available” for purposes of the 1940 Act and the threshold for determining whether a fund must fair value a security. In connection with Rule 2a-5, the SEC also adopted related recordkeeping requirements and is rescinding previously issued guidance, including with respect to the role of a board in determining fair value and the accounting

 

 

89

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notes to Financial Statements (CONCLUDED)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

and auditing of fund investments. The Funds will be required to comply with the rules by September 8, 2022. Effective September 8, 2022 and pursuant to the requirements of Rule 2a-5, the Board designated the Adviser as its valuation designee to perform fair value determinations and approved new valuation procedures for the Funds.

 

In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments on the financial statements.

 

9. Subsequent Events

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no significant events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

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Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Report of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors of
The RBB Fund, Inc.
and the Shareholders of the Motley Fool ETFs

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of the Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF (formerly MFAM Global Opportunities Fund), Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF (formerly MFAM Mid-Cap Growth Fund), Motley Fool 100 Index ETF, Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF (formerly MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF), Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF, and Motley Fool Next Index ETF (the “Funds”), each a series of The RBB Fund, Inc., including the schedules of investments, as of August 31, 2022, the related statements of operations, the statements of changes in net assets and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Funds as of August 31, 2022, the results of their operations, the changes in their net assets, and their financial highlights for the periods indicated in the table below, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Individual Funds
constituting
Motley Fool
ETFs

Statement of
operations

Statements of
changes in net assets

Financial highlights

Motley Fool Global Opportunities ETF and Motley Fool Mid-Cap Growth ETF

For the year ended August 31, 2022

For each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2022

For each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2022

Motley Fool 100 Index ETF

For the year ended August 31, 2022

For each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2022

For each of the four years in the period ended
August 31, 2022 and for the period January 29, 2018 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2018

Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF

For the year ended August 31, 2022

For each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2022

For each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2022 and for the period October 29, 2018 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2019

Motley Fool Capital Efficiency 100 Index ETF and Motley Fool Next Index ETF

For the period December 30, 2021 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2022

For the period December 30, 2021 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2022

For the period December 30, 2021 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2022

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We have served as the auditor of one or more of the funds in the Trust since 2011.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Funds’ internal control over

 

 

91

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Report of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm (CONCLUDED)

 

financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Funds’ internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2022 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

TAIT, WELLER & BAKER LLP

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 28, 2022

 

92

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Shareholder Tax Information

(Unaudited)

 

Certain tax information regarding the Funds is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Funds’ income and distributions for the taxable period ended August 31, 2022. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ending December 31, 2022. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, the following dividends and distributions were paid by the Funds:

 

FUND

ORDINARY
INCOME

LONG-TERM
capital gain

Global Opportunities Fund

$ 13,281,199

$ 34,767,880

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

20,813,933

Fool 100 Fund

309,330

1,016,460

Small-Cap Growth Fund

3,829,540

Capital Efficiency Fund

Next Fund

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under the Jobs and Growth Tax relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 the following percentages of ordinary dividends paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022 are designated as “qualified dividend income,” as defined in the Act, and are subject to reduced tax rates:

 

Global Opportunities Fund

100.00%

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

0.00%

Fool 100 Fund

100.00%

Small-Cap Growth Fund

0.00%

Capital Efficiency Fund

0.00%

Next Fund

0.00%

 

The percentage of total ordinary income dividends paid qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction for the Funds are as follows:

 

Global Opportunities Fund

14.42%

Mid-Cap Growth Fund

0.00%

Fool 100 Fund

100.00%

Small-Cap Growth Fund

0.00%

Capital Efficiency Fund

0.00%

Next Fund

0.00%

 

Because the Funds’ fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2023. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2023.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Funds, if any.

 

In general, dividends received by tax-exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

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

 

 

93

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notice to Shareholders

(Unaudited)

 

Information on Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 are available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling (888) 863-8803; and (ii) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Schedule of Investments

 

The Company files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board of the Company, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the renewal of the investment advisory agreements between Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC (“MFAM”) and the Company (the “Investment Advisory Agreements”) on behalf of the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF and the Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF (for this section only, each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”), at a meeting of the Board held on May 11-12, 2022 (the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreement for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangements. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board considered information provided by MFAM with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreements between the Company and MFAM with respect to the Funds, the Directors took into account all the materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of MFAM’s services provided to the Funds; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of MFAM’s personnel providing those services; (iii) MFAM’s investment philosophies and processes; (iv) MFAM’s assets under management and client descriptions; (v) MFAM’s soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) MFAM’s advisory fee arrangement with the Company and other similarly managed clients; (vii) MFAM’s compliance policies and procedures; (viii) MFAM’s financial information, insurance coverage and profitability analysis related to providing advisory services to the Funds; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Funds; (x) a report prepared by Broadridge/Lipper comparing each Fund’s management fees and total expense ratio to those of its Lipper peer group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of the Funds to the performance of their respective benchmark.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by MFAM. The Directors concluded that MFAM had substantial resources to provide services to the Funds and that MFAM’s services had been acceptable.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Funds and MFAM. The Directors considered the Funds’ investment performance in light of their investment objectives and investment strategies. The Directors concluded that the investment performance of each of the Funds as compared to their respective benchmarks and Lipper Groups was acceptable.

 

The Directors then noted the performance of the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF. The Directors considered that because the Fund was designed to track the performance of its index, the relevant consideration was the extent to which the Fund tracked its index before fees and expenses. The Board also noted that the performance of the index did not take into account the expenses incurred when purchasing or selling securities, which expenses would lower the performance of a fund seeking to replicate some or all of the holdings of the index. The Board noted that for the year-to-date, one-year, three-year and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2022, the Fund’s performance was in line with its index before fees and expenses. The Directors also noted that the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF ranked in the 1st quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the two-year, three-year, and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2021.

 

94

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notice to Shareholders (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

 

Finally, the Directors noted the MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF had outperformed its benchmark for the three-year and since-inception periods, and underperformed its benchmark for the year-to-date and one-year periods, each ended March 31, 2022. The Directors also noted that the MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF ranked in the 1st quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the two-year period, and in the 5th quintile for the one-year period, each ended December 31, 2021.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rates payable by the Funds under the Investment Advisory Agreements. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Funds and the Funds’ total operating expense ratios (before and after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) were compared to similar information for ETFs advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms.

 

The Directors noted that each of the actual advisor fee and total expenses of the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF ranked in the 5th quintile of its Lipper Expense Universe.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee of the MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF ranked in the 5th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF ranked in the 4th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Board also took into consideration that the advisory fee for the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF and the MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF was a “unitary fee,” meaning those Funds paid no expenses other than the advisory fee and certain other costs such as interest, brokerage and extraordinary expenses. The Board noted that MFAM continued to be responsible for compensating the Company’s other service providers and paying other expenses of the Motley Fool 100 Index ETF and the MFAM Small-Cap Growth ETF out of its own fees and resources.

 

After reviewing the information regarding the Funds’ costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering MFAM’s services, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees paid by the Funds were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreements should be approved and continued for an additional one year period ending August 16, 2023.

 

Liquidity Risk Management Program

 

The Company has adopted and implemented a Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Company Program”) as required by rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Company Program, the Adviser has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Adviser Program” and together with the Company Program, the “Programs”) on behalf of the Funds. The Programs seek to assess, manage and review each Fund’s Liquidity Risk. “Liquidity Risk” is defined as the risk that a Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interest in the Fund.

 

The Board has appointed Vigilant Compliance, LLC (“Vigilant”) as the program administrator for the Company Program and the Liquidity Risk Management Committee of the Adviser as the program administrator for the Adviser Program. The process of monitoring and determining the liquidity of each Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party vendors.

 

At meetings held during the current fiscal period, the Board and its Regulatory Oversight Committee received and reviewed a written report (the “Report”) of Vigilant and the Adviser concerning the operation of the Programs for the period from July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 (the “Period”). The Report summarized the operation of the Programs and the information and factors considered by Vigilant and the Adviser in reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the implementation of the Programs with respect to each Fund. Such information and factors included, among other things: (i) the methodology used to classify the liquidity of each Fund’s portfolio investments and the Adviser’s assessment that each Fund’s strategy remained appropriate for an open-end mutual fund; (ii) analyses of each Fund’s trading environment and reasonably anticipated trading size; (iii) that each Fund held primarily highly liquid assets (investments that the Fund anticipates can be converted to cash within 3 business days or less in current market conditions without significantly changing their market value); (iv) that each Fund either held a percentage of highly liquid assets above its highly liquid investment minimum at all times during the Period or did not require the establishment of a highly liquid investment minimum; (v) confirmation that none of the Funds had breached the 15% maximum illiquid security threshold (investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven days or less in current market conditions without the sale of the investment significantly changing the market value of the investment) during the Period and the procedures for monitoring compliance with the limit; (vi) that the processes, technologies and third-party vendors used to assess, manage, and/or periodically review each Fund’s Liquidity Risk functioned appropriately during the Period; and (vii) that the Programs operated adequately during the Period. The Report also indicated that there were no material changes made to the Programs during the Period.

 

 

95

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Notice to Shareholders (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

Based on the review, the Report concluded that the Programs were being implemented effectively and reasonably designed to assess and manage Liquidity Risk in each Fund’s portfolio.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company Program or the Adviser Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Funds’ prospectuses for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

 

Frequency Distributions of Premiums and Discounts

 

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

 

96

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Privacy Notice

(Unaudited)

 

What Does Motley Fool Asset Management Funds Do With Your Personal Information?

 

Why?: Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information.

 

Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

 

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

 

Social Security number and transaction history

 

Account balances and checking account information

 

Account transactions and wire transfer instructions

 

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

 

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

 

Reasons we share your personal information

Does Motley Fool Asset Management share?

Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes
such as to process your transaction, maintain your account(s), provide you with necessary information, respond to court orders and legal investigation, or report to credit bureaus

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes —
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

Yes

For joint marketing with other financial companies

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates to market to you

Yes

Yes

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

 

Visit us online: fooletfs.com

 

Please note:

 

 

If you are a new customer, we can begin sharing your information 30 days from the days from the date we sent this notice. When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

 

 

97

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

PRIVACY NOTICE (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

However, you can contact us at any time to limit our sharing.

 

Questions: Call 1-888-863-8803 or go to fooletfs.com

 

What we do:

 

How does Motley Fool Asset Management protect my personal information?

 

We collect your personal information, for example, when you:

 

Open an account or provide account information

 

Make deposits or withdrawals from your account

 

Make a wire transfer or tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your personal information from other companies.

 

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

 

Federal law gives you the right to limit only:

 

Sharing for affiliates everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness

 

Make deposits or withdrawals from your account

 

Sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

 

What happens when I limit sharing for an account I hold jointly with someone else?

 

Your choices will apply to everyone on your account.

 

EUROPEAN UNION’S GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION

 

In addition to the above information, where applicable, you have the following rights under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and U.S. Privacy Laws, as applicable and to the extent permitted by law, to

 

Check whether we hold personal information about you and to access such data (in accordance with our policy)

 

Request the correction of personal information about you that is inaccurate

 

Have a copy of the personal information we hold about you provided to you or another “controller” where technically feasible

 

Request the erasure of your personal information

 

Request the restriction of processing concerning you

 

The legal grounds for processing of your personal information is for contractual necessity and compliance with law.

 

If you wish to exercise any of your rights above, please call: 1-888-863-8803.

 

You are required to ensure the personal information we hold about you is up-to-date and accurate and you must notify us of any changes to the personal data you provided to us.

 

The Motley Fool Asset Management Funds shall retain your personal data for as long as you are an investor in the Funds and thereafter as long as necessary to comply with applicable laws that require the Funds to retain your personal data, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission’s data retention rules. Your personal data will be transferred to the United States so that the Funds may provide the agreed upon services for you. No adequacy decision has been rendered by the European Commission as to the data protection of your personal data when transferring it to the United States. However, the Funds do take the security of your personal data seriously.

 

Definitions:

 

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98

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

PRIVACY NOTICE (CONCLUDED)

(Unaudited)

 

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99

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Directors and Officers

(Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (888) 863-8803.

 

Name, Address, AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and
Length of
Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

           

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 89

Director

1988 to present

From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications).

55

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 55

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

55

FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios)(registered investment company); Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018).

Lisa A. Dolly

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI, 53202

Age: 56

Director

October 2021
to present

From July 2019-December 2019, Chairman, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm); January 2016-June 2019, Chief Executive Officer, Pershing, LLC.

55

Allfunds Group PLC (United Kingdom wealthtech and fund distribution provider); Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (trade association for broker dealers, investment banks and asset managers); Hightower Advisors (wealth management firm).

 

100

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Directors and Officers (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address, AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and
Length of
Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

           

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

55

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until 2021); Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017).

Arnold M. Reichman 615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 74

Chairman Director

2005 to present 1991 to present

Retired.

55

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until August 2022).

Brian T. Shea
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 62

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

55

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company); WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 81

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

55

None.

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 84

Vice Chairman Director

2016 to present 1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

55

None.

OFFICERS

Steven Plump

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 63

President

Since August 2022

From 2011 to 2021, Executive Vice President, PIMCO Investments LLC.

N/A

N/A

 

 

 

101

 

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Directors and Officers (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address, AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and
Length of
Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

           

Salvatore Faia, JD, CPA, CFE Vigilant Compliance, LLC Gateway Corporate Center. Suite 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 59

Chief
Compliance Officer

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, Chief Compliance Officer of The RBB Fund Trust; President of The RBB Fund Trust from 2021 to 2022; President of The RBB Fund, Inc. from 2009 to 2022.

N/A

N/A

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 61

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

Chief Operating Officer

2016 to present

 

 

 

2022 to present

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2016) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2021) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund Trust; from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 48

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and The RBB Fund Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC (an investment advisory firm).

N/A

N/A

Jennifer Witt
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 39

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services; from 2007 to 2016, Supervisor, Nuveen Investments (registered investment company).

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 51

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

 

 

102

 

 

 

 

 

Motley Fool Asset Management ETFs

Directors and Officers (CONCLUDED)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address, AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and
Length of
Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

           

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square Ste. 2000 Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 63

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square Ste. 2000 Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 43

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 55 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company and The RBB Fund Trust (7 portfolios).

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his or her qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Ms. Dolly has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, and she has demonstrated her leadership and management abilities by serving in numerous senior executive-level positions. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing, and investment services industry, including service on the boards of industry regulatory organizations and a university. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company.

 

 

103

 

 

Investment Adviser

Motley Fool Asset Management, LLC
2000 Duke Street
Suite 275
Alexandria, VA 22314

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Custodian

U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Principal Underwriters

Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 E Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Foreside Funds Distributors, LLC
899 Cassatt Road
400 Berwyn Park, Suite 110
Berwyn, PA 19312

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Tait, Weller & Baker LLP
Two Liberty Place
50 S 16th St. Suite 2900
Philadelphia, PA 19102-2529

 

Legal Counsel

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

104

 

 

 

Thank you for being a valued part of our Community!

 

Our investors are just as diverse as our portfolios! No matter where you are on your investment path, Motley Fool Asset Management strives to make investing accessible to people of all backgrounds and experience levels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

of

 

THE RBB FUND, INC.

 

 

Annual Report

 

 

 

 

August 31, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Table of Contents

 

     
Annual Investment Adviser’s Report   1 
Performance Data   2 
Fund Expense Example   3 
Portfolio Holdings Summary Table   4 
Portfolio of Investments   5 
Statement of Assets And Liabilities   6 
Statement of Operations   7 
Statement of Changes in Net Assets   8 
Financial Highlights   9 
Notes To Financial Statements   10 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   18 
Shareholder Tax Information   19 
Other Information   20 
Company Management   22 
Privacy Notice   26 

 

 

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

September 20, 2022

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund (“Fund”) commenced operations on December 29, 2021. Fixed income and credit markets were broadly lower through August 31, 2022, with the iBoxx USD Liquid High Yield Index TR falling -11.12% and the Bloomberg US Universal Total Return Index down -11.07%. The Fund’s systematic model favored a “risk-off” environment throughout 2022 by investing in short-duration, high quality 3-month to 1-year U.S. treasury bills.

 

One-year U.S. treasury bills spiked from 0.4% yield at the beginning of 2022 to 3.5% yield as/of 8/31/2022. Due to these broadly rising treasury yields, the Fund returned -1.10% during the fiscal period ended August 31, 2022.

 

If the risk model changes to risk-on, the Fund will strategically allocate from short-duration treasuries to higher-yielding credit in an effort to increase yield and take advantage of capital appreciation. However, we currently assess a low probability of the environment changing in the near term, and the Fund will remain risk-off until the model forecasts improved conditions.

 

Sincerely,

 

Optima Asset Management LLC (the “Adviser”) and Anthony Capital Management, LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”), as reported by Doug Reich, the Portfolio Manager

 

The Bloomberg US Universal Index represents the union of the US Aggregate Index, US Corporate High Yield Index, Investment Grade 144A Index, Eurodollar Index, US Emerging Markets Index, and the non-ERISA eligible portion of the CMBS Index. The index covers USD-denominated, taxable bonds that are rated either investment grade or high-yield. Some US Universal Index constituents may be eligible for one or more of its contributing subcomponents that are not mutually exclusive. These securities are not doublecounted in the index. The U.S. Universal index was created on January 1, 1999, with index history backfilled to January 1, 1990. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

The the iBoxx USD Liquid High Yield Index is a rules-based index consisting of liquid U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield corporate bonds for sale in the United Sates. The index is designed to provide a broad representation of the U.S. dollar-denominated high yield liquid corporate bond market.

 

The duration of a financial asset that consists of fixed cash flows, such as a bond, is the weighted average of the times until those fixed cash flows are received. When the price of an asset is considered as a function of yield, duration also measures the price sensitivity to yield, the rate of change of price with respect to yield, or the percentage change in price for a parallel shift in yields.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

Investments in debt securities typically decrease when interest rates rise. This risk is usually greater for longer-term debt securities. Investments in lower rated and non-rated securities present a great risk of loss to principal and interest than higher rated securities. Derivatives involve risks different from, and in certain cases, greater than the risks presented by more traditional investments. Derivatives may involve certain costs and risks such as liquidity, interest rate, market, credit, management and the risk that a position could not be closed when most advantageous. Investing in derivatives could lose more than the amount invested. The fund is non-diversified and may concentrate its assets in fewer holdings than a diversified fund, therefore exposing the fund to more individual security volatility than a diversified fund.

 

1

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Performance Data

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in Optima Strategic Credit Fund Founders Class
vs. iBoxx USD Liquid High Yield Index

 

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the Period Ended August 31, 2022

 

Since
Inception(1)

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

-1.10%

iBoxx USD Liquid High Yield Index(2)(3)

-11.11%

Fund Expense Ratio(4)

1.18%

 

(1)

Inception date of the Founders Class Shares of the Fund was December 29, 2021.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Class only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(3)

The iBoxx USD Liquid High Yield Index seeks to accurately and objectively replicate the USD High Yield Corporate Bond Market by utilizing multi-source independent pricing and quality tested reference data. The index consists of liquid USD high yield bonds and is subject to monthly rebalancing and daily total return calculations to maintain a high quality rendering of bond market performance. The index is market-value weighted with an issuer cap of 3%.

 

(4)

The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights table in this report. See the Financial Highlights for most current expense ratios.

 

The performance quoted reflects fee waivers in effect and would have been less in their absence. The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses, interest and taxes) to 1.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Founders Class Shares. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2022 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. Please see the Financial Highlights for current figures.

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value of an investments will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

2

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Fund Expense Example

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

This example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022, and held for the entire period.

 

ACTUAL EXPENSES

 

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

 

HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES

 

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

 

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

 

 

Founders Class Shares

 

Beginning
Account Value
March 1, 2022

Ending
Account Value
August 31, 2022

Expenses Paid
During Period*

Annualized
Expense Ratio

Actual Six-month
Total Investment
Return
for the Fund

Actual

$ 1,000.00

$ 990.00

$6.27

1.25%

-1.00%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

1,000.00

6.30

1.25%

N/A

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio for the period March 1, 2022 to August 31, 2022, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one half year period. The Fund’s ending account value on the first line in the table is based on the actual six-month total investment return for the Fund.

 

3

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

 

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS:

               

U.S. Treasury Obligations

    87.4 %   $ 35,901,450  

Money Market Deposit Account

    2.6       1,083,635  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

    10.0       4,117,235  

NET ASSETS

    100.0 %   $ 41,102,320  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

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

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
4

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2022

 

   

Coupon*

   

Maturity
Date

   

Par
(000’s)

   

Value

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS —90.0%

                               

U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS — 87.4%

                               

United States Treasury Bill

    2.263%       10/13/22       1,000     $ 997,305  

United States Treasury Bill

    2.507%       12/29/22       2,500       2,475,429  

United States Treasury Bill

    2.922%       02/02/23       7,000       6,906,678  

United States Treasury Bill(b)

    1.480%       02/23/23       7,000       6,890,850  

United States Treasury Bill

    1.620%       03/23/23       13,000       12,790,163  

United States Treasury Bill

    2.856%       06/15/23       5,000       4,872,943  

United States Treasury Bill

    3.235%       08/10/23       1,000       968,082  

TOTAL U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS (Cost $36,088,050)

                            35,901,450  

 

                   

Number of
Shares
(000’s)

         

MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT — 2.6%

                               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.00%(a)

                    1,084       1,083,635  

TOTAL MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT

                               

(Cost $1,083,635)

                            1,083,635  
                                 

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 90.0%

                               

(Cost $37,171,685)

                            36,985,085  
                                 

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 10.0%

                            4,117,235  

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

                          $ 41,102,320  

 

 

*

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

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.

 

(b)

As of August 31, 2022 a portion of the security is held as collateral in the amount of $5,918,888

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
5

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Statement of Assets And Liabilities

August 31, 2022

 

ASSETS

       

Short-term investments, at value (cost $37,171,685)

  $ 36,985,085  

Cash and cash equivalents

    4,010,526  

Deposit at broker for futures

    160,446  

Receivables for:

       

Interest

    2,152  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    23,517  

Total assets

    41,181,726  
         

LIABILITIES

       

Payables for:

       

Advisory fees

    27,484  

Blue sky fees

    20,336  

Audit expenses

    19,214  

Administration and accounting services fees

    5,657  

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    6,715  

Total liabilities

  79,406  

Net assets

  $ 41,102,320  
         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

       

Par value

  $ 4,154  

Paid-in capital

    41,282,341  

Total distributable earnings/(losses)

    (184,175 )

Net assets

  $ 41,102,320  
         

FOUNDERS CLASS SHARES:

       

Net assets

  $ 41,102,320  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    4,154,403  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 9.89  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
6

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Statement of Operations

For the Period Ended August 31, 2022*

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Interest

  $ 188,730  

Total investment income

    188,730  

EXPENSES

       

Advisory fees (Note 2)

    62,570  

Offering costs

    49,884  

Administration and accounting services fees (Note 2)

    26,890  

Registration and filing fees

    25,773  

Audit fees and tax services

    19,714  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    16,054  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    7,064  

Custodian fees (Note 2)

    1,199  

Legal fees

    145  

Other expenses

    4,295  

Broker interest expense

    29,028  

Total expenses before waivers and/or reimbursements

    242,616  

Less: waivers and/or reimbursements (Note 2)

    (57,163 )

Net expenses after waivers and/or reimbursements

    185,453  

Net investment income/(loss)

    3,277  

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

       

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (852 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    (186,600 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    (187,452 )

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ (184,175 )

 

 

*

Inception date of the Fund was December 29, 2021.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
7

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

For the
Period Ended
August 31, 2022*

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

       

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 3,277  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (852 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    (186,600 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (184,175 )

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

       

Proceeds from shares sold

    41,719,542  

Proceeds from reinvestment of distributions

     

Shares redeemed

    (433,047 )

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

    41,286,495  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    41,102,320  

NET ASSETS:

       

Beginning of period

     

End of period

  $ 41,102,320  

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

       

Shares sold

    4,197,861  

Shares reinvested

     

Shares redeemed

    (43,458 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    4,154,403  

 

 

*

Inception date of the Fund was December 29, 2021.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
8

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Founders Class outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the period. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

For the
Period
December 29,
2021
(1)
to August 31,
2022

 

Per Share Operating Performance

       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

     

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (0.11 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (0.11 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.89  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    (1.10 )%(4)

Ratios/Supplemental Data

       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 41,102  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements

    1.48 %(5)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and/or reimbursements

    1.94 %(5)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements (excluding interest expense)

    1.25 %(5)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements (excluding interest expense)

    1.71 %(5)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    0.03 %(5)

Portfolio turnover rate

    0 %(4)

 

 

(1)

Inception date of the Founders Class Shares of the Fund was December 29, 2021.

(2)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(3)

Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of the period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

Not annualized.

(5)

Annualized.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
9

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Notes To Financial Statements

August 31, 2022

 

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has forty-eight separate investment portfolios, including the Optima Strategic Credit Fund (the “Fund”), which commenced investment operations on December 29, 2021. The Fund is authorized to offer two classes of shares, Founders Class Shares and Investor Class Shares. Investor Class Shares have not yet commenced operations as of the end of the reporting period.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 90.023 billion shares are currently classified into two hundred and eleven classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

The investment objective of the Fund is to seek total return.

 

The Fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services – Investment Companies.”

 

The end of the reporting period for the Fund is August 31, 2022, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the since inception period from December 29, 2021 through August 31, 2022 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

Portfolio Valuation — The Fund values its investments at fair value. The Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Fund are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

 

Fair Value Measurements — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

● Level 1 –

Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

● Level 2 –

Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

● Level 3 –

Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

10

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Notes To Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the reporting period, in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value:

 

 

Total

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Short-Term Investments

  $ 36,985,085     $ 1,083,635     $ 35,901,450     $  

Total Investments*

  $ 36,985,085     $ 1,083,635     $ 35,901,450     $  

 

*

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments for further details.

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Fund’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Fund may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires the Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when the Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for Level 3 transfers are disclosed if the Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund had no Level 3 transfers.

 

Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

Investment Transactions, Investment Income and Expenses — The Fund records security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The Fund’s investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with The (formerly, PENN Capital Funds Trust) (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Fund.

 

11

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Notes To Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders — Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid quarterly. Net realized capital gains (including net short-term capital gains), if any, are distributed by the Fund at least annually. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

U.S. Tax Status — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is the Fund’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income.

 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) — The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. Although vaccines for COVID-19 are available, the ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers are not known. The operational and financial performance of the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and the pace of recovery which may vary market to market, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

Ukraine-Russia Conflict Risk — In February 2022, Russia commenced a military attack on Ukraine. The outbreak of hostilities between the two countries and the threat of wider-spread hostilities could have a severe adverse effect on the region and global economies, including significant negative impacts on the markets for certain securities and commodities, such as oil and natural gas. In addition, sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States and other countries, and any sanctions imposed in the future, could have a significant adverse impact on the Russian economy and related markets. The price and liquidity of investments may fluctuate widely as a result of the conflict and related events. How long the armed conflict and related events will last cannot be predicted. These tensions and any related events could have a significant impact on Fund performance and the value of Fund investments, even beyond any direct exposure the Fund may have to issuers located in these countries.

 

Active Management Risk — The Fund is subject to management risk as an actively-managed investment portfolio. The Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective depends on the investment skill and ability of the Sub-Adviser and on the Sub-Adviser’s ability to correctly identify economic trends.

 

Cash Positions Risk — The Fund may hold a significant position in cash and/or cash equivalent securities. When the Fund’s investment in cash or cash equivalent securities increases, the Fund may not participate in market advances or declines to the same extent that it would if the Fund were more fully invested in other securities.

 

Counterparty Risk — Counterparty risk is the risk that the other party(s) to an agreement or a participant to a transaction might default on a contract or fail to perform by failing to pay amounts due or failing to fulfill the obligations of the contract or transaction.

 

Credit Risk — Credit risk is the risk that an issuer or other obligated party of a debt security may be unable or unwilling to make interest and principal payments when due. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in that issuer. Securities rated in the four highest categories by the rating agencies are considered investment grade but they may also have some speculative characteristics. Investment grade ratings do not guarantee that bonds will not lose value or default. In addition, the credit quality of securities may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition changes. The Fund could also be delayed or hindered in its enforcement of rights against an issuer, guarantor, or counterparty.

 

Cyber Security Risk — Cyber security risk is the risk of an unauthorized breach and access to Fund assets, Fund or customer data (including private shareholder information), or proprietary information, or the risk of an incident occurring that causes the Adviser, Sub-Adviser, custodian, transfer agent, distributor and/or other service providers and financial intermediaries to suffer data breaches, data corruption or lose operational functionality or prevent Fund

 

12

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Notes To Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

investors from purchasing, redeeming or exchanging shares or receiving distributions. The Fund and its Adviser and Sub-Adviser have limited ability to prevent or mitigate cyber security incidents affecting third-party service providers. Successful cyber-attacks or other cyber-failures or events affecting the Fund or its service providers may adversely impact and cause financial losses to the Fund or its shareholders. Issuers of securities in which the Fund invests are also subject to cyber security risks, and the value of these securities could decline if the issuers experience cyber-attacks or other cyber-failures.

 

Fixed Income Securities Risk — Fixed income securities in which the Fund or an Underlying Fund may invest are subject to certain risks, including: interest rate risk, prepayment risk and credit/default risk. Interest rate risk involves the risk that prices of fixed income securities will rise and fall in response to interest rate changes. Prepayment risk involves the risk that in declining interest rate environments prepayments of principal could increase and require the Fund or an Underlying Fund to reinvest proceeds of the prepayments at lower interest rates. Credit risk involves the risk that the credit rating of a security may be lowered.

 

Government Intervention and Regulatory Changes — The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) (which was passed into law in July 2010) significantly revised and expanded the rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement authority of federal bank, securities and commodities regulators. There can be no assurance that future regulatory actions including, but not limited to, those authorized by the Dodd-Frank Act will not adversely impact the Fund. Major changes resulting from legislative or regulatory actions could materially affect the profitability of the Fund or the value of investments made by the Fund or force the Fund to revise its investment strategy or divest certain of its investments. Any of these developments could expose the Fund to additional costs, taxes, liabilities, enforcement actions and reputational risk.

 

In addition, in October 2020, the SEC adopted new regulations governing the use of derivatives by registered investment companies. The Fund is required to comply with Rule 18f-4 and has adopted procedures for investing in derivatives and other transactions in compliance with Rule 18f-4. Rule 18f-4 imposes limits on the amount of derivatives a fund can enter into, eliminates the asset segregation framework previously used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, treats derivatives as senior securities so that a failure to comply with the limits would result in a statutory violation and requires funds whose use of derivatives is more than a limited specified exposure to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager. These rules could have a substantial effect on the ability of the Fund to implement fully its investment strategy, as described herein, which may limit the Fund’s ability to achieve its objective.

 

High Yield Securities — High yield securities, which are rated below investment grade and commonly referred to as “junk” bonds, are high risk, speculative investments that may cause income and principal losses for the Fund. They generally have greater credit risk, are less liquid and have more volatile prices than investment grade securities.

 

Interest Rate Risk— Interest rate risk is the risk that prices of fixed income securities generally increase when interest rates decline and decrease when interest rates increase. The Fund may lose money if short term or long term interest rates rise sharply or otherwise change in a manner not anticipated by the Sub-Adviser. It is likely there will be less governmental action in the near future to maintain low interest rates. Changing interest rates may have unpredictable effects on the markets and the Fund’s investments and may also affect the liquidity of fixed income securities and instruments held by the Fund. Recent and any future declines in interest rate levels could cause the Fund’s earnings to fall below the Fund’s expense ratio, resulting in a negative yield, and a decline in the Fund’s share price. A general rise in interest rates may cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed income securities and could also result in increased redemptions for the Fund. Fluctuations in interest rates may also affect the liquidity of fixed income securities and instruments held by the Fund.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents —The Fund maintains cash in bank deposit accounts which, at times may exceed United States federally insured limits and is classified as Cash and Cash Equivalents on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

13

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Notes To Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Other — In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Fund in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Fund expects the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

2. Investment Adviser and Other Services

 

Optima Asset Management LLC serves as the investment adviser for the Fund. Anthony Capital Management, LLC serves as the investment sub-adviser to the Fund. Subject to the supervision of the Board, the Adviser manages the overall investment operations of the Fund, primarily in the form of oversight of the Sub-Adviser pursuant to the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Company on behalf of the Fund. The Fund compensates the Adviser for its services at an annual rate based on the Fund’s average daily net assets (the“Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears, as shown in the following table. The Adviser compensates the Sub-Adviser out of the Advisory Fee.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or reimburse expenses in order to limit total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) to the rates (“Expense Cap”) shown in the following table of the Fund’s average daily net assets. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed the Expense Cap as applicable: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses, interest and taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2022 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board. The Adviser may discontinue these arrangements at any time after December 31, 2022.

 

Advisory
Fee

Expense Cap

 

Founders Class

0.50%

1.25%

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued, waived and/or reimbursed were as follows:

 

Gross
Advisory
Fees

Waivers and/or
Reimbursements

Net
Advisory
Fees

$62,570

$(57,163)

$5,407

 

If at any time the Fund’s total annual fund operating expenses (not including acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses, interest and taxes) for a year are less than the relevant share class’s Expense Cap, the Adviser may recoup any waived or reimbursed amounts from the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

As of the end of the reporting period, the Fund had amounts available for recoupment as follows:

 

Expiration

AUGUST 31,
2025

$57,163

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as administrator for the Fund. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

14

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Notes To Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Fund Services serves as the Fund’s transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Fund. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Statement of Operations.

 

3. Director And Officer Compensation

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as Chief Compliance Officer of the Company and served as President of the Company until August 2022. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated by the Fund for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Fund or the Company. As of the end of the reporting period, there were no director and officer fees charged or paid by the Fund.

 

4. Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities

 

During the current fiscal period, there were no purchases or sales of investment securities or long-term U.S. Government securities (excluding short-term investments) by the Fund.

 

5. Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Fund has followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Fund to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Fund has determined that there was no effect on the financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Fund is subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

As of August 31, 2022, the federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by the Fund were as follows:

 

Federal Tax
Cost

Unrealized
Appreciation

Unrealized
(Depreciation)

Net
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

$37,171,685

$—

$(186,600)

$(186,600)

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

As of August 31, 2022, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

15

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Notes To Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains

Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

Capital Loss
Carryforwards

Qualified
Late-Year
Losses

Other
Temporary
Differences

$3,277

$—

$(186,600)

$(852)

$—

$—

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate primarily to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes. Short-term and foreign currency gains, if applicable, are reported as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022 were as follows:

 

 

Ordinary
Income

Long-Term
Gains

Total

2022

$—

$—

$—

 

The Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period. Capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. As of August 31, 2022, the Fund had unexpiring short-term losses of $852 to offset future capital gains.

 

6. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In October 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted new regulations governing the use of derivatives by registered investment companies (“Rule 18f-4”). Rule 18f-4 imposes limits on the amount of derivatives a fund can enter into, eliminates the asset segregation framework previously used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, and requires funds whose use of derivatives is greater than a limited specified amount to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager. The Fund is required to comply with Rule 18f-4 and has adopted procedures for investing in derivatives and other transactions in compliance with Rule 18f-4. Rule 18f-4 may require the Fund to observe more stringent requirements than were previously imposed by the 1940 Act, which could adversely affect the ability of the Fund to engage in certain derivatives transactions and/or increase the costs of such derivatives transactions, which could adversely affect the Fund’s performance and increase costs related to the Fund’s use of derivatives.

 

In December 2020, the SEC adopted a new rule providing a framework for fund valuation practices (“Rule 2a-5”). Rule 2a-5 establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the 1940 Act. Rule 2a-5 will permit fund boards to designate certain parties to perform fair value determinations, subject to board oversight and certain other conditions. Rule 2a-5 also defines when market quotations are “readily available” for purposes of the 1940 Act and the threshold for determining whether a fund must fair value a security. In connection with Rule 2a-5, the SEC also adopted related recordkeeping requirements and is rescinding previously issued guidance, including with respect to the role of a board in determining fair value and the accounting and auditing of fund investments. The Fund will be required to comply with the rules by September 8, 2022. Effective September 8, 2022 and pursuant to the requirements of Rule 2a-5, the Board designated the Adviser as its valuation designee to perform fair value determinations and approved new valuation procedures for the Fund.

 

In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments on the financial statements.

 

16

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Notes To Financial Statements (Concluded)

August 31, 2022

 

7. Subsequent Events

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no significant events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

17

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of Optima Strategic Credit Fund and
Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the portfolio of investments, of Optima Strategic Credit Fund (the “Fund”), a series of The RBB Fund, Inc., as of August 31, 2022, the related statements of operations and changes in net assets, the related notes, and the financial highlights for the period December 29, 2021 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2022 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of August 31, 2022, the results of its operations, the changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

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

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement whether due to error or fraud.

 

Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2022, by correspondence with the custodians and broker. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

  

We have served as the Fund’s auditor since 2022.

 

 

COHEN & COMPANY, LTD.
Cleveland, Ohio
October 28, 2022

 

18

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Shareholder Tax Information

(Unaudited)

 

Certain tax information regarding the Fund is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Fund’s income and distributions for the taxable year ended August 31, 2022. The information and distribution reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ended December 31, 2022. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, the Fund paid no ordinary income dividends to its shareholders. Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

The percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions that are designated as short-term capital gain distributions under Internal Revenue Section 871(k)(2)(c) for the Fund is 0%.

 

Because the Fund’s fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2022. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2023. Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Fund, if any.

 

In general, dividends received by tax exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting. Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Fund.

 

19

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Other Information

(Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling (866) 239-2026 and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

 

The Company files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Liquidity Risk Management Program

 

The Company has adopted and implemented a Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Company Program”) as required by rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Company Program, the Adviser has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Adviser Program” and together with the Company Program, the “Programs”) on behalf of the Fund. The Programs seek to assess, manage and review the Fund’s Liquidity Risk. “Liquidity Risk” is defined as the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interest in the Fund.

 

The Board has appointed Vigilant Compliance, LLC (“Vigilant”) as the program administrator for the Company Program and the Adviser as the program administrator for the Adviser Program. The Adviser has delegated oversight of the Adviser Program to an employee of the Adviser, whose process of monitoring and determining the liquidity of the Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party vendors.

 

At meetings held during the current fiscal period, the Board and its Regulatory Oversight Committee received and reviewed a written report (the “Report”) of Vigilant and the Adviser concerning the operation of the Programs for the period from December 29, 2021 to December 31, 2021 (the “Period”). The Report summarized the operation of the Programs and the information and factors considered by Vigilant and the Adviser in reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the implementation of the Programs with respect to the Fund. Such information and factors included, among other things: (i) the methodology used to classify the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio investments and the Adviser’s assessment that the Fund’s strategy remained appropriate for an open-end mutual fund; (ii) analyses of the Fund’s reasonably anticipated trading size; (iii) that the Fund held primarily highly liquid assets (investments that the Fund anticipates can be converted to cash within 3 business days or less in current market conditions without significantly changing their market value); (iv) that the Fund did not require the establishment of a highly liquid investment minimum and the methodology for that determination; (v) confirmation that the Fund did not breach the 15% maximum illiquid security threshold (investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven days or less in current market conditions without the sale of the investment significantly changing the market value of the investment) during the Period and the procedures for monitoring compliance with the limit; (vi) the processes, technologies and third-party vendors that will be used to assess, manage, and/or periodically review the Fund’s Liquidity Risk; and (vii) that the Programs operated adequately during the Period. The Report noted that certain items were not analyzed as the Fund had recently launched.

 

Based on the review, the Report concluded that the Programs were being implemented effectively and reasonably designed to assess and manage Liquidity Risk in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company Program or the Adviser Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Fund’s prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

 

20

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Other Information (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement — Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company,as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the approval of the investment advisory agreement between the Adviser and the Company (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the Fund and the approval of the sub-advisory agreement between the Adviser, the Company and the Sub-Adviser (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement”), at a meeting of the Board held on December 15, 2021 (for this section only, the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement for an initial period ending August 16, 2023. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Board considered information provided by the Adviser and the Sub- Adviser with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Directors took into account all materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of services to be provided to the Fund by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of the personnel providing those services; (iii) the Adviser’s and Sub-Adviser’s investment philosophies and processes; (iv) the Adviser and Sub-Adviser’s assets under management and client descriptions; (v) the Adviser’s and Sub-Adviser’s soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies; (vi) the Adviser’s and Sub-Adviser’s advisory fee arrangements and other similarly managed clients, as applicable; (vii) the Adviser’s and Sub-Adviser’s compliance procedures; (viii) the Adviser’s and Sub-Adviser’s financial information and insurance coverage and profitability analysis relating to providing services to the Fund; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Fund; and (x) a report prepared by Broadridge/Lipper comparing the Fund’s proposed management fees and total expense ratio to those of its Lipper Group. The Directors noted that the Fund had not yet commenced operations, and consequently there was no performance information to review with respect to the Fund.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services proposed to be provided by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser. The Directors concluded that the Adviser and Sub-Adviser had sufficient resources to provide services to the Fund.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Fund under the proposed Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement. In this regard, information on the fees to be paid the Fund and the Fund’s expected total operating expense ratio (before and after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) were compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms. The Directors noted that the fees would be paid directly by the Sub-Adviser and not by the Fund. The Directors also noted that the Adviser had contractually agreed to waive its management fee and reimburse expenses for at least one year to limit total annual operating expenses to agreed upon levels for each class of the Fund.

 

After reviewing the information regarding the Adviser’s and Sub-Adviser’s estimated costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering the services to be provided by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees to be paid by the Fund to the Adviser and sub-advisory fees to be paid to the Sub-Adviser were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement should be approved for an initial period ending August 16, 2023.

 

21

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Company Management

(Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (844) 261-6484.

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Independent Directors

Julian A. Brodsky

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 89

Director

1988 to present

From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications).

55

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

Gregory P. Chandler

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 55

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); from 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

55

FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios)(registered investment company); Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018).

Lisa A. Dolly

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI, 53202

Age: 56

Director

October 2021 to present

From July 2019-December 2019, Chairman, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm); January 2016-June 2019, Chief Executive Officer, Pershing, LLC.

55

Allfunds Group PLC (United Kingdom wealthtech and fund distribution provider); Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (trade association for broker dealers, investment banks and asset managers); Hightower Advisors (wealth management firm).

 

22

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Company Management (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Nicholas A. Giordano

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 79

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

55

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance); Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017).

Arnold M. Reichman 615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 74

Chairman

 

Director

2005 to present

 

1991 to present

From 2006-2016, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Lifebooker, LLC (online beauty and health appointment booking service).

55

Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until August 2022).

Brian T. Shea

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 62

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm).

55

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company); WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019).

Robert A. Straniere

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 81

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

55

Reich and Tang Group (asset management) (until 2015).

Interested Director2

Robert Sablowsky

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 84

Vice Chairman

 

Director

2016 to present

 

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

55

None

Officers

Steven Plump

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 63

President

Since August 2022

From 2011 to 2021, Executive Vice President, PIMCO Investments LLC.

N/A

N/A

 

 

23

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Company Management (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Salvatore Faia, JD,

CPA, CFE

Vigilant Compliance, LLC

Gateway Corporate Center

Suite 216

223 Wilmington West

Chester Pike

Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Age: 59

Chief Compliance Officer

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company). ; since 2021, Chief Compliance Officer of The RBB Fund Trust; President of The RBB Fund Trust from 2021 to 2022; President of The RBB Fund, Inc. from 2009 to 2022.

N/A

N/A

James G. Shaw

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 61

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

Chief Operating Officer

2016 to present

 

 

 

 

2022 to present

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2016) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2021) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund Trust; from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 48

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and The RBB Fund Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC (an investment advisory firm).

N/A

N/A

Jennifer Witt

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 39

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2016, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm); from 2007 to 2016, Supervisor, Nuveen Investments (registered investment company).

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 51

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy

One Logan Square

Ste. 2000

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 63

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann

One Logan Square

Ste. 2000

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 43

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm) (2017-Present); Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (2006-Present).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 55 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company and The RBB Fund Trust (7 portfolios).

 

24

 

 

Optima Strategic Credit Fund

 

Company Management (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Ms. Dolly has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, and she has demonstrated her leadership and management abilities by serving in numerous senior executive-level positions. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing, and investment services industry, including service on the boards of industry regulatory organizations and a university. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company.

 

25

 

 

Privacy Notice

 

FACTS

WHAT DOES OPTIMA ASSET MANAGEMENT LLC (“OPTIMA”) DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

WHY?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Optima is committed to maintaining the privacy of individuals whose personal information is held at Optima including current and former individual clients (whether invested in an Optima sponsored investment vehicle (“Optima Fund”) or otherwise), and other intermediaries with whom we conduct business.

 

Optima, an independent administrator of an Optima Fund and any other permitted recipient of personal information acting on behalf of Optima, may use personal information relating to you for the following purposes:

 

● confirm your identity and/or the source of funds in order to comply with applicable “know your client”, anti-money laundering, anti-terrorist financing and similar laws, regulations and policies and to determine whether you are a “politically exposed person”;

● comply with agreements, legislation, treaties, instructions or guidance on the collection and/or sharing or exchange of tax-related information;

● confirm whether you are a “bad actor” under Rule 506 of Regulation D of the United States Securities Act of 1933;

● verify your eligibility to become an investor in an Optima Fund;

● confirm your identity in order to confirm your authority to sign legal documents in relation to an Optima Fund (including but not limited to any subscription agreement, partnership agreement and side letter);

● managing, operating and administering an Optima Fund in accordance with its governing documents and applicable laws, regulations and policies;

● making legal, regulatory, tax or other filings in relation to an Optima Fund, its investments, its investors, Optima itself and/or any of their associates;

● to facilitate, support and/or enhance Optima’s and an independent administrator’s operations and functions in connection with an Optima Fund; and

● for any other purpose that Optima reasonably determines is necessary or desirable in connection with the business of an Optima Fund.

 

Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

WHAT?

The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. Personal information may be sent by you to Optima or to an independent administrator of an Optima Fund with respect to your subscription for, or holding of, an interest in an Optima Fund, or opening of a separately managed advisory account.

 

This information can include:

 

● Social security or taxpayer identification number

● Income

● Assets

● Bank account details

● Criminal history and other security related matters1

● Transaction history

HOW?

For the reasons outlined above, Optima needs to share customers’ personal information to run its everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information, the reasons Optima chooses to share, and whether you can limit this sharing.

 

26

 

 

Reasons we can share your personal information

Does
Optima Share?

Can you limit this sharing?

For our everyday business purpose —
such as processing your transactions, maintaining your accounts or responding to regulatory requests

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes —
to offer our products and services to you

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business —
information about your transactions, balances and experience

No

We don’t share

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

 

To limit our sharing

Contact Optima’s Chief Compliance Officer by telephone at 212-484-3080, by email at ragnar.gearhart@optima.com or by mail at 10 East 53rd Street, New York NY 10022, U.S.A. Please note: If you are a new customer, we can begin sharing your information immediately upon receipt of your personal information. When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice. However, you can contact us at any time to limit our sharing.

 

Questions?

Contact Optima’s Chief Compliance Officer by telephone at 212-484-3080, by email at ragnar.gearhart@optima.com or by mail at 10 East 53rd Street, New York NY 10022, U.S.A.

What we can do

How does Optima protect my personal information?

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

How does Optima collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you:

 

● Enter into an advisory agreement or execute a subscription agreement

● Seek financial advice

● Make additions to, or withdrawals from, your account

● Give us information about your investment portfolio

● Tell us personal information about you, your family, and your employment history

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only:

 

● sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

Definitions

Affiliates

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and non-financial companies. Optima’s affiliates include Forbes Family Trust and its subsidiaries and Stanhope Capital Group SA and its subsidiaries.

Nonaffiliates

Companies not related by common ownership and control. They can be financial and non-financial companies.

 

27

 

 

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[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 

Investment Adviser
Optima Asset Management LLC
10 East 53rd Street
New York, New York 10022

 

Sub-Adviser
Anthony Capital Management, LLC
421 George Street, Suite 206
De Pere, Wisconsin 54115

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent
U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Principal Underwriter
Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 E Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Custodian
U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Cohen & Company, Ltd.
1350 Euclid Avenue, Suite 800
Cleveland, Ohio 44115

 

Legal Counsel
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

OSCF-AR22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND

 

SGI GLOBAL EQUITY FUND

 

SGI PRUDENT GROWTH FUND

 

SGI PEAK GROWTH FUND

 

SGI SMALL CAP CORE FUND
(formerly, SGI Small Cap Growth Fund)

 

of

 

The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

August 31, 2022

 

This report is submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the Funds and may not be used as sales literature unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus for the Funds.

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report
AUGUST 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund
Class I Shares: SILVX
Class A Shares: LVOLX
Class C Shares: SGICX

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Established in 2010, Summit Global Investments, LLC (“SGI”) was founded to bring enhanced risk management to institutions, advisors, and families. SGI’s strategies utilize a distinct quantitative and fundamental analysis with a goal to invest in outstanding companies with the least potential for downside risks.

 

In 2022, downside protection has been front and center. The market has several risks coming to bear, the war in Ukraine, supply chain issues, expensive valuations, high inflation, rising rates and policy shifts of the U.S. Federal Reserve. With each rate hike, the U.S. Federal Reserve would ‘pivot’ and talk about how the market inflation is not that bad. As inflation has continued to rise throughout the year, the pivot is getting less and less effective and with even more painful inflation ahead, the pivot may go away entirely. This may take the “Fed Put” away from the market. Like a baby without its prized pacifier, the market may react poorly. The good news is that I don’t see many adults with pacifiers in their mouths. The market may have to grow up and realize the U.S. Federal Reserve, the government, or other actions will not save it. What will ultimately save companies are products that we all need and want, products that make a difference, products, and services that consumers cannot do without. Companies that provide such products and services will be those that are able to ‘ride out’ inflation and tend to have better balance sheets and stronger cash flows. We believe companies with productive workforces and, ultimately, companies with less downside risk, inflation risk and geopolitical risk, will come out at the end of the pacifier stage on top.

 

Everyone at SGI is 100% committed to doing everything we can to ensure your investments perform as designed. If you have any doubt or any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly or to the team collectively.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

David Harden

 

Highlights

 

 

The SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund - Class I Shares returned -10.71% on a net basis1 in the twelve months ended August 31, 2022. The fund underperformed its benchmark, the S&P 500 Low Volatility Index, which increased 0.84% during the same period. For comparative purposes, the S&P 500 Index returned -11.23%.

 

 

Overall stock selection 80% of the fund’s relative underperformance versus the benchmark.

 

 

The Energy sector exposure contributed the most to relative returns.

 

 

The fund’s significant underweight to the defensive Utilities sector detracted from relative returns versus the benchmark.

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

 

The fund seeks to outperform the S&P 500 Index over a market cycle while reducing overall volatility.

 

1Net return is the return after all fees and expenses.

 

1

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

FUND COMMENTARY

 

How did the fund perform in the past twelve months?

 

The SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund - Class I Shares returned -10.71% on a net basis1 in the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2022. The fund lagged its benchmark, the S&P 500 Low Volatility Index, which gained 0.84% during the same period. For comparative purposes, the S&P 500 Index returned -11.23%. Performance of other share classes will differ. Please see the prospectus for details.

 

What factors influenced the fund’s performance?

 

Overall, stock selection accounted for 90% of the fund’s relative underperformance versus the benchmark while sector positioning accounted for the remainder.

 

The Information Technology sector was the largest detracting sector accounting for 42% of the fund’s relative underperformance. Within this sector, 82% of the underperformance was from stock selection and the remainder was from the significant overweight relative to the benchmark. The three worst contributing companies in the Information Technology sector were: Adobe Inc. -43.73%, Qorvo Inc. -41.16%, %, and Intuit Inc. -23.30%.

 

The Consumer Discretionary sector was the next largest detracting sector accounting for 31% of the fund’s relative underperformance. Within this sector, 82% of the underperformance was from stock selection and the remainder was from the significant overweight relative to the benchmark. The three worst contributing companies in the Consumer Discretionary sector were: Target Corp. -34.02%, Amazon.com Inc. -12.38%, and NVR Inc. -28.57%.

 

The Communications Services sector was the third largest detracting sector accounting for 24% of the fund’s relative underperformance. Within this sector, 49% of the underperformance was from stock selection and the remainder was from the significant overweight relative to the benchmark. The three worst contributing companies in the Communications Services sector were: Netflix Inc. -30.57%, Meta Platforms Inc. -37.00%, and Charter Communications Inc. -47.54%.

 

The Financials sector was the fourth largest detracting sector accounting for 9% of the fund’s relative underperformance. Within this sector, 90% of the underperformance was from stock selection and the remainder was from slight overweight relative to the benchmark. The three worst contributing companies in the Financials sector were: T Rowe Price Group Inc. -40.24%, S&P Global Inc. -20.00%, and Bank of American Corp. -17.76%.

 

The overweight to the Energy sector contributed the most to relative returns as Chevron rose 49.98%, EOG Resources gained 120.24%, and Exxon Mobile increased 83.26%.

 

The significant underweight to the Utilities sector also hurt relative performance because this defensive sector generated positive returns during a bear market.

 

Factor exposures accounted for 53% of the fund’s relative underperformance. Slight overweight exposures to the residual volatility, long-term reversal, and beta factors all accounted for the three most detracting factors to the fund’s relative underperformance. Benefitting the fund’s relative performance were significant overweight exposure to the variability and the dividend yield factors. Additionally, a slight positive exposure to the liquidity factor also marginally benefitted relative performance.

 

How is the fund positioned?

 

The two largest sector weights relative to the benchmark are Information Technology and Health Care sectors that are 12.4% and 5.3% overweight, respectively. The next two largest sector over weights are the Financials and Energy sectors that are 4.5% and 4.2% overweight, respectively. The largest sector underweight is the Utilities sector where the fund holds 16.1% less exposure than the benchmark. The fund is also underweighted Consumer Staples, Real Estate, and Industrials sectors by 7.4%, 4.6%, and 2.5%, respectively.

 

1Net return is the return after all fees and expenses.

 

2

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

Fund positioning from a factor standpoint shows the largest underweight exposure to leverage and dividend yield factors and overweighted exposure to variability, earnings yield, beta, and valuation factors relative to the benchmark.

 

What is portfolio management’s outlook?

 

The highest inflation in over 40 years has caused the U.S. Federal Reserve and other central banks to tighten monetary conditions. Starting in March of 2022, the federal funds interest rate has been aggressively increased from near zero to over 3% at the time of this report. Expectations for further tightening has been signaled into 2023. The bear market in equities is not likely to end until inflation has peaked and is steadily declining back to a target range of 2%.

 

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has also affected global energy and grain markets. Oil prices remain above $80 per barrel. The European economies are experiencing an energy squeeze with prices up over 300% due to Russia’s shutdown of the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline. There is a strong likelihood that Europe will fall into a recession which could have the effect of pulling the world into a global recession.

 

Stock markets are generally forward-looking, so the markets should bottom long before the economic statistics reveal that the recession is over. Investors always try to time the bottom but find the task nearly impossible. The risk is either being too early and experiencing further downside or being too late and missing the strongest part of a market recovery. This is the reason investors should not panic and get out of the market. Instead of trying to time the market, longer term investors should remain invested in equity markets.

 

Over longer time horizons, we believe that our managed risk approach towards investing can provide favorable relative returns. As always, we maintain a disciplined adherence to our rigorous quantitative and fundamental investment process.

 

The views expressed reflect the opinions of Summit Global Investments, LLC as of the date of this report and are subject to change based on changes in market, economic, or other conditions. These views are not intended to be a forecast of future events and are no guarantee of future results.

 

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

 

The S&P 500® Index is a broad-based unmanaged index of 500 stocks, which is widely recognized as representative of the equity market in general. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

The S&P 500 Low Volatility® Index is designed to measure the performance of the 100 least volatile stocks of the S&P 500® Index. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Mutual Fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Equity securities (stocks) are subject to market, economic, and business risks that will cause their price to rise or fall over time. The net asset value per share of the Fund will fluctuate as the value of the securities in the portfolio change and an investor may lose money. Although the Fund seeks lower volatility, there is no guarantee the Fund will perform as expected. Investing in other investment companies, including ETFs, may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the Fund’s own expenses and will be subject to the risks of the underlying investments. The stocks of mid-sized companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than stocks of larger companies.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

The Funds are distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

 

3

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund
Class I Shares: SCLVX
Class A Shares: LVSMX
Class C Shares: SMLVX

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Established in 2010, Summit Global Investments, LLC (“SGI”) was founded to bring enhanced risk management to institutions, advisors, and families. SGI’s strategies utilize a distinct quantitative and fundamental analysis with a goal to invest in outstanding companies with the least potential for downside risks.

 

In 2022, downside protection has been front and center. The market has several risks coming to bear, the war in Ukraine, supply chain issues, expensive valuations, high inflation, rising rates and policy shifts of the U.S. Federal Reserve. With each rate hike, the U.S. Federal Reserve would ‘pivot’ and talk about how the market inflation is not that bad. As inflation has continued to rise throughout the year, the pivot is getting less and less effective and with even more painful inflation ahead the pivot may go away entirely. This may take the “Fed Put” away from the market. Like a baby without its prized pacifier, the market may react poorly. The good news is that I don’t see many adults with pacifiers in their mouths. The market may have to grow up and realize the U.S. Federal Reserve, the government, or other actions will not save it. What will ultimately save companies is products that we all need and want, products that make a difference, products and services that consumers cannot do without. Companies that provide such products and services will be those that are able to ‘ride out’ inflation and tend to have better balance sheets and stronger cash flows. We believe companies with productive workforces and, ultimately, companies with less downside risk, inflation risk and geopolitical risk, will come out at the end of the pacifier stage on top.

 

Everyone at SGI is 100% committed to doing everything we can to ensure your investments perform as designed. If you have any doubt or any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly or to the team collectively.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

David Harden

 

Highlights

 

 

The SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund - Class I Shares returned –5.29% on a net basis1 in the twelve months ended August 31, 2022. The fund slightly outperformed its benchmark, the S&P Small Cap 600 Low Volatility Index, which returned -5.53% during the same period. For comparative purposes, the Russell 2000 Index returned -17.88%.

 

 

Stock selection accounted for nearly all the relative outperformance versus the benchmark.

 

 

The significant underweight to the Real Estate sector was the largest factor benefiting relative performance.

 

 

The fund is positioned with the largest, approximately 12%, sector overweight to the Health Care sector. The fund is also positioned with large underweight exposure to the Financials and Real Estate sectors, 19% and 15% respectively.

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

 

The fund seeks to outperform the Russell 2000 Index over a market cycle while reducing overall volatility.

 

1Net return is the return after all fees and expenses.

 

4

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

FUND COMMENTARY

 

How did the fund perform in the past twelve months?

 

The SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund - Class I Shares returned -5.29% on a net basis1 in the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2022. The fund slightly outperformed its benchmark, the S&P Small Cap 600 Low Volatility Index, which returned -5.53% during the same period. For comparative purposes, the Russell 2000 Index returned -17.88%. Performance of other share classes will differ. Please see the prospectus for details.

 

What factors influenced the fund’s performance?

 

Stock selection accounted for nearly all the relative outperformance versus the benchmark.

 

The Communications Services sector was the largest detracting sector accounting for 15% of the fund’s performance. The three worst contributing companies in the Communications Services sector were: Liberty Latin America Inc. -32.57%, Ooma Inc. -35.41%, and Cogent Communications Holdings Inc. -11.24%.

 

The Utilities sector was the next largest detracting sector accounting for 8% of the fund’s performance. The three worst contributing companies in the Utilities sector were: Middlesex Water Co. -0.40%, York Water Co. -2.37%, and MGE Energy Inc. -3.01%.

 

The significant underweight to the Real Estate sector was the largest factor benefiting relative performance. The effect of stock selection within this sector was immaterial.

 

The next largest contributing sector to performance was the Consumer Staples sector. The overweight positioning was the largest contributing factor while the effect of stock selection within this sector was immaterial.

 

Positive stock selection in the Health Care sector was completely offset by the negative effects of a significant overweight position relative to the benchmark. The three best contributing companies in the Health Care sector were: Amphastar Pharmaceuticals Inc. +50.56%, Radius Health Inc. +29.80%, and Apria Inc. +19.25%.

 

Factor exposures accounted for only 11% of the fund’s relative outperformance. The remaining 89% was due to positive stock selection. Slight overweight exposures to the residual volatility, momentum, and growth factors all accounted for the three most detracting factors to the fund’s relative performance. Benefitting the fund’s relative performance were overweight exposure to the variability factor and underweight exposure to the valuation factor.

 

How is the fund positioned?

 

The fund is positioned with the largest, approximately 12%, sector overweight to the Health Care sector. The fund is also positioned with large underweight exposure to the Financials and Real Estate sectors 19% and 15% respectively. The next three overweighted sectors are Consumer Discretionary +7%, Industrials +5%, and Utilities 3%.

 

Fund positioning from a factor standpoint shows the largest underweight exposure to dividend yield and valuation factors. The largest overweighted exposures are to the earnings variability, growth, residual volatility, and profit relative to the benchmark.

 

What is portfolio management’s outlook?

 

The highest inflation in over 40 years has caused the U.S. Federal Reserve and other central banks to tighten monetary conditions. Starting in March of 2022, the federal funds interest rate has been aggressively increased from near zero to over 3% at the time of this report. Expectations for further tightening has been signaled into 2023. The bear market in equities is not likely to end until inflation has peaked and is steadily declining back to a target range of 2%.

 

1Net return is the return after all fees and expenses.

 

5

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has also affected global energy and grain markets. Oil prices remain above $80 per barrel. The European economies are experiencing an energy squeeze with prices up over 300% due to Russia’s shutdown of the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline. There is a strong likelihood that Europe will fall into a recession which could have the effect of pulling the world into a global recession.

 

Stock markets are generally forward-looking, so the markets should bottom long before the economic statistics reveal that the recession is over. Investors always try to time the bottom but find the task nearly impossible. The risk is either being too early and experiencing further downside or being too late and missing the strongest part of a market recovery. This is the reason investors should not panic and get out of the market. Instead of trying to time the market, longer term investors should remain invested in equity markets.

 

Over longer time horizons, we believe that our managed risk approach towards investing can provide favorable relative returns. As always, we maintain a disciplined adherence to our rigorous quantitative and fundamental investment process.

 

The views expressed reflect the opinions of Summit Global Investments, LLC as of the date of this report and are subject to change based on changes in market, economic, or other conditions. These views are not intended to be a forecast of future events and are no guarantee of future results.

 

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

 

The S&P SmallCap 600® Low Volatility Index measures the performance of the 120 least-volatile stocks in the S&P SmallCap 600®. The index is designed to serve as a benchmark for low volatility or low variance strategies in U.S. small-cap equities. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

The Russell 2000® Index consists of the smallest 2,000 companies in a group of 3,000 U.S. companies in the Russell 3000® Index, as ranked by market capitalization. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Mutual Fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Equity securities (stocks) are subject to market, economic, and business risks that will cause their price to rise or fall over time. The net asset value per share of the Fund will fluctuate as the value of the securities in the portfolio change and an investor may lose money. Although the Fund seeks lower volatility, there is no guarantee the Fund will perform as expected. Investing in other investment companies, including ETFs, may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the Fund’s own expenses and will be subject to the risks of the underlying investments. The stocks of mid-sized companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than stocks of larger companies.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

The Funds are distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

 

6

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

SGI Global Equity Fund
Class I Shares: SGLIX

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Established in 2010, Summit Global Investments, LLC (“SGI”) was founded to bring enhanced risk management to institutions, advisors, and families. SGI’s strategies utilize a distinct quantitative and fundamental analysis with a goal to invest in outstanding companies with the least potential for downside risks.

 

In 2022, downside protection has been front and center. The market has several risks coming to bear, the war in Ukraine, supply chain issues, expensive valuations, high inflation, rising rates and policy shifts of the Federal Reserve. With each rate hike the Federal Reserve would ‘pivot’ and talk about how the market inflation is not that bad. As inflation has continued to rise throughout the year, the pivot is getting less and less effective and with even more painful inflation ahead the pivot may go away entirely. This may take the “Fed Put” away from the market. Like a baby without its prized pacifier, the market may react poorly. The good news is that I don’t see many adults with pacifiers in their mouths. The market may have to grow up and realize the Fed, the government, or other actions will not save it. What will ultimately save companies is products that we all need and want, products that make a difference, products, and services that consumers cannot do without. Companies that provide such products and services will be those that are able to ‘ride out’ inflation and tend to have better balance sheets and stronger cash flows. Companies that have productive workforces and ultimately companies that have less downside risk, inflation risk, geopolitical risk and, we believe, will come out at the end of the pacifier stage, on top.

 

Everyone at SGI is 100% committed to doing everything we can to ensure your investments perform as designed. Again, if you have any doubt or any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly or to the team collectively.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

David Harden

 

Highlights

 

 

The SGI Global Equity Fund - Class I Shares returned -9.20% on a net basis1 in the twelve months ended August 31, 2022. The fund outperformed in-line with its benchmark, the MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index, which returned -9.11% during the same period. For comparative purposes, the MSCI ACWI Index returned -15.49%.

 

 

Country and sector allocation strength fully offset the weakness in stock selection.

 

 

Exposure to the U.S. dollar accounted for the most important factor in generating relative returns versus the benchmark.

 

 

The fund is positioned 10% overweight the Financials sector.

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

 

The fund seeks to outperform the MSCI ACWI Index over a market cycle while reducing overall volatility.

 

1Net return is the return after all fees and expenses.

 

7

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

FUND COMMENTARY

 

How did the fund perform in the past twelve months?

 

The SGI Global Equity Fund - Class I Shares returned -9.20% on a net basis1 in the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2022. The fund performed in-line with its benchmark, the MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index, which returned -9.11% during the same period. For comparative purposes, the MSCI ACWI Index returned -15.88%.

 

What factors influenced the fund’s performance?

 

Overall, the country and sector allocation strength fully offset the weakness in stock selection resulting in performance in-line with the benchmark for the annual period.

 

The fund’s overweight exposure to the strengthening U.S. Dollar accounted for the most important factor for generating relative returns versus the benchmark.

 

The Information Technology sector was the largest detracting sector accounting for 25% of the returns. Within this sector, currency exposure from U.S. domiciled companies partially offset weak stock selection. The modest average sector overweight also hurt relative performance. The three worst contributing companies in the Information Technology sector were: Adobe Inc. -43.46%, Taiwan Semiconductor -28.67%, and Dolby Laboratories Inc. -25.16%.

 

The Financials sector was the next largest detracting sector accounting for 16% of the returns. Within this sector, a large overweight allocation and currency exposure from U.S. domiciled companies partially offset weak stock selection. The three worst contributing companies in the Financials sector were: T Rowe Price Group Inc. -44.74%, Houlihan Lokey Inc. -11.26%, and Royal Bank of Canada -6.15%.

 

The Communications Services sector was the third largest detracting sector accounting for 15% of the returns. Within this sector, an underweight allocation and currency exposure from U.S. domiciled companies partially offset weak stock selection. The three worst contributing companies in the Communications Services sector were: Alphabet Inc. -24.96%, Meta Platforms Inc. -48.70%, and Yandex NV -36.68%.

 

The Energy sector was the most beneficial sector adding to the fund’s returns. Within this sector, 82% of the performance was from positive stock selection and the remainder was from slight overweight relative to the benchmark. The three best contributing companies in the Energy sector were: Coterra Energy Inc. +61.21%, Petrochina Co. LTD. +21.35%, and Exxon Mobil Corp. +41.09%.

 

The underweight to the Materials sector and the positive stock selection contributed the second most to returns as Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. rose 27.43%.

 

Factor exposures in aggregate detracted from the fund’s relative performance but this was offset by strong stock selection and positive exposure to U.S. domiciled companies. The overweight exposures to North America hurt relative performance but the rise of the U.S. dollar fully offset this factor. The underweight exposure to the Japanese yen benefitted the fund’s relative performance because the Yen depreciated relative to the U.S. dollar. .

 

How is the fund positioned?

 

The largest overweight relative to the benchmark is the Financials sector which is 10% overweight. Energy and Consumer Discretionary sectors are both approximately 1% overweight the benchmark. Utilities and Industrials sectors account for 3% underweight exposure relative to the benchmark. Information Technology, Communications Services, and Materials sectors are each positioned approximately 2% underweight the benchmark.

 

1Net return is the return after all fees and expenses.

 

8

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

The fund is positioned overweight North America versus the rest of the world. Fund positioning from a factor standpoint shows the largest overweighted exposure to beta, growth, valuation, and earnings variability while being underweight leverage, profitability, and dividend yield relative to the benchmark.

 

What is portfolio management’s outlook?

 

The highest inflation in over 40 years has caused the Federal Reserve and other central banks to tighten monetary conditions. Starting in March of 2022 the fed funds interest rate has been aggressively increased from near zero to over 3% at the time of this report. Expectations for further tightening has been signaled into 2023. The bear market in equities is not likely to end until inflation has peaked and is steadily declining back to a target range of 2%.

 

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has also affected global energy and grain markets. Oil prices remain above $80 per barrel. The European economies are experiencing an energy squeeze with prices up over 300% due to Russia’s shutdown of the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline. There is a strong likelihood that Europe will fall into recession which could have the effect of pulling the world into a global recession.

 

Stock markets are generally forward looking so the markets should bottom long before the economic statistics reveal that the recession is over. Investors always try to time the bottom but find the task nearly impossible. The risk is either being too early and experiencing further downside or being too late and missing the strongest part of a market recovery. This is the reason investors should not panic and get out of the market. Instead of trying to time the market, longer term investors should remain invested in equity markets.

 

Over longer time horizons, we believe that our managed risk approach towards investing can provide favorable relative returns. As always, we maintain a disciplined adherence to our rigorous quantitative and fundamental investment process.

 

The views expressed reflect the opinions of Summit Global Investments, LLC as of the date of this report and are subject to change based on changes in market, economic, or other conditions. These views are not intended to be a forecast of future events and are no guarantee of future results.

 

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

 

The MSCI ACWI Index captures large and mid-cap representation across 23 Developed Markets (DM) and 26 Emerging Markets (EM) countries. With more than 3,000 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the global investable equity opportunity set. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

The MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index is designed to reflect the performance of the lowest volatility optimized version of the parent MSCI index. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Mutual Fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Equity securities (stocks) are subject to market, economic, and business risks that will cause their price to rise or fall over time. The net asset value per share of the Fund will fluctuate as the value of the securities in the portfolio change and an investor may lose money. Although the Fund seeks lower volatility, there is no guarantee the Fund will perform as expected. Investing in other investment companies, including ETFs, may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the Fund’s own expenses and will be subject to the risks of the underlying investments. The stocks of mid-sized companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than stocks of larger companies.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

The Funds are distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

 

 

9

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

SGI Peak Growth Fund (SGPKX)
SGI Prudent Growth Fund (SGPGX)

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Established in 2010, Summit Global Investments, LLC (“SGI”) was founded to bring enhanced risk management to institutions, advisors, and families. SGI’s strategies utilize a distinct quantitative and fundamental analysis with a goal to invest in outstanding companies with the least potential for downside risks.

 

In 2022, downside protection has been front and center. The market has several risks coming to bear, the war in Ukraine, supply chain issues, expensive valuations, high inflation, rising rates and policy shifts of the U.S. Federal Reserve. With each rate hike, the U.S. Federal Reserve would ‘pivot’ and talk about how the market inflation is not that bad. As inflation has continued to rise throughout the year, the pivot is getting less and less effective and with even more painful inflation ahead, the pivot may go away entirely. This may take the “Fed Put” away from the market. Like a baby without its prized pacifier, the market may react poorly. The good news is that I don’t see many adults with pacifiers in their mouths. The market may have to grow up and realize the U.S. Federal Reserve, the government, or other actions will not save it. What will ultimately save companies are products that we all need and want, products that make a difference, products, and services that consumers cannot do without. Companies that provide such products and services will be those that are able to ‘ride out’ inflation and that tend to have better balance sheets and stronger cash flows. We believe companies with productive workforces and, ultimately, companies with less downside risk, inflation risk and geopolitical risk, will come out at the end of the pacifier stage on top.

 

Everyone at SGI is 100% committed to doing everything we can to ensure your investments perform as designed. If you have any doubt or any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly or to the team collectively.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

David Harden

 

Highlights

 

 

The SGI Peak Growth Fund returned -11.64% on a net basis1 in the twelve months ended August 31, 2022. The fund performed approximately in-line with its benchmark, the S&P 500 Index, which returned -11.23% during the same period.

 

 

The SGI Prudent Growth Fund returned -11.26% on a net basis1 in the twelve months ended August 31, 2022. The fund performed approximately in-line with its composite benchmark, a 60%/40% mix of the S&P 500 Index and the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index, which returned -11.07%.

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

 

The SGI Peak Growth Fund seeks capital appreciation. The SGI Prudent Growth Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation. There can be no guarantee that the Funds will achieve their respective investment objectives.

 

FUND COMMENTARY

 

Both the stock and bond markets posted negative returns during the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2022. Both the SGI Peak Growth Fund and the SGI Prudent Growth Fund performed in-line with their respective benchmarks.

 

1Net return is the return after all fees and expenses.

 

10

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

For the SGI Peak Growth Fund, asset allocation was the primary factor that determined returns. An average 30.0% allocation to the Class I Shares of the SGI Global Equity Fund (SGLIX), an average 21.0% allocation to SGI Small Cap Core Fund (BOGIX), and an average 17.9% allocation to the Class I Shares of the SGI US Large Cap Equity Fund (SILVX) during the twelve-month period were three of the largest detractors to performance. Additionally, an average 5.4% allocation to iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) also hurt returns.

 

For the SGI Prudent Growth Fund, asset allocation was the primary factor that determined returns. An average 16.8% allocation to iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG), an average allocation of 22.7% to SGI Global Equity Fund (SGLIX), and an average 12.0% allocation to the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund (SILVX) during the twelve-month period were three of the largest detractors to performance. Additionally, an average 9.3% allocation to SGI Small Cap Core Fund (BOGIX), and an average 3.6% allocation to iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) hurt returns.

 

What is portfolio management’s outlook?

 

The highest inflation in over 40 years has caused the U.S. Federal Reserve and other central banks to tighten monetary conditions. Starting in March of 2022, the federal funds interest rate has been aggressively increased from near zero to over 3% at the time of this report. Expectations for further tightening has been signaled into 2023. The bear market in equities is not likely to end until inflation has peaked and is steadily declining back to a target range of 2%.

 

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has also affected global energy and grain markets. Oil prices remain above $80 per barrel. The European economies are experiencing an energy squeeze with prices up over 300% due to Russia’s shutdown of the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline. There is a strong likelihood that Europe will fall into a recession which could have the effect of pulling the world into a global recession.

 

Stock markets are generally forward-looking, so the markets should bottom long before the economic statistics reveal that the recession is over. Investors always try to time the bottom but find the task nearly impossible. The risk is either being too early and experiencing further downside or being too late and missing the strongest part of a market recovery. This is the reason investors should not panic and get out of the market. Instead of trying to time the market, longer term investors should remain invested in equity markets.

 

Over longer time horizons, we believe that our managed risk approach towards investing can provide favorable relative returns. As always, we maintain a disciplined adherence to our rigorous quantitative and fundamental investment process.

 

The views expressed reflect the opinions of Summit Global Investments, LLC as of the date of this report and are subject to change based on changes in market, economic, or other conditions. These views are not intended to be a forecast of future events and are no guarantee of future results.

 

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

 

The S&P 500® Index is a broad-based unmanaged index of 500 stocks, which is widely recognized as representative of the equity market in general. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

The Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based, market capitalization-weighted bond market index representing intermediate term investment grade bonds traded in the United States. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Mutual Fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Equity securities (stocks) are subject to market, economic, and business risks that will cause their price to rise or fall over time. The net asset value per share of the Fund will fluctuate as the value of the securities in the portfolio change and an investor may lose money. Although the Fund seeks lower volatility, there is no guarantee the Fund will perform as expected. Investing in other investment companies, including ETFs, may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the Fund’s own expenses and will be subject to the risks of the underlying investments. The

 

11

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

stocks of small and mid-sized companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than stocks of larger companies. Investments in debt securities typically decrease in value when interest rates rise. The risk is usually greater for longer-term debt securities. Although the Funds seek lower volatility, there is no guarantee the Funds will perform as expected. The Funds may invest in foreign securities which involve political, economic and currency risks, greater volatility, and differences in accounting methods. These risks are greater in emerging markets. To the extent the Funds invest in Underlying Funds that focus their investments on a particular industry or sector, the Fund’s shares may be more volatile and fluctuate more than shares of a fund investing in a broader range of securities.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

The Funds are distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

 

12

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

SGI Small Cap Core Fund (formerly known as the SGI Small Cap Growth Fund)
Class I Shares: BOGIX

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Established in 2010, Summit Global Investments, LLC (“SGI”) was founded to bring enhanced risk management to institutions, advisors, and families. SGI’s strategies utilize a distinct quantitative and fundamental analysis with a goal to invest in outstanding companies with the least potential for downside risks.

 

In 2022, downside protection has been front and center. The market has several risks coming to bear, the war in Ukraine, supply chain issues, expensive valuations, high inflation, rising rates and policy shifts of the U.S. Federal Reserve. With each rate hike, the U.S. Federal Reserve would ‘pivot’ and talk about how the market inflation is not that bad. As inflation has continued to rise throughout the year, the pivot is getting less and less effective and with even more painful inflation ahead the pivot may go away entirely. This may take the “Fed Put” away from the market. Like a baby without its prized pacifier, the market may react poorly. The good news is that I don’t see many adults with pacifiers in their mouths. The market may have to grow up and realize the U.S. Federal Reserve, the government, or other actions will not save it. What will ultimately save companies are products that we all need and want, products that make a difference, products and services that consumers cannot do without. Companies that provide such products and services will be those that are able to ‘ride out’ inflation and that tend to have better balance sheets and stronger cash flows. We believe companies with productive workforces and, ultimately, companies with less downside risk, inflation risk and geopolitical risk, will come out at the end of the pacifier stage on top.

 

Everyone at SGI is 100% committed to doing everything we can to ensure that your investments perform as designed. If you have any doubt or any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly or to the team collectively.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

David Harden

 

Highlights

 

 

The SGI Small Cap Core Fund - Class I Shares returned -9.93% on a net basis1 in the twelve months ended August 31, 2022. The fund significantly outperformed its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Index, which returned -17.88% during the same period.

 

 

Strong stock selection was the primary reason for the outperformance versus the benchmark.

 

 

The Health Care sector exposure contributed the most to relative returns.

 

 

In terms of sector exposures, a significant overweight exposure to Consumer Staples and Industrials sectors and underweight exposure to the Information Technology and Communications Services sectors benefitted relative returns.

 

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE

 

The fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation.

 

1Net return is the return after all fees and expenses.

 

13

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Continued)
AUGUST 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

FUND COMMENTARY

 

How did the fund perform in the past twelve months?

 

The SGI Small Cap Core Fund - Class I Shares returned -9.93% on a net basis1 in the twelve-month period ended August 31, 2022. The fund significantly outperformed its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Index, which returned -17.88% during the same period.

 

What factors influenced the fund’s performance?

 

Strong stock selection was the primary reason for the outperformance versus the benchmark.

 

The Health Care sector was the largest contributing sector accounting for 43% of the fund’s outperformance relative to the benchmark. The three best contributing companies in the Health Care sector were: Shockwave Medical Inc. +56.68%, Inotiv Inc. +91.82%, and Evolent Health Inc. +21.01%.

 

The Industrials sector was the second largest contributing sector accounting for 25% of the fund’s outperformance relative to the benchmark. The three best contributing companies in the Industrials sector were: Mueller Industries Inc. +43.59%, Titan International Inc. +117.43%, and Boise Cascade Co. +38.91%.

 

The Consumer Staples sector was the third largest contributing sector accounting for 11% of the fund’s outperformance relative to the benchmark. The three best contributing companies in the Consumer Staples sector were: Elf Beauty Inc. +51.79%, Weis Markets Inc. +41.92%, and Sprouts Farmers Market Inc. +16.06%.

 

The Information Technology sector was the fourth largest contributing sector accounting for 11% of the fund’s outperformance relative to the benchmark. The three best contributing companies in the Information Technology sector were: Cyberoptics Corp. +29.98%, Digi International Inc. +65.96%, and International Money Express +22.81%.

 

In terms of sector exposures, a significant overweight exposure to Consumer Staples and Industrials sectors and underweight exposure to the Information Technology and Communications Services sectors benefitted relative returns.

 

Factor exposures added significantly to the fund’s relative performance. Overweight exposure to the profit factor benefitted the fund the most. An underweight to the residual volatility factor was the next best performing factor exposure. Factor exposures combined with strong stock selection accounted for the outstanding relative returns versus the benchmark.

 

How is the fund positioned?

 

The fund is positioned with three large sector underweights, an 8.4% underweight position to the Health Care sector, 3.8% underweight to the Financials sector, and a 2.7% underweight position to the Utilities sector. Three overweighted sectors are the Industrials sector +9.6%, Consumer Staples sector +2.0%, and Consumer Discretionary sector +1.8%.

 

Fund positioning from a factor standpoint shows the largest overweight exposures to earnings yield, profitability, valuation, and momentum factors. The largest underweighted exposures are to the residual volatility, liquidity, beta, and dividend yield factors relative to the benchmark.

 

What is portfolio management’s outlook?

 

The highest inflation in over 40 years has caused the U.S. Federal Reserve and other central banks to tighten monetary conditions. Starting in March of 2022, the federal funds interest rate has been aggressively increased from near zero to over 3% at the time of this report. Expectations for further tightening has been signaled into 2023. The bear market in equities is not likely to end until inflation has peaked and is steadily declining back to a target range of 2%.

 

1Net return is the return after all fees and expenses.

 

14

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (Concluded)
AUGUST 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has also affected global energy and grain markets. Oil prices remain above $80 per barrel. The European economies are experiencing an energy squeeze with prices up over 300% due to Russia’s shutdown of the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline. There is a strong likelihood that Europe will fall into a recession which could have the effect of pulling the world into a global recession.

 

Stock markets are generally forward-looking, so the markets should bottom long before the economic statistics reveal that the recession is over. Investors always try to time the bottom but find the task nearly impossible. The risk is either being too early and experiencing further downside or being too late and missing the strongest part of a market recovery. This is the reason investors should not panic and get out of the market. Instead of trying to time the market, longer term investors should remain invested in equity markets.

 

Over longer time horizons, we believe that our managed risk approach towards investing can provide favorable relative returns. As always, we maintain a disciplined adherence to our rigorous quantitative and fundamental investment process.

 

The views expressed reflect the opinions of Summit Global Investments, LLC as of the date of this report and are subject to change based on changes in market, economic, or other conditions. These views are not intended to be a forecast of future events and are no guarantee of future results.

 

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

 

The Russell 2000® Index consists of the smallest 2,000 companies in a group of 3,000 U.S. companies in the Russell 3000® Index, as ranked by market capitalization. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Mutual Fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Equity securities (stocks) are subject to market, economic, and business risks that will cause their price to rise or fall over time. The net asset value per share of the Fund will fluctuate as the value of the securities in the portfolio change and an investor may lose money. Although the Fund seeks lower volatility, there is no guarantee the Fund will perform as expected. Investing in other investment companies, including ETFs, may result in duplication of expenses, including advisory fees, in addition to the Fund’s own expenses and will be subject to the risks of the underlying investments. The stocks of mid-sized companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than stocks of larger companies.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

 

The Funds are distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

 

15

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data

August 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $1,000,000 Investment in SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund - Class I Shares
vs. S&P 500® Index

 

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $1,000,000 initial investment in the Fund’s Class I Shares made on August 31, 2012 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the S&P 500® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2022

 
 

One
Year

Five
Years

Ten
Years

Since
Inception
(1)

 

Class I Shares

-10.71%

9.21%

10.81%

10.46%

 

S&P 500® Index(2)

-11.23%

11.82%

13.08%

12.85%

 

 

 

(1)

Class I Shares of the Fund commenced operations on February 29, 2012.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Class I Shares only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s total annual operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated March 2, 2022, is 0.98% of average daily net assets for Class I Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. The Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse expenses through December 31, 2022 to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed 0.98% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 0.98%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. The contractual limitation may not be terminated before March 3, 2023 without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 0.98% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

16

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

The Fund’s investments will generally consist of securities, which may include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock and securities convertible into common stock. Portfolio composition is subject to change. The Fund evaluates performance as compared to that of the Standard & Poor’s 500® Index (“S&P 500®”). The S&P 500® is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of 500 common stocks which are generally representative of the U.S. stock market as a whole. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

17

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS A SHARES

 

Performance Data (continued)

August 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund - Class A Shares
vs. S&P 500® Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment, adjusted for the Class A Shares maximum sales charge of 5.25% to a net initial investment of $9,475, in the Fund’s Class A Shares made on October 29, 2015 (commencement of operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the S&P 500® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2022

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception
(1)

 

Class A Shares (without sales charge)

-10.89%

5.25%

8.95%

8.63%

 

Class A Shares (with sales charge)

-15.58%

3.38%

7.79%

7.78%

 

S&P 500® Index(2)

-11.23%

12.39%

11.82%

11.86%

 

 

 

(1)

Class A Shares of the Fund commenced operations on October 29, 2015.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Class A Shares only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Class A Shares of the Fund have a 5.25% maximum sales charge.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s total annual operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated March 2, 2022, is 1.23% of average daily net assets for Class A Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. The Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse expenses through December 31, 2022 to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed 1.23% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse certain expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.23%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. The contractual limitation may not be terminated before March 3, 2023 without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 1.23% of the

 

18

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS A SHARES

 

Performance Data (continued)

August 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

The Fund’s investments will generally consist of securities, which may include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock and securities convertible into common stock. Portfolio composition is subject to change. The Fund evaluates performance as compared to that of the Standard & Poor’s 500® Index (“S&P 500®”). The S&P 500® is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of 500 common stocks which are generally representative of the U.S. stock market as a whole. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

19

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS C SHARES

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund - Class C Shares
vs. S&P 500® Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund’s Class C Shares made on December 31, 2015 (commencement of operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the S&P 500® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2022

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception
(1)

 

Class C Shares

-11.54%

4.62%

8.24%

8.24%

 

S&P 500® Index (2)

-11.23%

12.39%

11.82%

12.48%

 

 

 

(1)

Class C Shares of the Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2015.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Class C Shares only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s total annual operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated March 2, 2022, is 1.98% of average daily net assets for Class C Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. The Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse expenses through December 31, 2022 to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed 1.98% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.98%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. The contractual limitation may not be terminated before March 3, 2023 without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 1.98% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

20

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS C SHARES

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

The Fund’s investments will generally consist of securities, which may include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock and securities convertible into common stock. Portfolio composition is subject to change. The Fund evaluates performance as compared to that of the Standard & Poor’s 500® Index (“S&P 500®”). The S&P 500® is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of 500 common stocks which are generally representative of the U.S. stock market as a whole. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

21

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $1,000,000 Investment in SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund - Class I Shares
vs. Russell 2000® Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $1,000,000 initial investment in the Fund’s Class I Shares made on March 31, 2016 (commencement of operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the Russell 2000® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2022

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception
(1)

 

Class I Shares

-5.29%

-0.18%

1.27%

4.48%

 

Russell 2000® Index(2)

-17.88%

8.59%

6.95%

9.59%

 

 

 

(1)

Class I Shares of the Fund commenced operations on March 31, 2016.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Class I Shares only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s total annual gross and net operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated March 2, 2022, are 1.40% and 1.23%, respectively, of average daily net assets for Class I Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. The Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse expenses through December 31, 2022 to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed 1.23% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.23%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation may not be terminated before March 3, 2023 without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 1.23% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

22

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

The Fund’s investments will generally consist of securities, which may include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock and securities convertible into common stock. Portfolio composition is subject to change. The Fund evaluates performance as compared to that of the Russell 2000® Index (“Russell 2000®”). The Russell 2000® is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of 2,000 common stocks which are generally representative of the U.S. Small Companies. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

The Fund invests in equity securities and in stocks of small companies which are subject to market, economic and business risks that may cause their price to rise or fall over time. Stocks of small companies may be more volatile, less liquid or not as readily marketable as those of larger companies. Small companies may also have limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may be dependent on relatively small or inexperienced management groups. Although the Fund seeks lower volatility, there is no guarantee the Fund will perform as expected.

 

23

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS A SHARES

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund - Class A Shares
vs. Russell 2000® Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund’s Class A Shares made on March 31, 2016 (commencement of operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the Russell 2000® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2022

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception
(1)

 

Class A Shares (without sales charge)

-5.49%

-0.41%

1.02%

4.25%

 

Class A Shares (with sales charge)

-10.47%

-2.17%

-0.07%

3.38%

 

Russell 2000® Index(2)

-17.88%

8.59%

6.95%

9.59%

 

 

 

(1)

Class A Shares of the Fund commenced operations on March 31, 2016.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Class A Shares only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Class A Shares of the Fund have a 5.25% maximum sales charge.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s total annual gross and net operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated March 2, 2022, are 1.65% and 1.48%, respectively, of average daily net assets for Class A Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. The Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse expenses through December 31, 2022 to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed 1.48% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.48%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation may not be terminated before March 3, 2023 without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 1.48% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement

 

24

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS A SHARES

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

The Fund’s investments will generally consist of securities, which may include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock and securities convertible into common stock. Portfolio composition is subject to change. The Fund evaluates performance as compared to that of the Russell 2000® Index (“Russell 2000®”). The Russell 2000® is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of 2,000 common stocks which are generally representative of the U.S. Small Companies. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

The Fund invests in equity securities and in stocks of small companies which are subject to market, economic and business risks that may cause their price to rise or fall over time. Stocks of small companies may be more volatile, less liquid or not as readily marketable as those of larger companies. Small companies may also have limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may be dependent on relatively small or inexperienced management groups. Although the Fund seeks lower volatility, there is no guarantee the Fund will perform as expected.

 

25

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS C SHARES

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund - Class C Shares
vs. Russell 2000® Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund’s Class C Shares made on March 31, 2016 (commencement of operations) and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the Russell 2000® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2022

 
 

One
Year

Three
Years

Five
Years

Since
Inception
(1)

 

Class C Share

-5.66%

-0.97%

0.38%

3.55%

 

Russell 2000® Index(2)

-17.88%

8.59%

6.95%

9.59%

 

 

 

(1)

Class C Shares of the Fund commenced operations on March 31, 2016.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Class C Shares only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s total annual gross and net operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated March 2, 2022, are 2.40% and 2.23%, respectively, of average daily net assets for Class C Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. The Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse expenses through December 31, 2022 to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed 2.23% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 2.23%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation may not be terminated before March 3, 2023 without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 2.23% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

26

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND - CLASS C SHARES

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

The Fund’s investments will generally consist of securities, which may include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock and securities convertible into common stock. Portfolio composition is subject to change. The Fund evaluates performance as compared to that of the Russell 2000® Index (“Russell 2000®”). The Russell 2000® is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of 2,000 common stocks which are generally representative of the U.S. Small Companies. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

The Fund invests in equity securities and in stocks of small companies which are subject to market, economic and business risks that may cause their price to rise or fall over time. Stocks of small companies may be more volatile, less liquid or not as readily marketable as those of larger companies. Small companies may also have limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may be dependent on relatively small or inexperienced management groups. Although the Fund seeks lower volatility, there is no guarantee the Fund will perform as expected.

 

27

 

 

SGI GLOBAL EQUITY FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $1,000,000 Investment in SGI Global Equity Fund - Class I Shares
vs. MSCI ACWI Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $1,000,000 minimum initial investment, in the Fund’s Class I Shares made on August 31, 2012 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the MSCI ACWI Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2022(1)

 
 

One
Year

Five
Years

Ten
Years

 

Class I Shares(2)

-9.20%

6.22%

8.04%

 

MSCI ACWI Index(3)

-15.88%

6.97%

8.70%

 

 

 

(1)

Returns for periods prior to January 3, 2017 were generated under the management of the Fund’s former investment adviser and reflect a previous investment strategy.

 

(2)

The Fund operated as a series of Scotia Institutional Funds prior to the close of business on March 21, 2014 (the “Predecessor Fund”), at which time the Predecessor Fund was reorganized into the Scotia Dynamic U.S. Growth Fund, a newly created series of The RBB Fund, Inc. The fiscal year end of the Predecessor Fund was September 30. The performance shown for periods prior to March 21, 2014 represents the performance for the Predecessor Fund. While the Predecessor Fund commenced operations on March 31, 2009, the Predecessor Fund began investing consistent with its investment objective on April 1, 2009. Effective January 3, 2017, the Scotia Dynamic U.S. Growth Fund changed its name to the Summit Global Investments Global Low Volatility Fund (the “Fund”).

 

(3)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Predecessor Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s total annual gross and net operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated March 2, 2022, are 0.95% and 0.84%, respectively, of average daily net assets for Class I Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. The Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse certain expenses of the Fund through December 31, 2022 to the extent necessary to ensure

 

28

 

 

SGI GLOBAL EQUITY FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

that the Fund’s total annual operating expenses (excluding taxes, extraordinary expenses, brokerage commissions and interest) do not exceed 0.84% (on an annual basis) of Class I’s average daily net assets (the “Expense Limitation”). The Expense Limitation shall remain in effect until March 3, 2023 unless the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. approves its earlier termination. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 0.84% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

International investing is subject to special risks including, but not limited to, currency risk associated with securities denominated in other than the U.S. dollar, which may be affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates, political, social or economic instability, and differences in taxation, auditing, and other financial practices.

 

The MSCI ACWI Index (the “Index”) captures large and mid cap representation across 23 Developed Markets (DM) and 27 Emerging Markets (EM) countries. With more than 3,000 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of the global investable equity opportunity set. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

29

 

 

SGI PRUDENT GROWTH FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in SGI Prudent Growth Fund - Class I Shares
vs. S&P 500® Index and Composite Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment, in the Fund’s Class I Shares made on June 8, 2020 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the S&P 500® Index and Composite Index are unmanaged, do not incur expenses and are not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2022

 
 

One
Year

Since
Inception
(1)

 

Class I Shares

-11.26%

1.68%

 

S&P 500® Index(2)

-11.23%

11.15%

 

Composite Index(3)

-11.07%

4.84%

 

 

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund is June 8, 2020.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(3)

The Composite Index is comprised of the S&P 500® Index and Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index, weighted 60% and 40%, respectively.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s total annual gross and net operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated March 2, 2022 are 2.27% and 2.22%, respectively, of average daily net assets for Class I Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. The Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse certain expenses of the Fund through December 31, 2022 to the extent necessary to ensure that the Fund’s total annual operating expenses (excluding taxes, extraordinary expenses, brokerage commissions and interest) do not exceed 1.70% (on an annual basis) of Class I’s average daily net assets (the “Expense Limitation”). The Expense Limitation shall remain in effect until March 3, 2023, unless the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. approves its earlier termination. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 1.70% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

The S&P 500® Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of 500 common stocks which are generally representative of the U.S. stock market as a whole. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

30

 

 

SGI PEAK GROWTH FUND - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (Continued)

August 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in SGI Peak Growth Fund - Class I Shares
vs. S&P 500® Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 minimum initial investment, in the Fund’s Class I Shares made on June 8, 2020 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the S&P 500® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2022

 
 

One
Year

Since
Inception
(1)

 

Class I Shares

-11.64%

5.04%

 

S&P 500® Index(2)

-11.23%

11.15%

 

 

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund is June 8, 2020.

 

(2)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s total annual gross and net operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated March 2, 2022 are 2.54% and 2.54%, respectively, of average daily net assets for Class I Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. The Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse certain expenses of the Fund through December 31, 2022 to the extent necessary to ensure that the Fund’s total annual operating expenses (excluding taxes, extraordinary expenses, brokerage commissions and interest) do not exceed 1.70% (on an annual basis) of Class I’s average daily net assets (the “Expense Limitation”). The Expense Limitation shall remain in effect until March 3, 2023, unless the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. approves its earlier termination. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 1.70% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

The S&P 500® Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of 500 common stocks which are generally representative of the U.S. stock market as a whole. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

31

 

 

SGI SMALL CAP CORE FUND (formerly, the SGI Small Cap Growth Fund) - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (CONtinued)

August 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

Comparison of Change in Value of $10,000 Investment in SGI Small Cap Core Fund
vs. Russell 2000® Index

 

 

This chart assumes a hypothetical $10,000 initial investment in the Fund made on August 31, 2012 and reflects Fund expenses. Investors should note that the Fund is an actively managed mutual fund while the Russell 2000® Index is unmanaged, does not incur expenses and is not available for investment.

 

Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended August 31, 2022

 
 

One
Year

Five
Years

Ten
Years

Since
Inception
(1)

 

Class I Shares

-9.93%

7.95%

11.22%

10.56%

 

Russell 2000® Index

-17.88%

6.95%

10.01%

8.04%

 

 

 

(1)

For the period October 1, 1999 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2022.

 

Performance quoted is past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher. Returns shown do not reflect taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 1-855-744-8500.

 

The Fund’s total net operating expenses, as stated in the current prospectus dated March 2, 2022, as supplemented, are 1.29%, respectively, of average daily net assets for Class I Shares. These ratios may differ from the actual expenses incurred by the Fund for the period covered by this report. The Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or reimburse expenses through December 31, 2022 to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed 1.23% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause net total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed 1.23%: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary items, interest or taxes. This contractual limitation may not be terminated before March 3, 2023 without the approval of the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. If at any time the Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than 1.23% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to Class I Shares, the Adviser is entitled to reimbursement by the Fund of the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such reimbursement does not cause the Fund to exceed expense limitations that were in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement. The Fund’s investments will generally consist of securities, which may include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants to acquire common stock and securities convertible into common stock. Portfolio

 

32

 

 

SGI SMALL CAP CORE FUND (formerly, the SGI Small Cap Growth Fund) - CLASS I SHARES

 

Performance Data (CONCLUDED)

August 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

composition is subject to change. The Fund evaluates performance as compared to that of the Russell 2000® Index (“Russell 2000®”). The Russell 2000® is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of 2,000 common stocks which are generally representative of the U.S. Small Companies. It is impossible to invest directly in an index.

 

The Fund invests in equity securities and in stocks of small companies which are subject to market, economic and business risks that may cause their price to rise or fall over time. Stocks of small companies may be more volatile, less liquid or not as readily marketable as those of larger companies. Small companies may also have limited product lines, markets or financial resources and may be dependent on relatively small or inexperienced management groups. Although the Fund seeks lower volatility, there is no guarantee the Fund will perform as expected.

 

33

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Fund Expense Examples

August 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund(s), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments (if applicable); and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund(s) and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022 and held for the entire period.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

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

 

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

 

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

 

Beginning
Account Value
MARCH 1, 2022

Ending
Account Value
AUGUST 31, 2022

Expenses
Paid During
Period*

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual
Six-Month
Total
Investment
Return for
the Fund

Actual

         

Class I Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 964.90

$ 4.80

0.97%

-3.51%

Class A Shares

1,000.00

964.40

6.04

1.22

-3.56

Class C Shares

1,000.00

960.70

9.74

1.97

-3.93

         

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

       

Class I Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,020.32

$ 4.94

0.97%

N/A

Class A Shares

1,000.00

1,019.06

6.21

1.22

N/A

Class C Shares

1,000.00

1,015.27

10.01

1.97

N/A

 

34

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Fund Expense Examples (CONTINUED)

August 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

 

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

 

Beginning
Account Value
MARCH 1, 2022

Ending
Account Value
AUGUST 31, 2022

Expenses
Paid During
Period*

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual
Six-Month
Total
Investment
Return for
the Fund

Actual

         

Class I Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 962.50

$ 6.08

1.23%

-3.75%

Class A Shares

1,000.00

961.40

7.32

1.48

-3.86

Class C Shares

1,000.00

963.50

11.04

2.23

-3.65

         

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

       

Class I Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,019.00

$ 6.26

1.23%

N/A

Class A Shares

1,000.00

1,017.74

7.53

1.48

N/A

Class C Shares

1,000.00

1,013.96

11.32

2.23

N/A

 

 

SGI Global Equity Fund

 

Beginning
Account Value
MARCH 1, 2022

Ending
Account Value
AUGUST 31, 2022

Expenses
Paid During
Period*

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual
Six-Month
Total
Investment
Return for
the Fund

Actual

         

Class I Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 924.40

$ 4.07

0.84%

-7.56%

         

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

       

Class I Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,020.97

$ 4.28

0.84%

N/A

 

 

SGI Prudent Fund

 

Beginning
Account Value
MARCH 1, 2022

Ending
Account Value
AUGUST 31, 2022

Expenses
Paid During
Period*

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual
Six-Month
Total
Investment
Return for
the Fund

Actual

         

Class I Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 931.60

$ 8.28

1.70%

-6.84%

         

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

       

Class I Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,016.64

$ 8.64

1.70%

N/A

 

35

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Fund Expense Examples (Concluded)

August 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

 

SGI Peak Growth Fund

 

Beginning
Account Value
MARCH 1, 2022

Ending
Account Value
AUGUST 31, 2022

Expenses
Paid During
Period*

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual
Six-Month
Total
Investment
Return for
the Fund

Actual

         

Class I Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 932.80

$ 8.28

1.70%

-6.72%

         

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

       

Class I Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,016.64

$ 8.64

1.70%

N/A

 

 

SGI small cap CORE Fund

 

Beginning
Account Value
MARCH 1, 2022

Ending
Account Value
AUGUST 31, 2022

Expenses
Paid During
Period*

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

Actual
Six-Month
Total
Investment
Return for
the Fund

Actual

         

Class L Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 953.30

$ 6.06

1.23%

-4.67%

         

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

       

Class L Shares

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,019.00

$ 6.26

1.23%

N/A

 

 

*

Expenses are equal to each Fund’s annualized six-month expense ratio for the period March 1, 2022 to August 31, 2022, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one half year period. Each Fund’s ending account values on the first line in the tables is based on the actual six-month total investment return for each Fund.

 

36

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

August 31, 2022

 

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

 

   

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS:

               

Food

    12.3 %   $ 52,098,192  

Software

    9.7       40,869,441  

Electric

    9.5       40,047,833  

Pharmaceuticals

    9.0       38,225,181  

Insurance

    8.2       34,474,142  

Biotechnology

    7.9       33,301,729  

Computers

    4.3       18,333,871  

Oil & Gas

    3.9       16,605,362  

Banks

    3.5       14,585,830  

REITS

    3.1       12,990,034  

Chemicals

    2.8       11,666,300  

Retail

    2.7       11,466,721  

Commercial Services

    2.3       9,688,682  

Distribution/Wholesale

    2.2       9,457,068  

Diversified Financial Services

    2.2       9,417,489  

Telecommunications

    2.1       8,757,722  

Semiconductors

    1.8       7,455,389  

Healthcare-Products

    1.6       6,917,798  

Gas

    1.6       6,911,242  

Aerospace/Defense

    1.6       6,799,897  

Electronics

    1.4       5,873,757  

Media

    1.0       4,420,068  

Water

    0.9       3,874,545  

Auto Manufacturers

    0.8       3,201,998  

Environmental Control

    0.7       2,890,413  

Hand & Machine Tools

    0.7       2,766,822  

Beverages

    0.3       1,295,910  

Advertising

    0.3       1,251,030  

Office/Business Equipment

    0.3       1,116,068  

Electrical Components & Equipment

    0.2       961,280  

Household Products/Wares

    0.2       879,888  

Miscellaneous Manufacturing

    0.2       857,252  

Healthcare-Services

    0.2       810,972  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

    0.4       1,630,974  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

    0.1       478,633  

NET ASSETS

    100 %   $ 422,379,533  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
37

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2022

 

   Number
of Shares
   Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 99.5%          
Advertising — 0.3%          
Omnicom Group, Inc.   18,700   $1,251,030 
Aerospace/Defense — 1.6%          
General Dynamics Corp.   10,300    2,357,979 
Lockheed Martin Corp.   5,400    2,268,594 
Teledyne Technologies, Inc.*   5,900    2,173,324 
         6,799,897 
Auto Manufacturers — 0.8%          
General Motors Co.   83,800    3,201,998 
Banks — 3.5%          
Citigroup, Inc.   17,800    868,818 
Citizens Financial Group, Inc.   169,100    6,202,588 
Fifth Third Bancorp   81,100    2,769,565 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.   17,300    1,967,529 
KeyCorp   157,000    2,777,330 
         14,585,830 
Beverages — 0.3%          
Coca-Cola Co., (The)   21,000    1,295,910 
Biotechnology — 7.9%          
Gilead Sciences, Inc.   159,900    10,148,853 
Incyte Corp.*   129,200    9,099,556 
Royalty Pharma PLC, Class A, (United Kingdom)   88,800    3,712,728 
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   36,700    10,340,592 
         33,301,729 
Chemicals — 2.8%          
Eastman Chemical Co.   58,700    5,341,700 
LyondellBasell Industries NV, Class A, (Netherlands)   76,200    6,324,600 
         11,666,300 
Commercial Services — 2.3%          
Cintas Corp.   7,800    3,173,352 
S&P Global, Inc.   18,500    6,515,330 
         9,688,682 
Computers — 4.3%          
Accenture PLC, Class A, (Ireland)   12,600    3,634,596 
Apple, Inc.   73,000    11,477,060 
Dell Technologies, Inc., Class C   34,700    1,328,663 
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.   92,000    1,251,200 
Western Digital Corp.*   15,200    642,352 
         18,333,871 
Distribution/Wholesale — 2.2%          
Copart, Inc.*   35,500    4,247,575 
Fastenal Co.   58,300    2,934,239 
WW Grainger, Inc.   4,100    2,275,254 
         9,457,068 
Diversified Financial Services — 2.2%          
Interactive Brokers Group, Inc., Class A   14,600   $899,214 
Synchrony Financial   260,100    8,518,275 
         9,417,489 
Electric — 9.5%          
AES Corp.   71,100    1,809,495 
Alliant Energy Corp.   67,200    4,101,888 
American Electric Power Co., Inc.   13,400    1,342,680 
CMS Energy Corp.   48,100    3,248,674 
Consolidated Edison, Inc.   9,300    908,982 
DTE Energy Co.   21,700    2,828,378 
Duke Energy Corp.   39,700    4,244,327 
Entergy Corp.   7,600    876,280 
Evergy, Inc.   81,100    5,557,783 
Exelon Corp.   22,800    1,001,148 
NextEra Energy, Inc.   46,600    3,963,796 
PPL Corp.   134,700    3,917,076 
Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.   14,700    946,092 
WEC Energy Group, Inc.   13,100    1,351,134 
Xcel Energy, Inc.   53,200    3,950,100 
         40,047,833 
Electrical Components & Equipment — 0.2%          
AMETEK, Inc.   8,000    961,280 
Electronics — 1.4%          
Fortive Corp.   60,400    3,825,132 
Keysight Technologies, Inc.*   12,500    2,048,625 
         5,873,757 
Environmental Control — 0.7%          
Waste Management, Inc.   17,100    2,890,413 
Food — 12.3%          
Campbell Soup Co.   44,100    2,221,758 
ConAgra Foods, Inc.   28,400    976,392 
Hershey Co., (The)   51,600    11,592,972 
Hormel Foods Corp.   75,500    3,796,140 
Kellogg Co.   159,300    11,587,482 
Kraft Heinz Co., (The)   228,500    8,545,900 
Kroger Co., (The)   97,000    4,650,180 
Mondelez International, Inc., Class A   50,300    3,111,558 
Tyson Foods, Inc., Class A   74,500    5,615,810 
         52,098,192 
Gas — 1.6%          
NiSource, Inc.   234,200    6,911,242 
Hand & Machine Tools — 0.7%          
Snap-on, Inc.   12,700    2,766,822 

 

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

 

38

 

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments (CONtinued)

August 31, 2022

 

   Number
of Shares
   Value 
Healthcare-Products — 1.6%          
Avantor, Inc.*   27,900   $694,989 
Hologic, Inc.*   67,400    4,553,544 
Medtronic PLC, (Ireland)   9,200    808,864 
West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.   2,900    860,401 
         6,917,798 
Healthcare-Services — 0.2%          
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings   3,600    810,972 
Household Products/Wares — 0.2%          
Kimberly-Clark Corp.   6,900    879,888 
Insurance — 8.2%          
Allstate Corp., (The)   7,600    915,800 
Arch Capital Group Ltd.*   179,300    8,197,596 
Chubb Ltd., (Switzerland)   6,000    1,134,300 
Fidelity National Financial, Inc.   86,100    3,366,510 
Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc.   6,300    1,016,631 
Progressive Corp., (The)   90,200    11,063,030 
Prudential Financial, Inc.   91,700    8,780,275 
         34,474,142 
Media — 1.0%          
FactSet Research Systems, Inc.   10,200    4,420,068 
Miscellaneous Manufacturing — 0.2%          
Illinois Tool Works, Inc.   4,400    857,252 
Office/Business Equipment — 0.3%          
Zebra Technologies Corp., Class A*   3,700    1,116,068 
Oil & Gas — 3.9%          
Exxon Mobil Corp.   68,500    6,547,915 
Marathon Petroleum Corp.   16,100    1,622,075 
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.   9,400    2,380,268 
Valero Energy Corp.   51,700    6,055,104 
         16,605,362 
Pharmaceuticals — 9.0%          
AbbVie, Inc.   35,200    4,732,992 
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.   138,700    9,349,767 
McKesson Corp.   13,500    4,954,500 
Merck & Co., Inc.   116,800    9,970,048 
Pfizer, Inc.   203,800    9,217,874 
         38,225,181 
REITS — 3.1%          
AvalonBay Communities, Inc.   4,500    904,095 
Camden Property Trust   47,400    6,091,374 
Public Storage   9,800    3,242,134 
Simon Property Group, Inc.   18,700    1,907,026 
Sun Communities, Inc.   5,500    845,405 
         12,990,034 
Retail — 2.7%          
Best Buy Co., Inc.   12,400   $876,556 
Costco Wholesale Corp.   1,900    991,990 
Dollar General Corp.   10,000    2,374,200 
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.   54,500    7,223,975 
         11,466,721 
Semiconductors — 1.8%          
Broadcom, Inc.   6,300    3,144,393 
NVIDIA Corp.   4,700    709,418 
Texas Instruments, Inc.   21,800    3,601,578 
         7,455,389 
Software — 9.7%          
Adobe Systems, Inc.*   20,300    7,580,832 
Electronic Arts, Inc.   54,400    6,901,728 
Fiserv, Inc.*   38,100    3,855,339 
Intuit, Inc.   18,500    7,987,930 
Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.   4,900    941,780 
Microsoft Corp.   42,600    11,138,622 
Roper Technologies, Inc.   2,100    845,418 
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.*   13,200    1,617,792 
         40,869,441 
Telecommunications — 2.1%          
AT&T, Inc.   52,100    913,834 
Cisco Systems, Inc.   175,400    7,843,888 
         8,757,722 
Water — 0.9%          
American Water Works Co., Inc.   26,100    3,874,545 
           
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $377,522,743)        420,269,926 
           

 

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

 

39

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments (CONCLUDED)

August 31, 2022

 

   

Number
of Shares

   

Value

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.4%

       

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.00%(a)

    1,630,974     $ 1,630,974  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

               

(Cost $1,630,974)

            1,630,974  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 99.9%

       

(Cost $379,153,717)

            421,900,900  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 0.1%

            478,633  

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

          $ 422,379,533  

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.

 

PLC Public Limited Company

 

REIT Real Estate Investment Trust

 

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

 

40

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

August 31, 2022

 

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

 

   

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS:

               

Banks

    13.3 %   $ 4,731,593  

Pharmaceuticals

    9.0       3,189,568  

Food

    8.0       2,825,717  

Commercial Services

    7.0       2,503,531  

Diversified Financial Services

    6.8       2,428,307  

Transportation

    6.0       2,130,908  

Retail

    5.1       1,816,706  

Water

    4.5       1,601,967  

Chemicals

    3.7       1,314,006  

Insurance

    3.6       1,279,286  

Packaging & Containers

    3.4       1,219,195  

REITS

    3.2       1,119,452  

Gas

    2.3       827,265  

Electronics

    2.2       790,777  

Auto Parts & Equipment

    2.2       787,157  

Software

    2.2       778,645  

Biotechnology

    2.1       733,012  

Savings & Loans

    2.0       719,345  

Electric

    1.8       651,860  

Engineering & Construction

    1.6       570,078  

Household Products/Wares

    1.5       531,609  

Computers

    1.5       519,901  

Healthcare-Products

    1.4       509,492  

Oil & Gas

    0.8       293,716  

Environmental Control

    0.8       280,102  

Machinery-Diversified

    0.8       271,829  

Building Materials

    0.7       250,038  

Pipelines

    0.6       215,319  

Miscellaneous Manufacturing

    0.5       185,136  

Real Estate

    0.4       152,136  

Distribution/Wholesale

    0.4       126,968  

Healthcare-Services

    0.3       118,065  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

    0.2       56,417  

NET ASSETS

    100 %   $ 35,529,103  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

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

 

41

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2022

 

   Number
of Shares
   Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 99.8%        
Auto Parts & Equipment — 2.2%          
Dorman Products, Inc.*   6,675   $605,089 
Standard Motor Products, Inc.   4,961    182,068 
         787,157 
Banks — 13.4%          
Bank of Marin Bancorp   2,000    61,800 
Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.   2,900    91,408 
BayCom Corp.   3,500    65,135 
BCB Bancorp, Inc.   6,300    113,400 
Camden National Corp.   1,700    76,891 
CBTX, Inc.   5,200    154,960 
City Holding Co.   2,300    195,523 
CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc.*   10,900    143,662 
Equity Bancshares, Inc., Class A   6,625    206,899 
Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc.   4,100    153,258 
Farmers National Banc Corp.   8,700    124,323 
First Bancshares, Inc., (The)   5,200    155,480 
First Financial Corp.   9,404    437,286 
Great Southern Bancorp, Inc.   4,500    264,510 
HarborOne Bancorp, Inc.   11,000    150,040 
Lakeland Financial Corp.   4,000    301,360 
Merchants Bancorp   6,875    185,419 
Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.*   4,575    350,354 
Old Second Bancorp, Inc.   18,600    255,192 
Origin Bancorp, Inc.   5,300    216,505 
Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corp.   6,035    203,198 
Southern First Bancshares, Inc.*   2,000    86,220 
Unity Bancorp, Inc.   4,200    117,726 
Westamerica BanCorp   11,100    621,045 
         4,731,594 
Biotechnology — 2.1%          
Innoviva, Inc.*   55,700    733,012 
Building Materials — 0.7%          
AAON, Inc.   4,350    250,038 
Chemicals — 3.7%          
American Vanguard Corp.   15,848    315,850 
Balchem Corp.   5,450    718,419 
Hawkins, Inc.   7,300    279,736 
         1,314,005 
Commercial Services — 7.0%          
CorVel Corp.*   2,475   $384,566 
Forrester Research, Inc.*   5,400    224,586 
Franklin Covey Co.*   4,700    223,579 
FTI Consulting, Inc.*   4,800    770,880 
ICF International, Inc.   5,050    512,878 
Kforce, Inc.   3,370    184,406 
Laureate Education, Inc.   18,388    202,636 
         2,503,531 
Computers — 1.5%          
ExlService Holdings, Inc.*   3,100    519,901 
Distribution/Wholesale — 0.4%          
Titan Machinery, Inc.*   4,125    126,968 
Diversified Financial Services — 6.8%          
AssetMark Financial Holdings, Inc.*   6,500    125,710 
Columbia Financial, Inc.*   3,800    81,054 
First Western Financial, Inc.*   2,600    68,978 
Houlihan Lokey, Inc.   8,775    688,838 
International Money Express, Inc.*   20,928    468,787 
Nelnet, Inc., Class A   800    67,392 
PJT Partners, Inc., Class A   13,400    927,548 
         2,428,307 
Electric — 1.8%          
Avangrid, Inc.   5,400    266,760 
MGE Energy, Inc.   5,000    385,100 
         651,860 
Electronics — 2.2%          
Mesa Laboratories, Inc.   1,300    222,118 
OSI Systems, Inc.*   6,825    568,659 
         790,777 
Engineering & Construction — 1.6%          
NV5 Global, Inc.*   4,050    570,078 
Environmental Control — 0.8%          
Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc.*   8,600    280,102 
Food — 8.0%          
John B Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.   5,100    411,723 
Lancaster Colony Corp.   1,800    303,390 
Seaboard Corp.   30    115,870 
Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.*   30,600    884,340 
Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc.   15,158    543,111 
Weis Markets, Inc.   7,300    567,283 
         2,825,717 
Gas — 2.3%          
Chesapeake Utilities Corp.   6,550    827,265 

 

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

 

42

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments (Concluded)

August 31, 2022

 

   Number
of Shares
   Value 
Healthcare-Products — 1.4%          
Atrion Corp.   200   $120,790 
Omnicell, Inc.*   3,800    388,702 
         509,492 
Healthcare-Services — 0.3%          
National HealthCare Corp.   1,700    118,065 
Household Products/Wares — 1.5%          
Helen of Troy, Ltd.*   4,300    531,609 
Insurance — 3.6%          
Hanover Insurance Group Inc., (The)   1,500    194,085 
National Western Life Group, Inc., Class A   400    76,124 
RLI Corp.   700    76,832 
Safety Insurance Group, Inc.   800    72,040 
Stewart Information Services Corp.   15,650    792,516 
United Fire Group, Inc.   2,300    67,689 
         1,279,286 
Machinery-Diversified — 0.8%          
Alamo Group, Inc.   1,525    199,409 
Tennant Co.   1,200    72,420 
         271,829 
Miscellaneous Manufacturing — 0.5%          
Chase Corp.   2,100    185,136 
Oil & Gas — 0.8%          
Chord Energy Corp.   2,075    293,716 
Packaging & Containers — 3.4%          
Silgan Holdings, Inc.   19,825    903,029 
UFP Technologies, Inc.*   3,400    316,166 
         1,219,195 
Pharmaceuticals — 9.0%          
Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   9,900    293,040 
Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc.*   28,403    499,325 
Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   16,800    550,536 
Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Inc., Class A*   6,400    68,864 
Pacira BioSciences, Inc.*   6,150    322,752 
Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc.*   12,982    656,630 
Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   9,000    308,070 
USANA Health Sciences, Inc.*   7,600    490,352 
         3,189,569 
Pipelines — 0.6%          
DT Midstream, Inc.   3,900    215,319 
Real Estate — 0.4%          
McGrath RentCorp   1,800    152,136 
REITS — 3.2%          
City Office REIT, Inc.   19,500   $225,225 
Easterly Government Properties, Inc.   16,200    290,790 
Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.   9,700    603,437 
         1,119,452 
Retail — 5.1%          
AutoNation, Inc.*   3,200    398,720 
Murphy USA, Inc.   3,600    1,044,612 
PC Connection, Inc.   1,700    84,456 
Winmark Corp.   1,400    288,918 
         1,816,706 
Savings & Loans — 2.0%          
Hingham Institution For Savings, (The)   525    155,872 
HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc.   4,900    113,778 
Southern Missouri Bancorp, Inc.   4,200    221,466 
Waterstone Financial, Inc.   13,200    228,228 
         719,344 
Software — 2.2%          
CSG Systems International, Inc.   8,500    491,725 
Verra Mobility Corp.*   18,000    286,920 
         778,645 
Transportation — 6.0%          
Heartland Express, Inc.   26,140    396,021 
Landstar System, Inc.   6,100    894,443 
Werner Enterprises, Inc.   21,122    840,444 
         2,130,908 
Water — 4.5%          
American States Water Co.   11,000    912,670 
California Water Service Group   7,645    447,462 
York Water Co., (The)   5,500    241,835 
         1,601,967 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $34,620,248)        35,472,686 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 99.8%          
(Cost $34,620,248)        35,472,686 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 0.2%        56,417 
NET ASSETS — 100.0%       $35,529,103 

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

REIT Real Estate Investment Trust

 

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

 

43

 

 

SGI GLOBAL EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

August 31, 2022

 

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

 

   

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS:

               

Banks

    13.6 %   $ 16,089,904  

Telecommunications

    10.0       11,939,708  

Pharmaceuticals

    7.6       8,978,239  

Food

    6.9       8,151,560  

Biotechnology

    6.5       7,698,535  

Electric

    5.2       6,119,030  

Diversified Financial Services

    4.8       5,652,889  

Retail

    4.3       5,096,726  

Software

    4.2       4,977,565  

Internet

    4.2       4,973,359  

Auto Manufacturers

    4.2       4,939,545  

Computers

    3.8       4,516,383  

Healthcare-Products

    2.9       3,404,988  

Media

    2.8       3,264,549  

Oil & Gas

    2.3       2,683,574  

Semiconductors

    2.2       2,650,980  

Chemicals

    2.1       2,497,711  

Insurance

    2.0       2,404,974  

Home Furnishings

    2.0       2,336,356  

Building Materials

    1.9       2,193,489  

REITS

    1.8       2,116,755  

Machinery-Diversified

    1.4       1,653,456  

Beverages

    1.1       1,257,062  

Office/Business Equipment

    0.5       603,830  

Electronics

    0.2       265,470  

Commercial Services

    0.2       240,900  

Auto Parts & Equipment

    0.2       231,965  

Mining

    0.2       231,616  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

    0.1       131,501  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

    0.8       957,436  

NET ASSETS

    100 %   $ 118,260,055  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
44

 

 

SGI GLOBAL EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2022

 

   Number
of Shares
   Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 99.1%          
Auto Manufacturers — 4.2%          
Honda Motor Co., Ltd., (Japan) SP ADR   113,600   $3,012,672 
Toyota Motor Corp., (Japan) SP ADR   12,900    1,926,873 
         4,939,545 
Auto Parts & Equipment — 0.2%          
Gentex Corp.   8,500    231,965 
Banks — 13.6%          
Bank of America Corp.   30,600    1,028,466 
Bank of Montreal, (Canada)   27,100    2,499,704 
Bank of Nova Scotia, (The), (Canada)   34,100    1,885,389 
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, (Canada)   7,400    350,094 
Credicorp Ltd.   29,600    3,815,144 
HSBC Holdings PLC, (United Kingdom) SP ADR   76,900    2,370,827 
Royal Bank of Canada, (Canada)   44,500    4,140,280 
         16,089,904 
Beverages — 1.1%          
Coca-Cola Co., (The)   3,900    240,669 
PepsiCo, Inc.   5,900    1,016,393 
         1,257,062 
Biotechnology — 6.5%          
Incyte Corp.*   55,700    3,922,951 
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   13,400    3,775,584 
         7,698,535 
Building Materials — 1.9%          
Johnson Controls International PLC, (Ireland)   31,400    1,699,996 
Louisiana-Pacific Corp.   9,100    493,493 
         2,193,489 
Chemicals — 2.1%          
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.   5,300    1,337,985 
Linde PLC, (Ireland)   4,100    1,159,726 
         2,497,711 
Commercial Services — 0.2%          
FTI Consulting, Inc.*   1,500    240,900 
Computers — 3.8%          
Apple, Inc.   13,700    2,153,914 
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd., (Israel)*   17,600    2,116,224 
Pure Storage, Inc., Class A*   8,500    246,245 
         4,516,383 
Diversified Financial Services — 4.8%          
Discover Financial Services   2,300   $231,127 
Houlihan Lokey, Inc.   43,100    3,383,350 
ORIX Corp., (Japan) SP ADR   11,600    955,260 
SLM Corp.   43,400    663,152 
T Rowe Price Group, Inc.   3,500    420,000 
         5,652,889 
Electric — 5.2%          
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp., (Canada)   75,500    1,035,105 
Duke Energy Corp.   20,900    2,234,419 
Fortis, Inc., (Canada)   64,600    2,849,506 
         6,119,030 
Electronics — 0.2%          
Garmin Ltd., (Switzerland)   3,000    265,470 
Food — 6.9%          
Campbell Soup Co.   5,100    256,938 
ConAgra Foods, Inc.   7,200    247,536 
General Mills, Inc.   26,400    2,027,520 
Hormel Foods Corp.   31,600    1,588,848 
Kellogg Co.   43,600    3,171,464 
Kraft Heinz Co., (The)   6,600    246,840 
Mondelez International, Inc., Class A   9,900    612,414 
         8,151,560 
Healthcare-Products — 2.9%          
Hologic, Inc.*   3,600    243,216 
Medtronic PLC, (Ireland)   22,800    2,004,576 
QuidelOrtho Corp.*   14,600    1,157,196 
         3,404,988 
Home Furnishings — 2.0%          
Dolby Laboratories, Inc., Class A   31,900    2,336,356 
Insurance — 2.0%          
Assurant, Inc.   1,500    237,735 
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B*   1,700    477,360 
Chubb Ltd., (Switzerland)   4,020    759,981 
Cincinnati Financial Corp.   2,400    232,704 
Erie Indemnity Co., Class A   2,100    451,353 
Hanover Insurance Group Inc., (The)   1,900    245,841 
         2,404,974 
Internet — 4.2%          
Alphabet, Inc., Class C*   19,200    2,095,680 
Amazon.com, Inc.*   22,700    2,877,679 
         4,973,359 
Machinery-Diversified — 1.4%          
Graco, Inc.   25,900    1,653,456 

 

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

 

45

 

 

SGI GLOBAL EQUITY FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments (Concluded)

August 31, 2022

 

   Number
of Shares
   Value 
Media — 2.8%          
Comcast Corp., Class A   6,300   $227,997 
Thomson Reuters Corp., (Canada)   27,600    3,036,552 
         3,264,549 
Mining — 0.2%          
Newmont Corp.   5,600    231,616 
Office/Business Equipment — 0.5%          
Canon, Inc., (Japan) SP ADR   25,286    603,830 
Oil & Gas — 2.3%          
Chevron Corp.   9,600    1,517,376 
Exxon Mobil Corp.   12,200    1,166,198 
         2,683,574 
Pharmaceuticals — 7.6%          
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.   16,300    1,098,783 
CVS Health Corp.   5,900    579,085 
Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd., (India) ADR   10,500    549,045 
Merck & Co., Inc.   13,600    1,160,896 
Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.*   2,400    251,112 
Novartis AG, (Switzerland) SP ADR   25,500    2,053,260 
Novo Nordisk, (Denmark) SP ADR   25,600    2,716,160 
Pfizer, Inc.   12,600    569,898 
         8,978,239 
REITS — 1.8%          
American Homes 4 Rent, Class A   41,100    1,461,516 
Digital Realty Trust, Inc.   5,300    655,239 
         2,116,755 
Retail — 4.3%          
Costco Wholesale Corp.   6,200    3,237,020 
Murphy USA, Inc.   900    261,153 
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.   12,060    1,598,553 
         5,096,726 
Semiconductors — 2.2%          
STMicroelectronics NV, (Netherlands)   6,700    233,830 
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., (Taiwan) SP ADR   29,000    2,417,150 
         2,650,980 
Software — 4.2%          
Microsoft Corp.   16,500    4,314,255 
Salesforce.com, Inc.*   2,300    359,076 
ServiceNow, Inc.*   700    304,234 
         4,977,565 
Telecommunications — 10.0%          
America Movil SAB de CV, (Mexico) SP ADR   22,900   $389,300 
Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd., (Taiwan) SP ADR   44,900    1,783,428 
Cisco Systems, Inc.   5,500    245,960 
KT Corp., (South Korea) SP ADR   18,100    248,332 
Nice Ltd., (Isreal) SP ADR*   10,100    2,155,037 
Orange SA, (France) SP ADR   39,900    402,591 
Telekomunikasi Indonesia Persero Tbk PT, (Indonesia) ADR   8,300    249,581 
T-Mobile US, Inc.*   28,700    4,131,652 
Verizon Communications, Inc.   24,300    1,015,983 
Vodafone Group PLC, (United Kingdom) SP ADR   98,200    1,317,844 
         11,939,708 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $117,689,054)        117,171,118 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.1%          

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.00%(a)

   131,501    131,501 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS          
(Cost $131,501)        131,501 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 99.2%          
(Cost $117,820,555)        117,302,619 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 0.8%        957,436 
NET ASSETS — 100.0%       $118,260,055 

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.

 

ADR American Depositary Receipt

 

PLC Public Limited Company

 

REIT Real Estate Investment Trust

 

SP ADR Sponsored ADR

 

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

 

46

 

 

SGI PRUDENT GROWTH FUND

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

August 31, 2022

 

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

 

   

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS

    38.1 %   $ 5,916,247  

MUTUAL FUNDS

    46.4       7,203,909  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

    15.3       2,371,223  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

    0.2       35,453  

NET ASSETS

    100 %   $ 15,526,832  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

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

 

47

 

 

SGI PRUDENT GROWTH FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2022

 

   Number
of Shares
   Value 
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — 38.1%    
Exchange-Traded Funds — 38.1%          
Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund   1,600   $52,880 
Invesco Optimum Yield Diversified Commodity Strategy No K-1 ETF   13,440    233,453 
Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1   790    236,423 
Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF   2,540    160,528 
iShares 5-10 Year Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF   1,800    91,566 
iShares Core 1-5 Year USD Bond ETF   14,900    702,237 
iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF   7,790    454,079 
iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF   1,350    131,220 
iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF   15,680    1,579,133 
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol USA ETF   2,280    162,974 
iShares Gold Trust *   2,590    84,072 
iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Min Vol Factor ETF   2,270    78,678 
iShares TIPS Bond ETF   1,310    149,222 
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF   1,500    108,600 
SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF   6,930    322,037 
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF   2,670    969,611 
Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities ETF   8,060    399,534 
         5,916,247 
TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS          
(Cost $6,249,528)        5,916,247 
MUTUAL FUNDS — 46.4%          
Mutual Funds — 46.4%          

SGI Global Equity Fund, Class I (a)

   102,939   $3,413,463 

SGI Small Cap Core Fund, Class I (a)

   54,297    1,386,197 

SGI US Large Cap Equity Fund, Class I (a)

   101,135    1,805,254 

SGI US Small Cap Equity Fund, Class I (a)

   53,102    598,995 
         7,203,909 
TOTAL MUTUAL FUNDS          
(Cost $7,577,889)        7,203,909 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 15.3%          

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.00% (b)

   2,371,223    2,371,223 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS          
(Cost $2,371,223)        2,371,223 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 99.8%          
(Cost $16,198,640)        15,491,379 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 0.2%        35,453 
NET ASSETS — 100.0%       $15,526,832 

 

 

*

Non-income producing security

 

(a)

Affiliated company. See Note 7.

 

(b)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.

 

ETF Exchange-Traded Funds

 

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

 

48

 

 

SGI PEAK GROWTH FUND

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

August 31, 2022

 

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

 

   

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS

    20.9 %   $ 2,721,648  

MUTUAL FUNDS

    74.9       9,725,667  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

    4.2       547,276  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS

    0.0       (6,353 )

NET ASSETS

    100 %   $ 12,988,238  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

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

 

49

 

 

SGI PEAK GROWTH FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2022

 

   Number
of Shares
   Value 
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — 20.9%    
Exchange-Traded Funds — 20.9%          
Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund   870   $28,754 
Invesco Optimum Yield Diversified Commodity Strategy No K-1 ETF   6,600    114,642 
Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1   380    113,723 
Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF   1,250    79,000 
iShares 5-10 Year Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF   930    47,309 
iShares Core 1-5 Year USD Bond ETF   1,500    70,695 
iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF   6,760    394,040 
iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF   6,970    337,766 
iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF   660    64,152 
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol USA ETF   1,100    78,628 
iShares Gold Trust *   1,260    40,900 
iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Min Vol Factor ETF   1,200    41,592 
iShares TIPS Bond ETF   630    71,763 
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF   720    52,128 
SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF   3,340    155,210 
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF   2,840    1,031,346 
         2,721,648 
TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS          
(Cost $2,797,281)        2,721,648 
           
MUTUAL FUNDS — 74.9%          
Mutual Funds — 74.9%          

SGI Global Equity Fund, Class I (a)

   117,522   $3,897,027 

SGI Small Cap Core Fund, Class I (a)

   105,973    2,705,491 

SGI US Large Cap Equity Fund, Class I (a)

   131,386    2,345,238 

SGI US Small Cap Equity Fund, Class I (a)

   68,964    777,911 
         9,725,667 
TOTAL MUTUAL FUNDS          
(Cost $10,053,575)        9,725,667 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 4.2%          

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.00% (b)

   547,276    547,276 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS          
(Cost $547,276)        547,276 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.0%          
(Cost $13,398,132)        12,994,591 
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS — 0.0%        (6,353)
NET ASSETS — 100.0%       $12,988,238 

 

 

*

Non-income producing security

 

(a)

Affiliated company. See Note 7.

 

(b)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.

 

ETF Exchange-Traded Funds

 

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

 

50

 

 

SGI SMALL CAP CORE FUND

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table

August 31, 2022

 

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

 

   

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

COMMON STOCKS:

               

Retail

    8.7 %   $ 7,825,788  

Banks

    6.5       5,863,653  

Transportation

    5.6       5,041,680  

Commercial Services

    5.4       4,953,251  

REITS

    5.4       4,881,858  

Diversified Financial Services

    4.3       3,826,937  

Oil & Gas Services

    4.1       3,671,327  

Building Materials

    3.8       3,422,094  

Oil & Gas

    3.8       3,377,087  

Home Builders

    3.4       3,066,928  

Food

    3.1       2,795,875  

Software

    3.1       2,773,257  

Computers

    2.9       2,571,478  

Engineering & Construction

    2.6       2,358,764  

Pharmaceuticals

    2.6       2,351,585  

Insurance

    2.5       2,271,247  

Metal Fabricate/Hardware

    2.5       2,210,927  

Distribution/Wholesale

    2.4       2,113,385  

Semiconductors

    2.3       2,089,156  

Healthcare-Products

    2.3       2,028,780  

Electronics

    2.1       1,884,121  

Machinery-Diversified

    1.9       1,678,473  

Real Estate

    1.4       1,301,280  

Telecommunications

    1.0       912,554  

Chemicals

    1.0       871,022  

Media

    0.9       853,645  

Leisure Time

    0.9       845,538  

Cosmetics & Personal Care

    0.9       836,043  

Healthcare-Services

    0.9       834,320  

Pipelines

    0.9       793,557  

Coal

    0.9       770,035  

Hand/Machine Tools

    0.9       764,280  

Mining

    0.7       633,946  

Savings & Loans

    0.6       517,756  

Electrical Components & Equipment

    0.6       504,305  

Iron/Steel

    0.5       482,374  

Apparel

    0.5       454,938  

Agriculture

    0.5       423,993  

Environmental Control

    0.4       388,611  

Water

    0.4       369,301  

Biotechnology

    0.3       303,996  

Aerospace/Defense

    0.3       271,695  

Gas

    0.3       252,600  

Internet

    0.3       230,888  

Miscellaneous Manufacturing

    0.2       202,768  

Machinery-Construction & Mining

    0.2       179,388  

 

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

 

51

 

 

SGI SMALL CAP CORE FUND

 

Portfolio Holdings Summary Table (CONCLUDED)

August 31, 2022

 

   

% of Net
Assets

   

Value

 

Auto Parts & Equipment

    0.2 %   $ 155,918  

Packaging & Containers

    0.1       100,210  

Electric

    0.1       52,878  

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS

    0.8       710,400  

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

    0.1       91,605  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES

    1.9       1,668,327  

NET ASSETS

    100 %   $ 89,835,822  

 

 

Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time.

 

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

 

52

 

 

SGI SMALL CAP CORE FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments

August 31, 2022

 

   Number
of Shares
   Value 
COMMON STOCKS — 97.2%          
Aerospace/Defense — 0.3%          
Astronics Corp.*   29,500   $271,695 
Agriculture — 0.5%          
Andersons Inc., (The)   11,450    423,993 
Apparel — 0.5%          
Urban Outfitters, Inc.*   22,600    454,938 
Auto Parts & Equipment — 0.2%          
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.   4,300    155,918 
Banks — 6.5%          
Bank First Corp.   1,300    105,651 
Bridgewater Bancshares, Inc.*   2,600    44,668 
Carter Bankshares, Inc.*   3,200    52,704 
Civista Bancshares, Inc.   3,000    63,450 
Coastal Financial Corp.*   5,700    229,140 
ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc.   15,600    390,468 
Eagle Bancorp, Inc.   3,300    160,149 
FB Financial Corp.   10,100    400,162 
First Bancorp Southern Pines   10,300    375,023 
Guaranty Bancshares, Inc.   3,500    121,275 
Merchants Bancorp   12,700    342,519 
Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp.*   12,100    866,239 
Nicolet Bankshares, Inc.*   4,500    344,610 
Origin Bancorp, Inc.   9,300    379,905 
Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corp.   4,200    141,414 
Peoples Financial Services Corp.   900    43,812 
QCR Holdings, Inc.   6,500    363,025 
Red River Bancshares, Inc.   2,600    132,886 
ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc.   5,300    447,108 
SmartFinancial, Inc.   5,800    145,522 
South Plains Financial, Inc.   4,000    108,520 
Southern First Bancshares, Inc.*   2,400    103,464 
TriCo Bancshares   2,100    99,099 
Westamerica BanCorp   7,200    402,840 
         5,863,653 
Biotechnology — 0.3%          
Innoviva, Inc.*   23,100    303,996 
Building Materials — 3.8%          
Hayward Holdings, Inc.*   28,000    294,280 
Louisiana-Pacific Corp.   15,400    835,142 
PGT Innovations, Inc.*   36,850    770,902 
Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.   7,000    648,480 
UFP Industries, Inc.   11,000    873,290 
         3,422,094 
Chemicals — 1.0%          
AdvanSix, Inc.   12,900   $467,754 
Avient Corp.   6,000    262,980 
Ecovyst, Inc.*   4,400    40,656 
Hawkins, Inc.   2,600    99,632 
         871,022 
Coal — 0.9%          
Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc.   4,900    770,035 
Commercial Services — 5.4%          
ABM Industries, Inc.   1,000    46,400 
AMN Healthcare Services, Inc.*   8,100    831,384 
ASGN, Inc.*   5,800    560,860 
CorVel Corp.*   4,000    621,520 
Forrester Research, Inc.*   2,500    103,975 
Franklin Covey Co.*   7,600    361,532 
ICF International, Inc.   2,600    264,056 
Kforce, Inc.   5,500    300,960 
Korn/Ferry International   3,900    237,588 
Laureate Education, Inc.   33,300    366,966 
National Research Corp.   4,000    136,440 
R1 RCM, Inc.*   27,400    598,690 
TriNet Group, Inc.*   500    41,200 
WillScot Mobile Mini Holdings Corp.*   12,000    481,680 
         4,953,251 
Computers — 2.9%          
Insight Enterprises, Inc.*   7,700    701,624 
Mitek Systems, Inc.*   82,700    845,194 
Rapid7, Inc.*   10,400    598,000 
Varonis Systems, Inc.*   15,600    426,660 
         2,571,478 
Cosmetics & Personal Care — 0.9%          
Edgewell Personal Care Co.   1,200    46,752 
elf Beauty, Inc.*   20,700    789,291 
         836,043 
Distribution/Wholesale — 2.4%          
Core & Main, Inc., Class A*   31,500    742,455 
Titan Machinery, Inc.*   34,700    1,068,066 
WESCO International, Inc.*   2,300    302,864 
         2,113,385 

 

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

 

53

 

 

SGI SMALL CAP CORE FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

   Number
of Shares
   Value 
Diversified Financial Services — 4.3%          
Amerant Bancorp, Inc.   5,700   $149,283 
AssetMark Financial Holdings, Inc.*   35,800    692,372 
Columbia Financial, Inc.*   24,600    524,718 
Enova International, Inc.*   12,200    426,268 
Focus Financial Partners, Inc., Class A*   11,100    434,565 
International Money Express, Inc.*   27,700    620,480 
Nelnet, Inc., Class A   500    42,120 
PJT Partners, Inc., Class A   12,898    892,800 
Radian Group, Inc.   2,100    44,331 
         3,826,937 
Electric — 0.1%          
Otter Tail Corp.   700    52,878 
Electrical Components & Equipment — 0.6%          
Insteel Industries, Inc.   17,450    504,305 
Electronics — 2.1%          
Knowles Corp.*   43,700    662,055 
Mesa Laboratories, Inc.   3,300    563,838 
OSI Systems, Inc.*   7,900    658,228 
         1,884,121 
Engineering & Construction — 2.6%          
Comfort Systems USA, Inc.   5,500    551,870 
MYR Group, Inc.*   9,900    920,106 
NV5 Global, Inc.*   6,300    886,788 
         2,358,764 
Environmental Control — 0.4%          
Evoqua Water Technologies Corp.*   5,600    196,448 
Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc.*   5,900    192,163 
         388,611 
Food — 3.1%          
Chefs’ Warehouse Inc., (The)*   26,300    876,842 
Hostess Brands, Inc.*   2,800    64,904 
Ingles Markets, Inc., Class A   4,800    420,144 
Seaboard Corp.   50    193,117 
Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.*   17,100    494,190 
Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc.   16,068    575,716 
Weis Markets, Inc.   2,200    170,962 
         2,795,875 
Gas — 0.3%          
Chesapeake Utilities Corp.   2,000    252,600 
Hand/Machine Tools — 0.9%          
Franklin Electric Co., Inc.   8,800    764,280 
Healthcare-Products — 2.3%          
ICU Medical, Inc.*   1,000   $159,000 
Omnicell, Inc.*   5,800    593,282 
Shockwave Medical, Inc.*   4,300    1,276,498 
         2,028,780 
Healthcare-Services — 0.9%          
National HealthCare Corp.   1,600    111,120 
Tenet Healthcare Corp.*   12,800    723,200 
         834,320 
Home Builders — 3.4%          
Century Communities, Inc.   18,600    868,434 
Forestar Group, Inc.*   20,100    250,044 
Meritage Homes Corp.*   8,800    689,480 
Toll Brothers, Inc.   9,200    402,868 
Tri Pointe Homes, Inc.*   49,400    856,102 
         3,066,928 
Insurance — 2.5%          
Enstar Group Ltd.*   300    56,775 
Kemper Corp.   3,400    156,400 
Nmi Holdings, Inc., Class A*   45,000    923,850 
Palomar Holdings, Inc.*   7,900    626,391 
ProAssurance Corp.   9,300    198,927 
Stewart Information Services Corp.   6,100    308,904 
         2,271,247 
Internet — 0.3%          
ePlus, Inc.*   4,900    230,888 
Iron/Steel — 0.5%          
Carpenter Technology Corp.   14,200    482,374 
Leisure Time — 0.9%          
MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc.*   21,700    522,753 
OneWater Marine, Inc., Class A*   8,100    322,785 
         845,538 
Machinery-Construction & Mining — 0.2%          
Terex Corp.   5,400    179,388 
Machinery-Diversified — 1.9%          
Alamo Group, Inc.   6,500    849,940 
CSW Industrials, Inc.   1,200    151,920 
Lindsay Corp.   2,300    368,828 
Tennant Co.   5,100    307,785 
         1,678,473 
Media — 0.9%          
Scripps E W Co., Class A*   57,100    853,645 

 

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

 

54

 

 

SGI SMALL CAP CORE FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

   Number
of Shares
   Value 
Metal Fabricate/Hardware — 2.5%          
AZZ, Inc.   13,100   $558,191 
Mueller Industries, Inc.   16,200    1,023,354 
Olympic Steel, Inc.   7,800    205,296 
Omega Flex, Inc.   1,800    181,836 
Ryerson Holding Corp.   8,500    242,250 
         2,210,927 
Mining — 0.7%          
Livent Corp.*   19,700    633,946 
Miscellaneous Manufacturing — 0.2%          
Chase Corp.   2,300    202,768 
Oil & Gas — 3.8%          
Berry Corp.   37,800    345,870 
Delek US Holdings, Inc.   18,900    533,925 
Earthstone Energy, Inc., Class A*   33,700    512,240 
Murphy Oil Corp.   22,000    857,340 
Talos Energy, Inc.*   54,400    1,127,712 
         3,377,087 
Oil & Gas Services — 4.1%          
Liberty Energy, Inc.*   69,400    1,041,000 
MRC Global, Inc.*   42,100    409,633 
NOW, Inc.*   56,300    682,356 
ProPetro Holding Corp.*   106,000    970,960 
Select Energy Services, Inc., Class A*   79,800    567,378 
         3,671,327 
Packaging & Containers — 0.1%          
Silgan Holdings, Inc.   2,200    100,210 
Pharmaceuticals — 2.6%          
Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc.*   39,500    694,410 
Pacira BioSciences, Inc.*   8,400    440,832 
Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc.*   7,400    374,292 
USANA Health Sciences, Inc.*   13,051    842,051 
         2,351,585 
Pipelines — 0.9%          
Golar LNG Ltd.*   29,100    793,557 
Real Estate — 1.4%          
Cushman & Wakefield PLC*   57,000    852,720 
Marcus & Millichap, Inc.   12,000    448,560 
         1,301,280 
REITS — 5.4%          
Agree Realty Corp.   11,800   $888,776 
Brandywine Realty Trust   53,300    427,999 
City Office REIT, Inc.   43,900    507,045 
Life Storage, Inc.   4,700    598,075 
Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.   14,400    895,824 
Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.*   6,900    567,318 
Terreno Realty Corp.   7,500    457,425 
UMH Properties, Inc.   29,900    539,396 
         4,881,858 
Retail — 8.7%          
Arko Corp.   81,500    776,695 
AutoNation, Inc.*   7,600    946,960 
Chico’s FAS, Inc.*   94,300    535,624 
Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc.*   9,900    409,266 
GMS, Inc.*   18,600    896,520 
Group 1 Automotive, Inc.   5,300    946,527 
Haverty Furniture Cos., Inc.   14,600    391,572 
MarineMax, Inc.*   24,700    897,598 
Patrick Industries, Inc.   9,300    492,621 
PC Connection, Inc.   4,300    213,624 
Winmark Corp.   2,500    515,925 
World Fuel Services Corp.   11,900    307,020 
Zumiez, Inc.*   19,100    495,836 
         7,825,788 
Savings & Loans — 0.6%          
Brookline Bancorp, Inc.   6,600    82,302 
Home Bancorp, Inc.   2,500    97,600 
HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc.   9,100    211,302 
Southern Missouri Bancorp, Inc.   2,400    126,552 
         517,756 
Semiconductors — 2.3%          
Allegro MicroSystems, Inc.*   27,200    634,304 
Diodes, Inc.*   11,400    811,338 
Silicon Laboratories, Inc.*   4,300    538,919 
SMART Global Holdings, Inc.*   5,700    104,595 
         2,089,156 
Software — 3.1%          
Digi International, Inc.*   16,290    539,362 
eGain Corp.*   5,000    46,050 
Evolent Health, Inc., Class A*   23,900    878,325 
Verint Systems, Inc.*   8,400    407,316 
Verra Mobility Corp.*   56,600    902,204 
         2,773,257 
Telecommunications — 1.0%          
Aviat Networks, Inc.*   15,300    478,890 
Viavi Solutions, Inc.*   30,800    433,664 
         912,554 

 

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

 

55

 

 

SGI SMALL CAP CORE FUND

 

Portfolio of Investments (Concluded)

August 31, 2022

 

   Number
of Shares
   Value 
Transportation — 5.6%          
ArcBest Corp.   2,000   $161,060 
Daseke, Inc.*   22,800    138,168 
Heartland Express, Inc.   45,200    684,780 
Hub Group, Inc., Class A*   10,400    830,024 
Landstar System, Inc.   3,500    513,205 
Marten Transport, Ltd.   43,600    863,716 
Radiant Logistics, Inc.*   30,500    213,500 
Saia, Inc.*   2,000    413,660 
Schneider National, Inc., Class B   34,900    797,814 
Werner Enterprises, Inc.   10,700    425,753 
         5,041,680 
Water — 0.4%          
American States Water Co.   3,200    265,504 
Artesian Resources Corp., Class A   1,900    103,797 
         369,301 
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS          
(Cost $89,043,333)        87,365,490 
           
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — 0.8%          
Exchange-Traded Funds — 0.8%          
Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF   9,600   $710,400 
           
TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS          
(Cost $759,748)        710,400 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.1%          

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.00% (a)

   91,605    91,605 
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS          
(Cost $91,605)        91,605 
TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 98.1%          
(Cost $89,894,686)        88,167,495 
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 1.9%        1,668,327 
NET ASSETS — 100.0%       $89,835,822 

 

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.

 

ETF Exchange-Traded Funds

 

REIT Real Estate Investment Trust

 

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

 

56

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

August 31, 2022

 

   

SGI U.S.
Large Cap
Equity Fund

   

SGI U.S.
Small Cap
Equity Fund

   

SGI Global
Equity Fund

 

ASSETS

                       

Investments, at fair value:

                       

Unaffiliated investments (cost $377,522,743, $34,620,248, and $117,689,054, respectively)

  $ 420,269,926     $ 35,472,686     $ 117,171,118  

Affiliated mutual funds (cost $0, $0, and $0, respectively)(see Note 7)

                 

Short-term investments, at value (cost $1,630,974, $0, and $131,501, respectively)

    1,630,974             131,501  

Receivables for:

                       

Investments sold

          334,002       578,079  

Capital shares sold

    355,904       64,026       308,581  

Dividends

    1,104,083       17,452       255,085  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    46,263       18,484       19,726  

Total assets

  $ 423,407,150     $ 35,906,650     $ 118,464,090  
                         

LIABILITIES

                       

Payables for:

                       

Capital shares redeemed

  $ 594,374     $ 61,392     $ 83,750  

Advisory fees

    220,749       21,501       51,213  

Due to custodian

          239,638        

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    212,494       55,016       69,072  

Total liabilities

    1,027,617       377,547       204,035  

Net assets

  $ 422,379,533     $ 35,529,103     $ 118,260,055  
                         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

                       

Par value

  $ 23,661     $ 3,156     $ 3,566  

Paid-in capital

    364,452,844       34,920,978       115,711,188  

Total distributable earnings/(loss)

    57,903,028       604,969       2,545,301  

Net assets

  $ 422,379,533     $ 35,529,103     $ 118,260,055  

 

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

 

57

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

   

SGI U.S.
Large Cap
Equity Fund

   

SGI U.S.
Small Cap
Equity Fund

   

SGI Global
Equity Fund

 

CLASS I SHARES:

                       

Net assets applicable to Class I Shares

  $ 391,548,180     $ 29,180,197     $ 118,260,055  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    21,930,358       2,587,768       3,566,336  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 17.85     $ 11.28     $ 33.16  
                         

CLASS A SHARES:

                       

Net assets applicable to Class A Shares

  $ 28,285,329     $ 6,110,542     $  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    1,582,385       545,796        

Net asset value and redemption price per share

  $ 17.88     $ 11.20     $  

Maximum offering price per share (100/94.75 of $17.88 and $11.20, respectively)

  $ 18.87     $ 11.82     $  
                         

CLASS C SHARES:

                       

Net assets applicable to Class C Shares

  $ 2,546,024     $ 238,364     $  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    148,745       22,017        

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 17.12     $ 10.83     $  

 

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

 

58

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (Concluded)

August 31, 2022

 

   

SGI prudent
growth
Fund

   

SGI PEAK
GROWTH
FUND

   

SGI SMALL
CAP core
FUND

 

ASSETS

                       

Investments, at fair value:

                       

Unaffiliated investments (cost $6,249,528, $2,797,281, and $89,803,081, respectively)

  $ 5,916,247     $ 2,721,648     $ 88,075,890  

Affiliated mutual funds (cost $7,577,889, $10,053,575, and $0, respectively)(see Note 7)

    7,203,909       9,725,667        

Short-term investments, at value (cost $2,371,223, $547,276, and $91,605, respectively)

    2,371,223       547,276       91,605  

Receivables for:

                       

Investments sold

                1,632,643  

Capital shares sold

    77,649       38,613       134,295  

Dividends

                58,232  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

    15,889       13,918       26,926  

Total assets

  $ 15,584,917     $ 13,047,122     $ 90,019,591  
                         

LIABILITIES

                       

Payables for:

                       

Capital shares redeemed

  $     $     $ 22,061  

Advisory fees

    13,607       11,391       71,034  

Due to custodian

                 

Other accrued expenses and liabilities

    44,478       47,493       90,674  

Total liabilities

    58,085       58,884       183,769  

Net assets

  $ 15,526,832     $ 12,988,238     $ 89,835,822  
                         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

                       

Par value

  $ 1,585     $ 1,300     $ 3,519  

Paid-in capital

    16,550,490       14,041,516       101,332,371  

Total distributable earnings/(loss)

    (1,025,243 )     (1,054,578 )     (11,500,068 )

Net assets

  $ 15,526,832     $ 12,988,238     $ 89,835,822  
                         

CLASS I SHARES:

                       

Net assets applicable to Class I Shares

  $ 15,526,832     $ 12,988,238     $ 89,835,822  

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    1,584,947       1,299,648       3,519,005  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 9.80     $ 9.99     $ 25.53  

 

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

 

59

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Statements of Operations

FOR THE Year ENDED August 31, 2022

 

   

SGI U.S.
Large Cap
Equity Fund

   

SGI U.S.
Small Cap
Equity Fund

   

SGI Global
Equity Fund

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

                       

Dividends

                       

Dividends from unaffiliated investments

  $ 8,630,415     $ 406,885     $ 2,488,434 (1) 

Dividends from affiliated investments (see Note 7)

                 

Interest

    23,218       2,227       9,208  

Total investment income

    8,653,633       409,112       2,497,642  
                         

EXPENSES

                       

Advisory fees (Note 2)

    3,446,571       340,697       841,334  

Administration and accounting fees (Note 2)

    235,829       30,801       73,455  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    458,752       26,902       136,536  

Legal fees

    133,584       9,021       33,458  

Officer fees

    81,098       5,787       18,806  

Director fees

    80,486       5,805       20,835  

Distribution fees - Class A Shares

    72,749       14,636        

Distribution fees - Class C Shares

    27,461       1,769        

Custodian fees (Note 2)

    56,974       5,411       3,658  

Registration and filing fees

    53,530       46,094       25,293  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    48,343       6,893       14,939  

Audit and tax service fees

    37,319       35,312       32,930  

Other expenses

    58,448       9,560       18,200  

Total expenses before waivers and/or reimbursements

    4,791,144       538,688       1,219,444  

(Waivers and/or reimbursements) net of amounts recouped (Note 2)

    (198,081 )     (81,169 )     (209,841 )

Net expenses after waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped

    4,593,063       457,519       1,009,603  

Net investment income/(loss)

    4,060,570       (48,407 )     1,488,039  
                         

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

                       

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

                 

Unaffiliated investments

    32,998,168       2,417,101       3,693,438  

Affiliated mutual funds (see Note 7)

                 

Distributions from unaffiliated investments

                 

Distributions from affiliated mutual funds (see Note 7)

                 

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

                       

Unaffiliated investments

    (93,076,221 )     (4,546,103 )     (17,031,168 )

Affiliated mutual fund (see Note 7)

                 

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    (60,078,053 )     (2,129,002 )     (13,337,730 )

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ (56,017,483 )   $ (2,177,409 )   $ (11,849,691 )

 

(1)

Net of foreign withholding taxes of $203,857.

 

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

 

60

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

Statements of Operations (Concluded)

FOR THE Year ENDED August 31, 2022

 

   

SGI prudent
growth
Fund

   

SGI PEAK
GROWTH
FUND

   

SGI SMALL
CAP core
FUND

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

                       

Dividends

                       

Dividends from unaffiliated investments

  $ 188,035     $ 123,978     $ 818,020  

Dividends from affiliated investments (see Note 7)

    43,882       57,702        

Interest

    8,606       2,879       7,105  

Total investment income

    240,523       184,559       825,125  
                         

EXPENSES

                       

Advisory fees (Note 2)

    93,614       98,498       882,173  

Administration and accounting fees (Note 2)

    18,791       19,121       70,649  

Transfer agent fees (Note 2)

    17,716       18,335       98,334  

Legal fees

    1,810       1,820       31,098  

Officer fees

    938       1,000       13,414  

Director fees

    724       764       14,519  

Distribution fees - Class A Shares

                 

Distribution fees - Class C Shares

                 

Custodian fees (Note 2)

    580             27,756  

Registration and filing fees

    24,627       24,201       29,617  

Printing and shareholder reporting fees

    4,136       4,405       20,974  

Audit and tax service fees

    32,060       32,060       28,648  

Other expenses

    5,412       6,907       13,932  

Total expenses before waivers and/or reimbursements

    200,408       207,111       1,231,114  

(Waivers and/or reimbursements) net of amounts recouped (Note 2)

    11,784       16,151       (88,935 )

Net expenses after waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped

    212,192       223,262       1,142,179  

Net investment income/(loss)

    28,331       (38,703 )     (317,054 )
                         

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

                       

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

                 

Unaffiliated investments

    (361,608 )     (258,784 )     (7,094,288 )

Affiliated mutual funds (see Note 7)

    (50,151 )     (568,114 )      

Distributions from unaffiliated investments

    408              

Distributions from affiliated mutual funds (see Note 7)

    586,054       1,078,082        

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

                       

Unaffiliated investments

    (551,350 )     (271,683 )     (2,150,230 )

Affiliated mutual fund (see Note 7)

    (1,160,252 )     (1,508,086 )      

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    (1,536,899 )     (1,528,585 )     (9,244,518 )

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ (1,508,568 )   $ (1,567,288 )   $ (9,561,572 )

 

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

 

61

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

FOR THE
Year ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2022

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 4,060,570     $ 705,227  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

           

Unaffiliated investments

    32,998,168       85,368,756  

Affiliated mutual funds (see Note 7)

           

Distributions from unaffiliated investments

           

Distributions from affiliated mutual funds (see Note 7)

           

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

               

Unaffiliated investments

    (93,076,221 )     6,254,867  

Affiliated mutual funds (see Note 7)

           

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (56,017,483 )     92,328,850  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (74,965,550 )     (3,273,647 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (74,965,550 )     (3,273,647 )
                 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

Class I Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    144,457,973       105,163,748  

Reinvestment of distributions

    69,783,969       700,221  

Shares redeemed

    (206,070,941 )     (240,294,997 )

Total from Class I Shares

    8,171,001       (134,431,028 )

Class A Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    7,552,247       6,983,680  

Reinvestment of distributions

    4,175,944       103,833  

Shares redeemed

    (5,400,063 )     (5,603,311 )

Total from Class A Shares

    6,328,128       1,484,202  

Class C Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    509,725       240,050  

Reinvestment of distributions

    407,056       7,069  

Shares redeemed

    (552,201 )     (706,698 )

Total from Class C Shares

    364,580       (459,579 )

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

    14,863,709       (133,406,405 )

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    (116,119,324 )     (44,351,202 )
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    538,498,857       582,850,059  

End of period

  $ 422,379,533     $ 538,498,857  

 

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

 

62

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Concluded)

 

   

FOR THE
Year ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2022

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class I Shares

               

Shares sold

    7,157,690       5,108,245  

Shares reinvested

    3,438,245       34,701  

Shares redeemed

    (10,476,212 )     (11,798,906 )

Total Class I Shares

    119,723       (6,655,960 )

Class A Shares

               

Shares sold

    384,694       334,721  

Shares reinvested

    205,477       5,158  

Shares redeemed

    (273,529 )     (269,665 )

Total Class A Shares

    316,642       70,214  

Class C Shares

               

Shares sold

    27,067       12,078  

Shares reinvested

    20,811       366  

Shares redeemed

    (28,539 )     (35,577 )

Total Class C Shares

    19,339       (23,133 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    455,704       (6,608,879 )

 

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

 

63

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

FOR THE
Year ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2022

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ (48,407 )   $ (115,559 )

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

           

Unaffiliated investments

    2,417,101       9,246,644  

Affiliated mutual funds (see Note 7)

           

Distributions from unaffiliated investments

           

Distributions from affiliated mutual funds (see Note 7)

           

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

               

Unaffiliated investments

    (4,546,103 )     317,525  

Affiliated mutual funds (see Note 7)

           

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (2,177,409 )     9,448,610  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

          (119,130 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

          (119,130 )
                 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

Class I Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    12,569,490       19,923,888  

Reinvestment of distributions

          74,127  

Shares redeemed

    (9,477,086 )     (42,720,127 )

Total from Class I Shares.

    3,092,404       (22,722,112 )

Class A Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    2,241,080       4,403,023  

Reinvestment of distributions

          14,986  

Shares redeemed

    (1,363,685 )     (7,255,626 )

Total from Class A Shares

    877,395       (2,837,617 )

Class C Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    165,617       2,950  

Reinvestment of distributions

           

Shares redeemed

    (33,126 )     (4,948 )

Total from Class C Shares

    132,491       (1,998 )

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

    4,102,290       (25,561,727 )

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    1,924,881       (16,232,247 )
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    33,604,222       49,836,469  

End of period

  $ 35,529,103     $ 33,604,222  

 

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

 

64

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Concluded)

 

   

FOR THE
Year ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2022

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class I Shares

               

Shares sold

    1,059,075       1,826,006  

Shares reinvested

          6,876  

Shares redeemed

    (815,874 )     (3,758,088 )

Total Class I Shares

    243,201       (1,925,206 )

Class A Shares

               

Shares sold

    193,899       408,607  

Shares reinvested

          1,394  

Shares redeemed

    (118,388 )     (630,037 )

Total Class A Shares

    75,511       (220,036 )

Class C Shares

               

Shares sold

    14,668       277  

Shares reinvested

           

Shares redeemed

    (2,925 )     (478 )

Total Class C Shares

    11,743       (201 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    330,455       (2,145,443 )

 

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

 

65

 

 

SGI GLOBAL EQUITY FUND

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

FOR THE
Year ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2022

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 1,488,039     $ 974,342  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

               

Unaffiliated investments

    3,693,438       5,367,053  

Affiliated mutual funds (see Note 7)

           

Distributions from unaffiliated investments

           

Distributions from affiliated mutual funds (see Note 7)

           

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

               

Unaffiliated investments

    (17,031,168 )     9,054,219  

Affiliated mutual funds (see Note 7)

           

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (11,849,691 )     15,395,614  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (5,564,301 )     (551,275 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (5,564,301 )     (551,275 )
                 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

Class I Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    44,280,649       61,955,131  

Reinvestment of distributions

    5,546,851       464,361  

Shares redeemed

    (26,188,347 )     (23,490,959 )

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

    23,639,153       38,928,533  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    6,225,161       53,772,872  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    112,034,894       58,262,022  

End of period

  $ 118,260,055     $ 112,034,894  
 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class I Shares

               

Shares sold

    1,230,209       1,813,299  

Shares reinvested

    147,482       13,666  

Shares redeemed

    (734,082 )     (673,755 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    643,609       1,153,210  

 

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

 

66

 

 

SGI PRUDENT GROWTH FUND

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

FOR THE
Year ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2022

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 28,331     $ (59,456 )

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

               

Unaffiliated investments

    (361,608 )     64,650  

Affiliated mutual funds (see Note 7)

    (50,151 )     196,415  

Distributions from unaffiliated investments

    408        

Distributions from affiliated mutual funds (see Note 7)

    586,054       3,294  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

               

Unaffiliated investments

    (551,350 )     152,373  

Affiliated mutual funds (see Note 7)

    (1,160,252 )     546,380  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (1,508,568 )     903,656  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (711,629 )     (4,271 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (711,629 )     (4,271 )
                 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

Class I Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    8,772,783       6,704,479  

Reinvestment of distributions

    711,630       4,271  

Shares redeemed

    (2,544,827 )     (3,208,535 )

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

    6,939,586       3,500,215  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    4,719,389       4,399,600  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    10,807,443       6,407,843  

End of period

  $ 15,526,832     $ 10,807,443  
 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class I Shares

               

Shares sold

    842,898       608,029  

Shares reinvested

    63,117       394  

Shares redeemed

    (245,918 )     (288,003 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    660,097       320,420  

 

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

 

67

 

 

SGI PEAK GROWTH FUND

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

FOR THE
Year ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2022

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ (38,703 )   $ (108,378 )

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

               

Unaffiliated investments

    (258,784 )     162,720  

Affiliated mutual funds (see Note 7)

    (568,114 )     495,364  

Distributions from unaffiliated investments

           

Distributions from affiliated mutual funds (see Note 7)

    1,078,082       4,863  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

               

Unaffiliated investments

    (271,683 )     112,417  

Affiliated mutual funds (see Note 7)

    (1,508,086 )     666,851  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (1,567,288 )     1,333,837  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (1,403,072 )      

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (1,403,072 )      
                 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

Class I Shares

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    10,556,163       5,837,060  

Reinvestment of distributions

    1,403,072       (3,558,030 )

Shares redeemed

    (6,940,249 )      

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

    5,018,986       2,279,030  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    2,048,626       3,612,867  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    10,939,612       7,326,745  

End of period

  $ 12,988,238     $ 10,939,612  
 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class I Shares

               

Shares sold

    947,764       500,535  

Shares reinvested

    119,437       (303,661 )

Shares redeemed

    (633,856 )      

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    433,345       196,874  

 

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

 

68

 

 

SGI SMALL CAP CORE FUND (formerly, the SGI Small Cap Growth Fund)

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

FOR THE
Year ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2022

   

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, 2021

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ (317,054 )   $ (331,002 )

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

               

Unaffiliated investments

    (7,094,288 )     29,571,349  

Affiliated mutual funds (see Note 7)

           

Distributions from unaffiliated investments

           

Distributions from affiliated mutual funds (see Note 7)

           

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

               

Unaffiliated investments

    (2,150,230 )     (5,218,328 )

Affiliated mutual funds (see Note 7)

           

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (9,561,572 )     24,022,019  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (24,978,857 )     (3,334,454 )

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (24,978,857 )     (3,334,454 )
                 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS DERIVED FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

Proceeds from shares sold

    27,264,934       126,727,651  

Reinvestment of distributions

    24,457,949       3,236,288  

Distributions for shares redeemed

    (24,755,295 )     (110,352,037 )

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

    26,967,588       19,611,902  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    (7,572,841 )     40,299,467  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    97,408,663       57,109,196  

End of period

  $ 89,835,822     $ 97,408,663  
                 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    990,971       3,271,914  

Shares reinvested

    884,875       102,414  

Shares redeemed

    (877,969 )     (2,881,312 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    997,877       493,016  

 

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

 

69

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class I Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

Class I Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2018

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.21     $ 19.55     $ 18.24     $ 17.97     $ 15.43  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.17       0.03       0.14       0.18       0.16  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments(2)

    (2.27 )     3.76       1.66       0.75       3.52  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (2.10 )     3.79       1.80       0.93       3.68  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.04 )     (0.08 )     (0.18 )     (0.11 )     (0.18 )

Net realized capital gains

    (3.22 )     (0.05 )     (0.31 )     (0.55 )     (0.96 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (3.26 )     (0.13 )     (0.49 )     (0.66 )     (1.14 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 17.85     $ 23.21     $ 19.55     $ 18.24     $ 17.97  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    (10.71 )%     19.46 %     10.10 %     5.83 %     24.98 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 391,548     $ 506,159     $ 556,511     $ 497,097     $ 437,424  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped

    0.92 %     0.87 %     0.85 %     0.93 %     0.98 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped

    0.96 %     0.87 %     0.85 %     0.86 %     0.94 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    0.85 %     0.15 %     0.76 %     1.07 %     0.87 %

Portfolio turnover rate(4)

    133 %     91 %     129 %     104 %     85 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated based on average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

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

 

70

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Financial Highlights (continued)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class A Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

Class a Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2018

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 23.25     $ 19.59     $ 18.29     $ 17.99     $ 15.40  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.12       (0.02 )     0.08       0.14       0.10  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments(2)

    (2.27 )     3.77       1.67       0.76       3.55  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (2.15 )     3.75       1.75       0.90       3.65  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

          (0.04 )     (0.14 )     (0.05 )     (0.10 )

Net realized capital gains

    (3.22 )     (0.05 )     (0.31 )     (0.55 )     (0.96 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (3.22 )     (0.09 )     (0.45 )     (0.60 )     (1.06 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 17.88     $ 23.25     $ 19.59     $ 18.29     $ 17.99  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    (10.89 )%     19.20 %     9.78 %     5.61 %     24.68 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 28,285     $ 29,423     $ 23,424     $ 14,751     $ 9,530  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped

    1.17 %     1.12 %     1.10 %     1.18 %     1.23 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped

    1.21 %     1.12 %     1.10 %     1.11 %     1.27 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    0.64 %     (0.09 )%     0.47 %     0.84 %     0.62 %

Portfolio turnover rate(4)

    133 %     91 %     129 %     104 %     85 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated based on the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any. Total investment return does not reflect any applicable sales charge.

(4)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

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

 

71

 

 

SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Financial Highlights (continued)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class C Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

Class c Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2018

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 22.54     $ 19.11     $ 17.79     $ 17.59     $ 15.15  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    (0.03 )     (0.17 )     (0.05 )     0.01       (0.02 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments(2)

    (2.17 )     3.65       1.71       0.74       3.48  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (2.20 )     3.48       1.66       0.75       3.46  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

          0.00       (0.03 )           (0.06 )

Net realized capital gains

    (3.22 )     (0.05 )     (0.31 )     (0.55 )     (0.96 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (3.22 )     (0.05 )     (0.34 )     (0.55 )     (1.02 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 17.12     $ 22.54     $ 19.11     $ 17.79     $ 17.59  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    (11.54 )%     18.25 %     9.47 %     4.78 %     23.80 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 2,546     $ 2,917     $ 2,915     $ 2,350     $ 1,916  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped

    1.92 %     1.87 %     1.85 %     1.93 %     1.98 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and/or reimbursements net of amounts recouped

    1.96 %     1.87 %     1.85 %     1.86 %     2.00 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (0.15 )%     (0.84 )%     (0.26 )%     0.07 %     (0.11 )%

Portfolio turnover rate(4)

    133 %     91 %     129 %     104 %     85 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated based on the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

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

 

72

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Financial Highlights (continued)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class I Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

Class i Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2018

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.91     $ 10.03     $ 11.49     $ 13.82     $ 12.39  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    (0.01 )     (0.02 )     0.07       0.14       (0.01 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments(2)

    (0.62 )     1.92       (1.40 )     (1.89 )     2.61  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (0.63 )     1.90       (1.33 )     (1.75 )     2.60  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

          (0.02 )     (0.13 )     (0.04 )     (0.05 )

Net realized capital gains

                      (0.54 )     (1.12 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

          (0.02 )     (0.13 )     (0.58 )     (1.17 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.28     $ 11.91     $ 10.03     $ 11.49     $ 13.82  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    (5.29 )%     19.02 %     (11.75 )%     (12.43 )%     22.26 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 29,180     $ 27,913     $ 42,830     $ 33,707     $ 31,559  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements

    1.23 %     1.23 %     1.23 %     1.23 %     1.23 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements

    1.46 %     1.40 %     1.36 %     1.40 %     1.60 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (0.09 )%     (0.22 )%     0.68 %     1.19 %     (0.05 )%

Portfolio turnover rate(4)

    123 %     135 %     151 %     145 %     122 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated based on the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

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

 

73

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Financial Highlights (continued)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class A Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

Class A Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2018

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.85     $ 10.00     $ 11.46     $ 13.80     $ 12.38  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    (0.04 )     (0.05 )     0.03       0.11       (0.03 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments(2)

    (0.61 )     1.92       (1.38 )     (1.88 )     2.59  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (0.65 )     1.87       (1.35 )     (1.77 )     2.56  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

          (0.02 )     (0.11 )     (0.03 )     (0.02 )

Net realized capital gains

                      (0.54 )     (1.12 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

          (0.02 )     (0.11 )     (0.57 )     (1.14 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.20     $ 11.85     $ 10.00     $ 11.46     $ 13.80  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    (5.49 )%     18.69 %     (11.95 )%     (12.61 )%     21.90 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 6,111     $ 5,573     $ 6,905     $ 3,892     $ 3,560  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements

    1.48 %     1.48 %     1.48 %     1.48 %     1.48 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements

    1.71 %     1.65 %     1.61 %     1.65 %     1.86 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (0.34 )%     (0.48 )%     0.32 %     0.94 %     (0.23 )%

Portfolio turnover rate(4)

    123 %     135 %     151 %     145 %     122 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated based on the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any. Total investment return does not reflect any applicable sales charge.

(4)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

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

 

74

 

 

SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND

 

Financial Highlights (continued)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class C Shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

Class C Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2018

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.48     $ 9.75     $ 11.22     $ 13.59     $ 12.27  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    (0.12 )     (0.14 )     (0.03 )     0.01       (0.12 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments(2)

    (0.53 )     1.87       (1.37 )     (1.84 )     2.56  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (0.65 )     1.73       (1.40 )     (1.83 )     2.44  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net realized capital gains

                (0.07 )     (0.54 )     (1.12 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

                (0.07 )     (0.54 )     (1.12 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.83     $ 11.48     $ 9.75     $ 11.22     $ 13.59  

Total investment return/(loss)(3)

    (5.66 )%     17.74 %     (12.57 )%     (13.30 )%     21.05 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 238     $ 118     $ 102     $ 114     $ 200  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements

    2.23 %     2.23 %     2.23 %     2.23 %     2.23 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements

    2.46 %     2.40 %     2.36 %     2.40 %     2.61 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (1.06 )%     (1.26 )%     (0.29 )%     0.09 %     (0.95 )%

Portfolio turnover rate(4)

    123 %     135 %     151 %     145 %     122 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated based on the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(4)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

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

 

75

 

 

SGI GLOBAL EQUITY FUND

 

Financial Highlights (CONTINUED)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class I shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

Class I Shares

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2020

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2019

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2018

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 38.33     $ 32.93     $ 32.62     $ 30.30     $ 27.20  

Net investment income/(loss)(1)

    0.45       0.38       0.41       0.53       0.35  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments(2)

    (3.77 )     5.24       1.06       2.20       2.75  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (3.32 )     5.62       1.47       2.73       3.10  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

    (0.58 )     (0.22 )     (0.85 )     (0.41 )      

Net realized capital gains

    (1.27 )           (0.31 )            

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (1.85 )     (0.22 )     (1.16 )     (0.41 )     0.00  

Redemption fees added to paid-in capital(1)

                      (3)      (3) 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 33.16     $ 38.33     $ 32.93     $ 32.62     $ 30.30  

Total investment return/(loss)(4)

    (9.20 )%     17.15 %     4.53 %     9.18 %     11.36 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 118,260     $ 112,035     $ 58,262     $ 21,520     $ 19,530  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements

    0.84 %     0.97 %     0.84 %     0.84 %     0.84 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements

    1.01 %     1.10 %     0.98 %     1.11 %     1.25 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    1.24 %     1.26 %     1.32 %     1.75 %     1.19 %

Portfolio turnover rate(5)

    87 %     88 %     122 %     74 %     44 %

 

 

(1)

The selected per share data is calculated based on the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(2)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(3)

Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(5)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

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

 

76

 

 

SGI PRUDENT GROWTH FUND

 

Financial Highlights (CONTINUED)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class I shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

 

CLASS I SHARES

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

FOR THE
PERIOD
ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2020
(1)

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.69     $ 10.60     $ 10.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    0.02       (0.07 )     (0.03 )

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

    (1.26 )     1.16       0.63  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (1.24 )     1.09       0.60  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                       

Net investment income

    (0.40 )     (4)       

Net realized capital gains

    (0.25 )     (4)       

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.65 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.80     $ 11.69     $ 10.60  

Total investment return/(loss)(5)

    (11.26 )%     10.34 %     6.00 %(7)
                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 15,527     $ 10,807     $ 6,408  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements

    1.70 %     1.70 %     1.70 %(6)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements

    1.61 %     1.75 %     3.97 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    0.23 %     (0.67 )%     (1.08 )%(6)

Portfolio turnover rate(8)

    67 %     170 %     6 %(7)

 

 

(1)

The Fund commenced investment operations on June 8, 2020.

(2)

The selected per share data is calculated based on the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(3)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(4)

Amount represents less than $0.005 per share.

(5)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(6)

Annualized.

(7)

Not annualized.

(8)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

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

 

77

 

 

SGI PEAK GROWTH FUND

 

Financial Highlights (Continued)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for Class I shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

CLASS I SHARES

 
   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2022

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2021

   

FOR THE
PERIOD
ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2020
(1)

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 12.63     $ 10.94     $ 10.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    (0.03 )     (0.14 )     (0.04 )

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

    (1.27 )     1.83       0.98  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (1.30 )     1.69       0.94  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                       

Net investment income

    (0.75 )            

Net realized capital gains

    (0.59 )            

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (1.34 )            

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.99     $ 12.63     $ 10.94  

Total investment return/(loss)(4)

    (11.64 )%     15.45 %     9.40 %(6)
                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 12,988     $ 10,940     $ 7,327  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements

    1.70 %     1.70 %     1.70 %(5)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and reimbursements

    1.58 %     1.74 %     3.52 %(5)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (0.29 )%     (1.17 )%     (1.58 )%(5)

Portfolio turnover rate(7)

    88 %     178 %     5 %(6)

 

 

(1)

The Fund commenced investment operations on June 8, 2020.

(2)

The selected per share data is calculated based on the average shares outstanding method for the period.

(3)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(5)

Annualized.

(6)

Not annualized.

(7)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

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

 

78

 

 

SGI SMALL CAP CORE FUND (formerly, the SGI Small Cap Growth Fund)

 

Financial Highlights (concluded)

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

   

For the
Year
Ended
August 31,
2022

   

FOR THE
YEAR
ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2021
(1)

   

FOR THE
YEAR
ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2020

   

FOR THE
YEAR
ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2019

   

FOR THE
YEAR
ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2018

 

Per Share Operating Performance

                                       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 38.64     $ 28.16     $ 25.67     $ 35.14     $ 32.04  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    (0.10 )     (0.15 )     (0.10 )     (0.15 )     (0.19 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments(3)

    (2.97 )     12.33       2.68       (5.55 )     6.63  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (3.07 )     12.18       2.58       (5.70 )     6.44  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

                                       

Net investment income

          (0.07 )                  

Net realized capital gains

    (10.04 )     (1.63 )     (0.09 )     (3.77 )     (3.34 )

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (10.04 )     (1.70 )     (0.09 )     (3.77 )     (3.34 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 25.53     $ 38.64     $ 28.16     $ 25.67     $ 35.14  

Total investment return(4)

    (9.93 )%     44.61 %     10.04 %     (16.02 )%     21.77 %
                                         

Ratios/Supplemental Data

                                       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 89,836     $ 97,409     $ 57,109     $ 69,302     $ 96,579  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and reimbursements

    1.23 %     1.07 %     1.25 %     1.25 %     1.25 %

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waiver and reimbursements(5)

    1.33 %     1.12 %     1.38 %     1.37 %     1.29 %

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    (0.34 )%     (0.37 )%     (0.38 )%     (0.53 )%     (0.57 )%

Portfolio turnover rate(6)

    270 %     314 %     302 %     344 %     349 %

 

 

(1)

Effective as of the close of business on March 15, 2021, the Adviser took over management of the SGI Small Cap Core Fund from its predecessor investment manager.

(2)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding for the period.

(3)

The amount shown may not correlate with the change in the aggregate gains and losses due to the timing of sales and purchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values for the Fund’s portfolio.

(4)

Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

(5)

During the current fiscal period, certain fees were waived and/or reimbursed. If such fee waivers and/or reimbursements had not occurred, the ratios would have been as indicated (See Note 2).

(6)

Portfolio turnover rate is calculated for the Fund, as a whole, for the entire period.

 

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

 

79

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements

August 31, 2022

 

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”) as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has forty-eight separate investment portfolios, including the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, the SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund, the SGI Global Equity Fund, the SGI Prudent Growth Fund, the SGI Peak Growth Fund and the SGI Small Cap Core Fund (formerly, the SGI Small Cap Growth Fund) (each a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”). The SGI Small Cap Core Fund, the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund and the SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund commenced investment operations on October 1, 1999, February 29, 2012 and March 31, 2016, respectively. The SGI Prudent Growth Fund and the SGI Peak Growth Fund commenced investment operations on June 8, 2020.

 

Effective as of the close of business on March 15, 2021, Summit took over management of the SGI Small Cap Core Fund from its predecessor investment manager.

 

As of the end of the reporting period, the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, the SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund and the SGI Global Equity Fund all offer three classes of shares: Class I Shares, Class A Shares and Class C Shares; the SGI Prudent Growth Fund, the SGI Peak Growth Fund and the SGI Small Cap Core Fund, all offer one class of shares; Class I Shares. As of the end of the reporting period, Class A Shares and Class C Shares of the SGI Global Equity Fund were not yet operational.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 90.023 billion shares are currently classified into two hundred and eleven classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

The investment objective of the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund is to outperform the S&P 500® Index over a market cycle while reducing overall volatility. The investment objective of the SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund is to outperform the Russell 2000® Index over a market cycle while reducing overall volatility. The investment objective of each of the SGI Global Equity Fund, the SGI Prudent Growth Fund, the SGI Peak Growth Fund and the SGI Small Cap Core Fund is to seek long-term capital appreciation.

 

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

 

The end of the reporting period for the Funds is August 31, 2022, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

Portfolio Valuation — Each Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Funds are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, securities traded principally on an exchange or on NASDAQ will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Investments in Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”) are valued at their last reported sale price. Investments in other open-end investment companies, if any, are valued based on the NAV of those investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as disclosed in their prospectuses). If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued in accordance with procedures

 

80

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

adopted by The RBB Fund, Inc.’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

 

Fair Value Measurements — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Funds’ investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

● Level 1 —

Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

● Level 2 —

Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

● Level 3 —

Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds’ own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the reporting period, in valuing each Funds’ investments carried at fair value:

 

   

Total

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

                               

Common Stocks

  $ 420,269,926     $ 420,269,926     $     $  

Short-Term Investments

    1,630,974       1,630,974              

Total Investments*

  $ 421,900,900     $ 421,900,900     $     $  
                                 

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

                               

Common Stocks

  $ 35,472,686     $ 35,472,686     $     $  

Total Investments*

  $ 35,472,686     $ 35,472,686     $     $  
                                 

SGI Global Equity Fund

                               

Common Stocks

  $ 117,171,118     $ 117,171,118     $     $  

Short-Term Investments

    131,501       131,501              

Total Investments*

  $ 117,302,619     $ 117,302,619     $     $  
                                 

SGI PRUDENT GROWTH Fund

                               

Exchange-Traded Funds

  $ 5,916,247     $ 5,916,247     $     $  

Mutual Funds

    7,203,909       7,203,909              

Short-Term Investments

    2,371,223       2,371,223              

Total Investments*

  $ 15,491,379     $ 15,491,379     $     $  
                                 

SGI PEAK GROWTH FUND

                               

Exchange-Traded Funds

  $ 2,721,648     $ 2,721,648     $     $  

Mutual Funds

    9,725,667       9,725,667              

Short-Term Investments

    547,276       547,276              

Total Investments*

  $ 12,994,591     $ 12,994,591     $     $  
                                 

 

81

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

   

Total

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

SGI SMALL CAP core Fund

                               

Common Stocks

  $ 87,365,490     $ 87,365,490     $     $  

Exchange-Traded Funds

    710,400       710,400              

Short-Term Investments

    91,605       91,605              

Total Investments*

  $ 88,167,495     $ 88,167,495     $     $  

 

 

*

Please refer to Portfolio of Investments for further details.

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Fund’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Fund may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires the Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only if a Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for all Level 3 transfers are disclosed if the Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund had no Level 3 purchases, sales, or transfers.

 

Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

Investment Transactions, Investment Income and Expenses — The Funds record security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The Funds’ investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with The RBB Fund Trust (formerly, PENN Capital Funds Trust) (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Funds.

 

82

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders — Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually to shareholders and recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

 

U.S. tax status — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is each Fund’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic — The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. Although vaccines for COVID-19 are available, the ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers are not known. The operational and financial performance of the issuers of securities in which the Funds invest depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and the pace of recovery which may vary from market to market, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Funds’ investments, impair the Funds’ ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Funds’ performance.

 

UKRAINE-RUSSIA CONFLICT RISK — In February 2022, Russia commenced a military attack on Ukraine. The outbreak of hostilities between the two countries and the threat of wider-spread hostilities could have a severe adverse effect on the region and global economies, including significant negative impacts on the markets for certain securities and commodities, such as oil and natural gas. In addition, sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States and other countries, and any sanctions imposed in the future, could have a significant adverse impact on the Russian economy and related markets. The price and liquidity of investments may fluctuate widely as a result of the conflict and related events. How long the armed conflict and related events will last cannot be predicted. These tensions and any related events could have a significant impact on Fund performance and the value of Fund investments, even beyond any direct exposure the Funds may have to issuers located in these countries.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

Other — In the normal course of business, the Funds may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. Each Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Funds in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Funds expect the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

2. Investment Adviser and Other Services

 

Summit Global Investments, LLC (“Summit” or the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to each Fund. Each Fund compensates the Adviser for its services at an annual rate based on each Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears, as shown in the following table.

 

83

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent that total annual Fund operating expenses (excluding certain items discussed below) exceed the rates (“Expense Caps”) shown in the following table of each Fund’s average daily net assets. In determining the Adviser’s obligation to waive advisory fees and/or reimburse expenses, the following expenses are not taken into account and could cause total annual Fund operating expenses to exceed the Expense Caps as applicable: acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses, interest and taxes. This contractual limitation is in effect until December 31, 2022 for the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, the SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund, the SGI Global Equity Fund, the SGI Prudent Growth Fund, the SGI Peak Growth Fund, and the SGI Small Cap Core Fund and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board. The Adviser may discontinue these arrangements at any time after the Funds’ respective contractual limitation expiration dates.

 

FUND

 

ADVISORY FEE

   

EXPENSE CAPS

 
           

CLASS I

   

CLASS A

   

CLASS C

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

    0.70 %     0.98 %     1.23 %     1.98 %

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    0.95       1.23       1.48       2.23  

SGI Global Equity Fund

    0.70       0.84       1.09       1.84  

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    0.75       1.70              

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    0.75       1.70              

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

    0.95       1.23              

 

If at any time a Fund’s total annual Fund operating expenses for a year are less than the relevant share class’ Expense Cap, the Adviser is entitled to recoup from the Fund the advisory fees forgone and other payments remitted by the Adviser to the Fund within three years from the date on which such waiver or reimbursement was made, provided such recoupment does not cause the Fund to exceed the relevant share class’ Expense Cap that was in effect at the time of the waiver or reimbursement.

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued, waived and/or reimbursed and recoupments were as follows:

 

FUND

 

Gross
Advisory Fees

   

Waivers AND/OR
Reimbursements

   

RECOUPMENTS

   

Net
Advisory Fees

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

  $ 3,446,571     $ (198,081 )         $ 3,248,490  

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    340,697       (81,169 )           259,528  

SGI Global Equity Fund

    841,334       (209,841 )           631,493  

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    93,614       (4,617 )     16,401       105,398  

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    98,498       (4,012 )     20,163       114,649  

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

    882,173       (88,935 )           793,238  

 

84

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

August 31, 2022

 

As of the end of the reporting period, the Funds had amounts available for recoupment by the Adviser as follows:

 

   

EXPIRATION

 

FUND

 

August 31,
2023

   

August 31,
2024

   

August 31,
2025

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

  $     $     $ 198,081  

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    58,188       75,377       81,169  

SGI Global Equity Fund

    50,894       97,962       209,841  

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

          13,103       4,617  

SGI Peak Growth Fund

          3,702       4,012  

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

    75,685       38,737       88,935  

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as administrator for the Funds. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Funds’ transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Funds. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Funds’ shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

For compensation amounts paid to Fund Services and the Custodian, please refer to the Statements of Operations.

 

The Board has adopted a Plan of Distribution (the “Plan”) for the Class A Shares and Class C Shares of the Funds pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Distributor is entitled to receive from each Fund a distribution fee with respect to the Shares, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, of up to 0.25% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Class A Shares and up to 1.00% on an annualized basis of the average daily net assets of the Class C Shares. The actual amount of such compensation under the Plan is agreed upon by the Board and by the Distributor. Because these fees are paid out of each Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. Amounts paid to the Distributor under the Plan may be used by the Distributor to cover expenses that are related to (i) the sale of the Shares, (ii) ongoing servicing and/or maintenance of the accounts of shareholders, and (iii) sub-transfer agency services, subaccounting services or administrative services related to the sale of the Shares, all as set forth in each Fund’s 12b-1 Plan.

 

3. DIRECTOR AND OFFICER Compensation

 

The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as Chief Compliance Officer of the Company and served as President of the Company until August 2022. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Funds or the Company. For Director and Officer compensation amounts, please refer to the Statements of Operations.

 

85

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2022

 

4. Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) of the Funds were as follows:

 

FUND

 

Purchases

   

Sales

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

  $ 643,135,792     $ 694,802,896  

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    47,623,206       42,926,134  

SGI Global Equity Fund

    122,005,469       101,750,885  

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    12,427,591       7,816,149  

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    15,440,651       11,193,859  

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

    248,183,569       246,682,133  

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government securities during the current fiscal period.

 

5. Federal Income Tax Information

 

The Funds have followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Funds to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Funds have determined that there was no effect on the financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Funds are subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired.

 

As of August 31, 2022, the federal tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments held by each Fund were as follows:

 

   

Federal Tax
Cost

   

Unrealized
Appreciation

   

Unrealized
(Depreciation)

   

Net Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

  $ 381,363,652     $ 55,080,122     $ (14,542,874 )   $ 40,537,248  

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    34,929,540       3,815,905       (3,272,759 )     543,146  

SGI Global Equity Fund

    118,253,530       7,506,093       (8,457,004 )     (950,911 )

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    16,339,656       254,762       (1,103,039 )     (848,277 )

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    13,817,944       403,734       (1,227,087 )     (823,353 )

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

    90,611,134       5,439,564       (7,883,203 )     (2,443,639 )

 

The difference between the book basis and tax basis cost and aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments is attributable primarily to timing differences related to wash sales and investments in passive foreign investment companies.

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. Any permanent differences resulting from different book and tax treatment are reclassified at year-end and have no impact on net income, NAV or NAV per share of the Funds.

 

86

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Permanent differences as of August 31, 2022, primarily attributable to Net Operating Losses and Deemed Distributions due to Shareholder Redemptions were reclassified among the following accounts:

 

   

Distributable
Earnings/(loss)

   

Paid-in
Capital

 

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

  $ 68,004     $ (68,004 )

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

    (15,646,968 )     15,646,968  

SGI Global Equity Fund

    (465,660 )     465,660  

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

    (2,855,579 )     2,855,579  

 

As of August 31, 2022, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

FUND

 

Undistributed
Ordinary
Income

   

Undistributed
Long-term
capital gains

   

Capital
Loss Carry
Forward

   

Qualified
Late-
Year Loss
Deferral

   

Other
Temporary
Differences

   

Net
Unrealized
Appreciation/

(Depreciation)

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

  $ 2,572,173     $ 14,793,607     $     $     $     $ 40,537,248  

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

          108,667             (46,844 )           543,146  

SGI Global Equity Fund

    620,241       2,875,971                         (950,911 )

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

                (113,985 )     (52,282 )     (10,699 )     (848,277 )

SGI Peak Growth Fund

                (114,739 )     (103,182 )     (13,304 )     (823,353 )

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

          554,963             (9,611,392 )           (2,443,639 )

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate primarily to wash sales and investments in publicly traded partnerships.

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022 and August 31, 2021 were as follows:

 

           

2022

         

FUND

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Gains

   

TOTAL

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

  $ 22,024,821     $ 52,940,729     $ 74,965,550  

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

                 

SGI Global Equity Fund

    2,759,100       2,805,201       5,564,301  

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    661,801       49,828       711,629  

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    1,309,074       93,998       1,403,072  

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

    23,796,320       1,182,537       24,978,857  

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2022

 

       2021     
FUND  Ordinary
Income
   Long-Term
Gains
   TOTAL 
SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund  $1,974,531   $1,299,116   $3,273,647 
SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund   119,130        119,130 
SGI Global Equity Fund   551,275        551,275 
SGI Prudent Growth Fund   4,271        4,271 
SGI Peak Growth Fund            
SGI Small Cap Core Fund   3,152,424    182,030    3,334,454 

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period. Additionally, capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered all short-term as under the previous law. As of August 31, 2022, the SGI Prudent Growth Fund had $113,985 of short-term loss carryovers, and the SGI Peak Growth Fund had $114,739 of short-term loss carryovers. During the fiscal year, the SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund utilized $2,350,826 of carry forward capital losses.

 

Pursuant to federal income tax rules applicable to regulated investment companies, the Fund may elect to treat certain capital losses between November 1 and August 31 and late year ordinary losses ((i) ordinary losses between January 1 and August 31, and (ii) specified ordinary and currency losses between November 1 and August 31) as occurring on the first day of the following tax year. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021, any amount of losses elected within the tax return will not be recognized for federal income tax purposes until September 1, 2022.

 

   Late-year
ordinary loss
deferral
   post-october
capital loss
deferral
 
SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund  $   $ 
SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund   46,844     
SGI Global Equity Fund        
SGI Prudent Growth Fund   52,282     
SGI Peak Growth Fund   103,182     
SGI Small Cap Core Fund   301,382    9,310,010 

 

6. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In October 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted new regulations governing the use of derivatives by registered investment companies (“Rule 18f-4”). Rule 18f-4 imposes limits on the amount of derivatives a fund can enter into, eliminates the asset segregation framework previously used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, and requires funds whose use of derivatives is greater than a limited specified amount to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager. The Funds are required to comply with Rule 18f-4 and have adopted procedures for investing in derivatives and other transactions in compliance with Rule 18f-4. Rule 18f-4 may require the Funds to observe more stringent requirements than were previously imposed by the 1940 Act, which could adversely affect the ability of the Funds to engage in certain derivatives transactions and/or increase the costs of such derivatives transactions, which could adversely affect the Funds’ performance and increase costs related to the Funds’ use of derivatives.

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2022

 

In December 2020, the SEC adopted a new rule providing a framework for fund valuation practices (“Rule 2a-5”). Rule 2a-5 establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the 1940 Act. Rule 2a-5 will permit fund boards to designate certain parties to perform fair value determinations, subject to board oversight and certain other conditions. Rule 2a-5 also defines when market quotations are “readily available” for purposes of the 1940 Act and the threshold for determining whether a fund must fair value a security. In connection with Rule 2a-5, the SEC also adopted related recordkeeping requirements and is rescinding previously issued guidance, including with respect to the role of a board in determining fair value and the accounting and auditing of fund investments. The Funds will be required to comply with the rules by September 8, 2022. Effective September 8, 2022 and pursuant to the requirements of Rule 2a-5, the Board designated the Adviser as its valuation designee to perform fair value determinations and approved new valuation procedures for the Funds.

 

In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments on the financial statements.

 

7. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

 

The following issuers are affiliated with the Funds. Fund of Funds are allowed to invest in other investment companies in excess of the limits imposed, if certain requirement, such as being part of the same group of investment companies, are met. As defined in Section (2)(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act of 1940; such issuers are:

 

   

August 31, 2021

   

Additions

   

Reductions

 

Issuer Name

 

Share
Balance

   

Cost

   

Share
Balance

   

Cost

   

Share
Balance

   

Cost

 

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

                                               

SGI Global Equity Fund

    64,173     $ 2,057,616       44,489     $ 1,583,500       (5,723 )   $ (222,571 )

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

    26,464       1,024,835       29,862       823,809       (2,029 )     (80,451 )

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

    56,522       1,023,543       50,347       972,402       (5,734 )     (134,151 )

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    36,683       338,834       17,790       206,800       (1,371 )     (16,278 )
      183,842     $ 4,444,828       142,488     $ 3,586,511       (14,857 )   $ (453,451 )
                                                 

SGI Peak Growth Fund

                                               

SGI Global Equity Fund

    85,748     $ 2,685,032       72,519     $ 2,639,790       (40,745 )   $ (1,532,964 )

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

    59,644       2,329,243       80,885       2,260,825       (34,556 )     (1,367,917 )

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

    84,875       1,522,403       93,769       1,850,677       (47,258 )     (994,184 )

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    55,397       504,236       35,671       424,750       (22,104 )     (268,318 )
      285,664     $ 7,040,914       282,844     $ 7,176,042       (144,663 )   $ (4,163,383 )

 

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Notes to Financial Statements (concluded)

August 31, 2022

 

   

August 31, 2022

 

Issuer Name

 

Dividend
Income

   

Capital
Gain
Distribution

   

Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)

   

Realized
Gain/(Loss)

   

Share
Balance

   

Value

   

Cost

 

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

                                                       

SGI Global Equity Fund

  $ 41,345     $ 91,449     $ (407,225 )   $ (9,831 )     102,939     $ 3,413,463     $ 3,418,545  

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

          295,531       (379,736 )     (21,020 )     54,297       1,386,197       1,768,193  

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

    2,537       199,074       (344,868 )     (19,341 )     101,135       1,805,254       1,861,794  

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

                (28,423 )     41       53,102       598,995       529,357  
    $ 43,882     $ 586,054     $ (1,160,252 )   $ (50,151 )     311,473     $ 7,203,909     $ 7,577,889  
                                                         

SGI Peak Growth Fund

                                                       

SGI Global Equity Fund

  $ 53,937     $ 119,302     $ (496,522 )   $ (55,332 )     117,522     $ 3,897,027     $ 3,791,859  

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

          663,434       (492,065 )     (442,388 )     105,973       2,705,491       3,222,151  

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

    3,765       295,346       (481,204 )     (63,834 )     131,386       2,345,238       2,378,896  

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

                (38,295 )     (6,560 )     68,964       777,911       660,669  
    $ 57,702     $ 1,078,082     $ (1,508,086 )   $ (568,114 )     423,845     $ 9,725,667     $ 10,053,575  

 

8. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no significant events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Shareholders of SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund, SGI Global Equity Fund, SGI Prudent Growth Fund, SGI Peak Growth Fund, and SGI Small Cap Core Fund (formerly SGI Small Cap Growth Fund) and Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund, SGI Global Equity Fund, SGI Prudent Growth Fund, SGI Peak Growth Fund, and SGI Small Cap Core Fund (collectively referred to as the “Funds”) (six of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc. (the “Company”)), including the portfolios of investments, as of August 31, 2022, and the related statements of operations, changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds (six of the portfolios constituting The RBB Fund, Inc.) at August 31, 2022, and the results of their operations, changes in net assets and financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Individual portfolio
constituting The RBB Fund, Inc.

Statement of
operations

Statements of changes
in net assets

Financial highlights

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

SGI Global Equity Fund

For the year ended August 31, 2022

For each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2022

For each of the five years in the period ended August 31, 2022

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

SGI Peak Growth Fund

For the year ended August 31, 2022

For each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2022

For each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2022 and the period June 8, 2020 (commencement of operation) through August 31, 2020

SGI Small Cap Core Fund (formerly, SGI Small Cap Growth Fund)

For the year ended August 31, 2022

For each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2022

For each of the two years in the period ended August 31, 2022

 

The financial highlights of SGI Small Cap Core Fund (formerly, SGI Small Cap Growth Fund) for each of the periods presented through August 31, 2020, were audited by other auditors whose report dated October 27, 2020, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

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

 

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

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (Concluded)

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2022, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Summit Global Investments investment companies since 2012.

 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 28, 2022

 

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SHAREHOLDER TAX INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 

Certain tax information is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Funds’ income and distributions for the taxable year ended August 31, 2022. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ending December 31, 2022. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, the tax character of distributions paid by the Fund’s were as follows:

 

           

Ordinary Income
Dividend

   

Long-Term
Capital Gains
Dividends

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

    2022     $ 2,572,173     $ 14,793,607  

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    2022             108,667  

SGI Global Equity Fund

    2022       620,241       2,875,971  

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    2022              

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    2022              

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

    2022             554,963  

 

Distributions from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, the following percentages of ordinary dividends paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022 are designated as “qualified dividend income,” as defined in the Act, and are subject to reduced tax rates:

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

    28.58 %

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    0.00 %

SGI Global Equity Fund

    80.52 %

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    11.95 %

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    4.98 %

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

    4.95 %

 

The percentage of total ordinary income dividends paid qualifying for corporate dividends received deduction for each Fund is as follows:

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

    28.58 %

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    0.00 %

SGI Global Equity Fund

    38.07 %

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    3.87 %

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    1.48 %

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

    4.96 %

 

The percentage of qualified interest income related dividends not subject to withholding tax for non-resident aliens and foreign corporations is as follows:

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

    0.00 %

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    0.00 %

SGI Global Equity Fund

    0.00 %

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    0.00 %

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    0.00 %

SGI Small Cap Growth Fund

    0.00 %

 

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SHAREHOLDER TAX INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Concluded)

 

The percentage of ordinary income distributions designated as qualified short-term gains pursuant to the American Job Creation Act of 2004 is as follows:

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund

    90.86 %

SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund

    0.00 %

SGI Global Equity Fund

    36.93 %

SGI Prudent Growth Fund

    33.11 %

SGI Peak Growth Fund

    37.98 %

SGI Small Cap Core Fund

    100.00 %

 

Because the Funds’ fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2022. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2023.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Funds, if any.

 

In general, dividends received by tax-exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

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

 

94

 

 

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Other Information (Unaudited)

 

Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, by calling (855) 744-8500 and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Portfolio Schedules

 

The Company files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Investment Advisory Agreement renewal – SGI U.S. LARGE CAP EQUITY FUND, SGI U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND, SGI GLOBAL EQUITY FUND, SGI PRUDENT GROWTH FUND, SGI PEAK GROWTH FUND, AND SGI SMALL CAP CORE FUND

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the renewal of the investment advisory agreement between Summit and the Company (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund, SGI Global Equity Fund, SGI Peak Growth Fund, SGI Prudent Growth Fund, and SGI Small Cap Core Fund (for this section only, each a “Fund” and together the “Funds”), at a meeting of the Board held on May 11-12, 2022 (for this section only, the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreement for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board considered information provided by Summit with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreements between the Company and Summit with respect to the Funds, the Directors took into account all the materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of Summit’s services provided to the Funds; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of Summit’s personnel providing those services; (iii) Summit’s investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Summit’s assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Summit’s soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) Summit’s current advisory fee arrangement with the Company and other similarly managed clients; (vii) Summit’s compliance procedures; (viii) Summit’s financial information, insurance coverage and profitability analysis related to providing advisory services to the Funds; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Funds; (x) a report prepared by Broadridge/Lipper comparing the Funds’ management fees and total expense ratio to those of its respective Lipper Group and comparing the performance of each Fund to the performance of its Lipper Group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of each Fund to the performance of its benchmark.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Summit. The Directors concluded that Summit had substantial resources to provide services to the Funds and that Summit’s services had been acceptable.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Funds and Summit. The Directors considered each Fund’s investment performance in light of its investment objective and investment strategies. The Directors noted that the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund outperformed its benchmark, the S&P 500® Low Volatility Index, for the three-year, five-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2022, and underperformed its benchmark for the year-to-

 

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Other Information (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

date and one-year periods ended March 31, 2022. The Directors also noted that the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund ranked in the 2nd quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the four-year and five-year periods, in the 3rd quintile for the two-year and three-year periods, and in the 5th quintile for the one-year periods, each ended December 31, 2021.

 

Next, the Directors noted that the SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund’s investment performance outperformed its benchmark, the S&P SmallCap 600® Low Volatility Index for the since-inception period ended March 31, 2022, and underperformed its benchmark for the year-to-date, one-year, three-year, and five-year periods ended March 31, 2022. The Directors also noted that the SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund ranked in the 5th quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the one-year, two-year, three-year, four-year and five-year periods ended December 31, 2021.

 

The Directors noted that the SGI Global Equity Fund’s investment performance outperformed its benchmark, the MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility (USD) Index, for the year-to-date, one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2022. The Directors also noted that the SGI Global Equity Fund ranked in the 3rd quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the one-year, two-year, and three-year periods and in the 2nd quintile for the four-year and five-year periods ended December 31, 2021.

 

The Directors noted that the SGI Small Cap Core Fund’s investment performance outperformed its benchmark, the Russell 2000® Index, for the year-to-date, one-year, three-year, five-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2022. The Directors also noted that the SGI Small Cap Core Fund ranked in the 1st quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the two-year and three-year periods, in the 2nd quintile for the four-year and five-year periods, and in the 4th quintile for the one-year periods ended December 31, 2021.

 

Next, the Directors noted that the SGI Peak Growth Fund’s investment performance underperformed its benchmark, the MSCI ACWI Index, for the year-to-date, one-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2022. The Directors also noted that the SGI Peak Growth Fund ranked in the 5th quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the one-year and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2021.

 

Finally, the Directors noted that the SGI Prudent Growth Fund’s investment performance underperformed its benchmark, the MSCI ACWI Index, for the year-to-date, one-year, and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2022. The Directors also noted that the SGI Prudent Growth Fund ranked in the 5th quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the one-year and since-inception periods ended December 31, 2021.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rate payable by the Funds under the Investment Advisory Agreements. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Funds and each Fund’s total operating expense ratio (before and after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) were compared to similar information for mutual funds advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee and total expenses of the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund ranked in the 5th quintile of the Fund’s Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee and total expenses of the SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund ranked in the 5th quintile of the Fund’s Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee of the SGI Global Equity Fund ranked in the 2nd quintile of the Fund’s Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 1st quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee of the SGI Small Cap Core Fund ranked in the 5th quintile of the Fund’s Lipper Expense Group, and that the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 4th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee and total expenses of the SGI Peak Growth Fund ranked in the 5th quintile of the Fund’s Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee and total expenses of the SGI Prudent Growth Fund ranked in the 5th quintile of the Fund’s Lipper Expense Group.

 

96

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Other Information (Unaudited) (Concluded)

 

The Directors then noted that Summit had contractually agreed to waive management fees and reimburse expenses through at least March 3, 2023 to limit total annual operating expenses to agreed upon levels for each Fund.

 

After reviewing information relating to Summit’s costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering the services to be provided by Summit, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees to be paid by the Funds to Summit were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreements should be approved and continued for an additional one-year period ending August 16, 2023.

 

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

 

The Company has adopted and implemented a Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Company Program”) as required by rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Company Program, the Adviser has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Adviser Program” and together with the Company Program, the “Programs”) on behalf of the Funds. The Programs seek to assess, manage and review each Fund’s Liquidity Risk. “Liquidity Risk” is defined as the risk that a Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interest in the Fund. The Board has appointed Vigilant Compliance, LLC (“Vigilant”) as the program administrator for the Company Program and Liquidity Risk Management Committee of the Adviser as the program administrator for the Adviser Program. The process of monitoring and determining the liquidity of each Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party vendors. At meetings held during the current fiscal period, the Board and its Regulatory Oversight Committee received and reviewed a written report (the “Report”) of Vigilant and the Adviser concerning the operation of the Programs for the period from July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 (the “Period”). The Report summarized the operation of the Programs and the information and factors considered by Vigilant and the Adviser in reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the implementation of the Programs with respect to each Fund. Such information and factors included, among other things: (i) the methodology used to classify the liquidity of each Fund’s portfolio investments and the Adviser’s assessment that each Fund’s strategy remained appropriate for an open-end mutual fund; (ii) analyses of each Fund’s trading environment and reasonably anticipated trading size; (iii) that each Fund held primarily highly liquid assets (investments that the Fund anticipates can be converted to cash within 3 business days or less in current market conditions without significantly changing their market value); (iv) that the Funds did not require the establishment of a highly liquid investment minimum and the methodology for that determination; (v) confirmation that the Funds did not breach the 15% maximum illiquid security threshold (investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven days or less in current market conditions without the sale of the investment significantly changing the market value of the investment) during the Period and the procedures for monitoring compliance with the limit; (vi) that the processes, technologies and third-party vendors used to assess, manage, and/or periodically review each Fund’s Liquidity Risk functioned appropriately during the Period; and (vii) that the Programs operated adequately during the Period. The Report also described material changes made to the Adviser Program during the Period and indicated that there were no material changes made to the Company Program during the Period. Based on the review, the Report concluded that the Programs were being implemented effectively and reasonably designed to assess and manage Liquidity Risk in each Fund’s portfolio.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company Program or the Adviser Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Funds’ prospectus for more information regarding a Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

 

97

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Company Management (Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (855) 744-8500.

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 89

Director

1988 to present

From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications).

55

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 55

Director

2012 to present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

55

FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018).

Lisa A. Dolly

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI, 53202

Age: 56

Director

October 2021 to present

From July 2019-December 2019, Chairman, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm); January 2016-June 2019, Chief Executive Officer, Pershing, LLC.

55

Allfunds Group PLC (United Kingdom wealthtech and fund distribution provider); Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (trade association for broker dealers, investment banks and asset managers); Hightower Advisors (wealth management firm).

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

55

Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until 2021); Kalmar Pooled

Investment Trust

(registered investment

company) (until

September 2017).

 

98

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Company Management (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

Arnold M. Reichman
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 74

Chairman

 

Director

2005 to present

1991 to present

Retired.

55

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until August 2022).

Brian T. Shea
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 62

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

55

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company); WisdomTree

Investments, Inc.

(asset management

company) (until March

2019).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 81

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

55

None.

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 84

Vice Chairman

 

Director

2016 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director - Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

55

None.

OFFICERS

Steven Plump

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 63

President

August 2022 to present

From 2011 to 2021, Executive Vice President, PIMCO Investments LLC.

N/A

N/A

Salvatore Faia, JD,
CPA, CFE
Vigilant Compliance, LLC
Gateway Corporate Center, Suite 216
223 Wilmington West
Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 59

Chief Compliance Officer

2004 to present

 

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, Chief Compliance Officer of The RBB Fund Trust; President of The RBB Fund Trust from 2021 to 2022; President of The RBB Fund, Inc. from 2009 to 2022.

N/A

N/A

 

 

99

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Company Management (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Name, Address,
and Age

Position(s) Held with Company

Term of Office and Length of Time Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past
5 Years

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 61

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

Chief Operating Officer

2016 to present

 

 

 

2022 to present

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2016) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2021) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund Trust; from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 48

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and The RBB Fund Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC. (an investment advisory firm)

N/A

N/A

Jennifer Witt
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 39

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services; from 2007 to 2016, Supervisor, Nuveen Investments (registered investment company).

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 51

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 63

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square
Ste. 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Age: 43

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 55 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company and The RBB Fund Trust (7 portfolios).

 

100

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

Company Management (Unaudited) (Concluded)

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his or her qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Ms. Dolly has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, and she has demonstrated her leadership and management abilities by serving in numerous senior executive-level positions. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing, and investment services industry, including service on the boards of industry regulatory organizations and a university. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company.

 

101

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)

 

FACTS

WHAT DOES THE SGI FUNDS DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

 

● Social Security number

● account balances

● account transactions

● transaction history

● wire transfer instructions

● checking account information

 

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

How?

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

       

Reasons we can share your information

Do the SGI Funds share?

Can you limit this sharing?

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

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial companies

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For affiliates’ everyday business purposes
information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

 

102

 

 

SUMMIT GLOBAL INVESTMENTS

 

 

PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited) (Concluded)

 

Questions?

Call 1-855-744-8500 or go to www.summitglobalinvestments.com

 

What we do

 

How do the SGI Funds protect my personal information?

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

How do the SGI Funds collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

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

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

Definitions

 

Affiliates

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

 

Our affiliates include Summit Global Investments, LLC, the investment adviser to the SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund, SGI Global Equity Fund, SGI Prudent Growth Fund, SGI Peak Growth Fund and SGI Small Cap Core Fund.

Nonaffiliates

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

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund, SGI Global Equity Fund, SGI Prudent Growth Fund, SGI Peak Growth Fund and SGI Small Cap Core Fund doesn’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

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

 

SGI U.S. Large Cap Equity Fund, SGI U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund, SGI Global Equity Fund, SGI Prudent Growth Fund, SGI Peak Growth Fund and SGI Small Cap Core Fund may share your information with other financial institutions with whom they have joint marketing arrangements who may suggest additional fund services or other investments products which may be of interest to you. We do not currently have any joint marketing arrangements with other financial institutions.

 

103

 

 

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[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 

Investment Adviser

Summit Global Investments, LLC
620 South Main Street
Bountiful, UT 84010

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee, WI 53201

 

Principal Underwriter

Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 E Kilbourn Ave, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

Custodian

U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Ernst & Young LLP
One Commerce Square
2005 Market Street, Suite 700
Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

Legal Counsel

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6996

 

SGI-AR22

 

 

 

 

ANNUAL
report 2022

A series of The RBB Fund, Inc.

8/31/22

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF (STNC)

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

 

   

Letter to Shareholders

1

Portfolio Characteristics

3

Fund Expense Example

5

Schedule of Investments

6

Financial Statements

9

Notes to Financial Statements

13

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

22

Shareholder Tax Information

23

Notice to Shareholders

24

Privacy Notice

27

Directors and Officers

30

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Letter to Shareholders

AUGUST 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

Dear Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF Shareholder:

 

The Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF (ticker: “STNC”), the “Fund”, commenced investment operations during mid-March 2021 and has been structured to attempt to achieve long-term capital appreciation. The Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (“ETF”) that invests, under normal circumstances at least 80% of the value of its net assets (plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in exchange-traded equity securities of U.S. large capitalization issuers that meet environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) standards, as determined and in the sole discretion of Stance Capital, LLC (“Stance”). The Fund currently considers companies within the Russell 1000® Index and S&P 500® Index to be large capitalization issuers.

 

In identifying investments for the Fund, Stance generally utilizes three independent processes. First, we apply a rules-based methodology to the universe of large capitalization companies and identify companies that successfully manage, in Stance’s view and in its sole discretion, sustainability-related key performance indicators (“KPIs”) which may include energy productivity1, carbon intensity2, water dependence3, waste profile4 and KPIs relating to governance, which may include capacity to innovate, unfunded pension fund liabilities, chief executive officer/average worker pay, safety performance, employee turnover, leadership diversity, percentage tax paid, and percent of bonus linked to sustainability performance. Companies who have engaged exclusively or primarily in weapons, tobacco, or thermal coal, are generally excluded from consideration. Second, we apply a machine learning model which uses financial, risk, and other factors to identify companies that, in our view, and based on our sole discretion, are most likely to outperform both in absolute returns and in risk adjusted returns over the next quarter. Finally, we attempt to optimize the Fund’s portfolio by minimizing tail risk and maximize diversification.

 

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, the Fund’s total return was -10.50%, which compares to the S&P 500® Total Return Index’s return of -11.23% for the same period. For the year-to-date, the Fund has experienced strong relative returns to the S&P 500® Total Return Index. The Fund, which is managed generally to be more defensive while attempting to preserve as much upside as possible, returned -14.91% for the year-to-date, which compares to -16.14% for the S&P 500® Total Return Index for the same period.

 

In the opinion of the management team, the Fund’s outperformance was largely driven by the second quarter of 2022 (“Q2), where the Fund outperformed the S&P 500® Total Return Index by over 5%. This outperformance was driven by our optimization tooling, which historically has shown resilience in risk management. The optimization weighted securities to minimize risk, which generated significant outperformance in Q2. This combined with some small security selection edge in Q2, generated significant outperformance and avoided approximately one-third of the downturn in the market (a returnof -10.68% for the Fund in Q2, which compares to a return of -16.10% in the S&P 500® Total Return Index over the same period).

 

The management team believes that our risk efficiency will pay off over the longer term as we enter more volatile environments with eyes on interest rate policy changes, global conflict and a potential recession on the horizon.

 

In terms of improving our processes, the management team at Stance is constantly evaluating, testing and implementing new sources of data and technology in order to continuously innovate and potentially deliver stronger outperformance and values alignment. We are confident that as we grow, our pace of innovation should accelerate, which we believe will deliver shareholder value.

 

 

1

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Letter to Shareholders (Concluded)

AUGUST 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

Several months ago, Stance determined that it is in the best interests of shareholders that the Fund be managed by a larger, more established platform. To that end, we are currently in the process of transitioning the Fund into a series of the Hennessy Funds Trust and changing the Fund’s current investment adviser from Red Gate Advisers, LLC, to Hennessy Advisors, Inc.. It is our expectation that this administrative development, (the changing of the advisor) will not affect the investment process in any way, and will put us in a stronger position to improve risk adjusted returns for our unitholders.

 

We thank you for your continued trust and support in us and we hope to continuously earn and deliver upon it.

 

Sincerely,

 

Bill Davis

 

Bill Davis

 

Founding Partner, Portfolio Manager

 

Stance Capital, LLC

 

2

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Portfolio Characteristics

(Unaudited)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE Periods ENDED AUGUST 31, 2022

 

ONE
YEAR

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

-10.50%

-0.31%

3/15/2021

S&P 500® Total Return Index**

-11.23%

1.23%(1)

Fund Expense Ratios (2): Gross 0.95% and Net 0.85%

     

 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(2)

The expense ratios of the Fund are set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights table in this report. See the Financial Highlights for most current expense ratios.

 

**

The S&P 500® Total Return Index is the total return version of the S&P 500® Index. Dividends are reinvested on a daily basis and all regular cash dividends are assumed reinvested in the index on the ex-dividend date. The S&P 500® Index is a market-capitalization-weighted index of 500 US stocks chosen for market size, liquidity and industry grouping, among other factors. The S&P 500® Index is designed to be a leading indicator of U.S. equities and is meant to reflect the risk/return characteristics of the large cap universe. The S&P 500® Index was first introduced on the 1st of January, 1923, though expanded to 500 stocks on March 4, 1957.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its’ unitary management fee to the extent necessary to limit the Fund’s annual operating expenses (excluding brokerage commissions, taxes, interest expense, acquired fund fees and expenses, and any extraordinary expenses) to an amount not exceeding 0.85% annually of the Fund’s average daily net assets. This contractual limitation is in effect until March 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board. The Adviser may discontinue these arrangements at any time after March 31, 2023.

 

 

3

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Portfolio Characteristics (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

The following tables show the top ten holdings and sector allocations, in which the Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF was invested in as of August 31, 2022. Portfolio holdings are subject to change without notice.

 

Top TEN Holdings

% OF Net
Assets

Fortive Corp.

4.0%

Nielsen Holdings PLC

4.0

Nasdaq, Inc.

3.6

J M Smucker Co., (The)

3.6

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

3.6

Home Depot, Inc., (The)

3.6

Texas Instruments, Inc.

3.5

Omnicom Group, Inc.

3.5

Lowe’s Cos., Inc.

3.5

Hershey Co., (The)

3.4

 

36.3%

 

The Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF uses the Global Industry Classification StandardSM (“GICSSM”) as the basis for the classification of securities on the Schedule of Investments (“SOI”).

 

Sector Allocation

% OF Net
Assets

Health Care

26.6%

Information Technology

21.9

Industrials

14.3

Consumer Discretionary

10.8

Financials

9.2

Consumer Staples

7.0

Communication Services

3.5

Utilities

3.4

Materials

2.7

 

99.4%

 

4

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Fund Expense Example

AUGUST 31, 2022 (UNAUDITED)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of Fund shares, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other ETFs.

 

This example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022, and held for the entire period.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

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

 

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

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
march 1,
2022

Ending
Account Value
august 31,
2022

Expenses
Paid During
Period
(1)

Annualized
Expense
Ratio
(2)

Actual SIX-MONTH Total Investment Return
for the Fund

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

       

Actual

$ 1,000.00

$ 957.00

$ 4.19

0.85%

-4.30%

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

1,000.00

1,020.92

4.33

0.85%

N/A

 

(1)

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio for the period March 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one-half year period. The Fund’s ending account value in the first section in the table is based on the actual six-month total investment return for the Fund.

 

(2)

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

 

 

5

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Schedule of Investments

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 
                 

Common Stocks — 99.4%

               

Biotechnology — 8.7%

               

Incyte Corp. (United States)*

    14,122     $ 994,612  

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (United States)*

    2,409       1,399,774  

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (United States)*

    4,692       1,322,018  
              3,716,404  

Capital Markets — 9.2%

               

Moody’s Corp. (United States)

    4,704       1,338,382  

Nasdaq, Inc. (United States)

    25,722       1,531,231  

S&P Global, Inc. (United States)

    2,950       1,038,931  
              3,908,544  

Chemicals — 2.7%

               

Sherwin-Williams Co., (The) (United States)

    5,022       1,165,606  

Electric Utilities — 3.4%

               

NRG Energy, Inc. (United States)

    34,760       1,434,893  

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 1.9%

               

Keysight Technologies, Inc. (United States)*

    4,978       815,844  

Food Products — 7.0%

               

Hershey Co., (The) (United States)

    6,421       1,442,606  

J M Smucker Co., (The) (United States)

    10,934       1,530,651  
              2,973,257  

Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 4.7%

               

Abbott Laboratories (United States)

    12,296       1,262,184  

Hologic, Inc. (United States)*

    10,826       731,405  
              1,993,589  

  

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

 

6

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Schedule of Investments (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

               

Health Care Providers & Services — 10.4%

               

CVS Health Corp. (United States)

    9,883     $ 970,016  

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings (United States)

    5,604       1,262,413  

Quest Diagnostics, Inc. (United States)

    9,896       1,240,068  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc. (United States)

    1,794       931,678  
              4,404,175  

IT Services — 6.0%

               

Mastercard, Inc., Class A (United States)

    3,976       1,289,695  

Visa, Inc., Class A (United States)

    6,374       1,266,578  
              2,556,273  

Machinery — 7.6%

               

Fortive Corp. (United States)

    26,841       1,699,840  

Illinois Tool Works, Inc. (United States)

    7,832       1,525,909  
              3,225,749  

Media — 3.5%

               

Omnicom Group, Inc. (United States)

    22,354       1,495,483  

Multiline Retail — 0.9%

               

Dollar Tree, Inc. (United States)*

    2,714       368,235  

Pharmaceuticals — 2.8%

               

Pfizer, Inc. (United States)

    19,357       875,517  

Zoetis, Inc. (United States)

    1,946       304,607  
              1,180,124  

Professional Services — 6.7%

               

Jacobs Solutions, Inc. (United States)

    9,369       1,167,190  

Nielsen Holdings PLC (United Kingdom)

    60,730       1,690,723  
              2,857,913  

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 3.5%

               

Texas Instruments, Inc. (United States)

    9,094       1,502,420  

  

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

 

 

7

  

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Schedule of Investments (CONCLUDED)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

   

Value

 
                 

Common Stocks (continued)

               

Software — 3.6%

               

Adobe, Inc. (United States)*

    2,063     $ 770,406  

Autodesk, Inc. (United States)*

    3,870       780,734  
              1,551,140  

Specialty Retail — 10.0%

               

AutoZone, Inc. (United States)*

    586       1,241,857  

Home Depot, Inc., (The) (United States)

    5,273       1,520,839  

Lowe’s Cos., Inc. (United States)

    7,615       1,478,376  
              4,241,072  

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 6.8%

               

Apple, Inc. (United States)

    3,771       592,876  

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. (United States)

    84,638       1,151,077  

HP, Inc. (United States)

    39,722       1,140,419  
              2,884,372  

Total Common Stocks (Cost $43,073,235)

            42,275,093  
                 

Short-Term Investments — 0.5%

               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.00% (United States)(a)

    228,584       228,584  

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $228,584)

            228,584  
                 

Total Investments (Cost $43,301,819) — 99.9%

            42,503,677  

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.1%

            25,893  

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

               

(Applicable to 1,715,000 shares outstanding)

          $ 42,529,570  

 

*

Non-income producing security.

 

PLC

Public Limited Company

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.

 

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

 

8

 

  

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

ASSETS

       

Investments in securities of unaffiliated issurers, at value (cost $43,073,235)

  $ 42,275,093  

Short-term investments, at value (cost $228,584)

    228,584  

Receivables for:

       

Dividends

    57,437  

Total assets

    42,561,114  
         

LIABILITIES

       

Payables for:

       

Advisory fees

    31,544  

Total liabilities

    31,544  

Net assets

  $ 42,529,570  
         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

       

Par value

  $ 1,715  

Paid-in capital

    45,018,226  

Total distributable earnings/(losses)

    (2,490,371 )

Net assets

  $ 42,529,570  
         

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    1,715,000  

Net asset value, price per share

    24.80  

 

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

 

 

9

  

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Statement of Operations

FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2022

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

       

Dividends (Less foreign taxes withheld $28)

  $ 610,555  

Total investment income

    610,555  
         

EXPENSES

       

Advisory fees (Note 3)

    363,829  

Total expenses

    363,829  

Expense fees (waived)/reimbursed

    (38,298 )

Net expenses after waivers/reimbursements

    325,531  

Net investment income/(loss)

    285,024  
         

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

       

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (4,552,863 )

Net realized gain/(loss) from redemption in-kind

    2,995,770  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    (3,140,125 )

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments

    (4,697,218 )

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ (4,412,194 )

 

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

 

10

 

  

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

STATEMENTS of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

FOR THE
YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2022

   

FOR THE
period ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2021*

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:

               

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 285,024     $ 29,240  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (1,557,093 )     1,400,128  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    (3,140,125 )     2,341,983  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (4,412,194 )     3,771,351  
                 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:

               

Total distributable earnings

    (164,737 )      

Net decrease in net assets from dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (164,737 )      
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    34,013,802       62,522,221  

Shares redeemed

    (24,191,858 )     (29,009,015 )

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

    9,821,944       33,513,206  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    5,245,013       37,284,557  
                 

NET ASSETS:

               

Beginning of period

    37,284,557        

End of period

  $ 42,529,570     $ 37,284,557  
                 

SHARES TRANSACTIONS:

               

Shares sold

    1,245,000       2,470,000  

Shares redeemed

    (870,000 )     (1,130,000 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding

    375,000       1,340,000  

 

*

Inception date of the Fund was March 15, 2021.

 

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

 

 

11

  

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the respective periods. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

For the YEAR
Ended
august 31,
2022

   

For the
Period Ended
august 31,
2021
(1)

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

               

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 27.82     $ 25.00  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    0.20       0.02  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (3.10 )     2.80  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (2.90 )     2.82  

Dividends and distributions to shareholders from:

               

Net investment income

    (0.10 )      

Net realized capital gains

    (0.02 )      

Total dividends and distributions to shareholders

    (0.12 )      

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 24.80     $ 27.82  

Market value, end of period

  $ 24.83     $ 27.91  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value(3)

    -10.50 %     11.23 %(5)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price(4)

    -10.63 %     11.56 %(5)

RATIO/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

               

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 42,530     $ 37,285  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets with waivers and/or reimbursements

    0.85 %     0.85 %(6)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets without waivers and/or reimbursements

    0.95 %     0.95 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    0.74 %     0.19 %(6)

Portfolio turnover rate(7)

    290 %     180 %(5)

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was March 15, 2021.

 

(2)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

(5)

Not annualized.

 

(6)

Annualized.

 

(7)

Excludes effect of in-kind transfers.

 

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

 

12

 

  

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Notes to Financial Statements

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has forty-eight separate investment portfolios, including the Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF (the “Fund”). The Fund commenced investment operations on March 15, 2021.

 

On July 26, 2022, the Board of Directors of the Company approved an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization with respect to the Fund (the “Plan”). The Plan provides for the sale of all of the assets of the Fund to, and the assumption of all of the liabilities of the Fund by, Hennessy Stance ESG Large Cap ETF (the “Acquiring Fund”), a newly-created series of Hennessy Funds Trust, in exchange for the Acquiring Fund’s shares with the same aggregate net asset value as shares of the Fund, which would be distributed pro rata by the Fund to the holders of its shares in complete liquidation of the Fund (the “Reorganization”). Hennessy Advisors, Inc. is the investment adviser of the Acquiring Fund. The investment objectives, investment policies and strategies of the Acquiring Fund and the Fund are the same or substantially similar. The Reorganization is subject to approval by the shareholders of the Fund. A special meeting of shareholders of the Fund will be scheduled to seek approval of the Plan and the related Reorganization (the “Shareholder Meeting”). A related proxy statement in connection with the Shareholder Meeting that further describes the Plan and the Reorganization will be distributed in advance of the Shareholder Meeting.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 90.023 billion shares are currently classified into two hundred and eleven classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

The investment objective of the Fund is to achieve long-term capital appreciation.

 

The Fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services - Investment Companies”.

 

The end of the reporting period for the Fund is August 31, 2022, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

PORTFOLIO VALUATION — The Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Fund are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, securities traded principally on an exchange or on NASDAQ will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. Foreign securities are valued based on prices from the primary market in which they are traded, and are translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments. Such procedures use fundamental valuation methods, which may include, but are not limited to, an analysis of the effect of any restrictions on the resale of the security, industry analysis and trends, significant changes in the issuer’s financial position, and any other event which could have a significant impact on the value of the security. Determination of fair value involves subjective judgment as the actual market value of a particular security can be established only by negotiations between the parties in a sales transaction, and the difference between the recorded fair value and the value that would be received in a sale could be significant.

  

 

13

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

Level 1 – Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

Level 2 – Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

Level 3 – Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the reporting period, in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value:

 

 

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

 

Common Stocks

  $ 42,275,093     $ 42,275,093     $     $  

Short-Term Investments

    228,584       228,584              

Total Investments*

  $ 42,503,677     $ 42,503,677     $     $  

 

*

Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for further details.

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Fund’s investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Fund may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires the Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only when the Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for all Level 3 transfers are disclosed if the Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

  

14

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

During the current fiscal period, the Fund had no Level 3 transfers.

 

USE OF ESTIMATES — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS, INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES — The Fund records security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gains are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. Certain expenses are shared with The RBB Fund Trust (formerly, PENN Capital Funds Trust) (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Fund. As discussed further in Note 3, most expenses of the Fund are paid by the Adviser under a unitary fee arrangement.

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS — The Fund pays dividends from its net investment income and distributes any net capital gains that it realizes. Dividends and capital gains distributions are generally paid once a year and as required to comply with federal excise tax requirements. Distributions to shareholders are determined in accordance with tax regulations and recorded on ex dividend date. Quarterly, the Fund will report details of distributions including gain and loss distributions and related taxes.

 

U.S. TAX STATUS — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is the Fund’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC — The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. Although vaccines for COVID-19 are available, the ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers are not known. The operational and financial performance of the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and the pace of recovery which may vary market to market, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments, impair the Fund’s ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance.

 

UKRAINE-RUSSIA CONFLICT RISK — In February 2022, Russia commenced a military attack on Ukraine. The outbreak of hostilities between the two countries and the threat of wider-spread hostilities could have a severe adverse effect on the region and global economies, including significant negative impacts on the markets for certain securities and commodities, such as oil and natural gas. In addition, sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States and other countries, and any sanctions imposed in the future, could have a significant adverse impact on the Russian economy and related markets. The price and liquidity of investments may fluctuate widely as a result of the conflict and related events. How long the armed conflict and related events will last cannot be predicted. These tensions and any related events could have a significant impact on Fund performance and the value of Fund investments, even beyond any direct exposure the Fund may have to issuers located in these countries.

 

 

15

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.

 

OTHER — In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Fund in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Fund expects the risk of material loss from such claims to be remote.

 

2. Investment Policies and Practices

 

The sections below describe some of the different types of investments that may be made by the Fund and the investment practices in which the Fund may engage.

 

TYPES OF EQUITY SECURITIES — In addition to common stock, the equity securities that the Fund may purchase include securities having equity characteristics, such as rights. Common stock represents an equity or ownership interest in a company. This interest often gives the Fund the right to vote on measures affecting the company’s organization and operations. Equity securities have a history of long-term growth in value, but their prices tend to fluctuate in the shorter term. Rights essentially are options to purchase equity securities at specific prices valid for a specific period of time. Their prices do not necessarily move parallel to the prices of the underlying securities. Rights normally have a short duration and are distributed directly by the issuer to its shareholders. Rights have no voting rights, receive no dividends, and have no rights with respect to the assets of the issuer.

 

SECURITIES OF OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES — The Fund may invest in securities of other investment companies, including ETF shares and shares of money market funds. The Fund’s investment in these securities (other than shares of money market funds and of certain ETFs) may be subject to certain limitations imposed by the 1940 Act — generally, a prohibition on acquiring more than 3 percent of the outstanding voting stock of another investment company. Investment companies such as ETFs and money market funds pay investment advisory and other fees and incur various expenses in connection with their operations. When the Fund invests in another investment company, shareholders of the Fund will indirectly bear these fees and expenses, which will be in addition to the fees and expenses of the Fund.

 

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS — Real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) are pooled investment vehicles that manage a portfolio of real estate or real estate-related loans to earn profits for their shareholders. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs, or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks associated with investing in the real estate industry in general. Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the REITs, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of the borrower on any credit extended. REITs are dependent upon management skills, may not be diversified geographically or by property type, and are subject to heavy cash-flow dependency, default by borrowers, and self-liquidation. REITs must also meet certain requirements under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), to avoid entity level tax and be eligible to pass through certain tax attributes of their income to shareholders. REITs are consequently subject to the risk of failing to meet these requirements for favorable tax treatment and of failing to maintain their exemptions from registration under the 1940 Act. REITs are also subject to the risks of changes in the Code, affecting their tax status.

 

16

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risks. When interest rates decline, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed-rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a REIT’s investment in fixed-rate obligations can be expected to decline. In contrast, as interest rates on adjustable-rate mortgage loans are reset periodically, yields on a REIT’s investments in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates, causing the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed-rate obligations.

 

The management of a REIT may be subject to conflicts of interest with respect to the operation of the business of the REIT and may be involved in real estate activities competitive with the REIT. REITs may own properties through joint ventures or in other circumstances in which a REIT may not have control over its investments. REITs may use significant amounts of leverage.

 

TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS — During periods of adverse market or economic conditions, the Fund may temporarily invest all or a substantial portion of its assets in high-quality, fixed-income securities, money market instruments, and shares of money market mutual funds, or it may hold cash. At such times, the Fund would not be pursuing its stated investment objective with its usual investment strategies. The Fund may also hold these investments for liquidity purposes. Fixed-income securities will be deemed to be of high quality if they are rated “A” or better by S&P or Moody’s or, if unrated, are determined to be of comparable quality by the the Fund’s sub-adviser, Stance Capital, LLC. Money market instruments are high-quality, short-term fixed income obligations (which generally have remaining maturities of one year or less), and may include U.S. Government Securities, commercial paper, certificates of deposit and banker’s acceptances issued by domestic branches of United States banks that are members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and repurchase agreements for US. Government Securities. In lieu of purchasing money market instruments, the Fund may purchase shares of money market mutual funds that invest primarily in U.S. Government Securities and repurchase agreements involving those securities, subject to certain limitations imposed by the 1940 Act. The Fund, as an investor in a money market fund, will indirectly bear the fees and expenses of the money market fund. These indirect fees and expenses will be in addition to the fees and expenses of the Fund. Repurchase agreements involve certain risks not associated with direct investments in debt securities.

 

3. INVESTMENT adviser and other services

 

Red Gate Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Stance Capital, LLC and Vident Advisory, LLC each serves as an investment sub-adviser (“Sub-Adviser”) to the Fund. Subject to the supervision of the Board, the Adviser manages the overall investment operations of the Fund, primarily in the form of oversight of the Fund’s sub-advisers, pursuant to the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Company on behalf of the Fund. The Fund compensates the Adviser with a unitary management fee for its services at an annual rate of 0.95%; based on the Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Advisory Fee”), payable on a monthly basis in arrears. From the Advisory Fee, the Adviser pays most of the expenses of the Fund, including the cost of sub-advisory, transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services. However, the Adviser is not responsible for interest expenses, brokerage commissions and other trading expenses, taxes and other extraordinary costs such as litigation and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of business.

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its’ unitary management fee to the extent necessary to limit the Fund’s annual operating expenses (excluding brokerage commissions, taxes, interest expense, acquired fund fees and expenses, and any extraordinary expenses) to an amount not exceeding 0.85% annually of the Fund’s average daily net assets. This contractual limitation is in effect until March 31, 2023 and may not be terminated without the approval of the Board. The Adviser may discontinue these arrangements at any time after March 31, 2023.

 

 

17

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued and waived were as follows:

 

 

GROSS
ADVISORY FEES

   

RECOUPMENT/
WAIVERS

   

NET
ADVISORY FEES

 
  $ 363,829     $ (38,298 )   $ 325,531  

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as administrator for the Fund. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Fund’s transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Fund. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Vigilant Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”), an affiliate of the Adviser, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

Under the Fund’s unitary fee, the Adviser compensates Fund Services and the Custodian for its services provided.

 

DIRECTOR AND OFFICER COMPENSATION — The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as Chief Compliance Officer of the Company and served as President of the Company until August 2022. Vigilant Compliance, LLC, an affiliate of the Adviser, is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Funds or the Company. As of the end of the reporting period, there were no director and officer fees charged or paid by the Fund.

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding in-kind transactions and short-term investments) of the Fund were as follows:

 

 

Purchase

   

Sales

 
  $ 111,220,754     $ 110,708,087  

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. Government Securities during the current fiscal period.

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales of in-kind transactions of the Fund were as follows:

 

 

Purchase

   

Sales

 
  $ 33,483,746     $ 24,012,164  

 

18

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

5. Federal Income tax information

 

It is the Fund’s intention to meet the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), that are applicable to a regulated investment company (“RIC”). The Fund intends to continue to operate so as to qualify to be taxed as a RIC under the Code and, as such, to not be subject to federal income tax on the portion of its taxable income and gains distributed to stockholders. To qualify for RIC tax treatment, among other requirements, the Fund is required to distribute at least 90% of its investment company taxable income, as defined by the Code. Accordingly, the Fund intends to distribute its taxable income and net realized gains, if any, to shareholders in accordance with timing requirements imposed by the Code. While the Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its taxable net investment income and capital gains, if any, in a manner necessary to minimize the imposition of a 4% excise tax, there can be no assurance that it will avoid any or all of the excise tax. In such event, the Fund will be liable only for the amount by which it does not meet the foregoing distribution requirements. The Fund has adopted October 31 as its tax year end.

 

In accounting for income taxes, the Fund follows the guidance in FASB ASC Codification 740, as amended by ASU 2009-06, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”). ASC 740 prescribes the minimum recognition threshold a tax position must meet in connection with accounting for uncertainties in income tax positions taken or expected to be taken by an entity before being measured and recognized in the financial statements. Management has concluded, there were no uncertain tax positions as of August 31, 2022 for federal income tax purposes or in, the Fund’s major state and local tax jurisdiction of Delaware.

 

Because U.S. federal income tax regulations differ from U.S. GAAP, distributions in accordance with tax regulations may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Differences may be permanent or temporary. Permanent difference are reclassified among capital accounts in the financial statements to reflect the applicable tax characterization. Temporary differences arise when certain items of income, expense, gain or loss are recognized at some time in the future. The tax basis components of distributable earnings may differ from the amount reflected in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities due to temporary book/tax differences due to a tax free incorporation transfer.

 

As of August 31, 2022, the federal tax cost, aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of securities held by the Fund were as follows:

 

 

FEDERAL
TAX COST

   

UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION

   

UNREALIZED
(DEPRECIATION)

   

NET UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

 
  $ 43,430,659     $ 1,560,805     $ (2,487,787 )   $ (926,982 )

 

Permanent differences as of August 31, 2022, primarily attributable to tax fiscal year end October 31, 2021 redemptions-in-kind and transfer-in-kind cost basis difference between GAAP and tax, were reclassified among the following accounts:

 

 

DISTRIBUTABLE
EARNINGS/(LOSS)

   

PAID-IN
CAPITAL

 
  $ (1,684,791 )   $ 1,684,791  

 

 

19

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

The tax basis of undistributed earnings for the fiscal tax year ended October 31, 2021, shown below represents distribution requirements met by the Fund subsequent to the fiscal tax year end in order to satisfy income tax requirements:

 

 

UNDISTRIBUTED
ORDINARY INCOME

   

UNDISTRIBUTED
LONG-TERM GAINS

   

NET UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

 
  $ 69,170     $ 30,318     $ 2,014,900  

 

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2022 and August 31, 2021 was a follows:

 

 

 

ORDINARY INCOME

   

LONG-TERM GAINS

   

total

 

2022

  $ 134,419     $ 30,318     $ 164,737  

2021

                 

 

6. SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

Shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “Exchange”). Market prices for the shares may be different from their NAV. The Fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis at NAV only in blocks of 5,000 shares, called “Creation Units.” Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities included in a specified universe. Once created, shares generally trade in the secondary market at market prices that change throughout the day. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund. Creation Units may only be purchased or redeemed by certain financial institutions (“Authorized Participants”). An Authorized Participant is either (i) a broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation or (ii) a Depository Trust Company participant and, in each case, must have executed a Participant Agreement with the Distributor. Most retail investors do not qualify as Authorized Participants nor have the resources to buy and sell whole Creation Units. Therefore, they are unable to purchase or redeem shares directly from the Fund. Rather, most retail investors may purchase shares in the secondary market with the assistance of a broker and are subject to customary brokerage commissions or fees.

 

The Fund currently offers one class of shares, which has no front-end sales load, no deferred sales charge, and no redemption fee. A fixed transaction fee is imposed for the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the purchase or sale of Creation Units. The standard fixed transaction fee for the Fund is $300, payable to the custodian. In addition, a variable fee may be charged on all cash transactions or substitutes for Creation Units of up to a maximum of 2% as a percentage of the value of the Creation Units subject to the transaction. Variable fees are imposed to compensate the Fund for the transaction costs associated with the cash transactions. Variable fees received by the Fund, if any, are displayed in the capital shares transactions section of the Statement of Changes in Net Assets. Shares of the Fund have equal rights and privileges.

 

20

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Notes to Financial Statements (CONCLUDED)

AUGUST 31, 2022

 

7. In-Kind SUBSCRIPTION

 

On March 15, 2021, the Fund received securities in connection with an in-kind subscription transaction. The seed shares totaled 1,105,000 with a NAV of $25.0159. For financial reporting purposes, these transactions were treated as purchases of securities and recognized based on the market value of the securities. The value of the initial in-kind subscriptions was $27,642,570.

 

8. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In October 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted new regulations governing the use of derivatives by registered investment companies (“Rule 18f-4”). Rule 18f-4 imposes limits on the amount of derivatives a fund can enter into, eliminates the asset segregation framework previously used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, and requires funds whose use of derivatives is greater than a limited specified amount to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager. The Fund is required to comply with Rule 18f-4 and has adopted procedures for investing in derivatives and other transactions in compliance with Rule 18f-4. Rule 18f-4 may require the Fund to observe more stringent requirements than were previously imposed by the 1940 Act, which could adversely affect the ability of the Fund to engage in certain derivatives transactions and/or increase the costs of such derivatives transactions, which could adversely affect the Fund’s performance and increase costs related to the Fund’s use of derivatives.

 

In December 2020, the SEC adopted a new rule providing a framework for fund valuation practices (“Rule 2a-5”). Rule 2a-5 establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the 1940 Act. Rule 2a-5 will permit fund boards to designate certain parties to perform fair value determinations, subject to board oversight and certain other conditions. Rule 2a-5 also defines when market quotations are “readily available” for purposes of the 1940 Act and the threshold for determining whether a fund must fair value a security. In connection with Rule 2a-5, the SEC also adopted related recordkeeping requirements and is rescinding previously issued guidance, including with respect to the role of a board in determining fair value and the accounting and auditing of fund investments. The Fund will be required to comply with the rules by September 8, 2022. Effective September 8, 2022 and pursuant to the requirements of Rule 2a-5, the Board designated the Adviser as its valuation designee to perform fair value determinations and approved new valuation procedures for the Fund.

 

In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments on the financial statements.

 

9. Subsequent Events

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Fund through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there were no significant events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

 

21

 

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc. and Shareholders of Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF (one of the funds constituting The RBB Fund, Inc., hereafter referred to as the “Fund”) as of August 31, 2022, the related statement of operations for the year ended August 31, 2022, the statements of changes in net assets for the year ended August 31, 2022 and for the period March 15, 2021 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2021, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for the year ended August 31, 2022 and for the period March 15, 2021 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2021 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of August 31, 2022, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for the year ended August 31, 2022 and for the period March 15, 2021 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2021 and the financial highlights for the year ended August 31, 2022 and for the period March 15, 2021 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2021 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

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

 

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2022 by correspondence with the custodian. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 28, 2022

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more Red Gate Advisers, LLC investment companies since 2021.

 

22

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Shareholder Tax Information

(Unaudited)

 

Certain tax information regarding the Fund is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Fund’s income and distributions for the taxable period ended August 31, 2022. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ending December 31, 2022. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, the following dividends and distributions were paid by the Fund:

 

 

Ordinary
Income

   

Long-Term
Gains

 
  $ 134,419     $ 30,318  

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under the Jobs and Growth Tax relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 the following percentages of ordinary dividends paid during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022 are designated as “qualified dividend income,” as defined in the Act, and are subject to reduced tax rates:

 

0.00%

 

The percentage of total ordinary income dividends paid qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction for the Fund is as follows:

 

0.00%

 

Because the Fund’s fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2022. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2023.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Fund, if any.

 

In general, dividends received by tax-exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting.

 

Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Fund.

 

 

23

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Notice to Shareholders

(Unaudited)

 

Information on Proxy Voting

 

Policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 are available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 617-0004; and (ii) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Quarterly Schedule of Investments

 

The Company files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Forms N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Frequency Distributions of Premiums and Discounts

 

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

 

LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

 

The Company has adopted and implemented a Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Company Program”) as required by rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act. In accordance with the Company Program, the Adviser has adopted and implemented a liquidity risk management program (the “Adviser Program” and together with the Company Program, the “Programs”) on behalf of the Fund. The Programs seek to assess, manage and review the Fund’s Liquidity Risk. “Liquidity Risk” is defined as the risk that the Fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interest in the Fund.

 

The Board has appointed Vigilant Compliance, LLC (“Vigilant”) as the program administrator for the Company Program and the Liquidity Risk Management Committee of the Adviser as the program administrator for the Adviser Program. The process of monitoring and determining the liquidity of the Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party vendors.

 

At meetings held during the current fiscal period, the Board and its Regulatory Oversight Committee received and reviewed a written report (the “Report”) of Vigilant and the Adviser concerning the operation of the Programs for the period from July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 (the “Period”). The Report summarized the operation of the Programs and the information and factors considered by Vigilant and the Adviser in reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the implementation of the Programs with respect to the Fund. Such information and factors included, among other things: (i) the methodology used to classify the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio investments and the Adviser’s assessment that the Fund’s strategy remained appropriate for an open-end mutual fund; (ii) analyses of the Fund’s trading environment and reasonably anticipated trading size; (iii) that the Fund held primarily highly liquid assets (investments that the Fund anticipates can be converted to cash within 3 business days or less in current market conditions without significantly changing their market value); (iv) that the Fund did not require the establishment of a highly liquid investment minimum and the methodology for that determination; (v) confirmation that the Fund did not breach the 15% maximum illiquid security threshold (investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven days or less in current market conditions without the sale of the investment significantly changing the market value of the investment) during the Period and the procedures for monitoring compliance with the limit; (vi) that the processes, technologies and third-party vendors used to assess, manage, and/or periodically review the Fund’s Liquidity Risk functioned appropriately during the Period; and (vii) that the Programs operated adequately during the Period. The Report also indicated that there were no material changes made to the Programs during the Period.

  

24

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Notice to Shareholders (CONtinued)

(Unaudited)

 

Based on the review, the Report concluded that the Programs were being implemented effectively and reasonably designed to assess and manage Liquidity Risk in the Fund’s portfolio.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company Program or the Adviser Program will achieve its objectives under all circumstances in the future. Please refer to the Fund’s prospectus for more information regarding the Fund’s exposure to liquidity risk and other risks to which it may be subject.

 

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTs

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the renewal of the investment advisory agreement between Red Gate and the Company (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF (for this section only, “Fund”) and the Sub-Advisory Agreements between Red Gate and each of Stance Capital, LLC and Vident Investment Advisory, LLC (each a “Sub-Adviser” and together the “Sub-Advisers”) at a meeting of the Board held on May 11-12, 2022 (for this section only, the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements for an additional one-year term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements reflects the exercise of its business judgment to continue the existing arrangement. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements, the Board considered information provided by Red Gate with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the renewal and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Company and Red Gate with respect to the Fund and the Sub-Advisory Agreements between Red Gate and each Sub-Adviser with respect to the Fund, the Directors took into account all the materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of Red Gate’s and the Sub-Advisers’ services provided to the Fund; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of Red Gate’s and the Sub-Advisers’ personnel providing those services; (iii) Red Gate’s and the Sub-Advisers’ investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Red Gate’s and the Sub-Advisers’ assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Red Gate’s and the Sub-Advisers’ soft dollar commission and trade allocation policies, including information on the types of research and services obtained in connection with soft dollar commissions; (vi) Red Gate’s and the Sub-Advisers’ advisory fee arrangement with the Company and other similarly managed clients; (vii) Red Gate’s and the Sub-Advisers’ compliance policies and procedures; (viii) Red Gate’s and the Sub-Advisers’ financial information, insurance coverage and profitability analysis related to providing advisory services to the Fund; (ix) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Fund; (x) a report prepared by Broadridge/Lipper comparing the Fund’s management fees and total expense ratio to those of its Lipper peer group; and (xi) a report comparing the performance of the Fund to the performance of its respective benchmark.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Red Gate and each Sub-Adviser. The Directors concluded that Red Gate and each Sub-Adviser had substantial resources to provide services to the Fund and that Red Gate’s and the Sub-Advisers’ services had been acceptable.

 

The Directors also considered the investment performance of the Fund and considered the Fund’s investment performance in light of its investment objectives and investment strategies. The Directors concluded that the investment performance of the Fund as compared to its respective benchmarks and Lipper Group was acceptable.

 

 

25

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Notice to Shareholders (CONCLUDED)

(Unaudited)

 

The Directors then noted the performance of the Fund. The Directors noted the Fund had underperformed its benchmark for the year-to-date and since-inception periods ended March 31, 2022. The Directors also noted that the Fund ranked in the 2nd quintile in its Lipper Performance Group for the since-inception period ended December 31, 2021.

 

The Board also considered the advisory fee rates payable by the Fund under the Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements. In this regard, information on the fees paid by the Fund and the Fund’s total operating expense ratios (before and after fee waivers and expense reimbursements) were compared to similar information for ETFs advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms. The Directors also considered the fees payable to each Sub-Adviser under the Sub-Advisory Agreement.

 

The Directors noted that the actual advisor fee and the total expenses of the Fund ranked in the 5th quintile of its Lipper Expense Group.

 

The Board also took into consideration that the advisory fee for the Fund was a “unitary fee,” meaning the Fund paid no expenses other than the advisory fee and certain other costs such as interest, brokerage and extraordinary expenses. The Board noted that Red Gate continued to be responsible for compensating the Company’s other service providers and paying other expenses of the Fund out of its own fees and resources.

 

After reviewing Red Gate’s and the Sub-Advisers’ costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering the services to be provided by Red Gate and the Sub-Advisers, the Directors concluded that the investment advisory fees to be paid by the Fund to Red Gate and the sub-advisory fees to be paid to each Sub-Adviser were fair and reasonable and that the Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements should be approved and continued for an additional one-year period ending August 16, 2023.

 

26

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Privacy Notice

(Unaudited)

 

Exhibit A

FACTS

WHAT DOES RED GATE ADVISERS, LLC (“RED GATE”) DO WITH YOUR

PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

● Social Security number and transaction history

● Account balances and checking account information

● Account transactions and wire transfer instructions

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

How?

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

       

Reasons we share your personal information

Does Red Gate share?

Can you limit this?

For our everyday business purposes —
such as to process your transaction, maintain your account(s), provide you with necessary information, respond to court orders and legal investigation.

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes —
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

Yes

For joint marketing with other financial companies

No

We don’t share.

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes —
Information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share.

For our affiliates to market to you

Yes

No

For non-affiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share.

 

To limit our sharing

Please note:

If you are a new customer, we can begin sharing your information 30 days from the days from the date we sent this notice. When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

However, you can contact us at any time to limit our sharing

Questions?

Call 1-888-229-1855 or visit https://redgateadvisers.com/ should you have any questions.

 

 

 

27

 

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Privacy Notice (continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Exhibit A

What we do

 

How does Red Gate protect my personal information?

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

How does Red Gate collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

● sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes-information about your creditworthiness

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

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

What happens when I limit sharing for an account I hold jointly with someone else?

In addition to the above information, where applicable, you have the following rights under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and U.S. Privacy Laws, as applicable and to the extent permitted by law, to

● Check whether we hold personal information about you and to access such data (in accordance with our policy)

● Request the correction of personal information about you that is

● inaccurate

● Have a copy of the personal information we hold about you provided to you or another “controller” where technically feasible

● Request the erasure of your personal information

● Request the restriction of processing concerning you

The legal grounds for processing of your personal information is for contractual necessity and compliance with law.

If you wish to exercise any of your rights above, please call:1-888-229-1855.

You are required to ensure the personal information we hold about you is up-to-date and accurate and you must notify us of any changes to the personal data you provided to us.

The Funds shall retain your personal data for as long as you are an investor in the Funds and thereafter as long as necessary to comply with applicable laws that require the Funds to retain your personal data, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission’s data retention rules. Your personal data will be transferred to the United States so that the Funds may provide the agreed upon services for you. No adequacy decision has been rendered by the European Commission as to the data protection of your personal data when transferring it to the United States. However, the Funds do take the security of your personal data seriously.

European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation

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.

 

 

28

 

 

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Privacy Notice (CONCLUDED)

(Unaudited)

 

Exhibit A

Definitions

 

Affiliates

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

Red Gate shares ownership with Vigilant Compliance, LLC, Vigilant Distributors, LLC and Red Gate Distribution, LLC.

Non-affiliates

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

Red Gate does not share with non-affiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

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

Red Gate doesn’t jointly market.

Controller

“Controller” means the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data; where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by European union or European Member state law, the controller or the specific criteria for its nomination may be provided for by European union or European Member state law.

 

 

 

 

29

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Directors and Officers

(Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 617-0004.

 

Name, Address,
AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office
and
Length of
Time
Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 89

Director

1988 to present

From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications).

55

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 55

Director

2012 to
present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

55

FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018).

Lisa A. Dolly

615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI, 53202

Age: 56

Director

October 2021 to present

From July 2019-December 2019, Chairman, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm); January 2016-June 2019, Chief Executive Officer, Pershing, LLC.

55

Allfunds Group PLC (United Kingdom wealthtech and fund distribution provider); Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (trade association for broker dealers, investment banks and asset managers); Hightower Advisors (wealth management firm).

 

30

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Directors and Officers (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office
and
Length of
Time
Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

55

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until 2021); Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017).

Arnold M. Reichman 615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 74

Chairman

 

 

Director

2005 to present

 

1991 to present

Retired.

55

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until August 2022).

Brian T. Shea
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 62

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

55

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company); WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 81

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

55

None.

 

 

 

31

 

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Directors and Officers (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office
and
Length of
Time
Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 84

Vice Chairman

 

 

Director

2016 to present

 

1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

55

None.

OFFICERS

Steven Plump

615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 63

President

August 2022 to present

From 2011 to 2021, Executive Vice President, PIMCO Investments LLC.

N/A

N/A

Salvatore Faia, JD, CPA, CFE Vigilant Compliance, LLC Gateway Corporate Center, Suite 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 59

Chief Compliance Officer

2004 to present

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, Chief Compliance Officer of The RBB Fund Trust; President of The RBB Fund Trust from 2021 to 2022; President of The RBB Fund, Inc. from 2009 to 2022.

N/A

N/A

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 61

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

Chief Operating Officer

2016 to present

 

 

2022 to present

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2016) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A

N/A

 

 

32

 

 

 

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Directors and Officers (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address,
AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office
and
Length of
Time
Served1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

Craig A. Urciuoli
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 48

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and The RBB Fund Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC (an investment advisory firm).

N/A

N/A

Jennifer Witt
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 39

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services; from 2007 to 2016, Supervisor, Nuveen Investments (registered investment company).

N/A

N/A

Edward Paz
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 51

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square Ste. 2000 Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 63

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square Ste. 2000 Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 43

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

 

 

 

*

Each Director oversees 55 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company and The RBB Fund Trust (7 portfolios)

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

 

 

33

 

 

Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF

Directors and Officers (CONCLUDED)

(Unaudited)

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his or her qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Ms. Dolly has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, and she has demonstrated her leadership and management abilities by serving in numerous senior executive-level positions. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing, and investment services industry, including service on the boards of industry regulatory organizations and a university. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company.

 

34

 

 

 

 

 

(This Page Intentionally Left Blank.)

 

 

(This Page Intentionally Left Blank.)

 

 

INVESTMENT ADVISER

Red Gate Advisers, LLC
Gateway Corporate Center, Ste 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike Chadds Ford, PA 19317

 

INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISERS

Stance Capital, LLC
75 Central Street, 5th Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02109

 

Vident Investment Advisory, LLC
1125 Sanctuary Parkway
Suite 515
Alpharetta, GA 30009

 

ADMINISTRATOR AND TRANSFER AGENT

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

CUSTODIAN

U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53202

 

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Two Commerce Square, Suite 1800
2001 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

UNDERWRITER

Vigilant Distributors, LLC
Gateway Corporate Center, Ste 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317

 

LEGAL COUNSEL

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

 

37

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Report
August 31, 2022

US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF | (Nasdaq: UTEN)

US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF | (Nasdaq: UTWO)

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF | (Nasdaq: TBIL)

Each a series of The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

F/m Investments, LLC d/b/a North Slope Capital, LLC

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

   

Letter to Shareholders

1

Performance Data

2

Fund Expense Examples

5

Schedules of Investments

7

Financial Statements

10

Notes to Financial Statements

18

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

26

Shareholder Tax Information

27

Notice to Shareholders

28

Directors and Officers

32

 

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Letter to Shareholders

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

F/m Investments LLC
d/b/a North Slope Capital, LLC
3050 K Street NW
Suite 201
Washington, DC 20007

 

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF (TBIL)
US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF (UTWO)
US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF (UTEN)
The “Funds”

 

August 31, 2022

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

We launched the Funds on August 8 of this year with a simple purpose: to provide investors simplified access to ubiquitous Benchmark US Treasury securities. Despite their long history, deep liquidity, and excellent risk management characteristics, owning individual US Treasuries has remained frustratingly difficult. Price discovery is limited, the underlying math can be confusing, and resulting cash flows1 from ownership are messy.

 

Many high-quality funds owning multiple US Treasuries are available. They however lack the precision and characteristics of holding individual bonds which investment managers – ourselves included – regularly provide in separately managed accounts. With interest rates rising rapidly, and investor demand for treasuries following in kind, we felt investors needed simple, direct access to the same tools available to professional investors.

 

We are pleased with the positive reception the press, our colleagues, and most importantly you have afforded the Funds. Despite being less than a month old, the future looks bright for the Funds. In coming correspondence and future letters like this one we look forward to providing you more detailed information about the Funds and our insights into the markets.

 

Be well. Do good work. Keep in touch.

 

Respectfully yours,

 

 

Alexander Morris

 

Peter Baden

 

 

(1)

Cash Flows - the transfer and classification for tax and other purposes of cash between buyers, sellers, and holders of a security.

 

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. For a prospectus or summary prospectus with this and other information about the Fund, please call 1-800-617-0004 or visit our website at www.ustreasuryetf.com. Read the prospectus or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

 

As with all ETFs, Shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. Interest rate risk is the risk of losses attributable to changes in interest rates. In general, if prevailing interest rates rise, the values of debt instruments tend to fall, and if interest rates fall, the values of debt instruments tend to rise.

 

Investments involve risk. Principal loss is possible.

 

Distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC

 

 

1

 

 

US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF

Performance Data

(Unaudited)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED August 31, 2022

 

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF

-3.00%

8/8/2022

ICE BofA Current 10-Year US Treasury Index*

-2.99%(1)

Fund Expense Ratio (2): 0.15%

   

 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(2)

The expense ratio of the Fund is set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratio disclosed in the Financial Highlights table in this report. See the Financial Highlights for most current expense ratio.

 

*

The ICE BofA Current 10-Year US Treasury Index is a single security index comprised of the most recently issued 10-year US Treasury note.

 

 

2

 

 

 

US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF

Performance Data

(Unaudited)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED August 31, 2022

 

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF

-0.20%

8/8/2022

ICE BofA Current 2-Year US Treasury Index*

-0.23%(1)

Fund Expense Ratio (2): 0.15%

   

 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(2)

The expense ratio of the Fund is set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratio disclosed in the Financial Highlights table in this report. See the Financial Highlights for most current expense ratio.

 

*

The ICE BofA Current 2-Year US Treasury Index is a single security index comprised of the most recently issued 2-year US Treasury note.

 

 

3

 

 

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF

Performance Data

(Unaudited)

 

AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED August 31, 2022

 

Since
Inception

Inception
Date

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF

0.10%

8/8/2022

ICE BofA US 3-Month Treasury Bill Index*

0.12%(1)

Fund Expense Ratio (2): 0.15%

   

 

 

The performance data quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

 

(1)

Benchmark performance is from inception date of the Fund only and is not the inception date of the benchmark itself.

 

(2)

The expense ratio of the Fund is set forth according to the Prospectus for the Fund and may differ from the expense ratio disclosed in the Financial Highlights table in this report. See the Financial Highlights for most current expense ratio.

 

*

The ICE BofA US 3-Month Treasury Bill Index is a single security index comprised of the most recently issued 3-Month Treasury bill .

 

4

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Fund Expense Examples

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Fund(s), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, (if any) and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees. These examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund(s) and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other ETFs.

 

These examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period from March 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022, and held for the entire period. The actual values and expenses are based on the 23-day period from inception on August 8, 2022 through August 31, 2022.

 

ACTUAL EXPENSES

 

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

 

HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLES FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES

 

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

 

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

 

 

5

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Fund Expense Examples (Concluded)

August 31, 2022 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
March 1,
2022

   

Ending
Account Value
August 31, 2022

   

Expenses
Paid During
Period*

   

Annualized
Expense
Ratio

   

Actual Since Inception Total Investment Returns
for the Funds

 

US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF

                                       

Actual

  $ 1,000.00     $ 970.00     $ 0.09       0.15 %     -3.00 %

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

    1,000.00       1,024.45       0.77       0.15 %     N/A  

US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF

                                       

Actual

  $ 1,000.00     $ 998.00     $ 0.09       0.15 %     -0.20 %

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

    1,000.00       1,024.45       0.77       0.15 %     N/A  

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF

                                       

Actual

  $ 1,000.00     $ 1,001.00     $ 0.09       0.15 %     0.10 %

Hypothetical (5% return before expenses)

    1,000.00       1,024.45       0.77       0.15 %     N/A  

 

*

Expenses are equal to each Fund’s annualized expense ratio for the period March 1, 2022 through August 31, 2022, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days (184) in the most recent fiscal half-year, then divided by 365 to reflect the one-half year period. The actual dollar amounts shown are expenses paid by the Funds during the period from the Funds’ inception on August 8, 2022 through August 31, 2022 multiplied by 23 days, which is the number of days from the Funds’ inception through August 31, 2022. Each Fund’s ending account value in the first section in the table is based on the actual since inception total investment return for the Fund.

 

6

 

 

 

US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF

Schedule of Investments

August 31, 2022

 

 

 

Coupon

   

Maturity
Date

   

Par (000’s)

   

Value

 
                                 

U.S. GOVERNMENT NOTES/BONDS — 99.8%

                               

United States Treasury Note

    2.750 %     08/15/32       20,973     $ 20,291,378  

TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT NOTES/BONDS

                               

(Cost $20,793,433)

                            20,291,378  

 

 

 

 

   

 

   

Number of
shares
(0
00’s)

   

 

 
                                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.1%

                               

MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT — 0.1%

                               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.00%(a)

                    18       17,643  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

                               

(Cost $17,643)

                            17,643  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 99.9%

                               

(Cost $20,811,076)

                            20,309,021  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 0.1%

                            24,868  

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

                          $ 20,333,889  

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.

 

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

 

 

7

 

 

US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF

Schedule of Investments

August 31, 2022

 

 

 

Coupon

   

Maturity
Date

   

Par (000’s)

   

Value

 
                                 

U.S. GOVERNMENT NOTES/BONDS — 100.0%

                               

United States Treasury Note

    3.250 %     08/31/24       17,968     $ 17,899,216  

TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT NOTES/BONDS

                               

(Cost $17,905,112)

                            17,899,216  

 

 

 

 

   

 

   

Number of
shares
(
000’s)

   

 

 
                                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.0%

                               

MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT — 0.0%

                               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.00%(a)

                    7       6,498  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

                               

(Cost $6,498)

                            6,498  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.0%

                               

(Cost $17,911,610)

                            17,905,714  

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES — 0.0%

                            857  

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

                          $ 17,906,571  

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.

 

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

 

8

 

 

 

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF

Schedule of Investments

August 31, 2022

 

 

 

Coupon*

   

Maturity
Date

   

Par (000’s)

   

Value

 
                                 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 100.0%

                               

U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS — 100.0%

                               

United States Treasury Bill

    2.876 %     11/25/22       39,101     $ 38,841,437  

TOTAL U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS

                               

(Cost $38,840,653)

                            38,841,437  

 

 

 

 

   

 

   

Number of
shares
(
000’s)

   

 

 
                                 

MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT — 0.0%

                               

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 2.00%(a)

                    6       5,571  

TOTAL MONEY MARKET DEPOSIT ACCOUNT

                               

(Cost $5,571)

                            5,571  

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 100.0%

                               

(Cost $38,846,224)

                            38,847,008  

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.0%

                               

(Cost $38,846,224)

                            38,847,008  

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS — 0.0%

                            (3,106 )

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

                          $ 38,843,902  

 

*

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

 

(a)

The rate shown is as of August 31, 2022.

 

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

 

 

9

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

August 31, 2022

 

 

 

US Treasury
10 Year
Note ETF

   

US Treasury
2 Year
Note ETF

   

US Treasury
3 Month
Bill ETF

 

ASSETS

                       

Investments in securities of unaffiliated issurers, at value (cost $20,793,433 and $17,905,112 and $—, respectively)

  $ 20,291,378     $ 17,899,216     $  

Short-term investments, at value (cost $17,643, $6,498 and $38,846,224, respectively)

    17,643       6,498       38,847,008  

Receivables for:

                       

Interest

    26,658       1,604       5  

Total assets

    20,335,679       17,907,318       38,847,013  
                         

LIABILITIES

                       

Payables for:

                       

Advisory fees

    1,790       747       3,111  

Total liabilities

    1,790       747       3,111  

Net assets

  $ 20,333,889     $ 17,906,571     $ 38,843,902  
                         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

                       

Par value

  $ 420     $ 360     $ 780  

Paid-in capital

    20,940,330       17,935,751       38,807,300  

Total distributable earnings/(losses)

    (606,861 )     (29,540 )     35,822  

Net assets

  $ 20,333,889     $ 17,906,571     $ 38,843,902  
                         

Shares outstanding ($0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)

    420,000       360,000       780,000  

Net asset value and redemption price per share

  $ 48.41     $ 49.74     $ 49.80  

 

 

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

 

10

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Statements of Operations

FOR THE Period ENDED August 31, 2022(1)

 

 

 

US Treasury
10 Year
Note ETF

   

US Treasury
2 Year
Note ETF

   

US Treasury
3 Month
Bill ETF

 

INVESTMENT INCOME

                       

Interest income

  $ 34,833     $ 18,394     $ 57,349  

Total investment income

    34,833       18,394       57,349  
                         

EXPENSES

                       

Advisory fees (Note 3)

    1,790       747       3,111  

Total expenses

    1,790       747       3,111  

Net investment income/(loss)

    33,043       17,647       54,238  
                         

NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS

                       

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (137,849 )     (41,291 )     (19,200 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    (502,055 )     (5,896 )     784  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss)

    (639,904 )     (47,187 )     (18,416 )

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ (606,861 )   $ (29,540 )   $ 35,822  

 

(1)

Inception date of the Funds was August 8, 2022.

 

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

 

 

11

 

 

US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

FOR THE
Period ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2022
(1)

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

       

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 33,043  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (137,849 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    (502,055 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (606,861 )
         

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

       

Proceeds from shares sold

    20,940,800  

Shares redeemed

    (50 )

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

    20,940,750  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    20,333,889  
         

NET ASSETS:

       

Beginning of period

  $  

End of period

  $ 20,333,889  
         

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

       

Shares sold

    420,001  

Shares redeemed

    (1 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares

    420,000  

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was August 8, 2022.

 

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

 

12

 

 

 

US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

FOR THE
Period ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2022
(1)

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

       

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 17,647  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (41,291 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    (5,896 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (29,540 )
         

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

       

Proceeds from shares sold

    17,936,161  

Shares redeemed

    (50 )

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

    17,936,111  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    17,906,571  
         

NET ASSETS:

       

Beginning of period

  $  

End of period

  $ 17,906,571  
         

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

       

Shares sold

    360,001  

Shares redeemed

    (1 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares

    360,000  

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was August 8, 2022.

 

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

 

 

13

 

 

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

FOR THE
Period ENDED
AUGUST 31,
2022
(1)

 

INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

       

Net investment income/(loss)

  $ 54,238  

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments

    (19,200 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments

    784  

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    35,822  
         

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

       

Proceeds from shares sold

    38,808,130  

Shares redeemed

    (50 )

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

    38,808,080  

Total increase/(decrease) in net assets

    38,843,902  
         

NET ASSETS:

       

Beginning of period

  $  

End of period

  $ 38,843,902  
         

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

       

Shares sold

    780,001  

Shares redeemed

    (1 )

Net increase/(decrease) in shares

    780,000  

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was August 8, 2022.

 

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

 

14

 

 

 

US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the period. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

FOR THE
PERIOD
ENDED
AUGUST 31,

 

 

 

2022(1)

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 49.91  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    0.09  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (1.59 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (1.50 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 48.41  

Market value, end of period

  $ 48.26  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value(3)

    (3.00 )%(5)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price(4)

    (3.31 )%(5)

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 20,334  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.15 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    2.77 %(6)

Portfolio turnover rate

    97 %(5)

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was August 8, 2022.

 

(2)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

(5)

Not annualized.

 

(6)

Annualized.

 

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

 

 

15

 

 

US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the period. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

FOR THE
PERIOD
ENDED
AUGUST 31,

 

 

 

2022(1)

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 49.84  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    0.11  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (0.21 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (0.10 )

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 49.74  

Market value, end of period

  $ 49.74  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value(3)

    (0.20 )%(5)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price(4)

    (0.20 )%(5)

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 17,907  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.15 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    3.54 %(6)

Portfolio turnover rate

    100 %(5)

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was August 8, 2022.

 

(2)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

(5)

Not annualized.

 

(6)

Annualized.

 

 

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

 

16

 

 

 

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF

Financial Highlights

 

Contained below is per share operating performance data for shares outstanding, total investment return/(loss), ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the period. This information has been derived from information provided in the financial statements.

 

 

 

FOR THE
PERIOD
ENDED
AUGUST 31,

 

 

 

2022(1)

 

PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE

       

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 49.75  

Net investment income/(loss)(2)

    0.09  

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    (0.04 )

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    0.05  

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 49.80  

Market value, end of period

  $ 49.81  

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value(3)

    0.10 %(5)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price(4)

    0.12 %(5)

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

       

Net assets, end of period (000’s omitted)

  $ 38,844  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

    0.15 %(6)

Ratio of net investment income/(loss) to average net assets

    2.61 %(6)

Portfolio turnover rate

    0 %(5)

 

(1)

Inception date of the Fund was August 8, 2022.

 

(2)

Per share data calculated using average shares outstanding method.

 

(3)

Total investment return/(loss) on net asset value is calculated assuming a purchase of shares on the first day and a sale of shares on the last day of each period reported and includes reinvestments of dividends and distributions, if any.

 

(4)

Total investment return/(loss) on market price is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the market price on the first day of the period, reinvestment of dividends and distributions at market price during the period and redemption at market price on the last day of the period.

 

(5)

Not annualized.

 

(6)

Annualized.

 

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

 

 

17

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Notes to Financial Statements

August 31, 2022

 

1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The RBB Fund, Inc. (“RBB” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on February 29, 1988 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. RBB is a “series fund,” which is a mutual fund divided into separate portfolios. Each portfolio is treated as a separate entity for certain matters under the 1940 Act, and for other purposes, and a shareholder of one portfolio is not deemed to be a shareholder of any other portfolio. Currently, RBB has forty-eight separate investment portfolios, including the US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF, the US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF, and the US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF (each a “Fund” and together the “Funds”). The Funds commenced investment operations on August 8, 2022.

 

RBB has authorized capital of one hundred billion shares of common stock of which 90.023 billion shares are currently classified into two hundred and eleven classes of common stock. Each class represents an interest in an active or inactive RBB investment portfolio.

 

The investment objective of the US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF, the US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF, and the US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF is to seek investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) generally to the price and yield of its corresponding benchmark index (“Underlying Index”): the ICE Bofa Current 10-Year US Treasury Index, ICE Bofa Current 2-Year US Treasury Index, and ICE Bofa US 3-Month Treasury Bill Index, respectively.

 

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

 

The end of the reporting period for the Funds is August 31, 2022, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the fiscal period since inception from August 8, 2022 through August 31, 2022 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

PORTFOLIO VALUATION — Each Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated once daily at the close of regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day the NYSE is open. Securities held by the Funds are valued using the closing price or the last sale price on a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (“NASDAQ”) market system where they are primarily traded. Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market are valued at their closing prices. If there were no transactions on that day, securities traded principally on an exchange or on NASDAQ will be valued at the mean of the last bid and ask prices prior to the market close. Fixed income securities are valued using an independent pricing service, which considers such factors as security prices, yields, maturities and ratings, and are deemed representative of market values at the close of the market. If market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable, securities will be valued in accordance with procedures adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”). Relying on prices supplied by pricing services or dealers or using fair valuation may result in values that are higher or lower than the values used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS — The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Funds’ investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:

 

 

Level 1 – Prices are determined using quoted prices in active markets for identical securities.

 

 

Level 2 – Prices are determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).

 

 

Level 3 – Prices are determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds’ own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used, as of the end of the reporting period, in valuing the Funds’ investments carried at fair value:

 

18

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2022

 

US TREASURY 10 YEAR NOTE ETF

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

 

U.S. Government Notes/Bonds

  $ 20,291,378     $     $ 20,291,378     $  

Short-Term Investments

    17,643       17,643              

Total Investments*

  $ 20,309,021     $ 17,643     $ 20,291,378     $  

 

US TREASURY 2 YEAR NOTE ETF

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

 

U.S. Government Notes/Bonds

  $ 17,899,216     $     $ 17,899,216     $  

Short-Term Investments

    6,498       6,498              

Total Investments*

  $ 17,905,714     $ 6,498     $ 17,899,216     $  

 

US TREASURY 3 MONTH BILL ETF

 

TOTAL

   

LEVEL 1

   

LEVEL 2

   

LEVEL 3

 

Short-Term Investments

  $ 38,847,008     $ 5,571     $ 38,841,437     $  

Total Investments*

  $ 38,847,008     $ 5,571     $ 38,841,437     $  

 

*

Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for further details.

 

At the end of each quarter, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities. Various factors are considered, such as changes in liquidity from the prior reporting period; whether or not a broker is willing to execute at the quoted price; the depth and consistency of prices from third party pricing services; and the existence of contemporaneous, observable trades in the market. Additionally, management evaluates the classification of Levels 1, 2 and 3 assets and liabilities on a quarterly basis for changes in listings or delistings on national exchanges.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Funds’ investments may fluctuate from period to period. Additionally, the fair value of investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values the Fund may ultimately realize. Further, such investments may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or otherwise less liquid than publicly traded securities.

 

For fair valuations using significant unobservable inputs, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires each Fund to present a reconciliation of the beginning to ending balances for reported market values that presents changes attributable to total realized and unrealized gains or losses, purchase and sales, and transfers in and out of Level 3 during the period. Transfers in and out between levels are based on values at the end of the period. A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented only if a Fund had an amount of Level 3 investments at the end of the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets. The amounts and reasons for Level 3 transfers in and out of each level is disclosed when a Fund had an amount of total Level 3 transfers during the reporting period that was meaningful in relation to its net assets as of the end of the reporting period.

 

The Funds did not have any significant Level 3 transfers during the current fiscal period.

 

USE OF ESTIMATES — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be significant.

 

INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS, INVESTMENT INCOME AND EXPENSES — The Funds record security transactions based on trade date for financial reporting purposes. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes in determining realized gains and losses on investments. Interest

 

 

19

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2022

 

income (including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts) is accrued when earned. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or capital gains are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The Funds’ investment income, expenses (other than class specific expenses) and unrealized and realized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class at the beginning of the day. Certain expenses are shared with The RBB Fund Trust (formerly, PENN Capital Funds Trust) (the “Trust”), a series trust of affiliated funds. Expenses incurred on behalf of a specific class, fund or fund family of the Company or Trust are charged directly to the class, fund or fund family (in proportion to net assets). Expenses incurred for all funds (such as director or professional fees) are charged to all funds in proportion to their average net assets of RBB and the Trust, or in such other manner as the Board deems fair or equitable. Expenses and fees, including investment advisory and administration fees, are accrued daily and taken into account for the purpose of determining the NAV of the Funds.

 

DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS — Each Fund will distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, to its shareholders. Each Fund expects to declare and pay distributions, if any, monthly, however it may declare and pay distributions more or less frequently. Net realized capital gains (including net short-term capital gains), if any, will be distributed by each Fund at least annually. Brokers may make the DTC book-entry dividend reinvestment service available to their customers who own a Fund’s Shares. If this service is available and used, dividend distributions of both income and capital gains will automatically be reinvested in additional whole Shares of that Fund purchased on the secondary market. Without this service, investors would receive their distributions in cash. In order to achieve the maximum total return on their investments, investors are encouraged to use the dividend reinvestment service. To determine whether the dividend reinvestment service is available and whether there is a commission or other charge for using this service, consult your broker. Brokers may require a Fund’s shareholders to adhere to specific procedures and timetables.

 

U.S. TAX STATUS — No provision is made for U.S. income taxes as it is each Fund’s intention to continue to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to its shareholders which will be sufficient to relieve it from U.S. income and excise taxes.

 

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC — The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. Although vaccines for COVID-19 are more widely available, the ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers are not known. The operational and financial performance of the issuers of securities in which the Funds invest depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak and the pace of recovery which may vary from market to market, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Funds’ investments, impair the Funds’ ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Funds’ performance.

 

OTHER — In the normal course of business, the Funds may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. Each Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on claims that may be made against the Funds in the future, and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, based on experience, the risk of material loss from such claims is considered remote.

 

2. INVESTMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES

 

The sections below describe some of the different types of investments that may be made by the Funds and the investment practices in which the Funds may engage.

 

Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments - The Funds may invest in cash, cash equivalents, and a variety of short-term instruments in such proportions as warranted by prevailing market conditions and the Funds’ principal investment strategies. The Funds may temporarily invest without limit in such instruments for liquidity purposes, or in an attempt to respond to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions. During such periods, a Fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective.

 

Illiquid Investments - Pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, a Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments. An illiquid investment as defined in Rule 22e-4 is an investment that a Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions within 7 calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. These investments may include restricted securities and repurchase agreements maturing in more than 7 days. Restricted securities are securities that may not be sold to the public without an effective

 

20

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2022

 

registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), and thus may be sold only in privately negotiated transactions or pursuant to an exemption from registration. Subject to the adoption of guidelines by the Board of Directors of the Company (“Board”), certain restricted securities that may be sold to institutional investors pursuant to Rule 144A under the 1933 Act and non-exempt commercial paper may be determined to be liquid by the Adviser. Illiquid investments involve the risk that the investments will not be able to be sold at the time the Adviser desires or at prices approximating the value at which a Fund is carrying the investments. To the extent an investment held by a Fund is deemed to be an illiquid investment or a less liquid investment, a Fund will be exposed to a greater liquidity risk.

 

Inflation Protected Securities - Each Fund may invest in inflation protected securities. Inflation protected securities are fixed income securities designed to provide protection against the negative effects of inflation. Two structures are common. The U.S. Treasury and some other issuers use a structure that accrues inflation into the principal value of the bond. Most other issuers pay out the inflation accruals as part of a semiannual coupon.

 

Other Investment Companies - Each Fund may invest in other investment companies, including open-end funds, closed-end funds, unit investment trusts, and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) registered under the 1940 Act that invest primarily in Fund eligible investments. Under the 1940 Act, a Fund’s investment in such securities is generally limited to 3% of the total voting stock of any one investment company; 5% of such Fund’s total assets with respect to any one investment company; and 10% of such Fund’s total assets in the aggregate. A Fund’s investments in other investment companies may include money market mutual funds. Investments in money market funds are not subject to the percentage limitations set forth above.

 

U.S. Government Securities - Each Fund may invest in U.S. government securities, including bills, notes and bonds differing as to maturity and rates of interest, which are either issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities. U.S. government agency securities include securities issued by (a) the Federal Housing Administration, Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Small Business Administration, and the Government National Mortgage Association, whose securities are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States; (b) the Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, and the Tennessee Valley Authority, whose securities are supported by the right of the agency to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; (c) the Federal National Mortgage Association, whose securities are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and (d) the Student Loan Marketing Association, whose securities are supported only by its credit. While the U.S. government provides financial support to such U.S. government-sponsored agencies or instrumentalities, no assurance can be given that it always will do so since it is not so obligated by law. The U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities do not guarantee the market value of their securities, and consequently, the value of such securities may fluctuate.

 

Zero-Coupon and Step Coupon Securities - Each Fund may invest in zero-coupon and step coupon securities. Zero-coupon securities pay no cash income to their holders until they mature. When held to maturity, their entire return comes from the difference between their purchase price and their maturity value. Step coupon securities are debt securities that may not pay interest for a specified period of time and then, after the initial period, may pay interest at a series of different rates. Both zero-coupon and step coupon securities are issued at substantial discounts from their value at maturity. Because interest on these securities is not paid on a current basis, the values of securities of this type are subject to greater fluctuations than are the value of securities that distribute income regularly and may be more speculative than such securities. Accordingly, the values of these securities may be highly volatile as interest rates rise or fall. In addition, while such securities generate income for purposes of generally accepted accounting standards, they do not generate cash flow and thus could cause a Fund to be forced to liquidate securities at an inopportune time in order to distribute cash, as required by the Code.

 

Temporary Investments - During periods of adverse market or economic conditions, a Fund may temporarily invest all or a substantial portion of its assets in high-quality, fixed-income securities, money market instruments, and shares of money market mutual funds, or it may hold cash. At such times, a Fund would not be pursuing its stated investment objective with its usual investment strategies. A Fund may also hold these investments for liquidity purposes. Fixed-income securities will be deemed to be of high quality if they are rated “A” or better by S&P or Moody’s or, if unrated, are determined to be of comparable quality by the Adviser. Money market instruments are high-quality, short-term fixed-income obligations (which generally have remaining maturities of one year or less) and may include U.S. Government Securities, commercial paper, certificates of deposit and banker’s acceptances issued by domestic branches of U.S. banks that are members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and repurchase agreements for U.S. Government Securities.

 

 

21

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2022

 

In lieu of purchasing money market instruments, the Fund may purchase shares of money market mutual funds that invest primarily in U.S. Government Securities and repurchase agreements involving those securities, subject to certain limitations imposed by the 1940 Act. A Fund, as an investor in a money market fund, will indirectly bear that fund’s fees and expenses, which will be in addition to the fees and expenses of the Fund. Repurchase agreements involve certain risks not associated with direct investments in debt securities.

 

3. INVESTMENT ADVISER AND OTHER SERVICES

 

Each Fund pays all of its expenses other than those expressly assumed by F/m Investments, LLC d/b/a North Slope Capital, LLC (the “Adviser”). Expenses of each Fund are deducted from the Fund’s total income before dividends are paid. Subject to the supervision of the Board, the Adviser manages the overall investment operations of each Fund in accordance with the Fund’s respective investment objective and policies and formulates a continuing investment strategy for each Fund pursuant to the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Company on behalf of each Fund. The Adviser is controlled by F/m Acceleration, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and EQSF Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company owned by three officers of the Company. The Funds compensate the Adviser with a unitary management fee for its services at an annual rate of 0.15% of each Fund’s average daily net assets during the month. From the unitary management fee, the Adviser pays most of the expenses of each Fund, including transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services. However, under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser is not responsible for interest expenses, brokerage commissions and other trading expenses, taxes and other extraordinary costs such as litigation and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of business. The Adviser will not be liable for any error of judgment, mistake of law, or for any loss suffered by a Fund in connection with the performance of the Advisory Agreement, except a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for services or a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Adviser in the performance of its duties, or from reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Advisory Agreement.

 

During the current fiscal period, investment advisory fees accrued were as follows:

 

FUND

 

ADVISORY FEES

 

US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF

  $ 1,790  

US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF

    747  

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF

    3,111  

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, serves as administrator for the Funds. For providing administrative and accounting services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Fund Services serves as the Funds’ transfer and dividend disbursing agent. For providing transfer agent services, Fund Services is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

U.S. Bank, N.A. (the “Custodian”) provides certain custodial services to the Funds. The Custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee, subject to certain minimum and out of pocket expenses.

 

Quasar Distributors, LLC (“Quasar”), a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside Financial Group, LLC, serves as the principal underwriter and distributor of the Funds’ shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with RBB.

 

Under the Funds’ unitary fee, the Adviser compensates Fund Services and the Custodian for services provided.

 

22

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2022

 

DIRECTOR AND OFFICER COMPENSATION — The Directors of the Company receive an annual retainer and meeting fees for meetings attended. An employee of Vigilant Compliance, LLC serves as Chief Compliance Officer of the Company and served as President of the Company until August 2022. Vigilant Compliance, LLC is compensated for the services provided to the Company. Employees of RBB serve as President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Secretary and Director of Marketing & Business Development of the Company. They are compensated by the Company for services provided. Certain employees of Fund Services serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Funds or the Company. As of the end of the reporting period, there were no director and officer fees charged or paid by the Funds.

 

4. PURCHASES AND SALES OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales and maturities of investment securities (excluding in-kind transactions and short-term investments) of the Funds were as follows:

 

FUND

 

U.S. GOVERNMENT
PURCHASES

   

U.S. GOVERNMENT
SALES

 

US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF

  $ 19,818,945     $ 19,689,100  

US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF

    29,343,515       17,859,664  

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF

           

 

During the current fiscal period, aggregate purchases and sales of in-kind transactions (excluding short-term investments) of the Funds were as follows:

 

FUND

 

U.S. GOVERNMENT
IN-KIND PURCHASES

   

U.S. GOVERNMENT
IN-KIND SALES

 

US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF

  $ 20,801,647     $  

US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF

    6,461,211        

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF

           

 

5. FEDERAL INCOME TAX INFORMATION

 

The Funds have followed the authoritative guidance on accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax positions, which requires the Funds to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Funds have determined that there was no effect on the financial statements from following this authoritative guidance. In the normal course of business, the Funds are subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions, where applicable, for tax years for which applicable statutes of limitations have not expired. Since the Funds did not have a full fiscal year, the tax cost of investments is the same as noted in the Schedule of Investments.

 

As of August 31, 2022, the federal tax cost, aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of securities held by each Fund were as follows:

 

FUND

 

FEDERAL
TAX COST

   

UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION

   

UNREALIZED
(DEPRECIATION)

   

NET UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

 

US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF

  $ 20,811,076     $     $ (502,055 )   $ (502,055 )

US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF

    17,911,610       13       (5,909 )     (5,896 )

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF

    38,846,224       784             784  

 

 

23

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

August 31, 2022

 

Distributions to shareholders, if any, from net investment income and realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. To the extent these differences are permanent, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on the tax treatment; temporary differences do not require such reclassification.

 

As of August 31, 2022, there were no permanent differences between distributable earnings/(loss) and paid-in capital, respectively.

 

As of August 31, 2022, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

FUND

 

UNDISTRIBUTED
ORDINARY
INCOME

   

UNDISTRIBUTED
LONG-TERM
CAPITAL GAINS

   

Net UNREALIZED
APPRECIATION/
(DEPRECIATION)

   

CAPITAL
LOSS
CARRYOVER

   

QUALIFIED LATE-
YEAR LOSS

 

US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF

  $ 33,043     $     $ (502,055 )   $ (137,849 )   $  

US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF

    17,647             (5,896 )     (41,291 )      

US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF

    54,238             784       (19,200 )      

 

The differences between the book and tax basis components of distributable earnings relate primarily to the timing of recognition of income and gains for federal income tax purposes.

 

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period. Additionally, capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered all short-term as under the previous law. As of August 31, 2022, the US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF had unexpiring short-term losses of $137,849, the US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF had unexpiring short-term losses of $41,291 and the US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF had unexpiring short-term losses of $19,200.

 

6. SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

Shares of the Funds are listed and traded on the NASDAQ, Inc. (the “Exchange”). Market prices for the shares may be different from their NAV. Each Fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis at NAV only in blocks of 10,000 shares, called “Creation Units.” Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities included in a specified universe. Once created, shares generally trade in the secondary market at market prices that change throughout the day. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, shares are not redeemable securities of each Fund. Creation Units may only be purchased or redeemed by certain financial institutions (“Authorized Participants”). An Authorized Participant is either (i) a broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation or (ii) a Depository Trust Company participant and, in each case, must have executed a Participant Agreement with the Distributor. Most retail investors do not qualify as Authorized Participants nor have the resources to buy and sell whole Creation Units. Therefore, they are unable to purchase or redeem shares directly from each Fund. Rather, most retail investors may purchase shares in the secondary market with the assistance of a broker and are subject to customary brokerage commissions or fees.

 

Each Fund currently offers one class of shares, which has no front-end sales load, no deferred sales charge, and no redemption fee. A fixed transaction fee is imposed for the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the purchase or sale of Creation Units. The standard fixed transaction fee for each Fund is $300, payable to the custodian. In addition, a variable fee may be charged on all cash transactions or substitutes for Creation Units of up to a maximum of 2% as a percentage of the value of the Creation Units subject to the transaction. Variable fees are imposed to compensate each Fund for the transaction costs associated with the cash transactions. Variable fees received by each Fund, if any, are displayed in the capital shares transactions section of the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.

 

24

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Notes to Financial Statements (concluded)

August 31, 2022

 

7. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND REGULATORY UPDATES

 

In October 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted new regulations governing the use of derivatives by registered investment companies (“Rule 18f-4”). Rule 18f-4 imposes limits on the amount of derivatives a fund can enter into, eliminates the asset segregation framework previously used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, and requires funds whose use of derivatives is greater than a limited specified amount to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager. Each Fund is required to comply with Rule 18f-4 and has adopted procedures for investing in derivatives and other transactions in compliance with Rule 18f-4. Rule 18f-4 may require a Fund to observe more stringent requirements than were previously imposed by the 1940 Act, which could adversely affect the ability of the Fund to engage in certain derivatives transactions and/or increase the costs of such derivatives transactions, which could adversely affect the Fund’s performance and increase costs related to the Fund’s use of derivatives.

 

In December 2020, the SEC adopted a new rule providing a framework for fund valuation practices (“Rule 2a-5”). Rule 2a-5 establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the 1940 Act. Rule 2a-5 will permit fund boards to designate certain parties to perform fair value determinations, subject to board oversight and certain other conditions. Rule 2a-5 also defines when market quotations are “readily available” for purposes of the 1940 Act and the threshold for determining whether a fund must fair value a security. In connection with Rule 2a-5, the SEC also adopted related recordkeeping requirements and is rescinding previously issued guidance, including with respect to the role of a board in determining fair value and the accounting and auditing of fund investments. The Funds will be required to comply with the rules by September 8, 2022. Effective September 8, 2022 and pursuant to the requirements of Rule 2a-5, the Board designated the Adviser as its valuation designee to perform fair value determinations and approved new valuation procedures for the Funds.

 

In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments on the financial statements.

 

8. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds through the date the financial statements were issued and has determined that there was the following subsequent event:

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

 

On September 28, 2022, the Company filed a Supplement to the Funds’ Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, each dated August 6, 2022, reflecting a change to each Fund’s investment strategy: each Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements in amounts not exceeding one-third of the Fund’s total assets (including the amount borrowed).

 

Management has evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued and determined that no additional events occurred that require disclosure.

 

 

25

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Report of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Shareholders of US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF, and
US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF and Board of Directors of The RBB Fund, Inc.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of investments, of US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF and US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF (the “Funds”), each a series of The RBB Fund, Inc., as of August 31, 2022, the related statements of operations and changes in net assets, the related notes, and the financial highlights for the period August 8, 2022 (commencement of operations) through August 31, 2022 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds as of August 31, 2022, the results of their operations, the changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

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

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement whether due to error or fraud.

 

Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2022, by correspondence with the custodian. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies advised by F/M Investments, LLC since 2021.

 

 

COHEN & COMPANY, LTD.
Cleveland, Ohio
October 28, 2022

 

26

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Shareholder Tax Information

(Unaudited)

 

Certain tax information regarding the Funds is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Funds’ income and distributions for the taxable period ended August 31, 2022. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ending December 31, 2022. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, the Funds did not pay ordinary income dividends nor long-term capital gains dividends to its shareholders.

 

Dividends from net investment income and short-term capital gains are treated as ordinary income dividends for federal income tax purposes.

 

Because the Funds’ fiscal year is not the calendar year, another notification will be sent with respect to calendar year 2022. The second notification, which will reflect the amount, if any, to be used by calendar year taxpayers on their U.S. federal income tax returns, will be made in conjunction with Form 1099-DIV and will be mailed in January 2023.

 

Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the amount of their ordinary income dividends. They will generally not be entitled to a foreign tax credit or deduction for the withholding taxes paid by the Funds, if any.

 

In general, dividends received by tax-exempt recipients (e.g., IRAs and Keoghs) need not be reported as taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, some retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this information for their annual information reporting. Shareholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Funds.

 

 

27

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Notice to Shareholders

(Unaudited)

 

INFORMATION ON PROXY VOTING

 

Policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities as well as information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 are available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling (800)-617-0004; and (ii) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

QUARTERLY SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

 

The Company files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third fiscal quarters of each fiscal year (quarters ended November 30 and May 31) as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Company’s Forms N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTIONS OF PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS

 

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

 

APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT

 

As required by the 1940 Act, the Board, including all of the Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”), considered the approval of the investment advisory agreement between the Adviser and the Company (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) on behalf of the US Treasury 10 Year Note ETF, US Treasury 2 Year Note ETF, and US Treasury 3 Month Bill ETF (each a “Fund” and together the “Funds”), at meetings of the Board held on May 11-12, 2022 and July 26, 2022 (collectively, the “Meeting”). At the Meeting, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, approved the Investment Advisory Agreement for an initial term. The Board’s decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement reflects the exercise of its business judgment. In approving the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board considered information provided by the Adviser with the assistance and advice of counsel to the Independent Directors and the Company.

 

In considering the approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Company and the Adviser with respect to the Funds, the Directors took into account all the materials provided prior to and during the Meeting and at other meetings throughout the past year, the presentations made during the Meeting, and the discussions held during the Meeting. Among other things, the Directors considered (i) the nature, extent, and quality of the Adviser’s services to be provided to the Funds; (ii) descriptions of the experience and qualifications of the Adviser’s personnel providing those services; (iii) Adviser’s investment philosophies and processes; (iv) Adviser’s assets under management and client descriptions; (v) Adviser’s advisory fee arrangement with the Company; (vi) Adviser’s compliance policies and procedures; (vii) Adviser’s financial information, insurance coverage and profitability analysis related to providing advisory services to the Funds; (viii) the extent to which economies of scale are relevant to the Funds; and (ix) information comparing each Fund’s proposed management fees to those of peer funds.

 

As part of their review, the Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by the Adviser. The Directors concluded that the Adviser had substantial resources to provide services to the Funds.

 

The Board also considered the effect of the unitary management fee payable by the Funds under the Advisory Agreement. In this regard, information on the fees to be paid by each Fund and the Fund’s total operating expense ratio was compared to similar information for ETFs advised by other, unaffiliated investment advisory firms.

 

After reviewing the information regarding the Adviser’s estimated costs, profitability and economies of scale, and after considering the services to be provided by the Adviser, the Directors concluded that the unitary management fees to be paid by the Funds to the Advise were fair and reasonable and that the Advisory Agreement should be approved for an initial period ending August 16, 2023.

 

28

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

PRIVACY NOTICE

(Unaudited)

 

FACTS

WHAT DO US TREASURY 10 YEAR NOTE ETF, US TREASURY 2 YEAR NOTE ETF, AND US TREASURY 3 MONTH BILL ETF (THE “FUNDS”) DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

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

 

● Social Security number

● account balances

● account transactions

● transaction history

● wire transfer instructions

● checking account information

 

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

How?

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

       

Reasons we can share your personal information

Do the Funds share?

Can you limit this sharing?

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

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes
to offer our products and services to you

Yes

No

For joint marketing with other financial companies

No

We don’t share.

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes –
information about your transactions and experiences

Yes

No

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes –
information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share.

For our affiliates to market to you

Yes

Yes

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share.

 

Questions?

Call (800)-617-0004 or go to www.ustreasuryetf.com.

 

 

 

29

 

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

PRIVACY NOTICE (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

What we do

 

How do the Funds protect my personal information?

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

How do the Funds collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

 

● open an account

● provide account information

● give us your contact information

● make a wire transfer

● tell us where to send the money

 

We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

Why can’t I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

● sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes-information about your creditworthiness

● affiliates from using your information to market to you

● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation

In addition to the above information, where applicable, you have the following rights under the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and U.S. Privacy Laws, as applicable and to the extent permitted by law, to

 

● Check whether we hold personal information about you and to access such data (in accordance with our policy)

● Request the correction of personal information about you that is

● inaccurate

● Have a copy of the personal information we hold about you provided to you or another “controller” where technically feasible

● Request the erasure of your personal information

● Request the restriction of processing concerning you

 

The legal grounds for processing of your personal information is for contractual necessity and compliance with law.

 

If you wish to exercise any of your rights above, please call: 1-800-617-0004.

 

You are required to ensure the personal information we hold about you is up-to-date and accurate and you must notify us of any changes to the personal data you provided to us.

 

The Funds shall retain your personal data for as long as you are an investor in the Funds and thereafter as long as necessary to comply with applicable laws that require the Funds to retain your personal data, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission’s data retention rules. Your personal data will be transferred to the United States so that the Funds may provide the agreed upon services for you. No adequacy decision has been rendered by the European Commission as to the data protection of your personal data when transferring it to the United States. However, the Funds do take the security of your personal data seriously.

 

 

30

 

 

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

PRIVACY NOTICE (Concluded)

(Unaudited)

 

Definitions

 

Affiliates

Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies. Our affiliates include:

 

F/m Investments, LLC d/b/a North Slope Capital, LLC, the Funds’ investment adviser.

Nonaffiliates

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

 

The Funds don’t share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you. The Funds may share information with nonaffiliates that perform marketing services on our behalf.

Joint marketing

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

 

The Funds may share your information with other financial institutions with whom we have joint marketing arrangements who may suggest additional fund services or other investment products which may be of interest to you.

Controller

“Controller” means the natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data; where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by European union or European Member state law, the controller or the specific criteria for its nomination may be provided for by European union or European Member state law.

 

 

 

31

 

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Directors and Officers

(Unaudited)

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is organized under and managed pursuant to Maryland law. The Directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages, business addresses and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below. The statement of additional information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Directors and is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-617-0004.

 

Name, Address,
AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of
Office
and
Length of
Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

           

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS

Julian A. Brodsky
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 89

Director

1988 to present

From 1969 to 2011, Director and Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation (cable television and communications).

55

AMDOCS Limited (service provider to telecommunications companies).

Gregory P. Chandler
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 55

Director

2012 to
present

Since 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Herspiegel Consulting LLC (life sciences consulting services); 2020, Chief Financial Officer, Avocado Systems Inc. (cyber security software provider); 2009-2020, Chief Financial Officer, Emtec, Inc. (information technology consulting/services).

55

FS Energy and Power Fund (business development company); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Emtec, Inc. (until December 2019); FS Investment Corporation (business development company) (until December 2018).

Lisa A. Dolly

615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI, 53202

Age: 56

Director

October 2021 to present

From July 2019-December 2019, Chairman, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm); January 2016-June 2019, Chief Executive Officer, Pershing, LLC.

55

Allfunds Group PLC (United Kingdom wealthtech and fund distribution provider); Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (trade association for broker dealers, investment banks and asset managers); Hightower Advisors (wealth management firm).

 

32

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Directors and Officers (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address, AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and
Length of
Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

           

Nicholas A. Giordano
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 79

Director

2006 to present

Since 1997, Consultant, financial services organizations.

55

IntriCon Corporation (biomedical device manufacturer); Wilmington Funds (12 portfolios) (registered investment company); Independence Blue Cross (healthcare insurance) (until 2021); Kalmar Pooled Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until September 2017).

Arnold M. Reichman 615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 74

Chairman Director

2005 to present 1991
to present

Retired.

55

EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company) (until August 2022).

Brian T. Shea
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 62

Director

2018 to present

From 2014-2017, Chief Executive Officer, BNY Mellon Investment Services (fund services, global custodian and securities clearing firm); from 1983-2014, Chief Executive Officer and various positions, Pershing LLC (broker dealer, clearing and custody firm).

55

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (financial services technology company); Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (financial services company); WisdomTree Investments, Inc. (asset management company) (until March 2019).

Robert A. Straniere
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 81

Director

2006 to present

Since 2009, Administrative Law Judge, New York City; since 1980, Founding Partner, Straniere Law Group (law firm).

55

None.

INTERESTED DIRECTOR2

Robert Sablowsky
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 84

Vice Chairman Director

2016 to present 1991 to present

Since 2002, Senior Director – Investments and, prior thereto, Executive Vice President, of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (a registered broker-dealer).

55

None.

 

 

 

33

 

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Directors and Officers (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address, AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and
Length of
Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

           

OFFICERS

Steven Plump

615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202

Age: 63

President

Since August 2022

From 2011 to 2021, Executive Vice President, PIMCO Investments LLC.

N/A

N/A

Salvatore Faia, JD, CPA, CFE Vigilant Compliance, LLC Gateway Corporate Center, Suite 216
223 Wilmington West Chester Pike
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Age: 59

Chief Compliance Officer

2004 to present

 

 

Since 2004, President, Vigilant Compliance, LLC (investment management services company); since 2005, Independent Trustee of EIP Investment Trust (registered investment company); since 2021, Chief Compliance Officer of The RBB Fund Trust; President of The RBB Fund Trust from 2021 to 2022; President of The RBB Fund, Inc. from 2009 to 2022.

N/A

N/A

James G. Shaw
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 61

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

Chief Operating Officer

2016 to present

 

 

 

2022 to present

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2016) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund, Inc.; Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (since 2021) and Chief Operating Officer (since 2022) of The RBB Fund Trust; from 2005 to 2016, Assistant Treasurer of The RBB Fund, Inc.; from 1995 to 2016, Senior Director and Vice President of BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (financial services company).

N/A

N/A

Craig A. Urciuoli
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 48

Director of Marketing & Business Development

2019 to present

Director of Marketing & Business Development of The RBB Fund, Inc. (since 2019) and The RBB Fund Trust (since 2021); from 2000-2019, Managing Director, Third Avenue Management LLC (an investment advisory firm).

N/A

N/A

Jennifer Witt
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 39

Assistant Treasurer

2018 to present

Since 2020, Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (fund administrative services firm); from 2016 to 2020, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services; from 2007 to 2016, Supervisor, Nuveen Investments (registered investment company).

N/A

N/A

 

 

34

 

 

 

 

 

US Benchmark Series

Directors and Officers (CONCLUDED)

(Unaudited)

 

Name, Address, AND AGE

Positions(s)
Held with
Company

Term of Office
and
Length of
Time
Served
1

Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years

Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Director*

Other
Directorships
Held by Director
in the Past 5 Years

           

Edward Paz
615 East Michigan Street Milwaukee, WI 53202
Age: 51

Assistant Secretary

2016 to present

Since 2007, Vice President and Counsel, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (fund administrative services firm).

N/A

N/A

Michael P. Malloy
One Logan Square Ste. 2000 Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 63

Assistant Secretary

1999 to present

Since 1993, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

Jillian L. Bosmann
One Logan Square Ste. 2000 Philadelphia, PA 19103
Age: 43

Assistant Secretary

2017 to present

Since 2017, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP (law firm).

N/A

N/A

 

*

Each Director oversees 55 portfolios of the fund complex, consisting of the series in the Company and The RBB Fund Trust (7 portfolios).

 

1.

Subject to the Company’s Retirement Policy, each Director may continue to serve as a Director until the last day of the calendar year in which the applicable Director attains age 75 or until his or her successor is elected and qualified or his or her death, resignation or removal. The Board reserves the right to waive the requirements of the Policy with respect to an individual Director. The Board has approved waivers of the policy with respect to Messrs. Brodsky, Carnall, Giordano, Sablowsky and Straniere. Each officer holds office at the pleasure of the Board until the next special meeting of the Company or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified, or until he or she dies, resigns or is removed.

 

2.

Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “interested person” of the Company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act and is referred to as an “Interested Director.” Mr. Sablowsky is considered an “Interested Director” of the Company by virtue of his position as an employee of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer.

 

Director Experience, Qualifications, Attributes and/or Skills

 

The information above includes each Director’s principal occupations during the last five years. Each Director possesses extensive additional experience, skills and attributes relevant to his or her qualifications to serve as a Director. The cumulative background of each Director led to the conclusion that each Director should serve as a Director of the Company. Mr. Brodsky has over 40 years of senior executive-level management experience in the cable television and communications industry. Mr. Chandler has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive level positions in the investment technology consulting/services and investment banking/brokerage industries, and also serves on various boards. Ms. Dolly has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, and she has demonstrated her leadership and management abilities by serving in numerous senior executive-level positions. Mr. Giordano has years of experience as a consultant to financial services organizations and also serves on the boards of other registered investment companies. Mr. Reichman brings decades of investment management experience to the Board, in addition to senior executive-level management experience. Mr. Sablowsky has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the financial services industry. Mr. Shea has demonstrated leadership and management abilities as evidenced by his senior executive-level positions in the brokerage, clearing, and investment services industry, including service on the boards of industry regulatory organizations and a university. Mr. Straniere has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years and has served on the boards of an asset management company and another registered investment company.

 

 

35

 

 

(This Page Intentionally Left Blank.)

 

 

Investment Adviser

F/m Investments, LLC d/b/a North Slope Capital, LLC
3050K Street NW, Suite W-201
Washington,DC 20007

 

Administrator and Transfer Agent

U.S.Bank Global Fund Services
P.O. Box 701
Milwaukee,Wisconsin 53201-0701

 

Custodian

U.S. Bank, N.A.
1555 North River Center Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee,Wisconsin 53212

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Cohen & Company, Ltd.
1350 Euclid Avenue, Suite 800
Cleveland, Ohio 44115

 

Underwriter

Quasar Distributors, LLC
111 East Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 2200
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

 

Legal Counsel

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
One Logan Square, Suite 2000
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-6996

 

 

37

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

The registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer. The registrant has not made any substantive amendments to its code of ethics during the period covered by this report. The registrant has not granted any waivers from any provisions of the code of ethics during the period covered by this report. A copy of the registrant’s Code of Ethics is filed herewith.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

The registrant’s board of directors has determined that the registrant has at least one audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee. Julian A. Brodsky, Gregory P. Chandler and Nicholas A. Giordano are the registrant’s audit committee financial experts and each of them is “independent.”

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

Audit Fees

 

(a)The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the registrant's annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years were:

 

  Fiscal Year 2022 Fiscal Year 2021
Ernst & Young LLP $684,975 $676,775
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP $244,811 $266,548
Tait, Weller & Baker $90,500 $90,900
Cohen $36,250 $0
Aggregate Fees $1,056,536 $1,034,223

 

Audit-Related Fees

(b)The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant's financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item were related to review of the semi-annual reports and N-1A filings for Ernst & Young LLP and review of semi-annual reports for Tait, Weller & Baker and were as follows:

 

 

 

  

  Fiscal Year 2022   Fiscal Year 2021
Ernst & Young LLP $21,500   $12,500
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP $6,600   $0
Tait, Weller & Baker $2,800   $2,300
Cohen $0   $0
Aggregate Fees $30,900   $14,800

 

Tax Fees

 

(c)The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning were related to federal and state tax return review and excise distribution review and were as follows:

 

  Fiscal Year 2022 Fiscal Year 2021
Ernst & Young LLP $194,040 $194,040
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP $44,046 $46,750
Tait, Weller & Baker $19,950 $17,300
Cohen $14,000 $0
Aggregate Fees $272,036 $258,090

 

All Other Fees

 

(d)The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for products and services provided by the principal accountant, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item were:

 

  Fiscal Year 2022 Fiscal Year 2021
Ernst & Young LLP $0 $0
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP $0 $0
Tait, Weller & Baker $0 $0
Cohen $0 $0
Aggregate Fees $0 $0

 

 

 

(e)(1) Pre-Approval of Audit and Permitted Non-Audit Services

 

1.Pre-Approval Requirements of the Company. The Committee shall pre-approve all auditing services and permissible non-audit services (e.g., tax services) to be provided to the Company by the Auditor, including the fees associated with those services.

 

2.Pre-Approval Requirements of Affiliates. Additionally, the Committee shall pre-approve any engagement of the Auditor to provide non-audit services to an investment adviser of a Portfolio or to any affiliate of such investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the Company, if the engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Company.

 

3.Delegation. The Committee may delegate to the Chairman of the Committee, or if the Chairman is not available, one or more of its members, the authority to grant pre-approvals. The decisions of any member to whom authority is delegated shall be presented to the full Committee at its next scheduled meeting.

 

4.Prohibited Services. The Committee shall confirm with the Auditor that the Auditor is not performing contemporaneously with the Company’s audit any prohibited non-audit services for the Company, any investment adviser of a Portfolio, or any affiliates of the Company or such investment advisers. The Auditor is responsible for informing the Committee of whether it believes that a particular service is permissible or prohibited pursuant to applicable regulations and standards.

 

(e)(2)The percentage of services described in each of paragraphs (b) through (d) of this Item that were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X are as follows:

 

(b) Not applicable.

 

(c) Not applicable.

 

(d) Not applicable.

 

(f)The percentage of hours expended on the principal accountant’s engagement to audit the registrant’s financial statements for the most recent fiscal year that were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant’s full-time, permanent employees was less than 50%.

 

 

 

 

(g)The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant’s accountant for services rendered to the registrant, and rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for each of the last two fiscal years of the registrant were:

 

  Fiscal Year 2022 Fiscal Year 2021
Ernst & Young LLP $215,540 $206,540
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP $50,646 $46,750
Tait, Weller & Baker $22,750 $19,600
Cohen $14,000 $0
Aggregate Fees $302,936 $272,890

 

(h)Not applicable.
(i)Not applicable.
(j)Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 6. Investments.

 

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

 

(b)Not applicable.

 

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

 

Not applicable.

 

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

 

Not applicable.

 

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

 

Not applicable.

 

 

 

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

 

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which the shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of directors, where those changes were implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.407) (as required by Item 22(b)(15) of Schedule 14A (17 CFR 240.14a-101)), or this Item.

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

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

 

(b)There were no changes in the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act) that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 

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

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1) Senior Officer Code of Ethics, or any amendment thereto, that is the subject of disclosure required by Item 2 is attached hereto.

 

(a)(2) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act is attached hereto.

 

(a)(3) Not applicable.

 

(a)(4) Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Furnished herewith

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

(Registrant) The RBB Fund, Inc.  
     
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Steven Plump  
  Steven Plump, President (principal executive officer)  
     
Date 11/2/2022  

 

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

 

By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Steven Plump  
  Steven Plump, President (principal executive officer)  
     
Date 11/2/2022  
     

By (Signature and Title)* /s/ James Shaw  
  James Shaw, Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer)  
     
Date 11/2/2022  

 

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