UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number 811-08200
Bridgeway Funds, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
20 Greenway Plaza, Suite 450
Houston, Texas 77046
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Linda Giuffré, President
Bridgeway Funds, Inc.
20 Greenway Plaza, Suite 450
Houston, Texas 77046
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (713) 661-3500
Date of fiscal year end: June 30
Date of reporting period: December 31, 2023
Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.
A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
| (a) | Include a copy of the report transmitted to stockholders pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Act (17 CFR 270.30e-1). |
The Report to Shareholders is attached herewith.
A no-load mutual fund family
| | | | |
| | Semi-Annual Report December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) | | |
| | |
| | AGGRESSIVE INVESTORS 1 | | BRAGX |
| | |
| | ULTRA-SMALL COMPANY | | BRUSX |
| | |
| | (Open to Existing Investors — Direct Only) | | |
| | |
| | ULTRA-SMALL COMPANY MARKET | | BRSIX |
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| | SMALL-CAP VALUE | | BRSVX |
| | |
| | OMNI SMALL-CAP VALUE | | BOSVX |
| | |
| | MANAGED VOLATILITY | | BRBPX |
| | |
TABLE OF CONTENTS | | |
December 31, 2023 (Unaudited)
Bridgeway Funds Standardized Returns (%) as of December 31, 2023* (Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Annualized | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Fund | | | | Quarter | | Six Months | | 1 Year | | 5 Years | | 10 Years | | 15 Years | | Inception to Date | | Inception Date | | Gross Expense Ratio2 | | Net Expense Ratio2 |
Aggressive Investors 1 | | | | 11.82 | | 9.43 | | 23.12 | | 9.80 | | 6.15 | | 9.89 | | 11.20 | | 8/5/1994 | | 0.32% | | 0.32% |
Ultra-Small Company | | | | 20.97 | | 10.55 | | 17.94 | | 15.09 | | 5.34 | | 11.51 | | 12.72 | | 8/5/1994 | | 1.20% | | 1.20% |
Ultra-Small Co Market | | | | 15.60 | | 7.74 | | 11.42 | | 8.61 | | 5.08 | | 10.22 | | 9.26 | | 7/31/1997 | | 0.78%1
| | 0.75%1
|
Small-Cap Value | | | | 13.30 | | 9.57 | | 14.08 | | 17.86 | | 9.38 | | 12.93 | | 9.13 | | 10/31/2003 | | 0.86% | | 0.86% |
Omni Small-Cap Value | | | | 17.14 | | 19.71 | | 17.80 | | 13.99 | | 7.91 | | N/A | | 11.40 | | 8/31/2011 | | 0.62%1
| | 0.47%1
|
Managed Volatility | | | | 4.56 | | 4.31 | | 11.11 | | 7.11 | | 4.76 | | 5.51 | | 4.37 | | 6/30/2001 | | 1.27%1
| | 0.95%1
|
Bridgeway Funds Returns (%) for Calendar Years 2014 through 2023* (Unaudited) |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | 2014 | | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2017 | | 2018 | | 2019 | | 2020 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | 2023 |
Aggressive Investors 1 | | | | 14.99 | | -9.82 | | 19.47 | | 18.44 | | -22.44 | | 21.85 | | 14.35 | | 19.89 | | -22.38 | | 23.12 |
Ultra-Small Company | | | | -0.56 | | -16.12 | | 14.06 | | 3.88 | | -15.68 | | 9.51 | | 31.31 | | 33.34 | | -10.72 | | 17.94 |
Ultra-Small Co Market | | | | 4.61 | | -8.28 | | 21.47 | | 12.47 | | -17.12 | | 15.34 | | 25.53 | | 22.31 | | -23.40 | | 11.42 |
Small-Cap Value | | | | 0.79 | | -9.43 | | 26.79 | | 7.11 | | -13.06 | | 14.98 | | 12.04 | | 67.74 | | -7.74 | | 14.08 |
Omni Small-Cap Value | | | | 0.81 | | -6.62 | | 34.51 | | 6.01 | | -17.15 | | 13.89 | | 0.83 | | 47.97 | | -3.85 | | 17.80 |
Managed Volatility | | | | 5.95 | | 0.17 | | 2.42 | | 8.18 | | -3.97 | | 11.88 | | 10.55 | | 7.91 | | -4.93 | | 11.11 |
Performance figures quoted represent past performance and are no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than original cost. To obtain performance current to the most recent month-end, please visit bridgewayfunds.com or call 800-661-3550. Total return figures include the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Periods of less than one year are not annualized.
| 1 | Some of the Fund’s fees were waived or expenses reimbursed; otherwise, returns would have been lower. The Adviser is contractually obligated to waive fees and/or pay expenses. Any material change to this Fund policy would require a vote by shareholders. |
| 2 | Expense ratios are as stated in the current prospectus. Please see financial highlights for expense ratios as of December 31, 2023. |
* Numbers highlighted indicate periods when the Fund outperformed its primary benchmark.
This report is submitted for the general information of the shareholders of each Fund. It is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus, which includes information regarding a Fund’s risks, objectives, fees and expenses, experience of its management, and other information. Investors should read the prospectus carefully before investing in a Fund. For questions or other Fund information, call 800-661-3550 or visit the Funds’ website at bridgewayfunds.com. Funds are available for purchase by residents of the United States, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, and Guam only.
The views expressed here are exclusively those of Fund management. These views, including those relating to the market, sectors, or individual stocks, are not meant as investment advice and should not be considered predictive in nature.
| | |
i | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
LETTER FROM THE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT TEAM | | |
December 31, 2023 (Unaudited)
Dear Fellow Shareholders,
Performance across domestic equity markets was positive for the December quarter and for the 6 months ended December 31, 2023. Stocks in all size and style categories had positive returns for the calendar year, but larger stocks and growth stocks outperformed smaller company stocks and value stocks. As a result, large-cap growth stocks delivered the calendar year’s highest returns, while small-cap value stocks had the worst performance on a relative basis, yet still delivered positive returns. Market highlights appear on page 2. In this environment, the Bridgeway Funds performed within design expectations, guided by our statistical, evidence-based investment approach. Please see the enclosed letters for a detailed explanation of each Fund’s performance during the quarter and the calendar year. We hope you find the letters helpful.
Longtime shareholders may notice differences in this year’s report. As Bridgeway prepares to adopt new SEC rules regarding tailored shareholder reports, we have merged our Omni Small-Cap Value Fund shareholder letter into this document. We have also removed our traditional section of articles and discussion that preceded the detailed explanations of Fund performance. We’ve enjoyed sharing our thoughts with you in the pages of these reports and are now providing similar commentary throughout the year on the Perspectives page of bridgeway.com.
As always, we appreciate your feedback. We take your comments very seriously and regularly discuss them to help us manage our Funds and this company. Please keep your ideas coming—both favorable and critical. They provide us with a vital tool to serve you better.
Sincerely,
Your Investment Management Team
| | | | |
| | | | |
John Montgomery | | Christine L. Wang | | Michael Whipple |
| | |
| | | | |
Elena Khoziaeva | | Dick Cancelmo | | |
| | |
LETTER FROM THE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT TEAM (continued) | | |
December 31, 2023 (Unaudited)
Market Review
Domestic equity markets rose during the quarter ended December 31, 2023, as investors responded to signs of expectations that the US Federal Reserve would cut interest rates in 2024 in response to moderating inflation. Combined with strong results in the first half of the year, this positive fourth-quarter performance easily overcame weaker results in the third quarter, which were driven by lingering concerns over sustained inflation and a continuation of higher interest rates. The S&P 500 returned +11.7% for the quarter, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) returned +13.0%. For the calendar year, the S&P 500 and the DJIA returned +26.3% and +16.2%, respectively.
All US equity style categories, as defined by Russell Indices, recorded positive returns for the quarter. Smaller stocks outperformed larger stocks in the value style category, but larger stocks outperformed smaller stocks in the growth style category. As a result, small-cap value stocks had the best performance during the quarter, returning +15.3%. Large-cap value stocks had the worst performance on a relative basis, returning +9.5%.
All sectors of the S&P 500 except for the Energy sector had positive returns for the quarter. The Real Estate sector recorded the largest gains, returning +18.8%, followed by Technology (+17.7%) and Financials (+14.0%). The Energy sector had the worst performance, returning -6.4%.
Below are the stock market style box returns for the quarter and the calendar year.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | December 2023 Quarter | | | | | | Calendar Year ended December 31,2023 | | |
| | Value | | All | | Growth | | | | | | Value | | All | | Growth | | |
Large | | 9.50% | | 11.96% | | 14.16% | | | | Large | | 11.46% | | 26.53% | | 42.68% | | |
Mid | | 12.11% | | 12.82% | | 14.55% | | | | Mid | | 12.71% | | 17.23% | | 25.87% | | |
Small | | 15.26% | | 14.03% | | 12.75% | | | | Small | | 14.65% | | 16.93% | | 18.66% | | |
| | |
2 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Aggressive Investors 1 Fund | | |
MANAGER’S COMMENTARY (Unaudited)
December 31, 2023
Dear Fellow Aggressive Investors 1 Fund Shareholder,
For the quarter ended December 31, 2023, our Fund returned +11.82, outperforming our primary market benchmark, the S&P 500 Index (+11.69%), but underperforming the Russell 2000 Index (+14.03%). It was a good quarter on an absolute basis, and a mixed quarter on a relative basis.
For the calendar year, our Fund returned +23.12%, underperforming the S&P 500 Index (+26.29%), but outperforming the Russell 2000 Index (+16.93%).
The table below presents our December quarter, six months, one-year, five-year, 10-year, 15-year, and inception-to-date financial results. See the next page for a graph of performance since inception.
Standardized Returns as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Annualized |
| | | | | | | |
| | Quarter | | 6 Months | | 1 Year | | 5 Years | | 10 Years | | 15 Years | | Since Inception (8/5/94) |
| | | | | | | |
Aggressive Investors 1 Fund | | | 11.82 | % | | | 9.43 | % | | | 23.12 | % | | | 9.80 | % | | | 6.15 | % | | | 9.89 | % | | | 11.20 | % |
S&P 500 Index | | | 11.69 | % | | | 8.04 | % | | | 26.29 | % | | | 15.69 | % | | | 12.03 | % | | | 13.97 | % | | | 10.34 | % |
Russell 2000 Index | | | 14.03 | % | | | 8.18 | % | | | 16.93 | % | | | 9.97 | % | | | 7.16 | % | | | 11.30 | % | | | 8.90 | % |
Performance figures quoted in the table above represent past performance and are no guarantee of future results. Total return figures in the table above include the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. The table above does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.
The S&P 500 Index is a broad-based, unmanaged measurement of changes in stock market conditions, based on the average of 500 widely held common stocks with dividends reinvested. The Russell 2000 Index is an unmanaged, market value weighted index that measures performance of the 2,000 companies that are between the 1,000th and 3,000th largest in the market with dividends reinvested. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Periods longer than one year are annualized.
| | |
Aggressive Investors 1 Fund | | |
MANAGER’S COMMENTARY (Unaudited) (continued)
Growth of a $10,000 Investment
from Inception August 5, 1994 to December 31, 2023
Detailed Explanation of Quarterly Performance
The Fund’s sentiment and value metrics models outperformed the benchmark during the quarter, improving relative results. However, the Fund’s quality models lagged the benchmark, offsetting some of this positive impact. By design, the Fund invests in higher beta and higher volatility stocks, and this positioning added to relative returns during the quarter. An overweighting in the benchmark’s smaller stocks also helped the Fund’s relative performance. In contrast, the Fund’s tilt toward deeper value detracted modestly from relative results during the quarter, as value stocks generally underperformed growth stocks in the large-cap space.
From a sector perspective, the Fund’s allocation effect, excluding cash, was neutral. Positive impacts from underweightings in the Consumer Staples and Health Care sectors were roughly offset by the negative impacts of an overweighting in the Energy sector and an underweighting in the Real Estate sector. The Fund’s stock selection effect was positive, predominantly driven by holdings in the Consumer Discretionary and Consumer Staples sectors.
Detailed Explanation of Calendar Year Performance
The Fund’s sentiment and value metrics models underperformed the benchmark and detracted from relative results during the year. However, the Fund’s quality models slightly outperformed the benchmark, partially offsetting some of this negative impact. The Fund’s tilt toward smaller stocks and deeper value stocks metrics hurt relative performance during the period. However, overweight exposure to higher beta and higher volatility stocks helped relative performance.
From a sector perspective, the Fund’s allocation effect was negative, primarily driven by an underweighting in the Communication Services sector and overweightings in the Energy and Materials sectors. The Fund’s stock selection effect was also negative, with holdings in the Information Technology, Communication Services, and Health Care sectors detracting the most from relative performance.
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4 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
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Aggressive Investors 1 Fund | | |
MANAGER’S COMMENTARY (Unaudited) (continued)
Top Ten Holdings as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | |
Rank | | Description | | Industry | | % of Net Assets |
1 | | Microsoft Corp. | | Information Technology | | | 3.9 | % |
2 | | Amazon.com, Inc. | | Consumer Discretionary | | | 3.2 | % |
3 | | Apple, Inc. | | Information Technology | | | 3.1 | % |
4 | | NVIDIA Corp. | | Information Technology | | | 3.1 | % |
5 | | Molina Healthcare, Inc. | | Health Care | | | 2.4 | % |
6 | | Cencora, Inc. | | Health Care | | | 2.0 | % |
7 | | Amgen, Inc. | | Health Care | | | 2.0 | % |
8 | | Builders FirstSource, Inc. | | Industrials | | | 1.9 | % |
9 | | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | Financials | | | 1.8 | % |
10 | | Alphabet, Inc., Class A | | Communication Services | | | 1.8 | % |
| | | |
| | Total | | | | | 25.2 | % |
Industry Sector Representation as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | % of Net Assets | | % of S&P 500 Index | | Difference |
Communication Services | | | 5.1 | % | | | 8.6 | % | | | -3.5 | % |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 15.3 | % | | | 10.9 | % | | | 4.4 | % |
Consumer Staples | | | 0.9 | % | | | 6.2 | % | | | -5.3 | % |
Energy | | | 6.3 | % | | | 3.9 | % | | | 2.4 | % |
Financials | | | 14.0 | % | | | 13.0 | % | | | 1.0 | % |
Health Care | | | 12.6 | % | | | 12.6 | % | | | 0.0 | % |
Industrials | | | 11.3 | % | | | 8.8 | % | | | 2.5 | % |
Information Technology | | | 27.6 | % | | | 28.9 | % | | | -1.3 | % |
Materials | | | 5.4 | % | | | 2.4 | % | | | 3.0 | % |
Real Estate | | | 0.0 | % | | | 2.5 | % | | | -2.5 | % |
Utilities | | | 1.1 | % | | | 2.3 | % | | | -1.2 | % |
Cash & Other Assets | | | 0.4 | % | | | -0.1 | % | | | 0.5 | % |
| | | |
Total | | | 100.0 | % | | | 100.0 | % | | | | |
Important Disclosure
The views expressed here are exclusively those of Fund management. These views, including those related to market sectors or individual stocks, are not meant as investment advice and should not be considered predictive in nature. Any favorable (or unfavorable) description of a holding applies only as of the quarter end, December 31, 2023, unless otherwise stated. Security positions can and do change thereafter. Discussions of historical performance do not guarantee and may not be indicative of future performance.
Market volatility can significantly affect short-term performance. The Fund is not an appropriate investment for short-term investors. Investments in the small companies within this multi-cap fund generally carry greater risk than is customarily associated with larger companies. This additional risk is attributable to a number of factors, including the relatively limited financial resources that are typically available to small companies and the fact that small companies often have comparatively limited product lines. In addition, the stock of small companies tends to be more volatile than the stock of large companies, particularly in the short term and particularly in the early stages of an economic or market downturn. Finally, the Fund exposes shareholders to “focus risk,” which may add to Fund volatility through the possibility that a single company could significantly affect total return. Shareholders of the Fund, therefore, are taking on more risk than they would if they invested in the stock market as a whole.
| | |
Aggressive Investors 1 Fund | | |
MANAGER’S COMMENTARY (Unaudited) (continued)
Conclusion
Thank you for your continued investment in Aggressive Investors 1 Fund. We encourage your feedback; your reactions and concerns are important to us.
Sincerely,
The Investment Management Team
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6 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Aggressive Investors 1 Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) | | |
| |
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | | | |
| |
COMMON STOCKS - 99.57% | | | |
| |
Communication Services - 5.11% | | | |
Alphabet, Inc., Class A* | | | 20,400 | | | $ | 2,849,676 | | | |
Charter Communications, Inc., Class A* | | | 3,300 | | | | 1,282,644 | | | |
Electronic Arts, Inc. | | | 12,000 | | | | 1,641,720 | | | |
Match Group, Inc.* | | | 25,000 | | | | 912,500 | | | |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | | 38,000 | | | | 1,432,600 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | 8,119,140 | | | |
| |
Consumer Discretionary - 15.33% | | | |
Amazon.com, Inc.* | | | 34,000 | | | | 5,165,960 | | | |
AutoNation, Inc.* | | | 10,700 | | | | 1,606,926 | | | |
Booking Holdings, Inc.* | | | 800 | | | | 2,837,776 | | | |
DoorDash, Inc., Class A* | | | 7,800 | | | | 771,342 | | | |
DraftKings, Inc., Class A* | | | 57,000 | | | | 2,009,250 | | | |
eBay, Inc. | | | 25,000 | | | | 1,090,500 | | | |
General Motors Co. | | | 65,000 | | | | 2,334,800 | | | |
Murphy USA, Inc. | | | 2,000 | | | | 713,120 | | | |
PulteGroup, Inc. | | | 20,000 | | | | 2,064,400 | | | |
Tapestry, Inc. | | | 38,000 | | | | 1,398,780 | | | |
Toll Brothers, Inc. | | | 15,000 | | | | 1,541,850 | | | |
TopBuild Corp.* | | | 2,000 | | | | 748,520 | | | |
Ulta Beauty, Inc.* | | | 4,300 | | | | 2,106,957 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | 24,390,181 | | | |
| | | |
Consumer Staples - 0.93% | | | | | | | | | | |
Casey’s General Stores, Inc. | | | 5,400 | | | | 1,483,596 | | | |
| | | |
Energy - 6.31% | | | | | | | | | | |
APA Corp. | | | 27,000 | | | | 968,760 | | | |
Cheniere Energy, Inc. | | | 9,600 | | | | 1,638,816 | | | |
Chesapeake Energy Corp.+ | | | 8,300 | | | | 638,602 | | | |
HF Sinclair Corp. | | | 28,000 | | | | 1,555,960 | | | |
Marathon Petroleum Corp. | | | 17,000 | | | | 2,522,120 | | | |
Occidental Petroleum Corp. | | | 19,300 | | | | 1,152,403 | | | |
Valero Energy Corp. | | | 12,000 | | | | 1,560,000 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | 10,036,661 | | | |
| | | |
Financials - 14.04% | | | | | | | | | | |
American Express Co. | | | 7,000 | | | | 1,311,380 | | | |
Ameriprise Financial, Inc. | | | 5,000 | | | | 1,899,150 | | | |
Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The) | | | 30,000 | | | | 1,561,500 | | | |
Citizens Financial Group, Inc. | | | 26,800 | | | | 888,152 | | | |
Corebridge Financial, Inc. | | | 70,000 | | | | 1,516,200 | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | |
| | |
Financials (continued) | | | | | | | | |
Fidelity National Financial, Inc. | | | 20,000 | | | $ | 1,020,400 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 16,800 | | | | 2,857,680 | |
LPL Financial Holdings, Inc. | | | 8,700 | | | | 1,980,294 | |
Mastercard, Inc., Class A | | | 5,000 | | | | 2,132,550 | |
MetLife, Inc. | | | 21,400 | | | | 1,415,182 | |
Royal Bank of Canada | | | 15,700 | | | | 1,587,741 | |
Synchrony Financial | | | 62,300 | | | | 2,379,237 | |
UBS Group AG | | | 57,900 | | | | 1,789,110 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | | | | 22,338,576 | |
| | |
Health Care - 12.57% | | | | | | | | |
Amgen, Inc. | | | 10,700 | | | | 3,081,814 | |
Cencora, Inc. | | | 15,700 | | | | 3,224,466 | |
DaVita, Inc.* | | | 9,000 | | | | 942,840 | |
Hologic, Inc.* | | | 29,100 | | | | 2,079,195 | |
Merck & Co., Inc. | | | 22,000 | | | | 2,398,440 | |
Molina Healthcare, Inc.* | | | 10,500 | | | | 3,793,755 | |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | | | 3,800 | | | | 2,000,586 | |
Veeva Systems, Inc., Class A* | | | 8,500 | | | | 1,636,420 | |
Viatris, Inc. | | | 77,000 | | | | 833,910 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | | | | 19,991,426 | |
| | |
Industrials - 11.26% | | | | | | | | |
American Airlines Group, Inc.*+ | | | 100,000 | | | | 1,374,000 | |
Automatic Data Processing, Inc. | | | 9,000 | | | | 2,096,730 | |
Builders FirstSource, Inc.* | | | 18,000 | | | | 3,004,920 | |
Caterpillar, Inc. | | | 4,500 | | | | 1,330,515 | |
EMCOR Group, Inc. | | | 7,000 | | | | 1,508,010 | |
Rollins, Inc. | | | 35,850 | | | | 1,565,570 | |
Saia, Inc.* | | | 4,000 | | | | 1,752,880 | |
Uber Technologies, Inc.* | | | 38,000 | | | | 2,339,660 | |
United Airlines Holdings, Inc.* | | | 30,500 | | | | 1,258,430 | |
Vertiv Holdings Co., Class A | | | 35,000 | | | | 1,681,050 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | | | | 17,911,765 | |
| | | | | | |
| |
Information Technology - 27.56% | | | | | |
Adobe, Inc.* | | | 1,900 | | | | 1,133,540 | |
Apple, Inc. | | | 26,000 | | | | 5,005,780 | |
Applied Materials, Inc. | | | 11,000 | | | | 1,782,770 | |
AppLovin Corp., Class A* | | | 60,000 | | | | 2,391,000 | |
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.* | | | 5,900 | | | | 1,606,983 | |
| | |
Aggressive Investors 1 Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | | Shares | | | Value | | | |
| | |
Common Stocks (continued) | | | | | | | |
| | |
Information Technology (continued) | | | | | | | |
Check Point Software Technologies, Ltd.* | | | | 13,000 | | | $ | 1,986,270 | | | |
Dolby Laboratories, Inc., Class A | | | | 20,000 | | | | 1,723,600 | | | |
Dropbox, Inc., Class A* | | | | 63,800 | | | | 1,880,824 | | | |
Fortinet, Inc.* | | | | 25,500 | | | | 1,492,515 | | | |
Jabil, Inc. | | | | 15,000 | | | | 1,911,000 | | | |
Keysight Technologies, Inc.* | | | | 4,500 | | | | 715,905 | | | |
Microsoft Corp. | | | | 16,300 | | | | 6,129,452 | | | |
MongoDB, Inc.* | | | | 3,700 | | | | 1,512,745 | | | |
NetApp, Inc. | | | | 21,100 | | | | 1,860,176 | | | |
Nutanix, Inc., Class A* | | | | 38,000 | | | | 1,812,220 | | | |
NVIDIA Corp. | | | | 9,900 | | | | 4,902,678 | | | |
Palantir Technologies, Inc., Class A* | | | | 83,700 | | | | 1,437,129 | | | |
Procore Technologies, Inc.* | | | | 30,000 | | | | 2,076,600 | | | |
Salesforce, Inc.* | | | | 3,400 | | | | 894,676 | | | |
VeriSign, Inc.* | | | | 7,700 | | | | 1,585,892 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 43,841,755 | | | |
| | | |
Materials - 5.38% | | | | | | | | | | | |
CF Industries Holdings, Inc. | | | | 25,700 | | | | 2,043,150 | | | |
Nucor Corp. | | | | 10,300 | | | | 1,792,612 | | | |
Olin Corp. | | | | 34,000 | | | | 1,834,300 | | | |
Steel Dynamics, Inc. | | | | 6,800 | | | | 803,080 | | | |
West Fraser Timber Co., Ltd.+ | | | | 24,400 | | | | 2,088,152 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 8,561,294 | | | |
| | | |
Utilities - 1.08% | | | | | | | | | | | |
Vistra Corp. | | | | 44,600 | | | | 1,717,992 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS - 99.57% | | | | 158,392,386 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $128,714,977) | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | Rate^ | | | Shares | | | Value | | | |
| |
MONEY MARKET FUND - 0.14% | | | |
| | | | |
Fidelity Investments Money Market Government Portfolio Class I | | | 5.25% | | | | 216,002 | | | | 216,002 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
TOTAL MONEY MARKET FUND - 0.14% | | | | 216,002 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $216,002) | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Rate^ | | | Shares | | | Value | |
|
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH CASH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING - 0.28% | |
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Money Market Fund** | | | 5.32% | | | | 438,500 | | | $ | 438,500 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH CASH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING - 0.28% | | | | 438,500 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $438,500) | | | | | |
| |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 99.99% | | | $ | 159,046,888 | |
(Cost $129,369,479) | | | | | |
| |
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities - 0.01% | | | | 23,614 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
NET ASSETS - 100.00% | | | $ | 159,070,502 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
* | Non-income producing security. |
** | This security represents the investment of the cash collateral received in connection with securities out on loan as of December 31, 2023. |
^ | Rate disclosed as of December 31, 2023. |
+ | This security or a portion of the security is out on loan as of December 31, 2023. Total loaned securities had a value of $2,440,502 as of December 31, 2023. See Note 2 for disclosure of cash and non-cash collateral. |
| | |
8 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Aggressive Investors 1 Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
| | |
Summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of 12/31/2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Valuation Inputs | |
| | Investment in Securities (Value) | |
| | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Common Stocks (a) | | | $158,392,386 | | | | $– | | | | $– | | | | $158,392,386 | |
Money Market Fund | | | 216,002 | | | | – | | | | – | | | | 216,002 | |
Investments Purchased With Cash Proceeds From Securities Lending | | | 438,500 | | | | – | | | | – | | | | 438,500 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
TOTAL | | | $159,046,888 | | | | $– | | | | $– | | | | $159,046,888 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) - Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for the industry classifications of these portfolio holdings.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Ultra-Small Company Fund | | |
MANAGER’S COMMENTARY (Unaudited)
December 31, 2023
Dear Fellow Ultra-Small Company Fund Shareholder,
For the quarter ended December 31, 2023, our Fund returned +20.97%, outperforming our primary market benchmark, the Russell Microcap Index (+16.06%), the CRSP Cap-Based Portfolio 10 Index (+12.95%), and the Russell 2000 Index (+14.03%). It was a good quarter.
For the calendar year, our Fund returned +17.94%, outperforming the Russell Microcap Index (+9.33%), the Russell 2000 Index (+16.93%), and the CRSP Cap-Based Portfolio 10 Index (+13.45%).
The table below presents our December quarter, six months, one-year, five-year, 10-year, 15-year, and inception-to-date financial results.
Standardized Returns as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | Annualized | |
| | Quarter | | | 6 Months | | | 1 Year | | | 5 Years | | | 10 Years | | | 15 Years | | | Since Inception (8/5/94) | |
| | | | | | | |
Ultra-Small Company Fund | | | 20.97% | | | | 10.55% | | | | 17.94% | | | | 15.09% | | | | 5.34% | | | | 11.51% | | | | 12.72% | |
Russell Microcap Index | | | 16.06% | | | | 6.86% | | | | 9.33% | | | | 8.56% | | | | 5.79% | | | | 10.65% | | | | N/A | |
CRSP Cap-Based Portfolio 10 Index | | | 12.95% | | | | 5.41% | | | | 13.45% | | | | 11.41% | | | | 6.18% | | | | 13.48% | | | | 10.94% | |
Russell 2000 Index | | | 14.03% | | | | 8.18% | | | | 16.93% | | | | 9.97% | | | | 7.16% | | | | 11.30% | | | | 8.90% | |
Performance figures quoted in the table above represent past performance and are no guarantee of future results. Total return figures in the table above include the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. The table above does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.
The Russell Microcap Index measures the performance of the microcap segment of the US equity market. Microcap stocks make up less than 3% of the US equity market (by market cap) and consist of the smallest 1,000 securities in the small-cap Russell 2000® Index, plus the next 1,000 smallest eligible securities by market cap. The Russell Microcap Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the microcap segment trading on national exchanges. The Index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure new and growing equities are reflected and companies continue to reflect appropriate capitalization and value characteristics. The Russell 2000 Index is an unmanaged, market value weighted index that measures performance of the 2,000 companies that are between the 1,000th and 3,000th largest in the market (with dividends reinvested). The CRSP Cap-Based Portfolio 10 Index is an unmanaged index of 769 of the smallest publicly traded US stocks (with dividends reinvested), as reported by the Center for Research on Security Prices. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Periods longer than one year are annualized.
| | |
10 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Ultra-Small Company Fund | | |
MANAGER’S COMMENTARY (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
| | |
Growth of a $10,000 Investment
from Inception August 5, 1994 to December 31, 2023
* | The Russell Microcap Index began on 6/30/2000, and the line graph for the Index begins at the same value as the Fund on that date. |
Detailed Explanation of Quarterly Performance
The Fund’s investment universe focuses on the smallest stocks within the US stock market (companies included in the CRSP 9 and CRSP 10 indexes). This positioning positively contributed to relative results, as CRSP 10 stocks outperformed the Russell Microcap Index. On average, the Fund held about 79% of its assets in the CRSP 10 universe during the quarter, versus roughly 17% for the benchmark.
The Fund’s sidestepping strategies, which eliminate exposure to stocks with a high probability of a steep price decline, major financial distress or bankruptcy, also helped performance relative to the CRSP 10 universe.
From a sector perspective, the Fund’s allocation effect, excluding cash, was positive. An overweighting in the Consumer Discretionary sector and an underweighting in the Financials sector contributed the most to relative returns. The Fund’s stock selection effect was also strongly positive. Holdings in the Health Care, Real Estate, and Information Technology sectors contributed the most to relative performance.
| | |
Ultra-Small Company Fund | | |
MANAGER’S COMMENTARY (Unaudited) (continued)
The table below presents index performance numbers for stocks in the different CRSP deciles during various time periods.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | Annualized |
| | | | | | |
CRSP Decile1 | | Quarter | | 6 Months | | 1 Year | | 5 Years | | 10 Years | | 98 Years |
1 (ultra-large) | | 11.63% | | 8.94% | | 30.48% | | 16.39% | | 12.57% | | 9.65% |
2 | | 11.66% | | 4.69% | | 13.66% | | 13.42% | | 10.34% | | 10.55% |
3 | | 12.34% | | 8.87% | | 18.03% | | 11.77% | | 9.23% | | 10.92% |
4 | | 12.91% | | 8.15% | | 21.71% | | 11.35% | | 7.83% | | 10.74% |
5 | | 14.62% | | 7.94% | | 17.92% | | 11.03% | | 6.91% | | 11.16% |
6 | | 15.08% | | 9.92% | | 21.31% | | 11.91% | | 7.55% | | 11.19% |
7 | | 16.96% | | 9.33% | | 19.93% | | 12.71% | | 9.44% | | 11.53% |
8 | | 13.34% | | 8.23% | | 13.26% | | 5.06% | | 3.97% | | 10.95% |
9 | | 14.39% | | 3.94% | | 5.00% | | 9.44% | | 6.72% | | 11.22% |
10 (ultra-small) | | 12.42% | | 4.92% | | 12.92% | | 11.31% | | 6.13% | | 12.87% |
1 | Performance figures are as of the period ended December 31, 2023. The CRSP Cap-Based Portfolio Indexes are unmanaged indexes of publicly traded US stocks with dividends reinvested, grouped by market capitalization, as reported by the Center for Research in Security Prices. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. |
Detailed Explanation of Calendar Year Performance
All three of the Fund’s model categories outperformed the benchmark during the year, adding to relative results. The Fund’s tilt toward deeper value stocks across multiple valuation metrics improved relative performance. Likewise, the Fund’s tilt toward the smallest stocks in the US stock market (CRSP 9 and CRSP 10 universes) contributed to relative results. During the year, the Fund held approximately 95% of its assets, on average, in CRSP 9 and 10, versus approximately 46% for the benchmark.
From a sector perspective, the Fund’s allocation effect was positive. Underweightings in the Financials and Energy sectors contributed the most to relative results. The Fund’s stock selection effect was strongly positive, largely driven by holdings in the Health Care, Information Technology, and Financials sectors.
Top Ten Holdings as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | |
Rank | | Description | | Industry | | % of Net Assets | |
1 | | OptimizeRx Corp. | | Health Care | | | 2.1% | |
2 | | Ventyx Biosciences, Inc. | | Health Care | | | 2.0% | |
3 | | Douglas Elliman, Inc. | | Real Estate | | | 2.0% | |
4 | | Nkarta, Inc. | | Health Care | | | 1.9% | |
5 | | Security National Financial Corp., Class A | | Financials | | | 1.9% | |
6 | | Harrow, Inc. | | Health Care | | | 1.8% | |
7 | | Semler Scientific, Inc. | | Health Care | | | 1.8% | |
8 | | Porch Group, Inc. | | Information Technology | | | 1.7% | |
9 | | Consolidated Water Co., Ltd. | | Utilities | | | 1.6% | |
10 | | Friedman Industries, Inc. | | Materials | | | 1.5% | |
| | | |
| | Total | | | | | 18.3% | |
| | |
12 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Ultra-Small Company Fund | | |
MANAGER’S COMMENTARY (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
| | |
Industry Sector Representation as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | % of Net Assets | | % of Russell Microcap Index | | Difference |
Communication Services | | | 2.7 | % | | | 2.9 | % | | | -0.2 | % |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 9.8 | % | | | 10.2 | % | | | -0.4 | % |
Consumer Staples | | | 2.0 | % | | | 1.7 | % | | | 0.3 | % |
Energy | | | 4.4 | % | | | 5.8 | % | | | -1.4 | % |
Financials | | | 15.7 | % | | | 21.7 | % | | | -6.0 | % |
Health Care | | | 31.9 | % | | | 25.3 | % | | | 6.6 | % |
Industrials | | | 11.2 | % | | | 13.3 | % | | | -2.1 | % |
Information Technology | | | 9.5 | % | | | 10.6 | % | | | -1.1 | % |
Materials | | | 3.8 | % | | | 3.7 | % | | | 0.1 | % |
Real Estate | | | 4.7 | % | | | 3.9 | % | | | 0.8 | % |
Utilities | | | 2.4 | % | | | 1.0 | % | | | 1.4 | % |
Cash & Other Assets | | | 1.9 | % | | | -0.1 | % | | | 2.0 | % |
| | | |
Total | | | 100.0 | % | | | 100.0 | % | | | | |
Important Disclosure
The views expressed here are exclusively those of Fund management. These views, including those related to market sectors or individual stocks, are not meant as investment advice and should not be considered predictive in nature. Any favorable (or unfavorable) description of a holding applies only as of the quarter end, December 31, 2023, unless otherwise stated. Security positions can and do change thereafter. Discussions of historical performance do not guarantee and may not be indicative of future performance.
The Fund is subject to very high, above market risk (volatility) and is not an appropriate investment for short-term investors. Investments in ultra-small companies generally carry greater risk than is customarily associated with larger companies and even “small companies” for various reasons, such as narrower markets (fewer investors), limited financial resources and greater trading difficulty.
Conclusion
Ultra-Small Company Fund remains closed to new investors. We encourage your feedback; your reactions and concerns are important to us.
Sincerely,
The Investment Management Team
| | |
Ultra-Small Company Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) | | |
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | | | |
| | |
COMMON STOCKS - 98.09% | | | | | | | |
| | |
Communication Services - 2.67% | | | | | | | |
AdTheorent Holding Co., Inc.* | | | 78,870 | | | $ | 114,362 | | | |
Arena Group Holdings, Inc. (The)* | | | 10,000 | | | | 23,800 | | | |
Cineverse Corp.* | | | 25,067 | | | | 33,840 | | | |
Cumulus Media, Inc., Class A* | | | 38,500 | | | | 204,820 | | | |
DHI Group, Inc.* | | | 135,100 | | | | 349,909 | | | |
Harte Hanks, Inc.* | | | 12,746 | | | | 86,545 | | | |
Innovid Corp.* | | | 33,700 | | | | 50,550 | | | |
LiveOne, Inc.* | | | 33,700 | | | | 46,843 | | | |
Loop Media, Inc.* | | | 61,200 | | | | 61,200 | | | |
Outbrain, Inc.* | | | 95,800 | | | | 419,604 | | | |
Salem Media Group, Inc.* | | | 483,258 | | | | 188,471 | | | |
SPAR Group, Inc.* | | | 98,700 | | | | 99,687 | | | |
SurgePays, Inc.*+ | | | 91,058 | | | | 587,324 | | | |
Zedge, Inc., Class B* | | | 16,700 | | | | 39,245 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | 2,306,200 | | | |
| | |
Consumer Discretionary - 9.82% | | | | | | | |
1stdibs.com, Inc.* | | | 59,119 | | | | 276,677 | | | |
2U, Inc.* | | | 532,549 | | | | 655,035 | | | |
Allbirds, Inc., Class A* | | | 411,100 | | | | 503,597 | | | |
AMCON Distributing Co. | | | 2,180 | | | | 425,100 | | | |
American Outdoor Brands, Inc.* | | | 8,400 | | | | 70,560 | | | |
American Public Education, Inc.* | | | 2,508 | | | | 24,202 | | | |
Barnes & Noble Education, Inc.* | | | 23,900 | | | | 35,611 | | | |
BowFlex, Inc.* | | | 46,800 | | | | 36,036 | | | |
CarParts.com, Inc.* | | | 67,800 | | | | 214,248 | | | |
Cato Corp. (The), Class A | | | 50,700 | | | | 361,998 | | | |
Conn’s, Inc.* | | | 20,300 | | | | 90,132 | | | |
Container Store Group, Inc. (The)* | | | 29,600 | | | | 67,488 | | | |
Duluth Holdings, Inc., Class B* | | | 10,000 | | | | 53,800 | | | |
Educational Development Corp.* | | | 55,700 | | | | 64,612 | | | |
Envela Corp.* | | | 10,000 | | | | 48,600 | | | |
Escalade, Inc. | | | 3,700 | | | | 74,333 | | | |
Fossil Group, Inc.* | | | 20,100 | | | | 29,346 | | | |
GAN, Ltd.* | | | 640,289 | | | | 1,011,657 | | | |
Jerash Holdings US, Inc. | | | 24,900 | | | | 76,443 | | | |
Kandi Technologies Group, Inc.* | | | 390,948 | | | | 1,094,654 | | | |
Lakeland Industries, Inc. | | | 8,500 | | | | 157,590 | | | |
Lazydays Holdings, Inc.*+ | | | 11,500 | | | | 81,075 | | | |
Lifetime Brands, Inc. | | | 20,000 | | | | 134,200 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | | | |
| | |
Consumer Discretionary (continued) | | | | | | | |
Lincoln Educational Services Corp.* | | | 79,664 | | | $ | 799,827 | | | |
Live Ventures, Inc.* | | | 10,302 | | | | 261,671 | | | |
PlayAGS, Inc.* | | | 80,400 | | | | 677,772 | | | |
Potbelly Corp.* | | | 22,000 | | | | 229,240 | | | |
RumbleON, Inc., Class B* | | | 32,631 | | | | 265,616 | | | |
Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings, Inc.* | | | 41,900 | | | | 178,494 | | | |
Strattec Security Corp.* | | | 3,000 | | | | 75,330 | | | |
Tilly’s, Inc., Class A* | | | 36,888 | | | | 278,136 | | | |
Universal Electronics, Inc.* | | | 12,800 | | | | 120,192 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | 8,473,272 | | | |
| | |
Consumer Staples - 2.00% | | | | | | | |
Lifevantage Corp. | | | 25,900 | | | | 155,400 | | | |
Lifeway Foods, Inc.* | | | 28,538 | | | | 382,695 | | | |
Limoneira Co. | | | 19,069 | | | | 393,393 | | | |
Mama’s Creations, Inc.* | | | 22,467 | | | | 110,313 | | | |
Mannatech, Inc. | | | 23,388 | | | | 183,830 | | | |
Natural Alternatives International, Inc.* | | | 50,300 | | | | 322,926 | | | |
Natural Health Trends Corp. | | | 7,600 | | | | 44,384 | | | |
Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc.* | | | 7,600 | | | | 131,404 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | 1,724,345 | | | |
| | |
Energy - 4.36% | | | | | | | |
Adams Resources & Energy, Inc. | | | 1,700 | | | | 44,506 | | | |
American Resources Corp.* | | | 378,950 | | | | 564,635 | | | |
Barnwell Industries, Inc. | | | 80,030 | | | | 194,473 | | | |
Energy Services of America Corp. | | | 49,500 | | | | 296,010 | | | |
Epsilon Energy, Ltd. | | | 215,845 | | | | 1,096,493 | | | |
Evolution Petroleum Corp. | | | 38,833 | | | | 225,620 | | | |
Forum Energy Technologies, Inc.* | | | 2,300 | | | | 50,991 | | | |
Geospace Technologies Corp.* | | | 12,500 | | | | 162,000 | | | |
Independence Contract Drilling, Inc.* | | | 19,380 | | | | 47,481 | | | |
KLX Energy Services Holdings, Inc.* | | | 36,338 | | | | 409,166 | | | |
NCS Multistage Holdings, Inc.* | | | 700 | | | | 12,054 | | | |
PHX Minerals, Inc. | | | 22,880 | | | | 73,673 | | | |
PrimeEnergy Resources Corp.* | | | 4,300 | | | | 457,305 | | | |
| | |
14 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Ultra-Small Company Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
| |
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | | | |
| | | |
Common Stocks (continued) | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
Energy (continued) | | | | | | | |
Smart Sand, Inc.* | | | 65,218 | | | $ | 125,871 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | 3,760,278 | | | |
| | |
Financials - 15.75% | | | | | | | |
Acacia Research Corp.*+ | | | 152,331 | | | | 597,138 | | | |
AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc. | | | 85,926 | | | | 545,630 | | | |
AmeriServ Financial, Inc. | | | 15,000 | | | | 48,525 | | | |
Ames National Corp.+ | | | 16,500 | | | | 352,110 | | | |
Atlantic American Corp. | | | 76,661 | | | | 182,453 | | | |
Bankwell Financial Group, Inc. | | | 2,200 | | | | 66,396 | | | |
Blue Ridge Bankshares, Inc.+ | | | 42,830 | | | | 129,775 | | | |
California BanCorp* | | | 1,900 | | | | 47,044 | | | |
Central Valley Community Bancorp | | | 2,021 | | | | 45,169 | | | |
CF Bankshares, Inc. | | | 4,800 | | | | 94,416 | | | |
Chemung Financial Corp. | | | 3,050 | | | | 151,890 | | | |
Citizens Community Bancorp, Inc. | | | 43,900 | | | | 514,069 | | | |
Codorus Valley Bancorp, Inc. | | | 18,075 | | | | 464,528 | | | |
Colony Bankcorp, Inc. | | | 27,265 | | | | 362,624 | | | |
Community West Bancshares | | | 5,000 | | | | 86,950 | | | |
Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc.*+ | | | 54,359 | | | | 509,344 | | | |
Evans Bancorp, Inc. | | | 6,365 | | | | 200,688 | | | |
Finward Bancorp | | | 1,442 | | | | 36,050 | | | |
First Community Corp. | | | 13,237 | | | | 284,993 | | | |
FS Bancorp, Inc. | | | 3,500 | | | | 129,360 | | | |
FVCBankcorp, Inc.*+ | | | 53,165 | | | | 754,943 | | | |
Investar Holding Corp. | | | 23,165 | | | | 345,390 | | | |
LCNB Corp. | | | 17,792 | | | | 280,580 | | | |
Logan Ridge Finance Corp. | | | 3,798 | | | | 84,809 | | | |
Manhattan Bridge Capital, Inc. | | | 15,216 | | | | 75,624 | | | |
Medallion Financial Corp. | | | 46,659 | | | | 459,591 | | | |
Meridian Corp. | | | 9,843 | | | | 136,818 | | | |
National Bankshares, Inc. | | | 2,637 | | | | 85,307 | | | |
Norwood Financial Corp. | | | 4,414 | | | | 145,265 | | | |
Oak Valley Bancorp | | | 30,664 | | | | 918,387 | | | |
Ocwen Financial Corp.* | | | 1,700 | | | | 52,292 | | | |
OP Bancorp | | | 30,954 | | | | 338,946 | | | |
Parke Bancorp, Inc. | | | 4,167 | | | | 84,382 | | | |
Paysign, Inc.* | | | 137,470 | | | | 384,916 | | | |
PCB Bancorp | | | 3,229 | | | | 59,510 | | | |
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. | | | 7,200 | | | | 217,368 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Financials (continued) | | | | | | | |
Plumas Bancorp | | | 1,543 | | | $ | 63,803 | | | |
Portman Ridge Finance Corp. | | | 4,100 | | | | 74,579 | | | |
Primis Financial Corp. | | | 67,900 | | | | 859,614 | | | |
Security National Financial Corp., Class A* | | | 178,084 | | | | 1,602,756 | | | |
Southern States Bancshares, Inc. | | | 3,800 | | | | 111,264 | | | |
Third Coast Bancshares, Inc.* | | | 27,859 | | | | 553,558 | | | |
Timberland Bancorp, Inc. | | | 16,962 | | | | 533,625 | | | |
US Global Investors, Inc., Class A | | | 3,753 | | | | 10,583 | | | |
Virginia National Bankshares Corp. | | | 10,208 | | | | 350,951 | | | |
Western New England Bancorp, Inc. | | | 16,097 | | | | 144,873 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | 13,578,886 | | | |
| | |
Health Care - 31.90% | | | | | | | |
American Shared Hospital Services* | | | 209,067 | | | | 497,454 | | | |
Athira Pharma, Inc.* | | | 111,393 | | | | 270,685 | | | |
Avita Medical, Inc.*+ | | | 28,518 | | | | 391,267 | | | |
Avrobio, Inc.* | | | 141,400 | | | | 192,304 | | | |
BioAtla, Inc.* | | | 8,000 | | | | 19,680 | | | |
Bolt Biotherapeutics, Inc.* | | | 26,000 | | | | 29,120 | | | |
Cabaletta Bio, Inc.*+ | | | 46,021 | | | | 1,044,677 | | | |
CareCloud, Inc.* | | | 211,251 | | | | 321,101 | | | |
Chimerix, Inc.* | | | 810,524 | | | | 780,129 | | | |
Cidara Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 60,060 | | | | 47,688 | | | |
ClearPoint Neuro, Inc.* | | | 66,992 | | | | 454,876 | | | |
Co.-Diagnostics, Inc.* | | | 272,900 | | | | 362,957 | | | |
Computer Programs and Systems, Inc.* | | | 17,303 | | | | 193,794 | | | |
Context Therapeutics, Inc.*+ | | | 105,809 | | | | 119,564 | | | |
Cumberland Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 233,068 | | | | 405,538 | | | |
CVRx, Inc.* | | | 6,500 | | | | 204,360 | | | |
Cyteir Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 12,800 | | | | 38,912 | | | |
CytomX Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 246,024 | | | | 381,337 | | | |
Dominari Holdings, Inc.* | | | 20,500 | | | | 53,095 | | | |
Electromed, Inc.* | | | 79,338 | | | | 865,578 | | | |
Eton Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*+ | | | 190,562 | | | | 834,662 | | | |
Eyenovia, Inc.* | | | 47,900 | | | | 99,632 | | | |
EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 48,000 | | | | 1,109,280 | | | |
FONAR Corp.* | | | 47,300 | | | | 925,188 | | | |
Generation Bio Co.* | | | 243,000 | | | | 400,950 | | | |
Graphite Bio, Inc.* | | | 19,300 | | | | 50,566 | | | |
| | |
Ultra-Small Company Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
| |
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | | | |
| | | |
Common Stocks (continued) | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
Health Care (continued) | | | | | | | |
Harrow, Inc.*+ | | | 141,500 | | | $ | 1,584,800 | | | |
Harvard Bioscience, Inc.* | | | 89,383 | | | | 478,199 | | | |
iCAD, Inc.* | | | 74,600 | | | | 132,042 | | | |
Ikena Oncology, Inc.* | | | 28,900 | | | | 56,933 | | | |
Inogen, Inc.* | | | 13,700 | | | | 75,213 | | | |
Inozyme Pharma, Inc.* | | | 14,400 | | | | 61,344 | | | |
Invivyd, Inc.* | | | 211,800 | | | | 834,492 | | | |
Joint Corp. (The)* | | | 14,800 | | | | 142,228 | | | |
Kewaunee Scientific Corp.* | | | 16,900 | | | | 491,283 | | | |
Kronos Bio, Inc.*+ | | | 150,175 | | | | 187,719 | | | |
Lineage Cell Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 324,200 | | | | 353,378 | | | |
MEI Pharma, Inc.+ | | | 26,869 | | | | 155,840 | | | |
Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 232,300 | | | | 538,936 | | | |
Milestone Scientific, Inc.* | | | 243,700 | | | | 168,129 | | | |
Nkarta, Inc.* | | | 249,667 | | | | 1,647,802 | | | |
Ocuphire Pharma, Inc.*+ | | | 133,336 | | | | 401,341 | | | |
OptimizeRx Corp.* | | | 124,700 | | | | 1,784,457 | | | |
Optinose, Inc.* | | | 55,400 | | | | 71,466 | | | |
Ovid therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 161,800 | | | | 520,996 | | | |
Passage Bio, Inc.* | | | 366,500 | | | | 370,165 | | | |
Phio Pharmaceuticals Corp.*+ | | | 23,486 | | | | 17,849 | | | |
PMV Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 99,900 | | | | 309,690 | | | |
Prelude Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 17,200 | | | | 73,444 | | | |
Pro-Dex, Inc.* | | | 1,700 | | | | 29,546 | | | |
ProPhase Labs, Inc.*+ | | | 14,289 | | | | 64,586 | | | |
Protara Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 24,800 | | | | 46,376 | | | |
Pulmatrix, Inc.* | | | 9,700 | | | | 18,042 | | | |
Pyxis Oncology, Inc.* | | | 115,900 | | | | 208,620 | | | |
Quince Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 33,495 | | | | 35,170 | | | |
Relmada Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 89,177 | | | | 369,193 | | | |
Reneo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 15,880 | | | | 25,408 | | | |
Retractable Technologies, Inc.* | | | 66,434 | | | | 73,742 | | | |
Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 169,200 | | | | 245,340 | | | |
scPharmaceuticals, Inc.*+ | | | 85,000 | | | | 532,950 | | | |
Seer, Inc.* | | | 243,243 | | | | 471,891 | | | |
Semler Scientific, Inc.* | | | 35,476 | | | | 1,571,232 | | | |
Societal CDMO, Inc.* | | | 249,600 | | | | 87,485 | | | |
SunLink Health Systems, Inc.* | | | 192,800 | | | | 179,304 | | | |
Sunshine Biopharma, Inc.* | | | 286,100 | | | | 77,676 | | | |
Tourmaline Bio, Inc. | | | 20,267 | | | | 530,590 | | | |
Ventyx Biosciences, Inc.* | | | 710,800 | | | | 1,755,676 | | | |
Werewolf Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 3,000 | | | | 11,580 | | | |
XBiotech, Inc.* | | | 65,041 | | | | 260,164 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
Health Care (continued) | | | | | | | |
Xilio Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 34,400 | | | $ | 18,920 | | | |
XOMA Corp.* | | | 200 | | | | 3,700 | | | |
Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 49,900 | | | | 340,318 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | 27,509,649 | | | |
| | |
Industrials - 11.18% | | | | | | | |
Acme United Corp. | | | 27,485 | | | | 1,178,007 | | | |
Alpha Pro Tech, Ltd.* | | | 8,900 | | | | 47,081 | | | |
American Superconductor Corp.* | | | 98,500 | | | | 1,097,290 | | | |
ARC Document Solutions, Inc. | | | 325,250 | | | | 1,066,820 | | | |
Asure Software, Inc.* | | | 22,900 | | | | 218,008 | | | |
Avalon Holdings Corp., Class A* | | | 14,700 | | | | 35,133 | | | |
Byrna Technologies, Inc.* | | | 61,771 | | | | 394,717 | | | |
DLH Holdings Corp.* | | | 83,220 | | | | 1,310,715 | | | |
Gencor Industries, Inc.* | | | 3,500 | | | | 56,490 | | | |
Graham Corp.* | | | 13,500 | | | | 256,095 | | | |
Hudson Global, Inc.* | | | 10,958 | | | | 170,506 | | | |
Hydrofarm Holdings Group, Inc.* | | | 79,700 | | | | 73,125 | | | |
Innodata, Inc.*+ | | | 11,200 | | | | 91,168 | | | |
Innovative Solutions and Support, Inc.* | | | 6,400 | | | | 54,592 | | | |
L B Foster Co., Class A* | | | 5,500 | | | | 120,945 | | | |
Limbach Holdings, Inc.* | | | 7,100 | | | | 322,837 | | | |
LS Starrett Co. (The), Class A* | | | 27,401 | | | | 331,552 | | | |
LSI Industries, Inc. | | | 52,900 | | | | 744,832 | | | |
Mastech Digital, Inc.* | | | 13,697 | | | | 115,438 | | | |
Matrix Service Co.* | | | 12,800 | | | | 125,184 | | | |
Mistras Group, Inc.* | | | 56,000 | | | | 409,920 | | | |
Perma-Fix Environmental Services, Inc.* | | | 22,100 | | | | 173,706 | | | |
Pioneer Power Solutions, Inc.* | | | 51,600 | | | | 350,364 | | | |
Quest Resource Holding Corp.* | | | 9,700 | | | | 71,101 | | | |
ShiftPixy, Inc.* | | | 6,500 | | | | 35,490 | | | |
Skillsoft Corp.* | | | 17,690 | | | | 310,990 | | | |
Steel Connect, Inc.*+ | | | 4,114 | | | | 39,165 | | | |
Sunworks, Inc.*+ | | | 302,073 | | | | 70,927 | | | |
Virco Mfg. Corp. | | | 17,600 | | | | 211,728 | | | |
Willis Lease Finance Corp.* | | | 3,320 | | | | 162,282 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | 9,646,208 | | | |
| | |
Information Technology - 9.49% | | | | | | | |
Airgain, Inc.* | | | 17,200 | | | | 61,232 | | | |
Amtech Systems, Inc.* | | | 7,800 | | | | 32,760 | | | |
| | |
16 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Ultra-Small Company Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
| |
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | | | |
| | |
Common Stocks (continued) | | | | | | | |
| | |
Information Technology (continued) | | | | | | | |
Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.*+ | | | 39,300 | | | $ | 759,276 | | | |
Astrotech Corp.* | | | 4,700 | | | | 39,903 | | | |
AudioEye, Inc.*+ | | | 663 | | | | 3,593 | | | |
Brightcove, Inc.* | | | 87,600 | | | | 226,884 | | | |
Cemtrex, Inc.* | | | 18,929 | | | | 92,373 | | | |
Coda Octopus Group, Inc.* | | | 2,900 | | | | 17,400 | | | |
CoreCard Corp.* | | | 3,401 | | | | 47,036 | | | |
Daktronics, Inc.* | | | 24,100 | | | | 204,368 | | | |
Ebix, Inc.+ | | | 342,900 | | | | 356,616 | | | |
eGain Corp.* | | | 23,200 | | | | 193,256 | | | |
Expensify, Inc., Class A* | | | 53,465 | | | | 132,058 | | | |
inTEST Corp.* | | | 55,734 | | | | 757,982 | | | |
Issuer Direct Corp.* | | | 5,268 | | | | 95,509 | | | |
Iteris, Inc.* | | | 99,800 | | | | 518,960 | | | |
Key Tronic Corp.* | | | 18,100 | | | | 78,192 | | | |
Lantronix, Inc.* | | | 39,400 | | | | 230,884 | | | |
Mind CTI, Ltd. | | | 5,600 | | | | 11,004 | | | |
Minim, Inc.* | | | 27,881 | | | | 54,926 | | | |
Neonode, Inc.* | | | 25,123 | | | | 57,532 | | | |
Porch Group, Inc.* | | | 465,933 | | | | 1,435,074 | | | |
Quantum Corp.* | | | 84,800 | | | | 29,595 | | | |
Rekor Systems, Inc.* | | | 126,400 | | | | 420,912 | | | |
ReposiTrak, Inc.+ | | | 39,627 | | | | 396,666 | | | |
RF Industries, Ltd.* | | | 29,696 | | | | 90,276 | | | |
Rimini Street, Inc.* | | | 165,900 | | | | 542,493 | | | |
SigmaTron International, Inc.* | | | 70,800 | | | | 212,400 | | | |
SilverSun Technologies, Inc. | | | 1,900 | | | | 32,509 | | | |
Synchronoss Technologies, Inc.* | | | 55,623 | | | | 345,419 | | | |
Taitron Components, Inc., Class A | | | 68,200 | | | | 238,018 | | | |
TSR, Inc.*+ | | | 5,328 | | | | 48,005 | | | |
Universal Security Instruments, Inc.* | | | 89,980 | | | | 149,367 | | | |
WeTrade Group, Inc.*+ | | | 32,163 | | | | 123,828 | | | |
WM Technology, Inc.* | | | 36,600 | | | | 26,363 | | | |
Wrap Technologies, Inc.*+ | | | 38,400 | | | | 119,040 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | 8,181,709 | | | |
| | |
Materials - 3.86% | | | | | | | |
Advanced Emissions Solutions, Inc.* | | | 306,164 | | | | 912,369 | | | |
Ampco-Pittsburgh Corp.* | | | 58,032 | | | | 158,427 | | | |
Ascent Industries Co.* | | | 6,700 | | | | 64,052 | | | |
Flexible Solutions International, Inc. | | | 55,300 | | | | 105,623 | | | |
Friedman Industries, Inc. | | | 85,021 | | | | 1,314,425 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | | Shares | | | Value | | | | |
| | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | |
Materials (continued) | | | | | | | | | |
Gulf Resources, Inc.* | | | | 81,460 | | | $ | 134,409 | | | | | |
Northern Technologies International Corp. | | | | 252 | | | | 2,968 | | | | | |
Rayonier Advanced Materials, Inc.* | | | | 156,900 | | | | 635,445 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | 3,327,718 | | | | |
| | |
Real Estate - 4.70% | | | | | | | | | |
Alpine Income Property Trust, Inc. | | | | 67,794 | | | | 1,146,397 | | | | | |
AMREP Corp.* | | | | 28,100 | | | | 617,357 | | | | | |
Clipper Realty, Inc. | | | | 42,763 | | | | 230,920 | | | | | |
Douglas Elliman, Inc. | | | | 585,907 | | | | 1,728,426 | | | | | |
LuxUrban Hotels, Inc.*+ | | | | 55,100 | | | | 328,947 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | 4,052,047 | | | | |
| | |
Utilities - 2.36% | | | | | | | | | |
Cadiz, Inc.* | | | | 112,200 | | | | 314,160 | | | | | |
Consolidated Water Co., Ltd. | | | | 38,600 | | | | 1,374,160 | | | | | |
Spruce Power Holding Corp.* | | | | 78,262 | | | | 345,918 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | 2,034,238 | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS - 98.09% | | | | 84,594,550 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $79,610,407) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
RIGHTS - 0.00% | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Enliven Therapeutics, Inc., CVR*Δ#+++ | | | | 18,900 | | | | – | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
TOTAL RIGHTS - 0.00% | | | | – | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $ — ) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
WARRANTS - 0.00% | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Imperalis Holding Corp., expiring 04/13/28*Δ#+ | | | | 258,500 | | | | – | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
TOTAL WARRANTS - 0.00% | | | | – | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $ — ) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | Rate^ | | | Shares | | | Value | | | | |
| |
MONEY MARKET FUND - 2.42% | | | | | |
| | | | |
Fidelity Investments Money Market Government Portfolio Class I | | | 5.25% | | | | 2,083,275 | | | | 2,083,275 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
TOTAL MONEY MARKET FUND - 2.42% | | | | 2,083,275 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $2,083,275) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
Ultra-Small Company Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
| |
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Rate^ | | | Shares | | | Value | | | | |
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH CASH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING - 7.19% | | | | | |
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Money Market Fund** | | | 5.32% | | | | 6,198,589 | | | $ | 6,198,589 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH CASH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING - 7.19% | | | | 6,198,589 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $6,198,589) | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 107.70% | | | $ | 92,876,414 | | | | | |
(Cost $87,892,271) | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets - (7.70%) | | | | (6,641,464) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
NET ASSETS - 100.00% | | | $ | 86,234,950 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
# | Illiquid security as determined under procedures approved by the Board of Directors. The aggregate value of illiquid securities is $0, which is 0.00% of total net assets. |
Δ | Security was fair valued using significant unobservable inputs. As such, the security is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. |
* | Non-income producing security. |
** | This security represents the investment of the cash collateral received in connection with securities out on loan as of December 31, 2023. |
^ | Rate disclosed as of December 31, 2023. |
+ | This security or a portion of the security is out on loan as of December 31, 2023. Total loaned securities had a value of $7,175,358 as of December 31, 2023. See Note 2 for disclosure of cash and non-cash collateral. |
+++ | No stated maturity date. |
CVR | - Contingent Value Right |
| | |
18 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Ultra-Small Company Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
| | |
Summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of 12/31/2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Valuation Inputs | |
| | Investment in Securities (Value) | |
| | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
Common Stocks (a) | | | $84,594,550 | | | | $– | | | | $– | | | | $84,594,550 | |
Rights | | | – | | | | – | | | | 0 | | | | 0 | |
Warrants | | | – | | | | – | | | | 0 | | | | 0 | |
Money Market Fund | | | 2,083,275 | | | | – | | | | – | | | | 2,083,275 | |
Investments Purchased With Cash Proceeds From Securities Lending | | | 6,198,589 | | | | – | | | | – | | | | 6,198,589 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
TOTAL | | | $92,876,414 | | | | $– | | | | $0 | | | | $92,876,414 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) - Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for the industry classifications of these portfolio holdings.
Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 investments for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment in Securities (Value) | |
| |
| | Rights | | | Warrants | | | Total | |
| |
| | | |
Balance as of 06/30/2023 | | $ | 0 | | | $ | – | | | $ | 0 | |
Purchases/Issuances | | | – | | | | 0 | | | | 0 | |
Sales/Expirations | | | – | | | | – | | | | – | |
Return of Capital | | | – | | | | – | | | | – | |
Realized Gain/(Loss) | | | – | | | | – | | | | – | |
Change in unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation) | | | – | | | | – | | | | – | |
Transfers in | | | – | | | | – | | | | – | |
Transfers out | | | – | | | | – | | | | – | |
| | | | |
Balance as of 12/31/2023 | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | |
| | | | |
Net change in unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation) from investments held as of 12/31/2023 | | $ | – | | | $ | – | | | $ | – | |
| | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Ultra-Small Company Market Fund MANAGER’S COMMENTARY (Unaudited) | | |
December 31, 2023
Dear Fellow Ultra-Small Company Market Fund Shareholder,
For the quarter ended December 31, 2023, our Fund returned +15.60%, underperforming our primary market benchmark, the Russell Microcap Index (+16.06%). However, the Fund outperformed the Russell 2000 Index (+14.03%) and the CRSP Cap-Based Portfolio 10 Index (+12.95%). It was a mixed quarter on a relative basis, but a good one on an absolute basis.
For the calendar year, our Fund returned +11.42%, outperforming the Russell Microcap Index (+9.33%). However, the Fund underperformed the Russell 2000 Index (+16.93%) and the CRSP Cap-Based Portfolio 10 Index (+13.45%).
The table below presents our December quarter, six months, one-year, five-year, 10-year, 15-year, and inception-to-date financial results.
Standardized Returns as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | | Annualized | |
| | Quarter | | | 6 Months | | | 1 Year | | | 5 Years | | | 10 Years | | | 15 Years | | | Since Inception (7/31/97) |
| | | | | | | |
Ultra-Small Company Market Fund | | | 15.60% | | | | 7.74% | | | | 11.42% | | | | 8.61% | | | | 5.08% | | | | 10.22% | | | | 9.26% | |
Russell Microcap Index | | | 16.06% | | | | 6.86% | | | | 9.33% | | | | 8.56% | | | | 5.79% | | | | 10.65% | | | | N/A | |
CRSP Cap-Based Portfolio 10 Index | | | 12.95% | | | | 5.41% | | | | 13.45% | | | | 11.41% | | | | 6.18% | | | | 13.48% | | | | 9.93% | |
Russell 2000 Index | | | 14.03% | | | | 8.18% | | | | 16.93% | | | | 9.97% | | | | 7.16% | | | | 11.30% | | | | 7.61% | |
Performance figures quoted in the table above represent past performance and are no guarantee of future results. Total return figures in the table above include the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. The table above does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.
The Russell Microcap Index measures the performance of the microcap segment of the US equity market. Microcap stocks make up less than 3% of the US equity market (by market cap) and consist of the smallest 1,000 securities in the small-cap Russell 2000® Index, plus the next 1,000 smallest eligible securities by market cap. The Russell Microcap Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the microcap segment trading on national exchanges. The Index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure new and growing equities are reflected and companies continue to reflect appropriate capitalization and value characteristics. The Russell 2000 Index is an unmanaged, market value weighted index that measures performance of the 2,000 companies that are between the 1,000th and 3,000th largest in the market with dividends reinvested. The CRSP Cap-Based Portfolio 10 Index is an unmanaged index of 769 of the smallest publicly traded US stocks with dividends reinvested, as reported by the Center for Research on Security Prices. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Periods longer than one year are annualized.
| | |
20 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Ultra-Small Company Market Fund | | |
MANAGER’S COMMENTARY (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
| | |
Growth of a $10,000 Investment
from Inception July 31, 1997 to December 31, 2023
* | The Russell Microcap Index began on 6/30/2000, and the line graph for the Index begins at the same value as the Fund on that date. |
Detailed Explanation of Quarterly Performance
The Fund’s focus on the smallest stocks within the US stock market (the CRSP 10 universe) hurt relative results, as CRSP 10 stocks underperformed the Russell Microcap Index during the quarter. The Fund’s sidestepping strategies, which seek to eliminate exposure to stocks with a high probability of a steep price decline, major financial distress or bankruptcy, hurt performance relative to the CRSP 10 universe. On average, the Fund held about 78% of its assets in the CRSP 10 universe during the quarter, versus roughly 16% for the benchmark.
From a sector perspective, the Fund’s sector allocation effect, excluding cash, was neutral. An underweighting to the Energy sector contributed the most to relative performance while an underweighting to the Financials sector detracted the most. The Fund’s stock selection effect was negative. Holdings in the Materials, Consumer Discretionary, and Information Technology sectors detracted the most from relative performance.
The table below presents index performance numbers for stocks in the different CRSP deciles during various time periods.
| | |
Ultra-Small Company Market Fund MANAGER’S COMMENTARY (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | Annualized |
| | | | | | |
CRSP Decile1 | | Quarter | | 6 Months | | 1 Year | | 5 Years | | 10 Years | | 98 Years |
1 (ultra-large) | | 11.63% | | 8.94% | | 30.48% | | 16.39% | | 12.57% | | 9.65% |
2 | | 11.66% | | 4.69% | | 13.66% | | 13.42% | | 10.34% | | 10.55% |
3 | | 12.34% | | 8.87% | | 18.03% | | 11.77% | | 9.23% | | 10.92% |
4 | | 12.91% | | 8.15% | | 21.71% | | 11.35% | | 7.83% | | 10.74% |
5 | | 14.62% | | 7.94% | | 17.92% | | 11.03% | | 6.91% | | 11.16% |
6 | | 15.08% | | 9.92% | | 21.31% | | 11.91% | | 7.55% | | 11.19% |
7 | | 16.96% | | 9.33% | | 19.93% | | 12.71% | | 9.44% | | 11.53% |
8 | | 13.34% | | 8.23% | | 13.26% | | 5.06% | | 3.97% | | 10.95% |
9 | | 14.39% | | 3.94% | | 5.00% | | 9.44% | | 6.72% | | 11.22% |
10 (ultra-small) | | 12.42% | | 4.92% | | 12.92% | | 11.31% | | 6.13% | | 12.87% |
1 | Performance figures are as of the period ended December 31, 2023. The CRSP Cap-Based Portfolio Indexes are unmanaged indexes of publicly traded US stocks with dividends reinvested, grouped by market capitalization, as reported by the Center for Research in Security Prices. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. |
Detailed Explanation of Calendar Year Performance
The Fund’s investment universe focuses on the smallest stocks within the US stock market (the CRSP 10 universe). This positioning positively contributed to relative results, as CRSP 10 stocks outperformed the Russell Microcap Index during the year. On average, the Fund held about 79% of its assets in the CRSP 10 universe during the 12-month period, versus roughly 17% for the benchmark.
The Fund’s sidestepping strategies, which eliminate exposure to stocks with a high probability of a steep price decline, major financial distress or bankruptcy, also helped performance relative to the CRSP 10 universe.
From a sector perspective, the Fund’s allocation effect, excluding cash, was positive. An overweighting in the Consumer Discretionary sector and an underweighting in the Financials sector contributed the most to relative returns. The Fund’s stock selection effect was also strongly positive. Holdings in the Health Care, Real Estate, and Information Technology sectors contributed the most to relative performance.
Top Ten Holdings as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | |
Rank | | Description | | Industry | | % of Net Assets |
| | | | | | |
1 | | RCM Technologies, Inc. | | Industrials | | | 0.7 | % |
2 | | JAKKS Pacific, Inc. | | Consumer Discretionary | | | 0.6 | % |
3 | | Invivyd, Inc. | | Health Care | | | 0.6 | % |
4 | | Absci Corp. | | Health Care | | | 0.6 | % |
5 | | CompX International, Inc. | | Industrials | | | 0.6 | % |
6 | | Twin Disc, Inc. | | Industrials | | | 0.5 | % |
7 | | Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. | | Energy | | | 0.5 | % |
8 | | Honest Co., Inc. (The) | | Consumer Staples | | | 0.5 | % |
9 | | Nkarta, Inc. | | Health Care | | | 0.5 | % |
10 | | Fulcrum Therapeutics, Inc. | | Health Care | | | 0.5 | % |
| | | |
| | Total | | | | | 5.6 | % |
| | |
22 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Ultra-Small Company Market Fund | | |
MANAGER’S COMMENTARY (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
| | |
Industry Sector Representation as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | % of Net Assets | | % of Russell Microcap Index | | Difference |
Communication Services | | | 4.1 | % | | | 2.9 | % | | | 1.2 | % |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 14.4 | % | | | 10.2 | % | | | 4.2 | % |
Consumer Staples | | | 2.8 | % | | | 1.7 | % | | | 1.1 | % |
Energy | | | 4.5 | % | | | 5.8 | % | | | -1.3 | % |
Financials | | | 17.6 | % | | | 21.7 | % | | | -4.1 | % |
Health Care | | | 31.1 | % | | | 25.3 | % | | | 5.8 | % |
Industrials | | | 11.8 | % | | | 13.3 | % | | | -1.5 | % |
Information Technology | | | 8.1 | % | | | 10.6 | % | | | -2.5 | % |
Materials | | | 3.0 | % | | | 3.7 | % | | | -0.7 | % |
Real Estate | | | 1.7 | % | | | 3.9 | % | | | -2.2 | % |
Utilities | | | 0.6 | % | | | 1.0 | % | | | -0.4 | % |
Cash & Other Assets | | | 0.3 | % | | | -0.1 | % | | | 0.4 | % |
| | | |
Total | | | 100.0 | % | | | 100.0 | % | | | | |
Important Disclosure
The views expressed here are exclusively those of Fund management. These views, including those related to market sectors or individual stocks, are not meant as investment advice and should not be considered predictive in nature. Any favorable (or unfavorable) description of a holding applies only as of the quarter end, December 31, 2023, unless otherwise stated. Security positions can and do change thereafter. Discussions of historical performance do not guarantee and may not be indicative of future performance.
The Fund is subject to very high, above market risk (volatility) and is not an appropriate investment for short-term investors. Investments in ultra-small companies generally carry greater risk than is customarily associated with larger companies and even “small companies” for various reasons, such as narrower markets (fewer investors), limited financial resources and greater trading difficulty.
Conclusion
Thank you for your continued investment in Ultra-Small Company Market Fund. We encourage your feedback; your reactions and concerns are important to us.
Sincerely,
The Investment Management Team
| | |
Ultra-Small Company Market Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) | | |
| |
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | | | |
| |
COMMON STOCKS - 99.66% | | | |
| |
Communication Services - 4.08% | | | |
Arena Group Holdings, Inc. (The)*+ | | | 81,200 | | | $ | 193,256 | | | |
Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc., Class A* | | | 88,225 | | | | 77,462 | | | |
BuzzFeed, Inc.* | | | 332,000 | | | | 83,000 | | | |
Cardlytics, Inc.* | | | 57,158 | | | | 526,425 | | | |
Charge Enterprises, Inc.* | | | 228,500 | | | | 26,072 | | | |
comScore, Inc.* | | | 12,635 | | | | 211,004 | | | |
Cumulus Media, Inc., Class A* | | | 74,600 | | | | 396,872 | | | |
DHI Group, Inc.* | | | 135,300 | | | | 350,427 | | | |
EverQuote, Inc., Class A* | | | 69,500 | | | | 850,680 | | | |
FG Group Holdings, Inc.* | | | 75,000 | | | | 110,250 | | | |
Fluent, Inc.* | | | 256,100 | | | | 171,587 | | | |
Gaia, Inc.* | | | 33,400 | | | | 90,180 | | | |
Harte Hanks, Inc.* | | | 20,000 | | | | 135,800 | | | |
Innovid Corp.* | | | 431,000 | | | | 646,500 | | | |
Kartoon Studios, Inc.* | | | 80,400 | | | | 111,756 | | | |
KORE Group Holdings, Inc.* | | | 248,700 | | | | 243,776 | | | |
Lee Enterprises, Inc.* | | | 22,000 | | | | 173,140 | | | |
Loop Media, Inc.* | | | 157,800 | | | | 157,800 | | | |
Marchex, Inc., Class B* | | | 124,500 | | | | 169,320 | | | |
Moving Image Technologies, Inc.* | | | 20,300 | | | | 19,183 | | | |
NII Holdings Escrow*Δ# | | | 287,700 | | | | 71,925 | | | |
Outbrain, Inc.* | | | 113,700 | | | | 498,006 | | | |
Saga Communications, Inc., Class A | | | 22,216 | | | | 494,528 | | | |
Townsquare Media, Inc., Class A | | | 52,700 | | | | 556,512 | | | |
Travelzoo* | | | 40,443 | | | | 385,422 | | | |
TrueCar, Inc.* | | | 226,600 | | | | 784,036 | | | |
Zedge, Inc., Class B* | | | 33,780 | | | | 79,383 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | 7,614,302 | | | |
| | | |
Consumer Discretionary -14.38% | | | | | | | | | | |
1stdibs.com, Inc.* | | | 103,000 | | | | 482,040 | | | |
2U, Inc.* | | | 211,854 | | | | 260,580 | | | |
Allbirds, Inc., Class A* | | | 275,000 | | | | 336,875 | | | |
AMCON Distributing Co. | | | 1,900 | | | | 370,500 | | | |
American Outdoor Brands, Inc.* | | | 35,007 | | | | 294,059 | | | |
American Public Education, Inc.* | | | 41,000 | | | | 395,650 | | | |
Ark Restaurants Corp. | | | 14,500 | | | | 205,175 | | | |
BARK, Inc.* | | | 293,235 | | | | 236,201 | | | |
Barnes & Noble Education, Inc.* | | | 193,300 | | | | 288,017 | | | |
Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc. | | | 30,644 | | | | 508,690 | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | |
| | |
Consumer Discretionary (continued) | | | | | | | | |
Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp. | | | 65,000 | | | $ | 412,100 | |
Big Lots, Inc.+ | | | 95,000 | | | | 740,050 | |
BowFlex, Inc.* | | | 107,600 | | | | 82,852 | |
Brilliant Earth Group, Inc., Class A*+ | | | 22,800 | | | | 84,816 | |
BurgerFi International, Inc.* | | | 63,588 | | | | 54,679 | |
Canterbury Park Holding Corp. | | | 11,689 | | | | 238,923 | |
Cato Corp. (The), Class A | | | 51,873 | | | | 370,373 | |
Citi Trends, Inc.* | | | 24,200 | | | | 684,376 | |
Conn’s, Inc.* | | | 43,000 | | | | 190,920 | |
Container Store Group, Inc. (The)* | | | 194,000 | | | | 442,320 | |
ContextLogic, Inc., Class A* | | | 60,000 | | | | 357,000 | |
Cooper-Standard Holdings, Inc.* | | | 19,500 | | | | 381,030 | |
Culp, Inc.* | | | 28,000 | | | | 162,120 | |
Delta Apparel, Inc.* | | | 20,588 | | | | 146,792 | |
Dixie Group, Inc. (The)* | | | 117,000 | | | | 87,107 | |
Duluth Holdings, Inc., Class B* | | | 85,287 | | | | 458,844 | |
Educational Development Corp.* | | | 31,400 | | | | 36,424 | |
Emerson Radio Corp.* | | | 102,100 | | | | 56,237 | |
Envela Corp.*+ | | | 77,400 | | | | 376,164 | |
Escalade, Inc. | | | 34,508 | | | | 693,266 | |
Express, Inc.* | | | 9,724 | | | | 81,390 | |
Flanigan’s Enterprises, Inc. | | | 7,000 | | | | 180,040 | |
Flexsteel Industries, Inc. | | | 14,900 | | | | 280,865 | |
Fossil Group, Inc.* | | | 188,900 | | | | 275,794 | |
Groupon, Inc.*+ | | | 65,000 | | | | 834,600 | |
Grove Collaborative Holdings*+ | | | 87,025 | | | | 154,034 | |
Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Co., Class A+ | | | 18,000 | | | | 314,820 | |
Hooker Furnishings Corp. | | | 31,560 | | | | 823,085 | |
Inspirato, Inc.*+ | | | 9,250 | | | | 34,133 | |
Interactive Strength, Inc.* | | | 16,000 | | | | 13,765 | |
J Jill, Inc.* | | | 19,800 | | | | 510,444 | |
JAKKS Pacific, Inc.* | | | 32,090 | | | | 1,140,800 | |
JOANN, Inc.*+ | | | 125,000 | | | | 55,750 | |
Kandi Technologies Group, Inc.* | | | 141,700 | | | | 396,760 | |
Kirkland’s, Inc.*+ | | | 28,500 | | | | 86,070 | |
Lakeland Industries, Inc. | | | 23,457 | | | | 434,893 | |
Lifetime Brands, Inc. | | | 59,200 | | | | 397,232 | |
Lincoln Educational Services Corp.* | | | 67,705 | | | | 679,758 | |
LL Flooring Holdings, Inc.* | | | 100,000 | | | | 390,000 | |
| | |
24 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Ultra-Small Company Market Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
| |
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | | | | |
Common Stocks (continued) | | | | | | | | | |
Consumer Discretionary (continued) | | | | | |
Lulu’s Fashion Lounge Holdings, Inc.*+ | | | 125,900 | | | $ | 234,174 | | | | | |
Motorcar Parts of America, Inc.* | | | 11,053 | | | | 103,235 | | | | | |
Nathan’s Famous, Inc. | | | 5,200 | | | | 405,652 | | | | | |
Noodles & Co.* | | | 146,000 | | | | 459,900 | | | | | |
PlayAGS, Inc.* | | | 58,300 | | | | 491,469 | | | | | |
Purple Innovation, Inc. | | | 320,000 | | | | 329,600 | | | | | |
RealReal, Inc. (The)*+ | | | 69,500 | | | | 139,695 | | | | | |
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.* | | | 33,500 | | | | 417,745 | | | | | |
Regis Corp.*+ | | | 6,900 | | | | 65,205 | | | | | |
Rent the Runway, Inc., Class A*+ | | | 153,500 | | | | 80,971 | | | | | |
Rocky Brands, Inc. | | | 23,200 | | | | 700,176 | | | | | |
Sonder Holdings, Inc.* | | | 35,000 | | | | 118,650 | | | | | |
Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings, Inc.* | | | 110,000 | | | | 468,600 | | | | | |
Strattec Security Corp.* | | | 11,100 | | | | 278,721 | | | | | |
Superior Group of Cos., Inc. | | | 57,700 | | | | 778,950 | | | | | |
Superior Industries International, Inc.* | | | 102,500 | | | | 328,000 | | | | | |
Sypris Solutions, Inc.* | | | 59,404 | | | | 119,996 | | | | | |
ThredUp, Inc., Class A* | | | 125,000 | | | | 281,250 | | | | | |
Tilly’s, Inc., Class A* | | | 84,300 | | | | 635,622 | | | | | |
Tupperware Brands Corp.*+ | | | 115,000 | | | | 230,000 | | | | | |
Unifi, Inc.* | | | 60,000 | | | | 399,600 | | | | | |
Universal Electronics, Inc.* | | | 36,200 | | | | 339,918 | | | | | |
Universal Technical Institute, Inc.* | | | 33,500 | | | | 419,420 | | | | | |
Vacasa, Inc., Class A* | | | 22,500 | | | | 184,500 | | | | | |
Vera Bradley, Inc.* | | | 93,700 | | | | 721,490 | | | | | |
Vince Holding Corp.* | | | 51,263 | | | | 177,370 | | | | | |
VOXX International Corp.* | | | 36,100 | | | | 385,548 | | | | | |
Vroom, Inc.* | | | 100,000 | | | | 60,250 | | | | | |
Wag! Group Co.* | | | 97,000 | | | | 171,690 | | | | | |
Weyco Group, Inc. | | | 24,500 | | | | 768,320 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | 26,814,130 | | | | | |
| |
Consumer Staples - 2.82% | | | | | |
Alico, Inc. | | | 24,550 | | | | 713,914 | | | | | |
Bridgford Foods Corp.*+ | | | 21,900 | | | | 239,805 | | | | | |
Farmer Bros Co.* | | | 54,900 | | | | 167,994 | | | | | |
Honest Co., Inc. (The)* | | | 262,000 | | | | 864,600 | | | | | |
Laird Superfood, Inc.* | | | 15,000 | | | | 13,650 | | | | | |
Lifeway Foods, Inc.* | | | 37,401 | | | | 501,548 | | | | | |
Limoneira Co. | | | 35,000 | | | | 722,050 | | | | | |
Local Bounti Corp.*+ | | | 16,538 | | | | 34,234 | | | | | |
Mannatech, Inc. | | | 8,300 | | | | 65,238 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | |
|
Consumer Staples (continued) | |
Natural Alternatives International, Inc.* | | | 31,610 | | | $ | 202,936 | |
Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. | | | 19,200 | | | | 307,200 | |
Planet Green Holdings Corp.* | | | 83,000 | | | | 40,595 | |
Real Good Food Co., Inc. (The)* | | | 25,000 | | | | 38,000 | |
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc.* | | | 36,500 | | | | 167,535 | |
Splash Beverage Group, Inc.* | | | 127,300 | | | | 70,321 | |
United-Guardian, Inc. | | | 13,466 | | | | 96,955 | |
Village Super Market, Inc., Class A | | | 23,000 | | | | 603,290 | |
Vintage Wine Estates, Inc.* | | | 250,100 | | | | 125,625 | |
Zevia PBC, Class A* | | | 140,000 | | | | 281,400 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | | | | 5,256,890 | |
| |
Energy - 4.52% | | | | | |
Adams Resources & Energy, Inc. | | | 13,400 | | | | 350,812 | |
Aemetis, Inc.* | | | 90,000 | | | | 471,600 | |
Barnwell Industries, Inc. | | | 35,000 | | | | 85,050 | |
Battalion Oil Corp.* | | | 56,500 | | | | 542,965 | |
Camber Energy, Inc.* | | | 50,000 | | | | 11,420 | |
Comstock, Inc.* | | | 129,000 | | | | 70,692 | |
Evolution Petroleum Corp. | | | 35,800 | | | | 207,998 | |
Forum Energy Technologies, Inc.* | | | 17,000 | | | | 376,890 | |
Geospace Technologies Corp.* | | | 35,000 | | | | 453,600 | |
Gran Tierra Energy, Inc.* | | | 75,000 | | | | 423,000 | |
Gulf Island Fabrication, Inc.* | | | 65,348 | | | | 282,957 | |
Houston American Energy Corp.*+ | | | 28,000 | | | | 50,120 | |
Independence Contract Drilling, Inc.* | | | 55,000 | | | | 134,750 | |
KLX Energy Services Holdings, Inc.*+ | | | 51,702 | | | | 582,164 | |
Mammoth Energy Services, Inc.* | | | 100,000 | | | | 446,000 | |
Mexco Energy Corp.+ | | | 8,000 | | | | 73,040 | |
MIND Technology, Inc.*+ | | | 1,252 | | | | 8,176 | |
NACCO Industries, Inc., Class A | | | 13,470 | | | | 491,655 | |
Natural Gas Services Group, Inc.* | | | 58,102 | | | | 934,280 | |
Nine Energy Service, Inc.*+ | | | 132,700 | | | | 355,636 | |
Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc., Class A | | | 33,996 | | | | 179,159 | |
| | |
Ultra-Small Company Market Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | | | | |
Common Stocks (continued) | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
Energy (continued) | | | | | | | | | |
PEDEVCO Corp.* | | | 225,000 | | | $ | 173,272 | | | | | |
PHX Minerals, Inc. | | | 120,200 | | | | 387,044 | | | | | |
Ranger Energy Services, Inc. | | | 24,700 | | | | 252,681 | | | | | |
Ring Energy, Inc.* | | | 68,650 | | | | 100,229 | | | | | |
SEACOR Marine Holdings, Inc.* | | | 50,805 | | | | 639,635 | | | | | |
Smart Sand, Inc.* | | | 133,200 | | | | 257,076 | | | | | |
Superior Drilling Products, Inc.* | | | 125,100 | | | | 89,321 | | | | | |
Trio Petroleum Corp.* | | | 23,700 | | | | 7,345 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | 8,438,567 | | | | | |
| | |
Financials - 17.58% | | | | | | | | | |
AmeriServ Financial, Inc. | | | 44,171 | | | | 142,893 | | | | | |
Ashford, Inc.* | | | 5,000 | | | | 18,402 | | | | | |
Associated Capital Group, Inc., Class A | | | 10,000 | | | | 357,100 | | | | | |
Atlantic American Corp. | | | 116,256 | | | | 276,689 | | | | | |
Auburn National BanCorp, Inc. | | | 7,500 | | | | 159,600 | | | | | |
Bank7 Corp. | | | 26,910 | | | | 735,988 | | | | | |
BankFinancial Corp. | | | 30,600 | | | | 313,956 | | | | | |
Bankwell Financial Group, Inc. | | | 16,805 | | | | 507,175 | | | | | |
BayCom Corp. | | | 32,200 | | | | 759,598 | | | | | |
BCB Bancorp, Inc. | | | 28,800 | | | | 370,080 | | | | | |
Blue Ridge Bankshares, Inc.+ | | | 44,000 | | | | 133,320 | | | | | |
BM Technologies, Inc.* | | | 36,636 | | | | 75,104 | | | | | |
C&F Financial Corp. | | | 10,690 | | | | 728,951 | | | | | |
California BanCorp* | | | 17,200 | | | | 425,872 | | | | | |
CB Financial Services, Inc. | | | 10,000 | | | | 238,200 | | | | | |
Chemung Financial Corp. | | | 15,398 | | | | 766,820 | | | | | |
Citizens Community Bancorp, Inc. | | | 28,600 | | | | 334,906 | | | | | |
Citizens Holding Co.+ | | | 25,070 | | | | 194,293 | | | | | |
Citizens, Inc.*+ | | | 200,331 | | | | 538,890 | | | | | |
Codorus Valley Bancorp, Inc. | | | 23,437 | | | | 602,331 | | | | | |
Cohen & Co., Inc.+ | | | 9,500 | | | | 63,175 | | | | | |
Colony Bankcorp, Inc. | | | 45,076 | | | | 599,511 | | | | | |
Community West Bancshares | | | 21,657 | | | | 376,615 | | | | | |
Conifer Holdings, Inc.* | | | 13,000 | | | | 13,650 | | | | | |
Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc.*+ | | | 60,500 | | | | 566,885 | | | | | |
Curo Group Holdings Corp.* | | | 105,167 | | | | 84,134 | | | | | |
Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. | | | 19,521 | | | | 308,237 | | | | | |
eHealth, Inc.* | | | 65,000 | | | | 566,800 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | |
|
Financials (continued) | |
ESSA Bancorp, Inc. | | | 22,143 | | | $ | 443,303 | |
Evans Bancorp, Inc. | | | 14,600 | | | | 460,338 | |
FG Financial Group, Inc.* | | | 30,000 | | | | 46,800 | |
Finwise Bancorp* | | | 33,292 | | | | 476,409 | |
First Bank | | | 16,316 | | | | 239,845 | |
First Financial Northwest, Inc. | | | 21,600 | | | | 291,168 | |
First Guaranty Bancshares, Inc. | | | 42,356 | | | | 470,999 | |
First Internet Bancorp | | | 19,500 | | | | 471,705 | |
First Northwest Bancorp | | | 26,600 | | | | 424,004 | |
First United Corp. | | | 23,292 | | | | 547,595 | |
First Western Financial, Inc.* | | | 27,051 | | | | 536,421 | |
Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.* | | | 8,510 | | | | 8,595 | |
Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. | | | 31,148 | | | | 790,225 | |
Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc.* | | | 94,000 | | | | 612,880 | |
HMN Financial, Inc. | | | 18,800 | | | | 432,400 | |
HomeStreet, Inc. | | | 25,000 | | | | 257,500 | |
Investar Holding Corp. | | | 25,300 | | | | 377,223 | |
Katapult Holdings, Inc.*+ | | | 12,416 | | | | 135,583 | |
Kentucky First Federal Bancorp | | | 16,000 | | | | 71,520 | |
Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. | | | 27,150 | | | | 317,383 | |
Landmark Bancorp, Inc. | | | 8,615 | | | | 166,959 | |
LendingTree, Inc.*+ | | | 25,000 | | | | 758,000 | |
Magyar Bancorp, Inc. | | | 12,579 | | | | 140,885 | |
Marygold Cos., Inc. (The)* | | | 79,767 | | | | 84,553 | |
Medallion Financial Corp. | | | 61,744 | | | | 608,178 | |
Meridian Corp. | | | 34,200 | | | | 475,380 | |
Northrim BanCorp, Inc. | | | 8,195 | | | | 468,836 | |
Norwood Financial Corp.+ | | | 25,512 | | | | 839,600 | |
Ocwen Financial Corp.* | | | 18,016 | | | | 554,172 | |
Ohio Valley Banc Corp. | | | 13,000 | | | | 299,000 | |
OP Bancorp | | | 38,000 | | | | 416,100 | |
Oportun Financial Corp.* | | | 75,000 | | | | 293,250 | |
OppFi, Inc.* | | | 25,000 | | | | 128,000 | |
Patriot National Bancorp, Inc.*+ | | | 8,500 | | | | 32,555 | |
PCB Bancorp | | | 30,000 | | | | 552,900 | |
Penns Woods Bancorp, Inc. | | | 16,066 | | | | 361,646 | |
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. | | | 17,230 | | | | 520,174 | |
Ponce Financial Group, Inc.* | | | 50,699 | | | | 494,822 | |
Primis Financial Corp. | | | 61,557 | | | | 779,312 | |
Princeton Bancorp, Inc.+ | | | 20,266 | | | | 727,549 | |
Provident Financial Holdings, Inc. | | | 18,817 | | | | 237,282 | |
| | |
26 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Ultra-Small Company Market Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | | | | |
| | |
Common Stocks (continued) | | | | | | | | | |
| |
Financials (continued) | | | | | |
Riverview Bancorp, Inc. | | | 57,606 | | | $ | 368,678 | | | | | |
Security National Financial Corp., Class A* | | | 72,860 | | | | 655,740 | | | | | |
Selectquote, Inc.* | | | 105,035 | | | | 143,898 | | | | | |
Silvercrest Asset Management Group, Inc., Class A | | | 24,602 | | | | 418,234 | | | | | |
Southern States Bancshares, Inc. | | | 20,000 | | | | 585,600 | | | | | |
Summit State Bank | | | 17,820 | | | | 213,840 | | | | | |
Territorial Bancorp, Inc. | | | 30,307 | | | | 337,923 | | | | | |
Third Coast Bancshares, Inc.* | | | 32,400 | | | | 643,788 | | | | | |
Timberland Bancorp, Inc. | | | 23,900 | | | | 751,894 | | | | | |
Union Bankshares, Inc. | | | 14,951 | | | | 458,248 | | | | | |
United Security Bancshares | | | 33,000 | | | | 277,530 | | | | | |
USCB Financial Holdings, Inc.* | | | 17,500 | | | | 214,375 | | | | | |
Usio, Inc.* | | | 90,000 | | | | 154,800 | | | | | |
Western New England Bancorp, Inc. | | | 68,844 | | | | 619,596 | | | | | |
Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. | | | 27,500 | | | | 345,675 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | 32,800,043 | | | | | |
| | |
Health Care - 31.13% | | | | | | | | | |
2seventy bio, Inc.*+ | | | 90,000 | | | | 384,300 | | | | | |
4D Molecular Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 13,500 | | | | 273,510 | | | | | |
Absci Corp.*+ | | | 252,000 | | | | 1,058,400 | | | | | |
Accuray, Inc.* | | | 141,100 | | | | 399,313 | | | | | |
Acorda Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 3,836 | | | | 55,775 | | | | | |
Acrivon Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 31,800 | | | | 156,456 | | | | | |
Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*+ | | | 81,966 | | | | 416,387 | | | | | |
Adicet Bio, Inc.* | | | 54,800 | | | | 103,572 | | | | | |
AgeX Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 140,000 | | | | 53,900 | | | | | |
AIM ImmunoTech, Inc.* | | | 97,900 | | | | 43,066 | | | | | |
Aligos Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 92,000 | | | | 61,088 | | | | | |
Alimera Sciences, Inc.*+ | | | 20,000 | | | | 86,400 | | | | | |
Allakos, Inc.* | | | 218,400 | | | | 596,232 | | | | | |
Alpha Teknova, Inc.* | | | 70,000 | | | | 261,100 | | | | | |
Altimmune, Inc.*+ | | | 60,000 | | | | 675,000 | | | | | |
ALX Oncology Holdings, Inc.* | | | 33,500 | | | | 498,815 | | | | | |
American Shared Hospital Services* | | | 33,700 | | | | 80,186 | | | | | |
AN2 Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 34,492 | | | | 706,741 | | | | | |
Annexon, Inc.*+ | | | 165,100 | | | | 749,554 | | | | | |
Annovis Bio, Inc.*+ | | | 22,500 | | | | 420,750 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | |
|
Health Care (continued) | |
Applied Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 185,000 | | | $ | 619,750 | |
Apyx Medical Corp.*+ | | | 158,000 | | | | 413,960 | |
Aquestive Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 187,356 | | | | 378,459 | |
Armata Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*+ | | | 101,382 | | | | 328,478 | |
Assembly Biosciences, Inc.* | | | 165,000 | | | | 135,317 | |
Astria Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 93,301 | | | | 716,552 | |
Athira Pharma, Inc.* | | | 100,680 | | | | 244,652 | |
ATI Physical Therapy, Inc.* | | | 3,400 | | | | 20,876 | |
Atreca, Inc., Class A* | | | 75,000 | | | | 9,900 | |
Avrobio, Inc.* | | | 88,587 | | | | 120,478 | |
BioAtla, Inc.* | | | 92,000 | | | | 226,320 | |
Biodesix, Inc.* | | | 221,000 | | | | 406,640 | |
BiomX, Inc.* | | | 49,500 | | | | 13,860 | |
Biora Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 37,280 | | | | 50,328 | |
Bioventus, Inc., Class A*+ | | | 130,000 | | | | 685,100 | |
Black Diamond Therapeutics, Inc.*+ | | | 184,800 | | | | 519,288 | |
Bolt Biotherapeutics, Inc.* | | | 85,200 | | | | 95,424 | |
Butterfly Network, Inc.* | | | 200,000 | | | | 216,000 | |
C4 Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 124,000 | | | | 700,600 | |
Candel Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 124,895 | | | | 183,596 | |
Cara Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 141,200 | | | | 104,912 | |
CareCloud, Inc.* | | | 67,363 | | | | 102,392 | |
Carisma Therapeutics, Inc.+ | | | 108,000 | | | | 316,440 | |
Cartesian Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 435,000 | | | | 299,889 | |
CEL-SCI Corp.*+ | | | 143,600 | | | | 390,592 | |
Century Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 103,800 | | | | 344,616 | |
Chimerix, Inc.* | | | 221,000 | | | | 212,712 | |
Clearside Biomedical, Inc.* | | | 175,600 | | | | 205,452 | |
Codexis, Inc.* | | | 197,000 | | | | 600,850 | |
Cognition Therapeutics, Inc.*+ | | | 91,200 | | | | 168,720 | |
CorMedix, Inc.*+ | | | 148,200 | | | | 557,232 | |
Corvus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 145,700 | | | | 256,432 | |
Cumberland Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 49,887 | | | | 86,803 | |
Cutera, Inc.*+ | | | 50,000 | | | | 176,250 | |
Cyteir Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 20,000 | | | | 60,800 | |
CytomX Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 188,500 | | | | 292,175 | |
Daxor Corp.* | | | 9,400 | | | | 90,146 | |
Design Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 134,600 | | | | 356,690 | |
Eagle Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 30,000 | | | | 156,900 | |
Electromed, Inc.* | | | 27,000 | | | | 294,570 | |
Elicio Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 12,500 | | | | 104,250 | |
Eliem Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 53,323 | | | | 142,906 | |
| | |
Ultra-Small Company Market Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | | | | |
| | |
Common Stocks (continued) | | | | | | | | | |
| |
Health Care (continued) | | | | | |
Emergent BioSolutions, Inc.* | | | 117,500 | | | $ | 282,000 | | | | | |
Enzo Biochem, Inc.* | | | 221,500 | | | | 307,885 | | | | | |
Eton Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*+ | | | 55,900 | | | | 244,842 | | | | | |
Exagen, Inc.* | | | 39,000 | | | | 77,610 | | | | | |
EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 25,000 | | | | 577,750 | | | | | |
Fulcrum Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 126,500 | | | | 853,875 | | | | | |
G1 Therapeutics, Inc.*+ | | | 120,000 | | | | 366,000 | | | | | |
Gain Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 46,100 | | | | 150,516 | | | | | |
Galecto, Inc.* | | | 115,000 | | | | 82,800 | | | | | |
GeneDx Holdings Corp.* | | | 53,000 | | | | 145,750 | | | | | |
GlycoMimetics, Inc.*+ | | | 191,800 | | | | 452,648 | | | | | |
Graphite Bio, Inc.* | | | 143,350 | | | | 375,577 | | | | | |
Great Elm Group, Inc.* | | | 104,597 | | | | 202,918 | | | | | |
Gritstone bio, Inc.* | | | 182,900 | | | | 373,116 | | | | | |
Harvard Bioscience, Inc.* | | | 102,017 | | | | 545,791 | | | | | |
HCW Biologics, Inc.* | | | 84,700 | | | | 103,757 | | | | | |
Hookipa Pharma, Inc.* | | | 87,500 | | | | 70,875 | | | | | |
Hyperfine, Inc.* | | | 161,700 | | | | 181,104 | | | | | |
IGC Pharma, Inc.* | | | 69,000 | | | | 19,327 | | | | | |
Ikena Oncology, Inc.* | | | 107,350 | | | | 211,479 | | | | | |
Immuneering Corp., Class A* | | | 34,949 | | | | 256,875 | | | | | |
Immunic, Inc.*+ | | | 110,000 | | | | 165,000 | | | | | |
IN8bio, Inc.* | | | 73,002 | | | | 100,743 | | | | | |
InfuSystem Holdings, Inc.* | | | 54,800 | | | | 577,592 | | | | | |
Inogen, Inc.* | | | 26,700 | | | | 146,583 | | | | | |
Inozyme Pharma, Inc.* | | | 34,000 | | | | 144,840 | | | | | |
Invivyd, Inc.* | | | 283,100 | | | | 1,115,414 | | | | | |
IO Biotech, Inc.* | | | 145,200 | | | | 272,976 | | | | | |
IRIDEX Corp.* | | | 75,000 | | | | 210,750 | | | | | |
KALA BIO, Inc.* | | | 3,500 | | | | 24,500 | | | | | |
KalVista Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*+ | | | 10,500 | | | | 128,625 | | | | | |
Karyopharm Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 289,500 | | | | 250,418 | | | | | |
Kewaunee Scientific Corp.*+ | | | 13,200 | | | | 383,724 | | | | | |
Kezar Life Sciences, Inc.* | | | 147,000 | | | | 139,268 | | | | | |
Kinnate Biopharma, Inc.* | | | 79,300 | | | | 187,941 | | | | | |
Kodiak Sciences, Inc.* | | | 114,200 | | | | 347,168 | | | | | |
Kronos Bio, Inc.*+ | | | 143,500 | | | | 179,375 | | | | | |
Larimar Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 116,700 | | | | 530,985 | | | | | |
LifeMD, Inc.* | | | 55,500 | | | | 460,095 | | | | | |
Lineage Cell Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 442,900 | | | | 482,761 | | | | | |
Longboard Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*+ | | | 70,000 | | | | 422,100 | | | | | |
Lucid Diagnostics, Inc.* | | | 135,000 | | | | 190,350 | | | | | |
Lumos Pharma, Inc.* | | | 46,744 | | | | 146,309 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | |
| | |
Health Care (continued) | | | | | | | | |
Lyra Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 139,900 | | | $ | 733,076 | |
MAIA Biotechnology, Inc.* | | | 75,700 | | | | 88,569 | |
Matinas BioPharma Holdings, Inc.* | | | 70,000 | | | | 15,134 | |
MediciNova, Inc.* | | | 140,247 | | | | 210,370 | |
Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 32,500 | | | | 435,825 | |
Milestone Scientific, Inc.* | | | 249,500 | | | | 172,130 | |
Myomo, Inc.*+ | | | 41,000 | | | | 205,410 | |
NanoString Technologies, Inc.* | | | 120,000 | | | | 89,808 | |
NanoViricides, Inc.* | | | 59,039 | | | | 60,220 | |
Neuronetics, Inc.* | | | 60,205 | | | | 174,594 | |
NeuroPace, Inc.* | | | 28,400 | | | | 292,804 | |
NextCure, Inc.* | | | 89,900 | | | | 102,486 | |
NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 195,000 | | | | 167,505 | |
NightHawk Biosciences, Inc.* | | | 100,000 | | | | 44,030 | |
Nkarta, Inc.* | | | 129,800 | | | | 856,680 | |
NKGen Biotech, Inc.* | | | 300 | | | | 825 | |
NRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 122,700 | | | | 56,442 | |
Omeros Corp.*+ | | | 176,600 | | | | 577,482 | |
Optinose, Inc.* | | | 275,300 | | | | 355,137 | |
Oragenics, Inc.* | | | 7,334 | | | | 41,263 | |
ORIC Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 22,500 | | | | 207,000 | |
Ovid therapeutics, Inc.*+ | | | 147,700 | | | | 475,594 | |
Owlet, Inc.* | | | 225 | | | | 1,188 | |
Palatin Technologies, Inc.*+ | | | 24,800 | | | | 98,704 | |
Passage Bio, Inc.* | | | 140,100 | | | | 141,501 | |
PepGen, Inc.* | | | 96,300 | | | | 654,840 | |
Personalis, Inc.* | | | 129,500 | | | | 271,950 | |
Perspective Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 184,000 | | | | 73,968 | |
Pluri, Inc.* | | | 52,600 | | | | 30,461 | |
PMV Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 95,000 | | | | 294,500 | |
Poseida Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 191,800 | | | | 644,448 | |
Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc.* | | | 20,373 | | | | 453,910 | |
Precision BioSciences, Inc.* | | | 223,500 | | | | 81,578 | |
Prelude Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 121,949 | | | | 520,722 | |
ProSomnus, Inc.* | | | 50,000 | | | | 49,075 | |
Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc.* | | | 205,000 | | | | 364,900 | |
Protara Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 39,200 | | | | 73,304 | |
Puma Biotechnology, Inc.* | | | 119,200 | | | | 516,136 | |
Pyxis Oncology, Inc.* | | | 120,295 | | | | 216,531 | |
Quantum-Si, Inc.* | | | 390,000 | | | | 783,900 | |
Quince Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 105,000 | | | | 110,250 | |
| | |
28 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Ultra-Small Company Market Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | | | | |
| | |
Common Stocks (continued) | | | | | | | | | |
| |
Health Care (continued) | | | | | |
Rain Oncology, Inc.* | | | 78,500 | | | $ | 94,200 | | | | | |
Rallybio Corp.*+ | | | 117,000 | | | | 279,630 | | | | | |
Rani Therapeutics Holdings, Inc., Class A* | | | 51,500 | | | | 170,980 | | | | | |
Regional Health Properties, Inc.* | | | 10,000 | | | | 20,287 | | | | | |
Relmada Therapeutics, Inc.*+ | | | 72,600 | | | | 300,564 | | | | | |
Reneo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*+ | | | 75,500 | | | | 120,800 | | | | | |
Retractable Technologies, Inc.* | | | 71,700 | | | | 79,587 | | | | | |
Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 475,000 | | | | 688,750 | | | | | |
Sagimet Biosciences, Inc., Class A* | | | 45,000 | | | | 243,900 | | | | | |
Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 295,000 | | | | 160,274 | | | | | |
scPharmaceuticals, Inc.*+ | | | 56,300 | | | | 353,001 | | | | | |
SCYNEXIS, Inc.* | | | 94,500 | | | | 210,735 | | | | | |
Seer, Inc.* | | | 147,800 | | | | 286,732 | | | | | |
Sensei Biotherapeutics, Inc.* | | | 112,900 | | | | 78,127 | | | | | |
Senti Biosciences, Inc.* | | | 145,000 | | | | 95,700 | | | | | |
Sera Prognostics, Inc., Class A*+ | | | 86,105 | | | | 514,908 | | | | | |
Shattuck Labs, Inc.*+ | | | 50,100 | | | | 357,213 | | | | | |
Sight Sciences, Inc.* | | | 121,400 | | | | 626,424 | | | | | |
Singular Genomics Systems, Inc.* | | | 107,600 | | | | 49,507 | | | | | |
Solid Biosciences, Inc.* | | | 50,071 | | | | 307,436 | | | | | |
Sonida Senior Living, Inc.* | | | 10,615 | | | | 102,542 | | | | | |
Spero Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 134,800 | | | | 198,156 | | | | | |
Spruce Biosciences, Inc.* | | | 85,000 | | | | 249,050 | | | | | |
Standard BioTools, Inc.* | | | 212,000 | | | | 468,520 | | | | | |
Star Equity Holdings, Inc.* | | | 78,390 | | | | 79,958 | | | | | |
Stereotaxis, Inc.* | | | 232,100 | | | | 406,175 | | | | | |
Stoke Therapeutics, Inc.*+ | | | 10,700 | | | | 56,282 | | | | | |
SunLink Health Systems, Inc.* | | | 40,000 | | | | 37,200 | | | | | |
Sutro Biopharma, Inc.* | | | 170,200 | | | | 730,158 | | | | | |
Syros Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 38,670 | | | | 301,239 | | | | | |
Tactile Systems Technology, Inc.* | | | 27,800 | | | | 397,540 | | | | | |
Talkspace, Inc.* | | | 116,800 | | | | 296,672 | | | | | |
Tela Bio, Inc.* | | | 77,000 | | | | 509,740 | | | | | |
Telesis Bio, Inc.* | | | 67,000 | | | | 26,733 | | | | | |
Tenaya Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 181,900 | | | | 589,356 | | | | | |
TherapeuticsMD, Inc.* | | | 42,000 | | | | 94,500 | | | | | |
Theriva Biologics, Inc.* | | | 28,528 | | | | 12,270 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | |
|
Health Care (continued) | |
Theseus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 50,000 | | | $ | 202,500 | |
Third Harmonic Bio, Inc.* | | | 45,000 | | | | 493,650 | |
Tourmaline Bio, Inc. | | | 11,850 | | | | 310,233 | |
Trevi Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 198,881 | | | | 266,501 | |
TScan Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 88,300 | | | | 514,789 | |
Turnstone Biologics Corp.* | | | 59,900 | | | | 152,445 | |
UNITY Biotechnology, Inc.* | | | 50,000 | | | | 96,500 | |
Vapotherm, Inc.* | | | 18,687 | | | | 18,687 | |
Vaxxinity, Inc., Class A* | | | 216,700 | | | | 184,195 | |
Verrica Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*+ | | | 99,550 | | | | 728,706 | |
Vicarious Surgical, Inc.* | | | 225,000 | | | | 82,507 | |
Vigil Neuroscience, Inc.*+ | | | 125,064 | | | | 422,716 | |
Viracta Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 74,000 | | | | 42,180 | |
VolitionRX, Ltd.* | | | 170,000 | | | | 121,890 | |
Vor BioPharma, Inc.* | | | 157,500 | | | | 354,375 | |
Werewolf Therapeutics, Inc.*+ | | | 76,586 | | | | 295,622 | |
Xeris Biopharma Holdings, Inc.* | | | 4,800 | | | | 11,280 | |
Xilio Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 121,081 | | | | 66,595 | |
XOMA Corp.* | | | 25,000 | | | | 462,500 | |
Xtant Medical Holdings, Inc.* | | | 354,000 | | | | 400,020 | |
Y-mAbs Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 45,700 | | | | 311,674 | |
Zevra Therapeutics, Inc.*+ | | | 89,443 | | | | 585,852 | |
Zimvie, Inc.* | | | 35,000 | | | | 621,250 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | | | | 58,063,627 | |
| |
Industrials - 11.74% | | | | | |
Acme United Corp. | | | 11,535 | | | | 494,390 | |
Air Industries Group* | | | 9,000 | | | | 29,250 | |
Air T, Inc.*+ | | | 17,250 | | | | 284,625 | |
Alpha Pro Tech, Ltd.* | | | 52,900 | | | | 279,841 | |
American Superconductor Corp.* | | | 45,000 | | | | 501,300 | |
ARC Document Solutions, Inc.+ | | | 167,400 | | | | 549,072 | |
Avalon Holdings Corp., Class A* | | | 3,900 | | | | 9,321 | |
BGSF, Inc. | | | 39,700 | | | | 373,180 | |
BlackSky Technology, Inc.* | | | 410,000 | | | | 574,000 | |
Chicago Rivet & Machine Co. | | | 8,000 | | | | 135,840 | |
CompX International, Inc. | | | 41,700 | | | | 1,054,176 | |
CPI Aerostructures, Inc.* | | | 20,000 | | | | 54,600 | |
Dragonfly Energy Holdings Corp.* | | | 82,400 | | | | 44,644 | |
Eastern Co. (The) | | | 21,200 | | | | 466,400 | |
| | |
Ultra-Small Company Market Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | | | | |
| | |
Common Stocks (continued) | | | | | | | | | |
| |
Industrials (continued) | | | | | |
Espey Mfg. & Electronics Corp. | | | 9,108 | | | $ | 170,320 | | | | | |
ESS Tech, Inc.*+ | | | 150,000 | | | | 171,000 | | | | | |
FreightCar America, Inc.* | | | 73,000 | | | | 197,100 | | | | | |
GEE Group, Inc.* | | | 77,600 | | | | 38,816 | | | | | |
Gencor Industries, Inc.* | | | 29,200 | | | | 471,288 | | | | | |
Graham Corp.* | | | 22,495 | | | | 426,730 | | | | | |
Hudson Global, Inc.* | | | 10,942 | | | | 170,258 | | | | | |
Hurco Cos., Inc. | | | 15,500 | | | | 333,715 | | | | | |
Hydrofarm Holdings Group, Inc.* | | | 131,500 | | | | 120,651 | | | | | |
Hyzon Motors, Inc.* | | | 300,000 | | | | 268,500 | | | | | |
Innodata, Inc.*+ | | | 40,955 | | | | 333,374 | | | | | |
INNOVATE Corp.*+ | | | 188,000 | | | | 231,240 | | | | | |
Innovative Solutions and Support, Inc.* | | | 80,400 | | | | 685,812 | | | | | |
KULR Technology Group, Inc.* | | | 298,700 | | | | 55,259 | | | | | |
L B Foster Co., Class A* | | | 36,200 | | | | 796,038 | | | | | |
LS Starrett Co. (The), Class A* | | | 36,400 | | | | 440,440 | | | | | |
Markforged Holding Corp.* | | | 409,500 | | | | 335,790 | | | | | |
Mastech Digital, Inc.* | | | 25,400 | | | | 214,071 | | | | | |
Matrix Service Co.* | | | 25,000 | | | | 244,500 | | | | | |
Mayville Engineering Co., Inc.* | | | 25,258 | | | | 364,220 | | | | | |
Mega Matrix Corp.* | | | 67,000 | | | | 94,470 | | | | | |
Mesa Air Group, Inc.* | | | 249,800 | | | | 252,298 | | | | | |
Mistras Group, Inc.* | | | 78,100 | | | | 571,692 | | | | | |
NN, Inc.* | | | 114,103 | | | | 456,412 | | | | | |
Ocean Power Technologies, Inc.* | | | 130,000 | | | | 41,080 | | | | | |
Orion Group Holdings, Inc.* | | | 115,100 | | | | 568,594 | | | | | |
Park-Ohio Holdings Corp. | | | 27,000 | | | | 727,920 | | | | | |
Performant Financial Corp.* | | | 178,300 | | | | 557,188 | | | | | |
Perma-Pipe International Holdings, Inc.* | | | 71,600 | | | | 557,764 | | | | | |
Quad/Graphics, Inc.* | | | 116,169 | | | | 629,636 | | | | | |
RCM Technologies, Inc.* | | | 43,242 | | | | 1,255,748 | | | | | |
Redwire Corp.*+ | | | 158,500 | | | | 451,725 | | | | | |
Sarcos Technology & Robotics Corp.* | | | 60,400 | | | | 43,567 | | | | | |
Servotronics, Inc.* | | | 16,653 | | | | 208,162 | | | | | |
Shapeways Holdings, Inc.* | | | 19,161 | | | | 47,136 | | | | | |
SIFCO Industries, Inc.* | | | 26,024 | | | | 118,149 | | | | | |
Skillsoft Corp.*+ | | | 21,850 | | | | 384,123 | | | | | |
Spire Global, Inc.*+ | | | 60,000 | | | | 469,200 | | | | | |
StarTek, Inc.*+ | | | 84,762 | | | | 373,800 | | | | | |
Team, Inc.* | | | 10,000 | | | | 66,000 | | | | | |
TPI Composites, Inc.*+ | | | 110,000 | | | | 455,400 | | | | | |
Twin Disc, Inc. | | | 58,100 | | | | 938,896 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | |
|
Industrials (continued) | |
Ultralife Corp.* | | | 62,400 | | | $ | 425,568 | |
Virco Mfg. Corp. | | | 35,800 | | | | 430,674 | |
Westwater Resources, Inc.* | | | 95,200 | | | | 53,778 | |
Willdan Group, Inc.* | | | 16,700 | | | | 359,050 | |
Willis Lease Finance Corp.* | | | 9,200 | | | | 449,696 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | | | | 21,907,487 | |
| |
Information Technology - 8.13% | | | | | |
908 Devices, Inc.*+ | | | 65,500 | | | | 734,910 | |
Amtech Systems, Inc.* | | | 59,000 | | | | 247,800 | |
Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.*+ | | | 15,000 | | | | 289,800 | |
Arteris, Inc.* | | | 60,500 | | | | 356,345 | |
AstroNova, Inc.* | | | 35,500 | | | | 577,230 | |
Aware, Inc.* | | | 74,579 | | | | 123,801 | |
AXT, Inc.* | | | 120,000 | | | | 288,000 | |
Backblaze, Inc., Class A* | | | 67,000 | | | | 508,530 | |
BK Technologies Corp.* | | | 9,144 | | | | 111,825 | |
Blend Labs, Inc., Class A* | | | 315,000 | | | | 803,250 | |
Brightcove, Inc.* | | | 104,000 | | | | 269,360 | |
CalAmp Corp.* | | | 115,060 | | | | 28,880 | |
Casa Systems, Inc.* | | | 228,000 | | | | 120,840 | |
Climb Global Solutions, Inc. | | | 12,300 | | | | 674,409 | |
CoreCard Corp.* | | | 19,737 | | | | 272,963 | |
CSP, Inc.+ | | | 35,000 | | | | 700,000 | |
Dave, Inc.* | | | 21,000 | | | | 176,085 | |
D-Wave Quantum, Inc.* | | | 203,000 | | | | 178,660 | |
EMCORE Corp.* | | | 103,873 | | | | 50,794 | |
Everspin Technologies, Inc.* | | | 73,900 | | | | 668,056 | |
Frequency Electronics, Inc. | | | 21,500 | | | | 235,425 | |
Greenidge Generation Holdings, Inc.*+ | | | 17,000 | | | | 114,070 | |
GSI Technology, Inc.* | | | 65,217 | | | | 172,173 | |
Immersion Corp. | | | 68,000 | | | | 480,080 | |
Information Services Group, Inc. | | | 11,348 | | | | 53,449 | |
Inseego Corp.* | | | 287,000 | | | | 63,083 | |
Intellicheck, Inc.* | | | 60,200 | | | | 114,380 | |
inTEST Corp.* | | | 31,401 | | | | 427,054 | |
Intevac, Inc.* | | | 87,400 | | | | 377,568 | |
Inuvo, Inc.* | | | 200,000 | | | | 85,000 | |
Issuer Direct Corp.* | | | 11,500 | | | | 208,495 | |
Key Tronic Corp.* | | | 32,400 | | | | 139,968 | |
KVH Industries, Inc.* | | | 55,774 | | | | 293,371 | |
LGL Group, Inc. (The)* | | | 29,200 | | | | 179,288 | |
Marin Software, Inc.* | | | 60,000 | | | | 21,990 | |
Movella Holdings, Inc.* | | | 121,500 | | | | 73,507 | |
| | |
30 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Ultra-Small Company Market Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | | | | |
| | |
Common Stocks (continued) | | | | | | | | | |
| |
Information Technology (continued) | | | | | |
M-Tron Industries, Inc.* | | | 14,600 | | | $ | 521,220 | | | | | |
Network-1 Technologies, Inc. | | | 79,000 | | | | 172,220 | | | | | |
Optical Cable Corp.* | | | 27,600 | | | | 74,520 | | | | | |
Pixelworks, Inc.* | | | 100,100 | | | | 131,131 | | | | | |
Powerfleet, Inc. NJ* | | | 90,000 | | | | 307,800 | | | | | |
Presto Automation, Inc.* | | | 155,000 | | | | 82,383 | | | | | |
RF Industries, Ltd.* | | | 27,900 | | | | 84,816 | | | | | |
Richardson Electronics, Ltd. | | | 31,011 | | | | 413,997 | | | | | |
Rubicon Technologies, Inc.* | | | 76,825 | | | | 142,126 | | | | | |
SecureWorks Corp., Class A* | | | 43,180 | | | | 318,668 | | | | | |
Stronghold Digital Mining, Inc., Class A*+ | | | 10,000 | | | | 73,000 | | | | | |
Telos Corp.* | | | 185,000 | | | | 675,250 | | | | | |
TransAct Technologies, Inc.* | | | 33,000 | | | | 230,340 | | | | | |
Trio-Tech International* | | | 26,800 | | | | 135,876 | | | | | |
Turtle Beach Corp.* | | | 35,000 | | | | 383,250 | | | | | |
Universal Security Instruments, Inc.* | | | 6,000 | | | | 9,960 | | | | | |
Upland Software, Inc.* | | | 100,300 | | | | 424,269 | | | | | |
Veritone, Inc.*+ | | | 119,600 | | | | 216,476 | | | | | |
VirnetX Holding Corp.+ | | | 3,565 | | | | 24,955 | | | | | |
WidePoint Corp.* | | | 48,728 | | | | 113,049 | | | | | |
WM Technology, Inc.* | | | 266,400 | | | | 191,888 | | | | | |
ZeroFox Holdings, Inc.* | | | 244,900 | | | | 213,063 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | 15,160,696 | | | | | |
| | |
Materials - 3.00% | | | | | | | | | |
5E Advanced Materials, Inc.*+ | | | 124,000 | | | | 174,840 | | | | | |
Advanced Emissions Solutions, Inc.* | | | 100,466 | | | | 299,389 | | | | | |
Ampco-Pittsburgh Corp.* | | | 101,200 | | | | 276,276 | | | | | |
Ascent Industries Co.* | | | 26,838 | | | | 256,571 | | | | | |
Contango ORE, Inc.* | | | 10,000 | | | | 181,100 | | | | | |
Core Molding Technologies, Inc.* | | | 24,400 | | | | 452,132 | | | | | |
Dakota Gold Corp.* | | | 185,000 | | | | 484,700 | | | | | |
Danimer Scientific, Inc.*+ | | | 285,000 | | | | 290,700 | | | | | |
Flexible Solutions International, Inc. | | | 45,707 | | | | 87,300 | | | | | |
Flotek Industries, Inc.* | | | 41,062 | | | | 160,963 | | | | | |
Friedman Industries, Inc. | | | 27,200 | | | | 420,512 | | | | | |
Glatfelter Corp.* | | | 125,000 | | | | 242,500 | | | | | |
Gold Resource Corp. | | | 190,100 | | | | 71,478 | | | | | |
Golden Minerals Co.* | | | 18,000 | | | | 9,358 | | | | | |
Gulf Resources, Inc.* | | | 42,360 | | | | 69,894 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | |
|
Materials (continued) | |
Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc.* | | | 7 | | | $ | 44 | |
IT Tech Packaging, Inc.* | | | 37,500 | | | | 11,621 | |
Loop Industries, Inc.*+ | | | 99,400 | | | | 375,732 | |
Northern Technologies International Corp. | | | 27,900 | | | | 328,662 | |
Olympic Steel, Inc. | | | 4,400 | | | | 293,480 | |
Solitario Resources Corp.* | | | 205,000 | | | | 114,821 | |
Tredegar Corp. | | | 94,500 | | | | 511,245 | |
United States Antimony Corp.* | | | 195,500 | | | | 48,680 | |
Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc.* | | | 21,750 | | | | 436,740 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | | | | 5,598,738 | |
| |
Real Estate - 1.70% | | | | | |
American Realty Investors, Inc.* | | | 2,363 | | | | 41,140 | |
AMREP Corp.* | | | 35,800 | | | | 786,526 | |
Doma Holdings, Inc.* | | | 25,000 | | | | 115,750 | |
Douglas Elliman, Inc. | | | 231,200 | | | | 682,040 | |
Maui Land & Pineapple Co., Inc.* | | | 46,500 | | | | 738,885 | |
New Concept Energy, Inc.* | | | 8,400 | | | | 8,400 | |
Rafael Holdings, Inc., Class B* | | | 51,656 | | | | 94,530 | |
Stratus Properties, Inc.* | | | 24,250 | | | | 699,855 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | | | | 3,167,126 | |
| |
Utilities - 0.58% | | | | | |
Cadiz, Inc.*+ | | | 20,500 | | | | 57,400 | |
Genie Energy, Ltd., Class B | | | 6,400 | | | | 180,032 | |
RGC Resources, Inc.+ | | | 25,000 | | | | 508,500 | |
Spruce Power Holding Corp.*+ | | | 44,025 | | | | 194,590 | |
Via Renewables, Inc.+ | | | 14,000 | | | | 131,600 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | | | | 1,072,122 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| |
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS - 99.66% | | | | 185,893,728 | |
| | | | | | | | |
(Cost $167,337,439) | | | | | | | | |
| | |
Ultra-Small Company Market Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued)
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | | | |
RIGHTS - 0.01% | | | | | | | | | | |
Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc., CVR*Δ#+++ | | | 110,000 | | | $ | – | | | |
Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc., CVR*Δ#+++ | | | 110,000 | | | | – | | | |
Cartesian Therapeutics, Inc., CVR*Δ#+++ | | | 435,000 | | | | – | | | |
Disc Medicine, Inc., CVR*Δ#+++ | | | 75,000 | | | | – | | | |
Enliven Therapeutics, Inc., CVR*Δ#+++ | | | 66,800 | | | | – | | | |
Oncomed Pharmaceuticals, CVR, expiring 12/31/49*Δ# | | | 125,000 | | | | – | | | |
Pineapple Holdings, Inc., CVR*Δ#+++ | | | 14,504 | | | | 9,573 | | | |
Groupon, Inc., CVR, expiring 01/19/24*Δ#+ | | | 65,000 | | | | 11,050 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
TOTAL RIGHTS - 0.01% | | | | | | | 20,623 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $29,976) | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
WARRANTS - 0.00% | | | | | | | | | | |
LGL Group, Inc. (The), expiring 11/16/25* | | | 29,200 | | | | 8,176 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
TOTAL WARRANTS - 0.00% | | | | | | | 8,176 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $14,873) | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | Rate^ | | Shares | | | Value | | | |
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH CASH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING - 8.70% | | | |
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Money Market Fund** | | 5.32% | | | 16,219,579 | | | | 16,219,579 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH CASH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING - 8.70% | | | | 16,219,579 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $16,219,579) | | | | | | | |
| | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 108.37% | | | $ | 202,142,106 | | | |
| | |
(Cost $183,601,867) | | | | | | | |
| | |
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets - (8.37%) | | | | (15,611,794) | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
NET ASSETS - 100.00% | | | $ | 186,530,312 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
# | Illiquid security as determined under procedures approved by the Board of Directors. The aggregate value of illiquid securities is $92,548, which is 0.05% of total net assets. |
* | Non-income producing security. |
** | This security represents the investment of the cash collateral received in connection with securities out on loan as of December 31, 2023. |
^ | Rate disclosed as of December 31, 2023. |
Δ | Security was fair valued using significant unobservable inputs. As such, the security is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. |
+ | This security or a portion of the security is out on loan at December 31, 2023. Total loaned securities had a value of $15,218,675, which included loaned securities with a value of $225,000 that have been sold and are pending settlement as of December 31, 2023. The total market value of loaned securities excluding these pending sales is $14,993,675. See Note 2 for disclosure of cash and non-cash collateral. |
+++ | No stated maturity date. |
CVR - | Contingent Value Right |
| | |
32 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Ultra-Small Company Market Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
| | |
Summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of 12/31/2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Valuation Inputs | |
| | Investment in Securities (Value) | |
| | | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | | |
| | Level 1 | | | Significant | | | Significant | | | | |
| | Quoted | | | Observable | | | Unobservable | | | | |
| | Prices | | | Inputs | | | Inputs | | | Total | |
Common Stocks | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Communication Services | | | $7,542,377 | | | | $– | | | | $71,925 | | | | $7,614,302 | |
Other Industries (a) | | | 178,279,426 | | | | – | | | | – | | | | 178,279,426 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stocks | | | 185,821,803 | | | | – | | | | 71,925 | | | | 185,893,728 | |
Rights | | | – | | | | – | | | | 20,623 | | | | 20,623 | |
Warrants | | | 8,176 | | | | – | | | | – | | | | 8,176 | |
Investments Purchased With Cash Proceeds From Securities Lending | | | 16,219,579 | | | | – | | | | – | | | | 16,219,579 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
TOTAL | | | $202,049,558 | | | | $– | | | | $92,548 | | | | $202,142,106 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) - Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for the industry classifications of these portfolio holdings.
Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 investments for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment in Securities (Value) | |
| | Common Stocks | | | Rights | | | Total | |
| | | |
Balance as of 06/30/2023 | | $ | 71,925 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 71,925 | |
Purchases/Issuances | | | – | | | | 11,050 | | | | 11,050 | |
Sales/Expirations | | | – | | | | – | | | | – | |
Return of Capital | | | – | | | | – | | | | – | |
Realized Gain/(Loss) | | | – | | | | – | | | | – | |
Change in unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation) | | | – | | | | 9,573 | | | | 9,573 | |
Transfers in | | | – | | | | – | | | | – | |
Transfers out | | | – | | | | – | | | | – | |
| | | | |
Balance as of 12/31/2023 | | $ | 71,925 | | | $ | 20,623 | | | $ | 92,548 | |
| | | | |
Net change in unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation) from investments held as of 12/31/2023 | | $ | – | | | $ | 20,623 | | | $ | 20,623 | |
| | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Small-Cap Value Fund | | |
MANAGER’S COMMENTARY (Unaudited) | | |
December 31, 2023
Dear Fellow Small-Cap Value Fund Shareholder,
For the quarter ended December 31, 2023, our Fund returned +13.30%, trailing our primary market benchmark, the Russell 2000 Value Index (+15.26). It was a mixed quarter on a relative basis, but a good quarter on an absolute basis.
For the calendar year, our Fund returned 14.08%, lagging the Russell 2000 Value Index (14.65%).
The table below presents our December quarter, six months, one-year, five-year, 10-year, 15-year, and inception-to-date financial results.
Standardized Returns as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | Annualized | |
| | Quarter | | | 6 Months | | | 1 Year | | | 5 Years | | | 10 Years | | | 15 Years | | | Since Inception (10/31/03) | |
| | | | | | | |
Small-Cap Value Fund | | | 13.30% | | | | 9.57% | | | | 14.08% | | | | 17.86% | | | | 9.38% | | | | 12.93% | | | | 9.13% | |
Russell 2000 Value Index | | | 15.26% | | | | 11.85% | | | | 14.65% | | | | 10.00% | | | | 6.76% | | | | 10.27% | | | | 8.00% | |
Performance figures quoted in the table above represent past performance and are no guarantee of future results. Total return figures in the table above include the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. The table above does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.
The Russell 2000 Value Index is an unmanaged index that consists of stocks in the Russell 2000 Index with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values with dividends reinvested. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Periods longer than one year are annualized.
| | |
34 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Small-Cap Value Fund | | |
MANAGER’S COMMENTARY (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
| | |
Growth of a $10,000 Investment
from Inception October 31, 2003 to December 31, 2023
Detailed Explanation of Quarterly Performance
The Fund’s quality and value models underperformed the benchmark during the quarter, detracting from relative results. This negative impact was partially offset by the Fund’s sentiment model, which outperformed the benchmark. The Fund’s tilt toward deeper value stocks, as measured across multiple valuation metrics, mostly hurt relative performance. However, the Fund’s tilt toward smaller stocks improved relative returns.
From a sector perspective, the Fund’s allocation effect was slightly negative. An overweighting in the Communications Services sector detracted the most from relative results. The Fund’s stock selection effect was also negative, with holdings in the Financials and Health Care sectors weighing the most on relative performance.
Detailed Explanation of Calendar Year Performance
The Fund’s sentiment and value models underperformed the benchmark during the year, detracting from relative results. This negative impact was partially offset by the Fund’s quality models, which strongly outperformed the benchmark. The Fund’s tilt toward smaller stocks in the small-cap value universe detracted from relative performance during the year. In contrast, the Fund’s tilt toward deeper value stocks, as measured across multiple valuation metrics, added to relative results.
From a sector perspective, the Fund’s allocation effect was positive. Underweightings in the Utilities and Financials sectors along with an overweighting in the Consumer Discretionary sector added the most to relative results. The Fund’s stock selection effect (including the interaction effect) was negative, with holdings in the Health Care, Consumer Staples, Information Technology, and Real Estate sector detracting the most from relative performance.
| | |
Small-Cap Value Fund | | |
MANAGER’S COMMENTARY (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
| | |
Top Ten Holdings as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | |
Rank | | Description | | Industry | | % of Net Assets |
1 | | Boise Cascade Co. | | Industrials | | | 1.4 | % |
2 | | Jackson Financial, Inc., Class A | | Financials | | | 1.3 | % |
3 | | Neogen Corp. | | Health Care | | | 1.2 | % |
4 | | WSFS Financial Corp. | | Financials | | | 1.2 | % |
5 | | Amkor Technology, Inc. | | Information Technology | | | 1.2 | % |
6 | | Group 1 Automotive, Inc. | | Consumer Discretionary | | | 1.2 | % |
7 | | Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Class A | | Consumer Discretionary | | | 1.2 | % |
8 | | Genworth Financial, Inc., Class A | | Financials | | | 1.2 | % |
9 | | Opendoor Technologies, Inc. | | Real Estate | | | 1.1 | % |
10 | | First BanCorp | | Financials | | | 1.2 | % |
| | | |
| | Total | | | | | 12.2 | % |
Industry Sector Representation as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | % of Net Assets | | % of Russell 2000 Value Index | | Difference |
Communication Services | | | 3.8 | % | | | 2.4 | % | | | 1.4 | % |
Consumer Discretionary | | | 9.9 | % | | | 10.9 | % | | | -1.0 | % |
Consumer Staples | | | 4.3 | % | | | 2.3 | % | | | 2.0 | % |
Energy | | | 9.2 | % | | | 9.2 | % | | | 0.0 | % |
Financials | | | 27.1 | % | | | 27.2 | % | | | -0.1 | % |
Health Care | | | 8.3 | % | | | 8.8 | % | | | -0.5 | % |
Industrials | | | 10.8 | % | | | 14.1 | % | | | -3.3 | % |
Information Technology | | | 6.0 | % | | | 5.9 | % | | | 0.1 | % |
Materials | | | 8.4 | % | | | 4.8 | % | | | 3.6 | % |
Real Estate | | | 8.9 | % | | | 10.5 | % | | | -1.6 | % |
Utilities | | | 1.3 | % | | | 3.9 | % | | | -2.6 | % |
Cash & Other Assets | | | 2.0 | % | | | 0.0 | % | | | 2.0 | % |
| | | |
Total | | | 100.0 | % | | | 100.0 | % | | | | |
Important Disclosure
The views expressed here are exclusively those of Fund management. These views, including those related to market sectors or individual stocks, are not meant as investment advice and should not be considered predictive in nature. Any favorable (or unfavorable) description of a holding applies only as of the quarter end, December 31, 2023, unless otherwise stated. Security positions can and do change thereafter. Discussions of historical performance do not guarantee and may not be indicative of future performance.
Market volatility can significantly impact short-term performance. The Fund is not an appropriate investment for short-term investors. Investments in small companies generally carry greater risk than is customarily associated with larger companies. This additional risk is attributable to a number of factors, including the relatively limited financial resources that are typically available to small companies and the fact that small companies often have comparatively limited product lines. In addition, the stock of small companies tends to be more volatile than the stock of large companies, particularly in the short term and particularly in the early stages of an economic or market downturn. Shareholders of the Fund, therefore, are taking on more risk than they would if they invested in the stock market as a whole.
| | |
36 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Small-Cap Value Fund | | |
MANAGER’S COMMENTARY (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
| | |
Conclusion
Thank you for your continued investment in Small-Cap Value Fund. We encourage your feedback; your reactions and concerns are important to us.
Sincerely,
The Investment Management Team
| | |
Small-Cap Value Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) | | |
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | | Shares | | | | Value | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS - 98.02% | | | | | | | | | |
|
Communication Services - 3.78% | |
Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.* | | | 2,414,724 | | | $ | 4,394,798 | | | | | |
iHeartMedia, Inc., Class A* | | | 1,662,117 | | | | 4,437,852 | | | | | |
Sinclair, Inc.+ | | | 389,563 | | | | 5,076,006 | | | | | |
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. | | | 293,200 | | | | 5,380,220 | | | | | |
Vivid Seats, Inc., Class A* | | | 382,359 | | | | 2,416,509 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | 21,705,385 | | | | | |
|
Consumer Discretionary - 9.94% | |
Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Class A* | | | 77,200 | | | | 6,810,584 | | | | | |
Beazer Homes USA, Inc.* | | | 166,700 | | | | 5,632,793 | | | | | |
Chico’s FAS, Inc.* | | | 692,700 | | | | 5,250,666 | | | | | |
Dine Brands Global, Inc. | | | 60,000 | | | | 2,979,000 | | | | | |
Green Brick Partners, Inc.* | | | 103,700 | | | | 5,386,178 | | | | | |
Group 1 Automotive, Inc. | | | 22,400 | | | | 6,826,176 | | | | | |
M/I Homes, Inc.* | | | 18,900 | | | | 2,603,286 | | | | | |
MDC Holdings, Inc. | | | 117,125 | | | | 6,471,156 | | | | | |
Meritage Homes Corp. | | | 15,800 | | | | 2,752,360 | | | | | |
Signet Jewelers, Ltd.+ | | | 55,000 | | | | 5,899,300 | | | | | |
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. | | | 80,503 | | | | 1,091,621 | | | | | |
Stitch Fix, Inc., Class A* | | | 469,608 | | | | 1,676,501 | | | | | |
Taylor Morrison Home Corp.* | | | 69,800 | | | | 3,723,830 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | 57,103,451 | | | | | |
|
Consumer Staples - 4.25% | |
Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. | | | 98,300 | | | | 5,641,437 | | | | | |
Herbalife, Ltd.*+ | | | 312,600 | | | | 4,770,276 | | | | | |
Ingles Markets, Inc., Class A | | | 61,400 | | | | 5,303,118 | | | | | |
SpartanNash Co. | | | 189,500 | | | | 4,349,025 | | | | | |
United Natural Foods, Inc.* | | | 269,500 | | | | 4,373,985 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | 24,437,841 | | | | | |
|
Energy - 9.19% | |
Amplify Energy Corp.* | | | 682,100 | | | | 4,044,853 | | | | | |
Berry Corp. | | | 694,500 | | | | 4,882,335 | | | | | |
Callon Petroleum Co.*+ | | | 100,600 | | | | 3,259,440 | | | | | |
Chord Energy Corp. | | | 16,400 | | | | 2,726,172 | | | | | |
Civitas Resources, Inc. | | | 50,800 | | | | 3,473,704 | | | | | |
Delek US Holdings, Inc. | | | 170,900 | | | | 4,409,220 | | | | | |
FLEX LNG, Ltd.+ | | | 137,450 | | | | 3,994,297 | | | | | |
Kinetik Holdings, Inc. | | | 80,300 | | | | 2,682,020 | | | | | |
Liberty Energy, Inc. | | | 314,400 | | | | 5,703,216 | | | | | |
Matador Resources Co. | | | 81,800 | | | | 4,651,148 | | | | | |
Par Pacific Holdings, Inc.* | | | 165,100 | | | | 6,004,687 | | | | | |
PBF Energy, Inc., Class A | | | 45,000 | | | | 1,978,200 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | | Shares | | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
|
Energy (continued) | |
Teekay Corp.* | | | 701,570 | | | $ | 5,016,226 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | | | | 52,825,518 | |
|
Financials - 27.14% | |
A-Mark Precious Metals, Inc. | | | 194,686 | | | | 5,889,252 | |
Ameris Bancorp | | | 93,800 | | | | 4,976,090 | |
Axos Financial, Inc.* | | | 101,500 | | | | 5,541,900 | |
Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior SA, Class E | | | 47,400 | | | | 1,172,676 | |
Bank of NT Butterfield & Son, Ltd. (The) | | | 51,400 | | | | 1,645,314 | |
Banner Corp. | | | 51,000 | | | | 2,731,560 | |
BCB Bancorp, Inc. | | | 104,300 | | | | 1,340,255 | |
Bread Financial Holdings, Inc. | | | 167,500 | | | | 5,517,450 | |
Byline Bancorp, Inc. | | | 191,200 | | | | 4,504,672 | |
City Holding Co. | | | 58,900 | | | | 6,494,314 | |
Eagle Bancorp, Inc. | | | 117,400 | | | | 3,538,436 | |
Encore Capital Group, Inc.* | | | 98,900 | | | | 5,019,175 | |
Enstar Group, Ltd.* | | | 22,300 | | | | 6,564,005 | |
Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc./Archbold | | | 61,400 | | | | 1,522,720 | |
FB Financial Corp. | | | 72,100 | | | | 2,873,185 | |
Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp., Class C | | | 9,288 | | | | 1,776,051 | |
First BanCorp | | | 404,000 | | | | 6,645,800 | |
First Bancshares, Inc. (The) | | | 67,200 | | | | 1,970,976 | |
Genworth Financial, Inc., Class A* | | | 1,015,100 | | | | 6,780,868 | |
Green Dot Corp., Class A* | | | 316,628 | | | | 3,134,617 | |
Hanmi Financial Corp. | | | 263,200 | | | | 5,106,080 | |
Jackson Financial, Inc., Class A | | | 146,692 | | | | 7,510,630 | |
LendingTree, Inc.* | | | 72,100 | | | | 2,186,072 | |
Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. | | | 84,251 | | | | 3,833,421 | |
MVB Financial Corp. | | | 118,500 | | | | 2,673,360 | |
OceanFirst Financial Corp. | | | 43,343 | | | | 752,434 | |
Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc. | | | 77,500 | | | | 2,256,025 | |
Pagseguro Digital, Ltd., Class A* | | | 505,700 | | | | 6,306,079 | |
Pathward Financial, Inc. | | | 107,100 | | | | 5,668,803 | |
PennyMac Financial Services, Inc. | | | 63,500 | | | | 5,611,495 | |
PROG Holdings, Inc.* | | | 210,969 | | | | 6,521,052 | |
SmartFinancial, Inc. | | | 58,500 | | | | 1,432,665 | |
Stewart Information Services Corp. | | | 108,800 | | | | 6,392,000 | |
| | |
38 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Small-Cap Value Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
Common Stocks (continued) | |
|
Financials (continued) | |
UMB Financial Corp. | | | 21,500 | | | $ | 1,796,325 | | | | | |
Victory Capital Holdings, Inc., Class A | | | 159,200 | | | | 5,482,848 | | | | | |
Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. | | | 9,500 | | | | 2,296,720 | | | | | |
Waterstone Financial, Inc. | | | 250,400 | | | | 3,555,680 | | | | | |
WSFS Financial Corp. | | | 151,059 | | | | 6,938,140 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | 155,959,145 | | | | | |
|
Health Care - 8.28% | |
Addus HomeCare Corp.* | | | 50,000 | | | | 4,642,500 | | | | | |
Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.* | | | 967,616 | | | | 5,631,525 | | | | | |
Community Health Systems, Inc.* | | | 547,200 | | | | 1,712,736 | | | | | |
Cross Country Healthcare, Inc.* | | | 201,400 | | | | 4,559,696 | | | | | |
Emergent BioSolutions, Inc.* | | | 393,733 | | | | 944,959 | | | | | |
Inogen, Inc.* | | | 531,200 | | | | 2,916,288 | | | | | |
Neogen Corp.*+ | | | 350,000 | | | | 7,038,500 | | | | | |
OraSure Technologies, Inc.* | | | 390,000 | | | | 3,198,000 | | | | | |
PetIQ, Inc.* | | | 233,816 | | | | 4,617,866 | | | | | |
Prestige Consumer Healthcare, Inc.* | | | 106,100 | | | | 6,495,442 | | | | | |
Vir Biotechnology, Inc.* | | | 575,900 | | | | 5,793,554 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | 47,551,066 | | | | | |
|
Industrials - 10.82% | |
ArcBest Corp. | | | 23,720 | | | | 2,851,381 | | | | | |
BlueLinx Holdings, Inc.* | | | 55,857 | | | | 6,329,157 | | | | | |
Boise Cascade Co. | | | 60,000 | | | | 7,761,600 | | | | | |
Costamare, Inc. | | | 273,027 | | | | 2,842,211 | | | | | |
EnerSys | | | 57,000 | | | | 5,754,720 | | | | | |
Enviri Corp.* | | | 541,378 | | | | 4,872,402 | | | | | |
ESCO Technologies, Inc. | | | 24,000 | | | | 2,808,720 | | | | | |
GMS, Inc.* | | | 39,215 | | | | 3,232,492 | | | | | |
Kelly Services, Inc., Class A | | | 128,000 | | | | 2,767,360 | | | | | |
Manitowoc Co., Inc. (The)* | | | 181,541 | | | | 3,029,919 | | | | | |
Standex International Corp. | | | 11,100 | | | | 1,758,018 | | | | | |
Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.* | | | 68,300 | | | | 6,005,619 | | | | | |
Textainer Group Holdings, Ltd. | | | 102,600 | | | | 5,047,920 | | | | | |
Titan Machinery, Inc.* | | | 97,400 | | | | 2,812,912 | | | | | |
TrueBlue, Inc.* | | | 280,508 | | | | 4,302,993 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | 62,177,424 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | |
| | | | | | | | |
|
Information Technology - 6.00% | |
Amkor Technology, Inc. | | | 205,400 | | | $ | 6,833,658 | |
Digi International, Inc.* | | | 86,200 | | | | 2,241,200 | |
Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc. | | | 111,300 | | | | 6,090,336 | |
LiveRamp Holdings, Inc.* | | | 168,700 | | | | 6,390,356 | |
NetScout Systems, Inc.* | | | 127,800 | | | | 2,805,210 | |
ScanSource, Inc.* | | | 114,600 | | | | 4,539,306 | |
Squarespace, Inc., Class A* | | | 168,500 | | | | 5,562,185 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | | | | 34,462,251 | |
| | |
Materials - 8.36% | | | | | | | | |
AdvanSix, Inc. | | | 28,443 | | | | 852,152 | |
Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc. | | | 19,158 | | | | 6,493,030 | |
Clearwater Paper Corp.* | | | 98,400 | | | | 3,554,208 | |
Constellium SE* | | | 146,200 | | | | 2,918,152 | |
O-I Glass, Inc.* | | | 212,400 | | | | 3,479,112 | |
Olympic Steel, Inc. | | | 91,916 | | | | 6,130,797 | |
Rayonier Advanced Materials, Inc.* | | | 655,000 | | | | 2,652,750 | |
Ryerson Holding Corp. | | | 150,600 | | | | 5,222,808 | |
Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc., Class A | | | 87,668 | | | | 2,644,067 | |
SunCoke Energy, Inc. | | | 530,800 | | | | 5,700,792 | |
TimkenSteel Corp.* | | | 262,900 | | | | 6,165,005 | |
Trinseo PLC | | | 263,000 | | | | 2,201,310 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | | | | 48,014,183 | |
| | |
Real Estate - 8.92% | | | | | | | | |
Anywhere Real Estate, Inc.* | | | 731,895 | | | | 5,935,668 | |
Community Healthcare Trust, Inc. | | | 152,510 | | | | 4,062,866 | |
Equity Commonwealth | | | 149,000 | | | | 2,860,800 | |
Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc. | | | 203,900 | | | | 5,211,684 | |
Four Corners Property Trust, Inc.+ | | | 253,000 | | | | 6,400,900 | |
Getty Realty Corp. | | | 140,900 | | | | 4,117,098 | |
Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. | | | 32,200 | | | | 3,246,404 | |
Opendoor Technologies, Inc.*+ | | | 1,486,100 | | | | 6,657,728 | |
Physicians Realty Trust | | | 244,300 | | | | 3,251,633 | |
Plymouth Industrial REIT, Inc. | | | 119,069 | | | | 2,865,991 | |
Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. | | | 237,959 | | | | 3,338,565 | |
| | |
Small-Cap Value Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | | Shares | | | Value | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
Common Stocks (continued) | | | | | |
|
Real Estate (continued) | |
Terreno Realty Corp. | | | | 53,100 | | | $ | 3,327,777 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 51,277,114 | | | | | |
|
Utilities - 1.34% | |
MGE Energy, Inc. | | | | 42,800 | | | | 3,094,868 | | | | | |
Otter Tail Corp. | | | | 53,900 | | | | 4,579,883 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | 7,674,751 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS - 98.02% | | | | 563,188,129 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $516,410,713) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
EXCHANGE TRADED FUND - 0.76% | | | | | |
iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF+ | | | | 28,055 | | | | 4,357,783 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUND - 0.76% | | | | 4,357,783 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $4,270,723) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | Rate^ | | | Shares | | | Value | | | | |
| |
MONEY MARKET FUND - 2.20% | | | | | |
Fidelity Investments Money Market Government Portfolio Class I | | | 5.25% | | | | 12,627,045 | | | | 12,627,045 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
TOTAL MONEY MARKET FUND - 2.20% | | | | 12,627,045 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $12,627,045) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH CASH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING - 0.52% | | | | | |
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Money Market Fund** | | | 5.32% | | | | 2,983,605 | | | | 2,983,605 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH CASH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING - 0.52% | | | | 2,983,605 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $2,983,605) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 101.50% | | | $ | 583,156,562 | | | | | |
| | | |
(Cost $536,292,086) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets - (1.50%) | | | | (8,610,269) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
NET ASSETS - 100.00% | | | | | | | $ | 574,546,293 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
* | Non-income producing security. |
** | This security represents the investment of the cash collateral received in connection with securities out on loan as of December 31, 2023. |
^ | Rate disclosed as of December 31, 2023. |
+ | This security or a portion of the security is out on loan as of December 31, 2023. Total loaned securities had a value of $10,001,376 as of December 31, 2023. See Note 2 for disclosure of cash and non-cash collateral. |
PLC | - Public Limited Company |
Summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of 12/31/2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Valuation Inputs | |
| | Investment in Securities (Value) | |
| | | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | | |
| | Level 1 | | | Significant | | | Significant | | | | |
| | Quoted | | | Observable | | | Unobservable | | | | |
| | Prices | | | Inputs | | | Inputs | | | Total | |
Common Stocks (a) | | | $563,188,129 | | | | $– | | | | $– | | | | $563,188,129 | |
Exchange Traded Fund | | | 4,357,783 | | | | – | | | | – | | | | 4,357,783 | |
Money Market Fund | | | 12,627,045 | | | | – | | | | – | | | | 12,627,045 | |
Investments Purchased With Cash Proceeds From Securities Lending | | | 2,983,605 | | | | – | | | | – | | | | 2,983,605 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
TOTAL | | | $583,156,562 | | | | $– | | | | $– | | | | $583,156,562 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) | - Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for the industry classifications of these portfolio holdings. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
40 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Omni Small-Cap Value Fund | | |
MANAGER’S COMMENTARY (Unaudited) | | |
December 31, 2023
Dear Fellow Omni Small-Cap Value Fund Shareholder,
For the quarter ended December 31, 2023, our Fund returned +17.14%, outperforming our primary market benchmark, the Russell 2000 Value Index (+15.26%). It was a good quarter.
For the calendar year, our Fund returned +17.80%, outperforming the Russell 2000 Value Index (+14.65).
The table below presents our December quarter, six months, one-year, five-year, 10-year, and inception-to-date financial results. See the next page for a graph of performance since inception.
Standardized Returns as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | | Annualized | |
| | Quarter | | | 6 Months | | | 1 Year | | | 5 Years | | | 10 Years | | | Since Inception (8/31/11) | |
| | | | | | |
Omni Small-Cap Value Fund | | | 17.14% | | | | 19.71% | | | | 17.80% | | | | 13.99% | | | | 7.91% | | | | 11.40% | |
Russell 2000 Value Index | | | 15.26% | | | | 11.85% | | | | 14.65% | | | | 10.00% | | | | 6.76% | | | | 9.76% | |
Performance figures quoted in the table above and the graph on the next page represent past performance and are no guarantee of future results. Total return figures in the table above include the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. The table above and the graph on the next page do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.
The Russell 2000 Value Index is an unmanaged index that consists of stocks in the Russell 2000 Index with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values with dividends reinvested. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Periods longer than one year are annualized.
| | |
Omni Small-Cap Value Fund | | |
MANAGER’S COMMENTARY (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
| | |
Growth of a $10,000 Investment
from Inception August 31, 2011 to December 31, 2023
Detailed Explanation of Quarterly Performance
The Omni Small-Cap Value Fund is designed to capture the returns of the small-cap value asset class through broad diversification of small company and value stocks. This approach is sometimes referred to as “passive, asset class investing.” As of December 31, 2023, we held 564 such stocks in a market-cap weighted style. We make no attempt to track any particular index in either performance or statistics.
The Fund’s tilt toward smaller stocks in the small-cap value universe improved relative returns as the benchmark’s larger stocks generally underperformed during the quarter. The Fund’s tilt toward deeper value stocks across multiple valuation metrics was neutral relative to the benchmark during the quarter.
By design, the Fund does not hold Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) or Utilities stocks. The lack of exposure to Utilities stocks benefited relative results, as such stocks significantly underperformed the benchmark during the quarter. However, the lack of exposure to REITs detracted modestly from relative performance.
Detailed Explanation of Calendar Year Performance
The Fund’s tilt toward deeper value stocks across multiple valuation metrics boosted relative results. The impact of the Fund’s tilt toward smaller stocks in the small-cap value universe was negative during the year.
By design, the Fund does not hold Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Utilities stocks. Our lack of exposure to both REITs and Utilities stocks was a major contributor to relative returns.
| | |
42 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Omni Small-Cap Value Fund | | |
MANAGER’S COMMENTARY (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
| | |
Top Ten Holdings as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | |
Rank | | Description | | Industry | | % of Net Assets |
1 | | M/I Homes, Inc. | | Consumer Discretionary | | 0.9% |
2 | | Patrick Industries, Inc. | | Consumer Discretionary | | 0.8% |
3 | | Xerox Holdings Corp. | | Information Technology | | 0.8% |
4 | | ODP Corp. (The) | | Consumer Discretionary | | 0.8% |
5 | | Pactiv Evergreen, Inc. | | Materials | | 0.8% |
6 | | SkyWest, Inc. | | Industrials | | 0.8% |
7 | | Tronox Holdings PLC | | Materials | | 0.7% |
8 | | Opendoor Technologies, Inc. | | Real Estate | | 0.7% |
9 | | Winnebago Industries, Inc. | | Consumer Discretionary | | 0.7% |
10 | | Dorian LPG, Ltd. | | Energy | | 0.7% |
| | | |
| | Total | | | | 7.7% |
Industry Sector Representation as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | % of Net Assets | | % of Russell 2000 Value Index | | Difference |
Communication Services | | | | 4.8 | % | | | | 2.4 | % | | | | 2.4 | % |
Consumer Discretionary | | | | 15.7 | % | | | | 10.9 | % | | | | 4.8 | % |
Consumer Staples | | | | 3.7 | % | | | | 2.3 | % | | | | 1.4 | % |
Energy | | | | 11.0 | % | | | | 9.2 | % | | | | 1.8 | % |
Financials | | | | 33.9 | % | | | | 27.2 | % | | | | 6.7 | % |
Health Care | | | | 3.4 | % | | | | 8.8 | % | | | | -5.4 | % |
Industrials | | | | 13.8 | % | | | | 14.1 | % | | | | -0.3 | % |
Information Technology | | | | 4.1 | % | | | | 5.9 | % | | | | -1.8 | % |
Materials | | | | 6.7 | % | | | | 4.8 | % | | | | 1.9 | % |
Real Estate | | | | 2.4 | % | | | | 10.5 | % | | | | -8.1 | % |
Utilities | | | | 0.0 | % | | | | 3.9 | % | | | | -3.9 | % |
Cash & Other Assets | | | | 0.5 | % | | | | 0.0 | % | | | | 0.5 | % |
Total | | | | 100.0 | % | | | | 100.0 | % | | | | | |
Important Disclosure
The views expressed here are exclusively those of Fund management. These views, including those related to market sectors or individual stocks, are not meant as investment advice and should not be considered predictive in nature. Any favorable (or unfavorable) description of a holding applies only as of the quarter end, December 31, 2023, unless otherwise stated. Security positions can and do change thereafter. Discussions of historical performance do not guarantee and may not be indicative of future performance.
Market volatility can significantly impact short-term performance. The Fund is not an appropriate investment for short-term investors. Investments in small companies generally carry greater risk than is customarily associated with larger companies. This additional risk is attributable to a number of factors, including the relatively limited financial resources that are typically available to small companies and the fact that small companies often have comparatively limited product lines. In addition, the stock of small companies tends to be more volatile than the stock of large companies, particularly in the short term and particularly in the early stages of an economic or market downturn. Shareholders of the Fund, therefore, are taking on more risk than they would if they invested in the stock market as a whole.
| | |
Omni Small-Cap Value Fund | | |
MANAGER’S COMMENTARY (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
| | |
Conclusion
Thank you for your continued investment in Omni Small-Cap Value Fund. We encourage your feedback; your reactions and concerns are important to us.
Sincerely,
The Investment Management Team
| | |
44 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Omni Small-Cap Value Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) | | |
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | | | | |
| |
COMMON STOCKS - 99.42% | | | | | |
| |
Communication Services - 4.78% | | | | | |
Advantage Solutions, Inc.* | | | 1,350,000 | | | $ | 4,887,000 | | | | | |
AMC Networks, Inc., Class A* | | | 95,500 | | | | 1,794,445 | | | | | |
ATN International, Inc. | | | 50,600 | | | | 1,971,882 | | | | | |
Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.* | | | 299,000 | | | | 1,300,650 | | | | | |
Cumulus Media, Inc., Class A* | | | 43,700 | | | | 232,484 | | | | | |
EchoStar Corp., Class A* | | | 335,930 | | | | 5,566,360 | | | | | |
Entravision Communications Corp., Class A | | | 339,800 | | | | 1,416,966 | | | | | |
Gaia, Inc.* | | | 2,000 | | | | 5,400 | | | | | |
Gannett Co., Inc.* | | | 672,700 | | | | 1,547,210 | | | | | |
Gray Television, Inc. | | | 140,000 | | | | 1,254,400 | | | | | |
Harte Hanks, Inc.* | | | 7,700 | | | | 52,283 | | | | | |
Liberty Latin America, Ltd., Class A* | | | 180,000 | | | | 1,315,800 | | | | | |
Liberty Latin America, Ltd., | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class C* | | | 776,500 | | | | 5,699,510 | | | | | |
Marcus Corp. (The)+ | | | 193,000 | | | | 2,813,940 | | | | | |
Saga Communications, Inc., Class A | | | 21,761 | | | | 484,400 | | | | | |
Scholastic Corp. | | | 146,750 | | | | 5,532,475 | | | | | |
Sinclair, Inc. | | | 182,000 | | | | 2,371,460 | | | | | |
Sphere Entertainment Co.*+ | | | 170,000 | | | | 5,773,200 | | | | | |
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. | | | 380,800 | | | | 6,987,680 | | | | | |
Thryv Holdings, Inc.* | | | 148,000 | | | | 3,011,800 | | | | | |
Tingo Group, Inc.*Δ# | | | 250,000 | | | | 42,500 | | | | | |
Townsquare Media, Inc., Class A | | | 129,900 | | | | 1,371,744 | | | | | |
United States Cellular Corp.* | | | 125,400 | | | | 5,209,116 | | | | | |
Urban One, Inc.* | | | 151,800 | | | | 535,854 | | | | | |
WideOpenWest, Inc.* | | | 100,600 | | | | 407,430 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | 61,585,989 | | | | | |
| | |
Consumer Discretionary -15.71% | | | | | | | | | |
1-800-Flowers.com, Inc., Class A* | | | 141,400 | | | | 1,524,292 | | | | | |
Aaron’s Co., Inc. (The) | | | 187,400 | | | | 2,038,912 | | | | | |
Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Class A* | | | 52,000 | | | | 4,587,440 | | | | | |
AMCON Distributing Co. | | | 2,450 | | | | 477,750 | | | | | |
American Axle & | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Manufacturing Holdings, | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Inc.*+ | | | 614,996 | | | | 5,418,115 | | | | | |
American Outdoor Brands, Inc.* | | | 49,500 | | | | 415,800 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | |
| | |
| | | | | | | | |
|
Consumer Discretionary (continued) | |
American Public Education, Inc.* | | | 61,100 | | | $ | 589,615 | |
AMMO, Inc.* | | | 424,200 | | | | 890,820 | |
Ark Restaurants Corp. | | | 8,500 | | | | 120,275 | |
Bally’s Corp.*+ | | | 105,000 | | | | 1,463,700 | |
Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc. | | | 21,900 | | | | 363,540 | |
Beazer Homes USA, Inc.* | | | 147,500 | | | | 4,984,025 | |
Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp. | | | 113,700 | | | | 720,858 | |
Biglari Holdings, Inc., Class B* | | | 6,200 | | | | 1,022,566 | |
Bluegreen Vacations Holding Corp. | | | 61,551 | | | | 4,623,711 | |
BowFlex, Inc.* | | | 67,000 | | | | 51,590 | |
Caleres, Inc.+ | | | 25,000 | | | | 768,250 | |
Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. | | | 230,600 | | | | 1,817,128 | |
Cato Corp. (The), Class A | | | 63,700 | | | | 454,818 | |
Century Casinos, Inc.* | | | 67,400 | | | | 328,912 | |
Chegg, Inc.* | | | 409,800 | | | | 4,655,328 | |
Chico’s FAS, Inc.* | | | 581,000 | | | | 4,403,980 | |
China Automotive Systems, Inc.* | | | 146,350 | | | | 472,711 | |
Citi Trends, Inc.* | | | 33,400 | | | | 944,552 | |
Clarus Corp. | | | 114,400 | | | | 788,788 | |
Container Store Group, Inc. (The)* | | | 54,650 | | | | 124,602 | |
Crown Crafts, Inc. | | | 75,850 | | | | 376,216 | |
Dana, Inc. | | | 531,600 | | | | 7,766,676 | |
Delta Apparel, Inc.* | | | 42,100 | | | | 300,173 | |
Designer Brands, Inc., Class A+ | | | 215,000 | | | | 1,902,750 | |
Destination XL Group, Inc.* | | | 169,544 | | | | 745,994 | |
Duluth Holdings, Inc., Class B* | | | 98,300 | | | | 528,854 | |
El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.* | | | 158,300 | | | | 1,396,206 | |
Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc. | | | 75,500 | | | | 2,409,960 | |
Flanigan’s Enterprises, Inc. | | | 14,000 | | | | 360,080 | |
Flexsteel Industries, Inc. | | | 20,159 | | | | 379,997 | |
Foot Locker, Inc.+ | | | 255,000 | | | | 7,943,250 | |
Genesco, Inc.* | | | 45,000 | | | | 1,584,450 | |
GigaCloud Technology, Inc., Class A* | | | 178,700 | | | | 3,269,317 | |
G-III Apparel Group, Ltd.* | | | 212,500 | | | | 7,220,750 | |
Good Times Restaurants, Inc.* | | | 106,000 | | | | 269,240 | |
GoPro, Inc., Class A* | | | 563,800 | | | | 1,956,386 | |
Hamilton Beach Brands | | | | | | | | |
Holding Co., Class A | | | 22,000 | | | | 384,780 | |
Haverty Furniture Cos., Inc. | | | 82,400 | | | | 2,925,200 | |
| | |
Omni Small-Cap Value Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | | | | |
| |
Common Stocks (continued) | | | | | |
| |
Consumer Discretionary (continued) | | | | | |
Hibbett, Inc. | | | 60,900 | | | $ | 4,386,018 | | | | | |
Hooker Furnishings Corp. | | | 51,000 | | | | 1,330,080 | | | | | |
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Class A* | | | 23,500 | | | | 3,657,070 | | | | | |
JAKKS Pacific, Inc.* | | | 62,300 | | | | 2,214,765 | | | | | |
Kandi Technologies Group, Inc.* | | | 113,200 | | | | 316,960 | | | | | |
Lands’ End, Inc.* | | | 25,100 | | | | 239,956 | | | | | |
Landsea Homes Corp.* | | | 207,529 | | | | 2,726,931 | | | | | |
Latham Group, Inc.* | | | 325,000 | | | | 854,750 | | | | | |
La-Z-Boy, Inc. | | | 166,000 | | | | 6,128,720 | | | | | |
Legacy Housing Corp.* | | | 43,331 | | | | 1,092,808 | | | | | |
Lifetime Brands, Inc. | | | 72,650 | | | | 487,482 | | | | | |
Lincoln Educational Services Corp.* | | | 211,000 | | | | 2,118,440 | | | | | |
Live Ventures, Inc.* | | | 15,550 | | | | 394,970 | | | | | |
M/I Homes, Inc.* | | | 88,200 | | | | 12,148,668 | | | | | |
MarineMax, Inc.* | | | 89,000 | | | | 3,462,100 | | | | | |
MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc.* | | | 51,600 | | | | 1,168,224 | | | | | |
Modine Manufacturing Co.* | | | 19,100 | | | | 1,140,270 | | | | | |
Movado Group, Inc. | | | 69,200 | | | | 2,086,380 | | | | | |
ODP Corp. (The)* | | | 174,000 | | | | 9,796,200 | | | | | |
OneWater Marine, Inc., Class A*+ | | | 55,000 | | | | 1,858,450 | | | | | |
Patrick Industries, Inc. | | | 105,000 | | | | 10,536,750 | | | | | |
Perdoceo Education Corp. | | | 352,879 | | | | 6,196,555 | | | | | |
Rocky Brands, Inc. | | | 18,200 | | | | 549,276 | | | | | |
Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc.* | | | 327,448 | | | | 4,348,509 | | | | | |
Shoe Carnival, Inc. | | | 99,500 | | | | 3,005,895 | | | | | |
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. | | | 59,400 | | | | 805,464 | | | | | |
Solo Brands, Inc., Class A*+ | | | 312,000 | | | | 1,921,920 | | | | | |
Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings, Inc.* | | | 76,300 | | | | 325,038 | | | | | |
Standard Motor Products, Inc. | | | 50,000 | | | | 1,990,500 | | | | | |
Strategic Education, Inc. | | | 21,200 | | | | 1,958,244 | | | | | |
Strattec Security Corp.* | | | 12,012 | | | | 301,621 | | | | | |
Superior Group of Cos., Inc.+ | | | 38,000 | | | | 513,000 | | | | | |
Tilly’s, Inc., Class A* | | | 151,600 | | | | 1,143,064 | | | | | |
Traeger, Inc.* | | | 497,300 | | | | 1,357,629 | | | | | |
Unifi, Inc.* | | | 54,273 | | | | 361,458 | | | | | |
Universal Technical Institute, Inc.* | | | 221,400 | | | | 2,771,928 | | | | | |
Vera Bradley, Inc.* | | | 55,600 | | | | 428,120 | | | | | |
Vista Outdoor, Inc.*+ | | | 252,191 | | | | 7,457,288 | | | | | |
VOXX International Corp.*+ | | | 62,100 | | | | 663,228 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | |
| | |
| | | | | | | | |
|
Consumer Discretionary (continued) | |
Weyco Group, Inc. | | | 31,500 | | | $ | 987,840 | |
Winnebago Industries, Inc. | | | 128,981 | | | | 9,400,135 | |
Zumiez, Inc.* | | | 104,800 | | | | 2,131,632 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | | | | 202,536,693 | |
|
Consumer Staples - 3.69% | |
Andersons, Inc. (The) | | | 160,438 | | | | 9,231,603 | |
B&G Foods, Inc.+ | | | 217,000 | | | | 2,278,500 | |
Dole PLC | | | 430,000 | | | | 5,284,700 | |
Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc. | | | 226,477 | | | | 5,945,021 | |
HF Foods Group, Inc.* | | | 13,826 | | | | 73,831 | |
Ingles Markets, Inc., Class A | | | 85,301 | | | | 7,367,447 | |
Mannatech, Inc. | | | 8,400 | | | | 66,024 | |
Natural Alternatives International, Inc.* | | | 18,100 | | | | 116,202 | |
Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. | | | 81,100 | | | | 1,297,600 | |
Nature’s Sunshine Products, Inc.* | | | 6,593 | | | | 113,993 | |
Seneca Foods Corp., Class A* | | | 28,900 | | | | 1,515,516 | |
SpartanNash Co. | | | 161,946 | | | | 3,716,661 | |
United Natural Foods, Inc.* | | | 216,000 | | | | 3,505,680 | |
Village Super Market, Inc., Class A | | | 50,750 | | | | 1,331,172 | |
Weis Markets, Inc. | | | 82,325 | | | | 5,265,507 | |
Whole Earth Brands, Inc.* | | | 150,000 | | | | 511,500 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | | | | 47,620,957 | |
| | |
Energy - 10.96% | | | | | | | | |
Adams Resources & Energy, Inc. | | | 20,500 | | | | 536,690 | |
Amplify Energy Corp.* | | | 174,600 | | | | 1,035,378 | |
Archrock, Inc. | | | 517,346 | | | | 7,967,128 | |
Ardmore Shipping Corp. | | | 216,400 | | | | 3,049,076 | |
Barnwell Industries, Inc. | | | 15,500 | | | | 37,665 | |
Berry Corp. | | | 453,400 | | | | 3,187,402 | |
Bristow Group, Inc.* | | | 111,033 | | | | 3,138,903 | |
CONSOL Energy, Inc. | | | 36,400 | | | | 3,659,292 | |
Crescent Energy Co., Class A+ | | | 465,155 | | | | 6,144,698 | |
Delek US Holdings, Inc. | | | 332,000 | | | | 8,565,600 | |
DMC Global, Inc.* | | | 80,000 | | | | 1,505,600 | |
Dorian LPG, Ltd. | | | 211,300 | | | | 9,269,731 | |
Epsilon Energy, Ltd. | | | 90,000 | | | | 457,200 | |
FutureFuel Corp. | | | 290,300 | | | | 1,765,024 | |
Gran Tierra Energy, Inc.* | | | 75,000 | | | | 423,000 | |
Gulfport Energy Corp.* | | | 44,600 | | | | 5,940,720 | |
Hallador Energy Co.* | | | 255,000 | | | | 2,254,200 | |
| | |
46 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Omni Small-Cap Value Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | | | | |
| |
Common Stocks (continued) | | | | | |
| |
Energy (continued) | | | | | |
Mammoth Energy Services, Inc.* | | | 185,000 | | | $ | 825,100 | | | | | |
NACCO Industries, Inc., Class A | | | 41,945 | | | | 1,530,992 | | | | | |
Natural Gas Services Group, Inc.* | | | 114,752 | | | | 1,845,212 | | | | | |
NCS Multistage Holdings, Inc.* | | | 10,000 | | | | 172,200 | | | | | |
Oil States International, Inc.* | | | 319,400 | | | | 2,168,726 | | | | | |
Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc., Class A | | | 593,300 | | | | 3,126,691 | | | | | |
Par Pacific Holdings, Inc.* | | | 247,400 | | | | 8,997,938 | | | | | |
PHX Minerals, Inc. | | | 63,800 | | | | 205,436 | | | | | |
PrimeEnergy Resources Corp.* | | | 41 | | | | 4,360 | | | | | |
ProPetro Holding Corp.* | | | 480,000 | | | | 4,022,400 | | | | | |
Ranger Energy Services, Inc. | | | 113,850 | | | | 1,164,686 | | | | | |
REX American Resources Corp.* | | | 90,900 | | | | 4,299,570 | | | | | |
Ring Energy, Inc.* | | | 774,500 | | | | 1,130,770 | | | | | |
RPC, Inc. | | | 812,000 | | | | 5,911,360 | | | | | |
SandRidge Energy, Inc. | | | 100,550 | | | | 1,374,519 | | | | | |
SEACOR Marine Holdings, Inc.* | | | 83,100 | | | | 1,046,229 | | | | | |
Select Water Solutions, Inc. | | | 75,000 | | | | 569,250 | | | | | |
SFL Corp., Ltd. | | | 811,000 | | | | 9,148,080 | | | | | |
Smart Sand, Inc.* | | | 195,200 | | | | 376,736 | | | | | |
Talos Energy, Inc.* | | | 508,400 | | | | 7,234,532 | | | | | |
Teekay Corp.* | | | 590,000 | | | | 4,218,500 | | | | | |
Teekay Tankers, Ltd., Class A | | | 172,000 | | | | 8,594,840 | | | | | |
US Energy Corp. | | | 27,000 | | | | 27,000 | | | | | |
US Silica Holdings, Inc.* | | | 360,000 | | | | 4,071,600 | | | | | |
VAALCO Energy, Inc. | | | 400,000 | | | | 1,796,000 | | | | | |
Vital Energy, Inc.*+ | | | 79,500 | | | | 3,616,455 | | | | | |
World Kinect Corp. | | | 210,600 | | | | 4,797,468 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | 141,213,957 | | | | | |
| |
Financials - 33.93% | | | | | |
1st Source Corp. | | | 85,000 | | | | 4,670,750 | | | | | |
Acacia Research Corp.*+ | | | 196,000 | | | | 768,320 | | | | | |
ACNB Corp. | | | 51,400 | | | | 2,300,664 | | | | | |
AFC Gamma, Inc. | | | 65,800 | | | | 791,574 | | | | | |
Affinity Bancshares, Inc.* | | | 31,500 | | | | 502,897 | | | | | |
Alerus Financial Corp. | | | 80,200 | | | | 1,795,678 | | | | | |
Amalgamated Financial | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Corp. | | | 129,930 | | | | 3,500,314 | | | | | |
A-Mark Precious Metals, Inc. | | | 40,558 | | | | 1,226,879 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | |
| | |
| | | | | | | | |
|
Financials (continued) | |
Ambac Financial Group, Inc.* | | | 250,000 | | | $ | 4,120,000 | |
American National Bankshares, Inc. | | | 25,000 | | | | 1,218,750 | |
AmeriServ Financial, Inc. | | | 118,000 | | | | 381,730 | |
Ames National Corp. | | | 1,008 | | | | 21,511 | |
Atlanticus Holdings Corp.* | | | 1,610 | | | | 62,259 | |
Auburn National BanCorp, Inc. | | | 12,000 | | | | 255,360 | |
Banc of California, Inc. | | | 267,463 | | | | 3,592,028 | |
Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior SA, Class E | | | 133,400 | | | | 3,300,316 | |
Bank of Marin Bancorp | | | 15,047 | | | | 331,335 | |
Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. | | | 13,000 | | | | 156,390 | |
Bank7 Corp. | | | 51,500 | | | | 1,408,525 | |
BankFinancial Corp. | | | 44,100 | | | | 452,466 | |
BankUnited, Inc. | | | 189,764 | | | | 6,154,047 | |
Bankwell Financial Group, Inc. | | | 15,000 | | | | 452,700 | |
Banner Corp. | | | 111,127 | | | | 5,951,962 | |
Bar Harbor Bankshares | | | 50,966 | | | | 1,496,362 | |
BayCom Corp. | | | 38,313 | | | | 903,804 | |
BCB Bancorp, Inc. | | | 60,400 | | | | 776,140 | |
Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. | | | 115,000 | | | | 2,855,450 | |
Blue Ridge Bankshares, Inc.+ | | | 34,500 | | | | 104,535 | |
BM Technologies, Inc.* | | | 20,500 | | | | 42,025 | |
Bread Financial Holdings, Inc. | | | 195,500 | | | | 6,439,770 | |
Bridgewater Bancshares, | | | | | | | | |
Inc.* | | | 47,500 | | | | 642,200 | |
Brookline Bancorp, Inc. | | | 250,000 | | | | 2,727,500 | |
Business First Bancshares, Inc. | | | 65,000 | | | | 1,602,250 | |
Byline Bancorp, Inc. | | | 120,800 | | | | 2,846,048 | |
C&F Financial Corp. | | | 13,600 | | | | 927,384 | |
California BanCorp* | | | 30,000 | | | | 742,800 | |
Cambridge Bancorp | | | 18,000 | | | | 1,249,200 | |
Camden National Corp. | | | 49,100 | | | | 1,847,633 | |
Capital Bancorp, Inc. | | | 76,950 | | | | 1,862,190 | |
Capital City Bank Group, Inc. | | | 37,172 | | | | 1,093,972 | |
Capitol Federal Financial, Inc. | | | 325,000 | | | | 2,096,250 | |
Carter Bankshares, Inc.* | | | 110,885 | | | | 1,659,948 | |
CB Financial Services, Inc. | | | 20,400 | | | | 485,928 | |
Central Pacific Financial Corp. | | | 67,000 | | | | 1,318,560 | |
| | |
Omni Small-Cap Value Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | | | | |
| |
Common Stocks (continued) | | | | | |
| |
Financials (continued) | | | | | |
Central Valley Community Bancorp | | | 55,000 | | | $ | 1,229,250 | | | | | |
CF Bankshares, Inc. | | | 19,000 | | | | 373,730 | | | | | |
Chemung Financial Corp. | | | 19,500 | | | | 971,100 | | | | | |
ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc.+ | | | 28,500 | | | | 835,050 | | | | | |
Citizens Community Bancorp, Inc. | | | 52,500 | | | | 614,775 | | | | | |
Citizens Financial Services, Inc. | | | 2,424 | | | | 156,881 | | | | | |
Citizens, Inc.* | | | 79,500 | | | | 213,855 | | | | | |
Civista Bancshares, Inc. | | | 42,523 | | | | 784,124 | | | | | |
CNB Financial Corp. | | | 64,300 | | | | 1,452,537 | | | | | |
Codorus Valley Bancorp, Inc. | | | 56,622 | | | | 1,455,185 | | | | | |
Colony Bankcorp, Inc. | | | 50,010 | | | | 665,133 | | | | | |
Community Trust Bancorp, Inc. | | | 60,000 | | | | 2,631,600 | | | | | |
Community West Bancshares | | | 57,000 | | | | 991,230 | | | | | |
ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc. | | | 105,846 | | | | 2,424,932 | | | | | |
Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc.*+ | | | 153,150 | | | | 1,435,015 | | | | | |
CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc.* | | | 184,100 | | | | 2,500,078 | | | | | |
Customers Bancorp, Inc.* | | | 79,591 | | | | 4,586,033 | | | | | |
Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. | | | 105,112 | | | | 2,830,666 | | | | | |
Donegal Group, Inc., Class A | | | 123,000 | | | | 1,720,770 | | | | | |
Eagle Bancorp Montana, Inc. | | | 21,000 | | | | 331,590 | | | | | |
Eagle Bancorp, Inc. | | | 72,070 | | | | 2,172,190 | | | | | |
Encore Capital Group, Inc.* | | | 97,600 | | | | 4,953,200 | | | | | |
Enova International, Inc.* | | | 102,407 | | | | 5,669,251 | | | | | |
Enterprise Bancorp, Inc. | | | 39,375 | | | | 1,270,237 | | | | | |
Enterprise Financial Services Corp. | | | 110,400 | | | | 4,929,360 | | | | | |
Equity Bancshares, Inc., | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Class A | | | 91,000 | | | | 3,084,900 | | | | | |
Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc. | | | 4,204 | | | | 210,032 | | | | | |
ESSA Bancorp, Inc. | | | 44,700 | | | | 894,894 | | | | | |
Evans Bancorp, Inc. | | | 8,000 | | | | 252,240 | | | | | |
EZCORP, Inc., Class A* | | | 416,200 | | | | 3,637,588 | | | | | |
Farmers National Banc Corp. | | | 88,589 | | | | 1,280,111 | | | | | |
FB Financial Corp. | | | 136,600 | | | | 5,443,510 | | | | | |
Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp., Class C | | | 26,600 | | | | 5,086,452 | | | | | |
Financial Institutions, Inc. | | | 50,000 | | | | 1,065,000 | | | | | |
Finwise Bancorp* | | | 30,700 | | | | 439,317 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | |
| | |
| | | | | | | | |
|
Financials (continued) | |
First Bancshares, Inc. (The) | | | 79,400 | | | $ | 2,328,802 | |
First Bank | | | 85,230 | | | | 1,252,881 | |
First Busey Corp. | | | 184,000 | | | | 4,566,880 | |
First Business Financial Services, Inc. | | | 45,400 | | | | 1,820,540 | |
First Capital, Inc. | | | 15,035 | | | | 410,305 | |
First Commonwealth Financial Corp. | | | 273,800 | | | | 4,227,472 | |
First Community Corp. | | | 35,000 | | | | 753,550 | |
First Financial Bancorp | | | 237,000 | | | | 5,628,750 | |
First Financial Corp. | | | 39,362 | | | | 1,693,747 | |
First Financial Northwest, Inc. | | | 42,882 | | | | 578,049 | |
First Guaranty Bancshares, Inc. | | | 27,472 | | | | 305,489 | |
First Internet Bancorp | | | 25,000 | | | | 604,750 | |
First Merchants Corp. | | | 148,600 | | | | 5,510,088 | |
First Mid Bancshares, Inc. | | | 51,500 | | | | 1,784,990 | |
First National Corp. | | | 33,800 | | | | 735,150 | |
First Northwest Bancorp | | | 30,287 | | | | 482,775 | |
First of Long Island Corp. (The) | | | 52,900 | | | | 700,396 | |
First Savings Financial Group, Inc. | | | 14,300 | | | | 240,240 | |
First United Corp. | | | 29,176 | | | | 685,928 | |
First US Bancshares, Inc. | | | 6,468 | | | | 68,690 | |
First Western Financial, Inc.* | | | 36,800 | | | | 729,744 | |
Flushing Financial Corp. | | | 90,997 | | | | 1,499,631 | |
FNCB Bancorp, Inc. | | | 185,700 | | | | 1,260,903 | |
Franklin Financial Services Corp. | | | 30,700 | | | | 968,585 | |
FS Bancorp, Inc. | | | 39,000 | | | | 1,441,440 | |
FVCBankcorp, Inc.* | | | 42,499 | | | | 603,486 | |
Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. | | | 10,000 | | | | 593,500 | |
Green Dot Corp., Class A* | | | 115,000 | | | | 1,138,500 | |
Guild Holdings Co., Class A | | | 227,001 | | | | 3,198,444 | |
Hanmi Financial Corp. | | | 73,100 | | | | 1,418,140 | |
HarborOne Bancorp, Inc. | | | 147,400 | | | | 1,765,852 | |
Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. | | | 28,404 | | | | 720,609 | |
Heartland Financial USA, Inc. | | | 119,700 | | | | 4,501,917 | |
Hennessy Advisors, Inc. | | | 7,000 | | | | 46,970 | |
Heritage Commerce Corp. | | | 132,464 | | | | 1,314,043 | |
Heritage Financial Corp. | | | 122,500 | | | | 2,620,275 | |
Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc.* | | | 97,100 | | | | 633,092 | |
HMN Financial, Inc. | | | 31,800 | | | | 731,400 | |
Home Bancorp, Inc. | | | 30,494 | | | | 1,281,053 | |
| | |
48 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Omni Small-Cap Value Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | | | | |
| |
Common Stocks (continued) | | | | | |
| | | |
Financials (continued) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc. | | | 44,100 | | | $ | 1,187,172 | | | | | |
Hope Bancorp, Inc. | | | 270,800 | | | | 3,271,264 | | | | | |
Horace Mann Educators Corp. | | | 106,200 | | | | 3,472,740 | | | | | |
Horizon Bancorp, Inc. | | | 127,667 | | | | 1,826,915 | | | | | |
Independent Bank Corp. | | | 88,100 | | | | 2,292,362 | | | | | |
Independent Bank Group, Inc. | | | 14,950 | | | | 760,656 | | | | | |
Investar Holding Corp. | | | 43,000 | | | | 641,130 | | | | | |
Investors Title Co. | | | 5,494 | | | | 890,797 | | | | | |
James River Group Holdings, Ltd. | | | 125,000 | | | | 1,155,000 | | | | | |
Kearny Financial Corp. | | | 181,462 | | | | 1,627,714 | | | | | |
Kingstone Cos., Inc.* | | | 36,200 | | | | 77,106 | | | | | |
Lakeland Bancorp, Inc. | | | 140,654 | | | | 2,080,273 | | | | | |
Landmark Bancorp, Inc. | | | 17,707 | | | | 343,162 | | | | | |
LCNB Corp. | | | 58,600 | | | | 924,122 | | | | | |
LendingTree, Inc.* | | | 15,000 | | | | 454,800 | | | | | |
loanDepot, Inc., Class A* | | | 912,664 | | | | 3,212,577 | | | | | |
Logan Ridge Finance Corp. | | | 12,600 | | | | 281,358 | | | | | |
Luther Burbank Corp. | | | 258,197 | | | | 2,765,290 | | | | | |
MainStreet Bancshares, Inc. | | | 36,000 | | | | 893,160 | | | | | |
Mercantile Bank Corp. | | | 47,300 | | | | 1,909,974 | | | | | |
Merchants Bancorp | | | 167,211 | | | | 7,119,844 | | | | | |
Mercury General Corp. | | | 144,500 | | | | 5,391,295 | | | | | |
Meridian Corp. | | | 43,800 | | | | 608,820 | | | | | |
Metrocity Bankshares, Inc. | | | 9,291 | | | | 223,170 | | | | | |
Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp.* | | | 21,400 | | | | 1,185,132 | | | | | |
Mid Penn Bancorp, Inc. | | | 26,603 | | | | 645,921 | | | | | |
Middlefield Banc Corp. | | | 34,000 | | | | 1,100,580 | | | | | |
Midland States Bancorp, Inc. | | | 113,700 | | | | 3,133,572 | | | | | |
MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc. | | | 59,260 | | | | 1,594,687 | | | | | |
MVB Financial Corp. | | | 32,600 | | | | 735,456 | | | | | |
National Western Life Group, Inc., Class A | | | 9,278 | | | | 4,481,460 | | | | | |
Navient Corp. | | | 450,000 | | | | 8,379,000 | | | | | |
Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. | | | 18,170 | | | | 1,462,322 | | | | | |
NMI Holdings, Inc., Class A* | | | 146,900 | | | | 4,359,992 | | | | | |
Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc. | | | 53,139 | | | | 942,686 | | | | | |
Northfield Bancorp, Inc. | | | 97,300 | | | | 1,224,034 | | | | | |
Northrim BanCorp, Inc. | | | 30,800 | | | | 1,762,068 | | | | | |
Northwest Bancshares, Inc. | | | 413,200 | | | | 5,156,736 | | | | | |
Oak Valley Bancorp | | | 40,000 | | | | 1,198,000 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | |
| | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Financials (continued) | | | | | | | | |
OceanFirst Financial Corp. | | | 215,123 | | | $ | 3,734,535 | |
Ocwen Financial Corp.* | | | 42,501 | | | | 1,307,331 | |
Ohio Valley Banc Corp. | | | 15,700 | | | | 361,100 | |
Old Point Financial Corp. | | | 17,300 | | | | 306,729 | |
Old Second Bancorp, Inc. | | | 97,303 | | | | 1,502,358 | |
OP Bancorp | | | 91,900 | | | | 1,006,305 | |
Oportun Financial Corp.* | | | 162,500 | | | | 635,375 | |
Oppenheimer Holdings, Inc., Class A | | | 54,493 | | | | 2,251,651 | |
Origin Bancorp, Inc. | | | 92,522 | | | | 3,291,008 | |
Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. | | | 31,600 | | | | 932,200 | |
Parke Bancorp, Inc. | | | 50,099 | | | | 1,014,505 | |
Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc.+ | | | 10,200 | | | | 140,964 | |
Pathward Financial, Inc. | | | 72,281 | | | | 3,825,833 | |
Patriot National Bancorp, Inc.* | | | 18,500 | | | | 70,855 | |
PCB Bancorp | | | 58,600 | | | | 1,079,998 | |
Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corp. | | | 69,894 | | | | 2,084,239 | |
Penns Woods Bancorp, Inc. | | | 33,229 | | | | 747,985 | |
Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. | | | 27,617 | | | | 833,757 | |
Peoples Bancorp, Inc. | | | 152,470 | | | | 5,147,387 | |
Peoples Financial Services Corp. | | | 22,900 | | | | 1,115,230 | |
Pioneer Bancorp, Inc.* | | | 82,600 | | | | 826,826 | |
Plumas Bancorp | | | 2,000 | | | | 82,700 | |
Preferred Bank | | | 20,833 | | | | 1,521,851 | |
Premier Financial Corp. | | | 95,300 | | | | 2,296,730 | |
Primis Financial Corp. | | | 31,600 | | | | 400,056 | |
Princeton Bancorp, Inc. | | | 34,480 | | | | 1,237,832 | |
PROG Holdings, Inc.* | | | 34,500 | | | | 1,066,395 | |
Provident Bancorp, Inc.*+ | | | 54,600 | | | | 549,822 | |
Provident Financial Holdings, Inc. | | | 26,600 | | | | 335,426 | |
Provident Financial Services, Inc. | | | 182,731 | | | | 3,294,640 | |
QCR Holdings, Inc. | | | 61,000 | | | | 3,561,790 | |
RBB Bancorp | | | 65,883 | | | | 1,254,412 | |
Red River Bancshares, Inc. | | | 200 | | | | 11,222 | |
Regional Management Corp. | | | 56,100 | | | | 1,406,988 | |
Renasant Corp. | | | 219,780 | | | | 7,402,190 | |
Republic Bancorp, Inc., Class A | | | 49,362 | | | | 2,722,808 | |
Rhinebeck Bancorp, Inc.* | | | 30,000 | | | | 241,500 | |
Richmond Mutual BanCorp, Inc. | | | 25,000 | | | | 287,750 | |
Riverview Bancorp, Inc. | | | 119,500 | | | | 764,800 | |
S&T Bancorp, Inc. | | | 149,601 | | | | 4,999,665 | |
| | |
Omni Small-Cap Value Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | | | | |
| |
Common Stocks (continued) | | | | | |
| | |
Financials (continued) | | | | | | | | | |
Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc. | | | 96,400 | | | $ | 2,625,936 | | | | | |
SB Financial Group, Inc. | | | 35,490 | | | | 540,868 | | | | | |
Security National Financial Corp., Class A* | | | 48,672 | | | | 438,048 | | | | | |
Shore Bancshares, Inc. | | | 117,844 | | | | 1,679,277 | | | | | |
Sierra Bancorp | | | 53,000 | | | | 1,195,150 | | | | | |
Simmons First National Corp., Class A | | | 103,000 | | | | 2,043,520 | | | | | |
SiriusPoint, Ltd.* | | | 647,100 | | | | 7,506,360 | | | | | |
SmartFinancial, Inc. | | | 56,500 | | | | 1,383,685 | | | | | |
Sound Financial Bancorp, Inc. | | | 10,000 | | | | 390,000 | | | | | |
South Plains Financial, Inc. | | | 99,700 | | | | 2,887,312 | | | | | |
Southern First Bancshares, Inc.* | | | 27,038 | | | | 1,003,110 | | | | | |
Southern Missouri Bancorp, Inc. | | | 11,000 | | | | 587,290 | | | | | |
Southern States Bancshares, Inc. | | | 35,000 | | | | 1,024,800 | | | | | |
Southside Bancshares, Inc. | | | 10,000 | | | | 313,200 | | | | | |
Stewart Information Services Corp. | | | 103,814 | | | | 6,099,072 | | | | | |
Summit Financial Group, Inc. | | | 65,515 | | | | 2,010,655 | | | | | |
Summit State Bank | | | 21,000 | | | | 252,000 | | | | | |
SWK Holdings Corp.* | | | 58,405 | | | | 1,023,840 | | | | | |
Territorial Bancorp, Inc. | | | 30,000 | | | | 334,500 | | | | | |
Third Coast Bancshares, Inc.* | | | 58,000 | | | | 1,152,460 | | | | | |
Timberland Bancorp, Inc. | | | 47,900 | | | | 1,506,934 | | | | | |
Tiptree, Inc. | | | 177,200 | | | | 3,359,712 | | | | | |
Towne Bank | | | 120,600 | | | | 3,589,056 | | | | | |
TriCo Bancshares | | | 15,900 | | | | 683,223 | | | | | |
TrustCo Bank Corp. NY | | | 46,680 | | | | 1,449,414 | | | | | |
Trustmark Corp. | | | 200,500 | | | | 5,589,940 | | | | | |
Union Bankshares, Inc. | | | 139 | | | | 4,260 | | | | | |
United Bancorp, Inc. | | | 17,000 | | | | 216,580 | | | | | |
United Fire Group, Inc. | | | 53,100 | | | | 1,068,372 | | | | | |
United Security Bancshares | | | 50,000 | | | | 420,500 | | | | | |
Unity Bancorp, Inc. | | | 43,867 | | | | 1,298,025 | | | | | |
Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. | | | 110,117 | | | | 1,759,670 | | | | | |
Univest Financial Corp. | | | 133,179 | | | | 2,933,933 | | | | | |
US Global Investors, Inc., Class A | | | 48,500 | | | | 136,770 | | | | | |
Velocity Financial, Inc.*+ | | | 156,650 | | | | 2,697,513 | | | | | |
Veritex Holdings, Inc. | | | 102,380 | | | | 2,382,383 | | | | | |
Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. | | | 17,232 | | | | 4,166,008 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | |
| | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Financials (continued) | | | | | | | | |
WaFd, Inc. | | | 200,000 | | | $ | 6,592,000 | |
Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. | | | 45,000 | | | | 1,457,100 | |
Waterstone Financial, Inc. | | | 47,000 | | | | 667,400 | |
WesBanco, Inc. | | | 134,000 | | | | 4,203,580 | |
Western New England Bancorp, Inc. | | | 67,500 | | | | 607,500 | |
Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. | | | 26,452 | | | | 332,502 | |
World Acceptance Corp.* | | | 20,100 | | | | 2,623,653 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | | | | 437,239,482 | |
| | |
Health Care - 3.40% | | | | | | | | |
AdaptHealth Corp.* | | | 505,000 | | | | 3,681,450 | |
American Shared Hospital Services* | | | 8,500 | | | | 20,225 | |
Assertio Holdings, Inc.* | | | 298,600 | | | | 319,502 | |
Avanos Medical, Inc.* | | | 158,417 | | | | 3,553,293 | |
Bioventus, Inc., Class A* | | | 225,000 | | | | 1,185,750 | |
CareCloud, Inc.* | | | 29,200 | | | | 44,384 | |
Carisma Therapeutics, Inc.+ | | | 154,900 | | | | 453,857 | |
Cross Country Healthcare, Inc.* | | | 157,500 | | | | 3,565,800 | |
Enhabit, Inc.* | | | 127,800 | | | | 1,322,730 | |
FONAR Corp.* | | | 16,500 | | | | 322,740 | |
Fulgent Genetics, Inc.* | | | 52,708 | | | | 1,523,788 | |
Great Elm Group, Inc.* | | | 4,500 | | | | 8,730 | |
Innoviva, Inc.*+ | | | 289,190 | | | | 4,638,608 | |
Multiplan Corp.* | | | 3,195,200 | | | | 4,601,088 | |
Ocuphire Pharma, Inc.* | | | 40,000 | | | | 120,400 | |
OraSure Technologies, Inc.* | | | 200,000 | | | | 1,640,000 | |
Owens & Minor, Inc.* | | | 253,600 | | | | 4,886,872 | |
Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc.* | | | 265,000 | | | | 2,464,500 | |
ProPhase Labs, Inc.*+ | | | 5,000 | | | | 22,600 | |
SCYNEXIS, Inc.* | | | 91,900 | | | | 204,937 | |
Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | | | 175,100 | | | | 738,922 | |
Vir Biotechnology, Inc.* | | | 295,200 | | | | 2,969,712 | |
Voyager Therapeutics, Inc.* | | | 138,000 | | | | 1,164,720 | |
XBiotech, Inc.* | | | 20,000 | | | | 80,000 | |
Zymeworks, Inc.* | | | 406,900 | | | | 4,227,691 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | | | | 43,762,299 | |
| | |
Industrials - 13.84% | | | | | | | | |
ACCO Brands Corp. | | | 481,300 | | | | 2,926,304 | |
Air Transport Services Group, Inc.* | | | 197,500 | | | | 3,477,975 | |
Allegiant Travel Co.+ | | | 85,200 | | | | 7,038,372 | |
| | |
50 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Omni Small-Cap Value Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | | | | |
| |
Common Stocks (continued) | | | | | |
| | |
Industrials (continued) | | | | | | | | | |
American Woodmark Corp.* | | | 93,400 | | | $ | 8,672,190 | | | | | |
ARC Document Solutions, Inc. | | | 301,700 | | | | 989,576 | | | | | |
ArcBest Corp. | | | 69,500 | | | | 8,354,595 | | | | | |
Avalon Holdings Corp., Class A* | | | 16,900 | | | | 40,391 | | | | | |
AZZ, Inc. | | | 59,600 | | | | 3,462,164 | | | | | |
BlueLinx Holdings, Inc.* | | | 45,000 | | | | 5,098,950 | | | | | |
BrightView Holdings, Inc.* | | | 454,500 | | | | 3,826,890 | | | | | |
Caesarstone, Ltd.* | | | 68,500 | | | | 256,190 | | | | | |
CBAK Energy Technology, Inc.* | | | 360,000 | | | | 378,000 | | | | | |
Civeo Corp. | | | 77,255 | | | | 1,765,277 | | | | | |
Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc.* | | | 93,600 | | | | 656,136 | | | | | |
CompX International, Inc. | | | 1,000 | | | | 25,280 | | | | | |
Concrete Pumping Holdings, Inc.* | | | 313,000 | | | | 2,566,600 | | | | | |
Conduent, Inc.* | | | 784,200 | | | | 2,862,330 | | | | | |
Costamare, Inc. | | | 545,400 | | | | 5,677,614 | | | | | |
Covenant Logistics Group, Inc. | | | 85,400 | | | | 3,931,816 | | | | | |
Daseke, Inc.* | | | 43,000 | | | | 348,300 | | | | | |
Deluxe Corp. | | | 187,000 | | | | 4,011,150 | | | | | |
Eagle Bulk Shipping, Inc.+ | | | 68,600 | | | | 3,800,440 | | | | | |
Eastern Co. (The) | | | 19,601 | | | | 431,222 | | | | | |
Enviri Corp.* | | | 352,580 | | | | 3,173,220 | | | | | |
Genco Shipping & Trading, Ltd. | | | 230,900 | | | | 3,830,631 | | | | | |
Golden Ocean Group, Ltd.+ | | | 738,400 | | | | 7,206,784 | | | | | |
Greenbrier Cos., Inc. (The) | | | 151,500 | | | | 6,693,270 | | | | | |
Heartland Express, Inc. | | | 165,000 | | | | 2,352,900 | | | | | |
Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. | | | 67,500 | | | | 1,993,275 | | | | | |
Hurco Cos., Inc. | | | 19,560 | | | | 421,127 | | | | | |
JELD-WEN Holding, Inc.* | | | 381,200 | | | | 7,197,056 | | | | | |
JetBlue Airways Corp.*+ | | | 800,000 | | | | 4,440,000 | | | | | |
Kaman Corp. | | | 33,300 | | | | 797,535 | | | | | |
Kelly Services, Inc., Class A | | | 139,383 | | | | 3,013,460 | | | | | |
Limbach Holdings, Inc.* | | | 3,000 | | | | 136,410 | | | | | |
LS Starrett Co. (The), Class A* | | | 14,232 | | | | 172,207 | | | | | |
Manitowoc Co., Inc. (The)* | | | 146,550 | | | | 2,445,919 | | | | | |
Matthews International Corp., Class A | | | 109,000 | | | | 3,994,850 | | | | | |
Mayville Engineering Co., Inc.* | | | 97,810 | | | | 1,410,420 | | | | | |
Mistras Group, Inc.* | | | 137,050 | | | | 1,003,206 | | | | | |
NL Industries, Inc. | | | 66,962 | | | | 375,657 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | |
| | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Industrials (continued) | | | | | | | | |
NN, Inc.* | | | 137,500 | | | $ | 550,000 | |
Northwest Pipe Co.* | | | 50,000 | | | | 1,513,000 | |
Orion Group Holdings, Inc.* | | | 65,422 | | | | 323,185 | |
PAM Transportation Services, Inc.* | | | 94,220 | | | | 1,957,892 | |
Pangaea Logistics Solutions, Ltd. | | | 296,300 | | | | 2,441,512 | |
Park-Ohio Holdings Corp. | | | 5,100 | | | | 137,496 | |
Perma-Pipe International Holdings, Inc.* | | | 14,000 | | | | 109,060 | |
Preformed Line Products Co. | | | 11,100 | | | | 1,485,846 | |
Proto Labs, Inc.* | | | 54,800 | | | | 2,135,008 | |
Quad/Graphics, Inc.* | | | 281,500 | | | | 1,525,730 | |
Quanex Building Products Corp. | | | 126,700 | | | | 3,873,219 | |
Radiant Logistics, Inc.* | | | 175,000 | | | | 1,162,000 | |
Resources Connection, Inc. | | | 120,000 | | | | 1,700,400 | |
REV Group, Inc. | | | 125,000 | | | | 2,271,250 | |
Rush Enterprises, Inc., Class B | | | 23,600 | | | | 1,250,328 | |
Safe Bulkers, Inc. | | | 542,100 | | | | 2,130,453 | |
Servotronics, Inc.* | | | 1,500 | | | | 18,750 | |
SIFCO Industries, Inc.* | | | 6,500 | | | | 29,510 | |
SkyWest, Inc.* | | | 186,000 | | | | 9,709,200 | |
StarTek, Inc.* | | | 174,900 | | | | 771,309 | |
Steelcase, Inc., Class A | | | 345,000 | | | | 4,664,400 | |
Sun Country Airlines Holdings, Inc.* | | | 148,800 | | | | 2,340,624 | |
Titan International, Inc.* | | | 183,500 | | | | 2,730,480 | |
Titan Machinery, Inc.* | | | 85,100 | | | | 2,457,688 | |
TrueBlue, Inc.* | | | 79,550 | | | | 1,220,297 | |
Tutor Perini Corp.* | | | 225,000 | | | | 2,047,500 | |
Universal Logistics Holdings, Inc. | | | 115,189 | | | | 3,227,596 | |
V2X, Inc.* | | | 35,000 | | | | 1,625,400 | |
Willis Lease Finance Corp.* | | | 35,400 | | | | 1,730,352 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | | | | 178,395,174 | |
| | |
Information Technology - 4.07% | | | | | | | | |
Adeia, Inc. | | | 481,800 | | | | 5,969,502 | |
Alpha & Omega Semiconductor, Ltd.* | | | 109,544 | | | | 2,854,717 | |
AXT, Inc.* | | | 125,000 | | | | 300,000 | |
Benchmark Electronics, Inc. | | | 24,000 | | | | 663,360 | |
Cleanspark, Inc.*+ | | | 275,000 | | | | 3,033,250 | |
| | |
Omni Small-Cap Value Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | | | | |
| |
Common Stocks (continued) | | | | | |
| | |
Information Technology (continued) | | | | | | | | | |
Comtech Telecommunications Corp. | | | 91,200 | | | $ | 768,816 | | | | | |
E2open Parent Holdings, Inc.*+ | | | 769,600 | | | | 3,378,544 | | | | | |
Eastman Kodak Co.* | | | 253,000 | | | | 986,700 | | | | | |
Ebix, Inc. | | | 21,400 | | | | 22,256 | | | | | |
Magnachip Semiconductor Corp.* | | | 130,000 | | | | 975,000 | | | | | |
Methode Electronics, Inc. | | | 111,000 | | | | 2,523,030 | | | | | |
NetScout Systems, Inc.* | | | 202,400 | | | | 4,442,680 | | | | | |
Photronics, Inc.* | | | 206,050 | | | | 6,463,788 | | | | | |
Richardson Electronics, Ltd. | | | 15,000 | | | | 200,250 | | | | | |
ScanSource, Inc.* | | | 50,000 | | | | 1,980,500 | | | | | |
Taitron Components, Inc., Class A | | | 10,000 | | | | 34,900 | | | | | |
Trio-Tech International* | | | 21,800 | | | | 110,526 | | | | | |
TTM Technologies, Inc.* | | | 490,653 | | | | 7,757,224 | | | | | |
WidePoint Corp.* | | | 11,000 | | | | 25,520 | | | | | |
Xerox Holdings Corp. | | | 542,500 | | | | 9,944,025 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | 52,434,588 | | | | | |
| | | |
Materials - 6.70% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AdvanSix, Inc. | | | 145,700 | | | | 4,365,172 | | | | | |
Alto Ingredients, Inc.* | | | 252,000 | | | | 670,320 | | | | | |
Ascent Industries Co.* | | | 39,525 | | | | 377,859 | | | | | |
Caledonia Mining Corp. PLC | | | 9,200 | | | | 112,240 | | | | | |
Century Aluminum Co.*+ | | | 322,300 | | | | 3,912,722 | | | | | |
Clearwater Paper Corp.* | | | 91,650 | | | | 3,310,398 | | | | | |
Core Molding Technologies, Inc.* | | | 37,900 | | | | 702,287 | | | | | |
Friedman Industries, Inc. | | | 11,500 | | | | 177,790 | | | | | |
Intrepid Potash, Inc.*+ | | | 59,856 | | | | 1,429,960 | | | | | |
Koppers Holdings, Inc. | | | 80,100 | | | | 4,102,722 | | | | | |
Kronos Worldwide, Inc. | | | 233,600 | | | | 2,321,984 | | | | | |
Mativ Holdings, Inc. | | | 165,000 | | | | 2,526,150 | | | | | |
Mercer International, Inc. | | | 276,150 | | | | 2,617,902 | | | | | |
Olympic Steel, Inc. | | | 67,267 | | | | 4,486,709 | | | | | |
Pactiv Evergreen, Inc. | | | 712,643 | | | | 9,770,335 | | | | | |
Ramaco Resources, Inc., Class A | | | 91,400 | | | | 1,570,252 | | | | | |
Ranpak Holdings Corp.* | | | 248,000 | | | | 1,443,360 | | | | | |
Rayonier Advanced Materials, Inc.* | | | 96,091 | | | | 389,169 | | | | | |
Ryerson Holding Corp. | | | 177,800 | | | | 6,166,104 | | | | | |
Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc., Class A | | | 124,900 | | | | 3,766,984 | | | | | |
SunCoke Energy, Inc. | | | 497,700 | | | | 5,345,298 | | | | | |
TimkenSteel Corp.* | | | 259,000 | | | | 6,073,550 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | |
| | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
Materials (continued) | | | | | | | | |
Tronox Holdings PLC | | | 673,000 | | | $ | 9,529,680 | |
Universal Stainless & Alloy | | | | | | | | |
Products, Inc.* | | | 40,000 | | | | 803,200 | |
Valhi, Inc.+ | | | 96,527 | | | | 1,466,245 | |
Warrior Met Coal, Inc. | | | 146,992 | | | | 8,962,102 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | | | | 86,400,494 | |
| | |
Real Estate - 2.34% | | | | | | | | |
AMREP Corp.* | | | 52,000 | | | | 1,142,440 | |
Anywhere Real Estate, Inc.* | | | 457,800 | | | | 3,712,758 | |
Forestar Group, Inc.* | | | 209,800 | | | | 6,938,086 | |
Newmark Group, Inc., Class A | | | 705,000 | | | | 7,726,800 | |
Opendoor Technologies, Inc.* | | | 2,100,000 | | | | 9,408,000 | |
RE/MAX Holdings, Inc., Class A | | | 91,400 | | | | 1,218,362 | |
Transcontinental Realty Investors, Inc.* | | | 1,400 | | | | 48,384 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | | | | 30,194,830 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| |
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS - 99.42% | | | | 1,281,384,463 | |
| | | | | | | | |
(Cost $966,128,001) | | | | | | | | |
|
PREFERRED STOCK - 0.00% | |
Air T Funding, 8.00%+ | | | 221 | | | | 3,690 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| |
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCK - 0.00% | | | | 3,690 | |
| | | | | | | | |
(Cost $4,597) | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
RIGHTS - 0.01% | |
Pineapple Holdings, Inc., CVR*Δ#+++ | | | | 5,000 | | | | 3,300 | |
Resolute Forest Products, Inc., CVR, expiring 12/31/49*Δ# | | | | 335,500 | | | | 97,295 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
TOTAL RIGHTS - 0.01% | | | | | | | | 100,595 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $ – ) | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | Rate^ | | | Shares | | | Value | |
| |
MONEY MARKET FUND - 0.00% | | | | | |
Fidelity Investments Money Market Government Portfolio Class I | | | 5.25 | % | | | 720 | | | | 720 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
TOTAL MONEY MARKET FUND - 0.00% | | | | 720 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $720) | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
52 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Omni Small-Cap Value Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | Rate^ | | | Shares | | | Value | | | | |
| |
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH CASH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING - 1.04% | | | | | |
Dreyfus Institutional Preferred Government Money Market Fund** | | | 5.32 | % | | | 13,381,173 | | | $ | 13,381,173 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH CASH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING - 1.04% | | | | 13,381,173 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $13,381,173) | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 100.47% | | | $ | 1,294,870,641 | | | | | |
(Cost $979,514,491) | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets - (0.47%) | | | | (6,074,452) | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS - 100.00% | | | $ | 1,288,796,189 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
* | Non-income producing security. |
+ | This security or a portion of the security is out on loan as of December 31, 2023. Total loaned securities had a value of $42,586,663 as of December 31, 2023. See Note 2 for disclosure of cash and non-cash collateral. |
# | Illiquid security as determined under procedures approved by the Board of Directors. The aggregate value of illiquid securities is $143,095, which is 0.01% of total net assets. |
Δ | Security was fair valued using significant unobservable inputs. |
| As such, the security is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. |
+++ | No stated maturity date. |
^ | Rate disclosed as of December 31, 2023. |
** | This security represents the investment of the cash collateral received in connection with securities out on loan as of December 31, 2023. |
CVR - Contingent Value Right
PLC - Public Limited Company
| | |
Omni Small-Cap Value Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
| | |
Summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of 12/31/2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Valuation Inputs | | | | |
| | | | | Investment in Securities (Value) | | | | |
| | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
| | | | |
Common Stocks | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Communication Services | | | $61,543,489 | | | | $– | | | | $42,500 | | | | $61,585,989 | |
| | | | |
Other Industries (a) | | | 1,219,798,474 | | | | – | | | | – | | | | 1,219,798,474 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Total Common Stocks | | | 1,281,341,963 | | | | – | | | | 42,500 | | | | 1,281,384,463 | |
| | | | |
Preferred Stock | | | 3,690 | | | | – | | | | – | | | | 3,690 | |
| | | | |
Rights | | | – | | | | – | | | | 100,595 | | | | 100,595 | |
| | | | |
Money Market Fund | | | 720 | | | | – | | | | – | | | | 720 | |
| | | | |
Investments Purchased With Cash Proceeds From Securities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Lending | | | 13,381,173 | | | | – | | | | – | | | | 13,381,173 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
TOTAL | | | $1,294,727,546 | | | | $– | | | | $143,095 | | | | $1,294,870,641 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) - Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for the industry classifications of these portfolio holdings.
Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 investments for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment in Securities (Value) | |
| |
| | Common Stocks | | | Rights | | | Total | |
| |
| | | |
Balance as of 06/30/2023 | | $ | – | | | $ | 97,295 | | | $ | 97,295 | |
Purchases/Issuances | | | 278,500 | | | | – | | | | 278,500 | |
Sales/Expirations | | | – | | | | – | | | | – | |
Return of Capital | | | – | | | | – | | | | – | |
Realized Gain/(Loss) | | | – | | | | – | | | | – | |
Change in unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation) | | | (236,000) | | | | 3,300 | | | | (232,700) | |
Transfers in | | | – | | | | – | | | | – | |
Transfers out | | | – | | | | – | | | | – | |
| | | | |
Balance as of 12/31/2023 | | $ | 42,500 | | | $ | 100,595 | | | $ | 143,095 | |
| | | | |
Net change in unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation) from investments held as of 12/31/2023 | | $ | (236,000) | | | $ | 3,300 | | | $ | (232,700) | |
| | | | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
54 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Managed Volatility Fund | | |
MANAGER’S COMMENTARY (Unaudited) | | |
| | |
December 31, 2023
Dear Fellow Managed Volatility Fund Shareholder,
For the quarter ended December 31, 2023, our Fund returned +4.56%, underperforming our primary market benchmark, the S&P 500 Index (+11.69%). The Fund performed in line with its design during the quarter.
For the calendar year, our Fund returned +11.11%, underperforming the S&P 500 Index (+26.29%).
The table below presents our December quarter, six months, one-year, five-year, 10-year, 15-year, and inception-to-date financial results.
Standardized Returns as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | Annualized |
| | Quarter | | 6 Months | | 1 Year | | 5 Years | | 10 Years | | 15 Years | | Since Inception (6/30/01) |
| | | | | | | |
Managed Volatility Fund | | | | 4.56 | % | | | | 4.31 | % | | | | 11.11 | % | | | | 7.11 | % | | | | 4.76 | % | | | | 5.51 | % | | | | 4.37 | % |
S&P 500 Index | | | | 11.69 | % | | | | 8.04 | % | | | | 26.29 | % | | | | 15.69 | % | | | | 12.03 | % | | | | 13.97 | % | | | | 8.31 | % |
Performance figures quoted in the table above represent past performance and are no guarantee of future results. Total return figures in the table above include the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. The table above does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.
The S&P 500 Index is a broad-based, unmanaged measurement of changes in stock market conditions, based on the average of 500 widely held common stocks with dividends reinvested. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Periods longer than one year are annualized.
| | |
Managed Volatility Fund | | |
MANAGER’S COMMENTARY (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
| | |
Growth of a $10,000 Investment
from Inception June 30, 2001 to December 31, 2023
Detailed Explanation of Quarterly Performance
For the quarter, the Managed Volatility Fund returned 4.56%, capturing 39% of the S&P 500 Index’s return. The Fund’s return capture is in line with the Fund’s objective of providing short-term risk less than or equal to 40% of the stock market. The Fund had an annualized standard deviation of 1.38% during the quarter, which was 70% lower than the S&P 500’s annualized standard deviation of 4.61% during the same period.
The portfolio’s options component detracted from quarterly results, returning approximately -1.2%. However, all other portfolio components added to the Fund’s results. The portfolio’s equities component provided the largest contribution, returning approximately 5%. The portfolio’s futures and fixed income components returned approximately 0.4% and 0.3%, respectively.
Detailed Explanation of Calendar Year Performance
For the 12-month period, the Managed Volatility Fund returned 11.11%, capturing 42% of the S&P 500 Index’s return. The Fund had an annualized standard deviation of 5.04% during the year, which was 64% lower than the S&P 500’s annualized standard deviation of 14.11% during the same period.
The portfolio’s options component detracted from the Fund’s results, returning approximately -1.8%. All other portfolio components added to results during the year. The portfolio’s equities component made the largest contribution with a return of roughly 11%. The portfolio’s fixed income component returned roughly 1.1%, while the portfolio’s futures component returned 0.7%.
The Fund continues to perform as designed, particularly over longer time horizons. For the past 10 years and since inception, the Fund has captured roughly 40% and 53%, respectively, of the S&P 500’s return. The Fund’s annualized standard deviation has been about 59% lower than the index’s for the last 10 years, and about 57% lower since inception.
| | |
56 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Managed Volatility Fund | | |
MANAGER’S COMMENTARY (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
| | |
Top Ten Holdings as of December 31, 2023
| | | | | | |
Rank | | Description | | Industry | | % of Net Assets |
1 | | Apple, Inc. | | Information Technology | | 3.7% |
2 | | Microsoft Corp. | | Information Technology | | 3.5% |
3 | | Amazon.com, Inc. | | Consumer Discretionary | | 2.4% |
4 | | Alphabet, Inc., Class C | | Communication Services | | 1.8% |
5 | | Alphabet, Inc., Class A | | Communication Services | | 1.8% |
6 | | McDonald’s Corp. | | Consumer Discretionary | | 1.7% |
7 | | Marathon Petroleum Corp. | | Energy | | 1.7% |
8 | | Occidental Petroleum Corp. | | Energy | | 1.4% |
9 | | PepsiCo, Inc. | | Consumer Staples | | 1.3% |
10 | | Expedia Group, Inc. | | Consumer Discretionary | | 1.2% |
| | | |
| | Total | | | | 20.5% |
Industry Sector Representation as of December 31, 2023
| | |
Asset Type | | % of Net Assets |
Common Stock | | 59.0% |
Communication Services | | 5.5% |
Consumer Discretionary | | 7.5% |
Consumer Staples | | 4.2% |
Energy | | 7.5% |
Financials | | 6.3% |
Health Care | | 6.4% |
Industrials | | 3.5% |
Information Technology | | 15.0% |
Materials | | 1.6% |
Real Estate | | 0.8% |
Utilities | | 0.7% |
U.S. Government Obligations | | 32.4% |
Call Options Written | | -1.1% |
Put Options Written | | -0.8% |
Money Market Fund | | 7.6% |
Cash & Other Assets | | 2.9% |
Total | | 100% |
Important Disclosure
The views expressed here are exclusively those of Fund management. These views, including those related to market sectors or individual stocks, are not meant as investment advice and should not be considered predictive in nature. Any favorable (or unfavorable) description of a holding applies only as of the quarter end, December 31, 2023, unless otherwise stated. Security positions can and do change thereafter. Discussions of historical performance do not guarantee and may not be indicative of future performance.
Market volatility can significantly affect short-term performance. The Fund is not an appropriate investment for short-term investors. Investments in the small companies within this multi-cap fund generally carry greater risk than is customarily associated with larger companies. This additional risk is attributable to a number of factors, including the relatively limited financial resources that are typically available to small companies and the fact that small companies often have comparatively limited product lines. In addition, the stock of small companies tends to be more volatile than the stock of large
| | |
Managed Volatility Fund | | |
MANAGER’S COMMENTARY (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
| | |
companies, particularly in the short term and particularly in the early stages of an economic or market downturn. The Fund’s use of options, futures, and leverage can magnify the risk of loss in an unfavorable market, and the Fund’s use of short-sale positions can, in theory, expose shareholders to unlimited loss. Shareholders of the Fund, therefore, are taking on more risk than they would if they invested in the stock market as a whole. The Fund uses an option writing strategy in which the Fund may sell covered calls or secured put options. Options are subject to special risks and may not fully protect the Fund against declines in the value of its stocks. In addition, an option writing strategy limits the upside profit potential normally associated with stocks. Finally, the Fund’s fixed-income holdings are subject to three types of risk. Interest rate risk is the chance that bond prices overall will decline as interest rates rise. Credit risk is the chance that a bond issuer will fail to pay interest and principal. Prepayment risk is the chance that a mortgage-backed bond issuer will repay a higher yielding bond, resulting in a lower paying yield.
Conclusion
Thank you for your continued investment in Managed Volatility Fund. We encourage your feedback; your reactions and concerns are important to us.
Sincerely,
The Investment Management Team
| | |
58 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Managed Volatility Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) | | |
| |
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | | | | |
| |
COMMON STOCKS - 59.02% | | | | | |
| |
Communication Services - 5.49% | | | | | |
Alphabet, Inc., Class A*# | | | 3,900 | | | $ | 544,791 | | | | | |
Alphabet, Inc., Class C*# | | | 4,000 | | | | 563,720 | | | | | |
AT&T, Inc. | | | 1,740 | | | | 29,197 | | | | | |
Comcast Corp., Class A | | | 600 | | | | 26,310 | | | | | |
Electronic Arts, Inc.# | | | 1,900 | | | | 259,939 | | | | | |
Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A*# | | | 400 | | | | 141,584 | | | | | |
Omnicom Group, Inc. | | | 400 | | | | 34,604 | | | | | |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | | | 900 | | | | 33,930 | | | | | |
Walt Disney Co. (The) | | | 565 | | | | 51,014 | | | | | |
Warner Bros Discovery, Inc.* | | | 366 | | | | 4,165 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | 1,689,254 | | | | | |
| |
Consumer Discretionary - 7.47% | | | | | |
Amazon.com, Inc.*# | | | 4,800 | | | | 729,312 | | | | | |
AutoZone, Inc.* | | | 100 | | | | 258,561 | | | | | |
eBay, Inc. | | | 500 | | | | 21,810 | | | | | |
Expedia Group, Inc.*# | | | 2,500 | | | | 379,475 | | | | | |
Ford Motor Co. | | | 875 | | | | 10,666 | | | | | |
General Motors Co. | | | 700 | | | | 25,144 | | | | | |
McDonald’s Corp.# | | | 1,800 | | | | 533,718 | | | | | |
NIKE, Inc., Class B | | | 400 | | | | 43,428 | | | | | |
Ross Stores, Inc. | | | 500 | | | | 69,195 | | | | | |
Starbucks Corp. | | | 400 | | | | 38,404 | | | | | |
Tesla, Inc.* | | | 600 | | | | 149,088 | | | | | |
Yum! Brands, Inc. | | | 300 | | | | 39,198 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | 2,297,999 | | | | | |
| |
Consumer Staples - 4.25% | | | | | |
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. | | | 400 | | | | 28,888 | | | | | |
Coca-Cola Co. (The) | | | 1,700 | | | | 100,181 | | | | | |
Colgate-Palmolive Co. | | | 400 | | | | 31,884 | | | | | |
Constellation Brands, Inc., Class A# | | | 400 | | | | 96,700 | | | | | |
Costco Wholesale Corp. | | | 300 | | | | 198,024 | | | | | |
Dollar General Corp. | | | 300 | | | | 40,785 | | | | | |
General Mills, Inc. | | | 500 | | | | 32,570 | | | | | |
J M Smucker Co. (The) | | | 200 | | | | 25,276 | | | | | |
Kimberly-Clark Corp. | | | 400 | | | | 48,604 | | | | | |
Kroger Co. (The) | | | 800 | | | | 36,568 | | | | | |
Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.# | | | 300 | | | | 32,427 | | | | | |
Mondelez International, Inc., Class A | | | 700 | | | | 50,701 | | | | | |
PepsiCo, Inc.# | | | 2,300 | | | | 390,632 | | | | | |
Procter & Gamble Co. (The) | | | 600 | | | | 87,924 | | | | | |
Target Corp. | | | 300 | | | | 42,726 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | |
| | |
Consumer Staples (continued) | | | | | | | | |
Walmart, Inc.# | | | 400 | | | $ | 63,060 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | | | | 1,306,950 | |
|
Energy - 7.48% | |
APA Corp.# | | | 7,000 | | | | 251,160 | |
Cheniere Energy, Inc.# | | | 2,000 | | | | 341,420 | |
Chevron Corp.# | | | 678 | | | | 101,130 | |
ConocoPhillips | | | 587 | | | | 68,133 | |
EOG Resources, Inc. | | | 500 | | | | 60,475 | |
Exxon Mobil Corp.# | | | 900 | | | | 89,982 | |
Kinder Morgan, Inc. | | | 400 | | | | 7,056 | |
Marathon Petroleum Corp.# | | | 3,500 | | | | 519,260 | |
Occidental Petroleum Corp.# | | | 7,260 | | | | 433,495 | |
Phillips 66 | | | 593 | | | | 78,952 | |
Pioneer Natural Resources Co. | | | 25 | | | | 5,622 | |
Schlumberger NV | | | 600 | | | | 31,224 | |
Valero Energy Corp.# | | | 2,400 | | | | 312,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | | | | 2,299,909 | |
| | |
Financials - 6.30% | | | | | | | | |
American Express Co.# | | | 300 | | | | 56,202 | |
Aon PLC, Class A | | | 200 | | | | 58,204 | |
Bank of America Corp. | | | 1,700 | | | | 57,239 | |
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B*# | | | 710 | | | | 253,229 | |
BlackRock, Inc. | | | 100 | | | | 81,180 | |
Capital One Financial Corp.# | | | 200 | | | | 26,224 | |
Charles Schwab Corp. (The) | | | 800 | | | | 55,040 | |
Chubb, Ltd. | | | 261 | | | | 58,986 | |
Citigroup, Inc. | | | 810 | | | | 41,666 | |
CME Group, Inc.# | | | 600 | | | | 126,360 | |
Comerica, Inc. | | | 300 | | | | 16,743 | |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The) | | | 200 | | | | 77,154 | |
Huntington Bancshares, Inc. | | | 400 | | | | 5,088 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | | | 1,000 | | | | 170,100 | |
KeyCorp. | | | 400 | | | | 5,760 | |
Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc. | | | 400 | | | | 75,788 | |
Mastercard, Inc., Class A# | | | 400 | | | | 170,604 | |
Morgan Stanley | | | 800 | | | | 74,600 | |
PayPal Holdings, Inc.* | | | 400 | | | | 24,564 | |
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The) | | | 200 | | | | 30,970 | |
Progressive Corp. (The) | | | 320 | | | | 50,969 | |
| | |
Managed Volatility Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
| |
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | | | | |
| |
Common Stocks (continued) | | | | | |
| |
Financials (continued) | | | | | |
S&P Global, Inc. | | | 200 | | | $ | 88,104 | | | | | |
T Rowe Price Group, Inc. | | | 100 | | | | 10,769 | | | | | |
Truist Financial Corp. | | | 300 | | | | 11,076 | | | | | |
U.S. Bancorp | | | 1,900 | | | | 82,232 | | | | | |
Visa, Inc., Class A# | | | 600 | | | | 156,210 | | | | | |
Wells Fargo & Co. | | | 1,471 | | | | 72,403 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | 1,937,464 | | | | | |
| | | |
Health Care - 6.36% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Abbott Laboratories | | | 700 | | | | 77,049 | | | | | |
AbbVie, Inc.# | | | 1,559 | | | | 241,598 | | | | | |
Amgen, Inc.# | | | 500 | | | | 144,010 | | | | | |
Baxter International, Inc. | | | 300 | | | | 11,598 | | | | | |
Becton Dickinson & Co. | | | 173 | | | | 42,183 | | | | | |
Biogen, Inc.* | | | 200 | | | | 51,754 | | | | | |
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. | | | 879 | | | | 45,101 | | | | | |
Cigna Group (The) | | | 299 | | | | 89,535 | | | | | |
CVS Health Corp. | | | 400 | | | | 31,584 | | | | | |
Danaher Corp. | | | 200 | | | | 46,268 | | | | | |
DaVita, Inc.*# | | | 900 | | | | 94,284 | | | | | |
Elevance Health, Inc. | | | 200 | | | | 94,312 | | | | | |
Embecta Corp. | | | 34 | | | | 644 | | | | | |
Exact Sciences Corp.*# | | | 200 | | | | 14,796 | | | | | |
Gilead Sciences, Inc. | | | 400 | | | | 32,404 | | | | | |
Johnson & Johnson | | | 800 | | | | 125,392 | | | | | |
Medtronic PLC | | | 200 | | | | 16,476 | | | | | |
Merck & Co., Inc. | | | 1,600 | | | | 174,432 | | | | | |
Pfizer, Inc. | | | 1,700 | | | | 48,943 | | | | | |
Stryker Corp. | | | 160 | | | | 47,914 | | | | | |
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.# | | | 300 | | | | 159,237 | | | | | |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.# | | | 700 | | | | 368,529 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | 1,958,043 | | | | | |
| | | |
Industrials - 3.48% | | | | | | | | | | | | |
3M Co. | | | 500 | | | | 54,660 | | | | | |
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.# | | | 50 | | | | 11,648 | | | | | |
Carrier Global Corp. | | | 540 | | | | 31,023 | | | | | |
Emerson Electric Co. | | | 400 | | | | 38,932 | | | | | |
FedEx Corp.# | | | 600 | | | | 151,782 | | | | | |
Honeywell International, Inc. | | | 600 | | | | 125,826 | | | | | |
Ingersoll Rand, Inc. | | | 16 | | | | 1,237 | | | | | |
Johnson Controls International PLC | | | 454 | | | | 26,169 | | | | | |
L3Harris Technologies, Inc. | | | 100 | | | | 21,062 | | | | | |
Lockheed Martin Corp. | | | 270 | | | | 122,375 | | | | | |
Northrop Grumman Corp.# | | | 200 | | | | 93,628 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | Shares | | | Value | |
| | |
Industrials (continued) | | | | | | | | |
Otis Worldwide Corp. | | | 270 | | | $ | 24,157 | |
RTX Corp. | | | 1,240 | | | | 104,334 | |
Trane Technologies PLC | | | 200 | | | | 48,780 | |
Union Pacific Corp. | | | 300 | | | | 73,686 | |
United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B | | | 300 | | | | 47,169 | |
Veralto Corp. | | | 66 | | | | 5,429 | |
Waste Management, Inc. | | | 500 | | | | 89,550 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | | | | 1,071,447 | |
| |
Information Technology - 15.03% | | | | | |
Accenture PLC, Class A | | | 200 | | | | 70,182 | |
Adobe, Inc.*# | | | 500 | | | | 298,300 | |
Analog Devices, Inc. | | | 200 | | | | 39,712 | |
Apple, Inc.# | | | 5,900 | | | | 1,135,927 | |
Applied Materials, Inc.# | | | 1,100 | | | | 178,277 | |
Broadcom, Inc. | | | 210 | | | | 234,413 | |
Cisco Systems, Inc. | | | 2,000 | | | | 101,040 | |
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A# | | | 700 | | | | 52,871 | |
Dropbox, Inc., Class A*# | | | 4,000 | | | | 117,920 | |
HP, Inc. | | | 2,000 | | | | 60,180 | |
Intel Corp. | | | 1,400 | | | | 70,350 | |
International Business Machines Corp. | | | 200 | | | | 32,710 | |
Intuit, Inc. | | | 200 | | | | 125,006 | |
Juniper Networks, Inc. | | | 600 | | | | 17,688 | |
Micron Technology, Inc.# | | | 2,100 | | | | 179,214 | |
Microsoft Corp.# | | | 2,900 | | | | 1,090,516 | |
NVIDIA Corp.# | | | 500 | | | | 247,610 | |
Oracle Corp. | | | 860 | | | | 90,670 | |
QUALCOMM, Inc.# | | | 1,500 | | | | 216,945 | |
Salesforce, Inc.*# | | | 700 | | | | 184,198 | |
Texas Instruments, Inc. | | | 470 | | | | 80,116 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | | | | 4,623,845 | |
| | |
Materials - 1.57% | | | | | | | | |
Corteva, Inc. | | | 33 | | | | 1,581 | |
Dow, Inc. | | | 333 | | | | 18,262 | |
DuPont de Nemours, Inc. | | | 400 | | | | 30,772 | |
Ecolab, Inc. | | | 200 | | | | 39,670 | |
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc. | | | 1,600 | | | | 68,112 | |
Linde PLC | | | 200 | | | | 82,142 | |
Nucor Corp.# | | | 200 | | | | 34,808 | |
Sherwin-Williams Co. (The) | | | 100 | | | | 31,190 | |
Steel Dynamics, Inc.# | | | 1,500 | | | | 177,150 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | | | | | | 483,687 | |
| | |
60 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Managed Volatility Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
| |
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Company | | | Shares | | | Value | | | | |
| | |
Common Stocks (continued) | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
Real Estate - 0.83% | | | | | | | | | |
American Tower Corp. | | | | 300 | | | $ | 64,764 | | | | | |
Crown Castle, Inc. | | | | 500 | | | | 57,595 | | | | | |
Equinix, Inc. | | | | 40 | | | | 32,216 | | | | | |
Prologis, Inc. | | | | 250 | | | | 33,325 | | | | | |
Public Storage | | | | 100 | | | | 30,500 | | | | | |
SBA Communications Corp. | | | | 50 | | | | 12,684 | | | | | |
Welltower, Inc. | | | | 200 | | | | 18,034 | | | | | |
Weyerhaeuser Co. | | | | 200 | | | | 6,954 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | | 256,072 | | | | | |
| | | |
Utilities - 0.76% | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
American Electric Power Co., Inc. | | | | 400 | | | | 32,488 | | | | | |
Dominion Energy, Inc. | | | | 420 | | | | 19,740 | | | | | |
Duke Energy Corp. | | | | 383 | | | | 37,166 | | | | | |
NextEra Energy, Inc. | | | | 1,300 | | | | 78,962 | | | | | |
Sempra | | | | 660 | | | | 49,322 | | | | | |
Xcel Energy, Inc. | | | | 240 | | | | 14,859 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | | 232,537 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS - 59.02% | | | | 18,157,207 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $9,107,007) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Due Date | | Discount Rate or Coupon Rate(a) | | | Principal Amount | | | Value | | | | |
| |
U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS - 32.41% | | | | | |
| | |
U.S. Treasury Bills - 32.41% | | | | | | | | | |
01/04/2024 | | | 5.418% | | | $ | 4,000,000 | | | | 3,998,837 | | | | | |
02/08/2024 | | | 5.357% | | | | 3,000,000 | | | | 2,983,753 | | | | | |
02/22/2024 | | | 5.340% | | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 992,566 | | | | | |
01/25/2024 | | | 5.382% | | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 1,993,263 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS - 32.41% | | | | 9,968,419 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $9,966,790) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | Rate^ | | | Shares | | | Value | | | | |
| | |
MONEY MARKET FUND - 7.55% | | | | | | | | | |
Fidelity Investments Money | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market Government | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio Class I | | | 5.25% | | | | 2,323,878 | | | | 2,323,878 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
TOTAL MONEY MARKET FUND - 7.55% | | | | 2,323,878 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $2,323,878) | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS BEFORE OPTIONS WRITTEN - 98.98% | | | | 30,449,504 | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Cost $21,397,675) | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | Value | |
| |
WRITTEN OPTIONS - (1.87%) | | | | |
| |
TOTAL WRITTEN OPTIONS - (1.87%) | | $ | (575,967) | |
| | | | |
(Premiums Received $(603,506)) | | | | |
| |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 97.11% | | $ | 29,873,537 | |
(Cost $20,794,169) | | | | |
| |
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities - 2.89% | | | 888,278 | |
| | | | |
| |
NET ASSETS - 100.00% | | $ | 30,761,815 | |
| | | | |
# | Security subject to call or put option written by the Fund. |
* | Non-income producing security. |
(a) | Rate represents the annualized effective yield at purchase. |
^ | Rate disclosed as of December 31, 2023. |
PLC | - Public Limited Company |
| | |
Managed Volatility Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
| |
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Description | | Number of Contracts | | Notional Amount | | Exercise Price | | Expiration Date | | Value |
|
EXCHANGE TRADED PUT OPTIONS WRITTEN - (0.76%) | |
| | | | | |
Adobe, Inc. | | | | 6 | | | | $ | (357,960 | ) | | | $ | 620.00 | | | | | 02/16/24 | | | | $ | (19,992 | ) |
| | | | | |
Akamai Technologies, Inc. | | | | 25 | | | | | (295,875 | ) | | | | 115.00 | | | | | 02/16/24 | | | | | (6,500 | ) |
| | | | | |
Amazon.com, Inc. | | | | 40 | | | | | (607,760 | ) | | | | 150.00 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (27,000 | ) |
| | | | | |
American Express Co. | | | | 15 | | | | | (281,010 | ) | | | | 180.00 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (6,300 | ) |
| | | | | |
Automatic Data Processing, Inc. | | | | 10 | | | | | (232,970 | ) | | | | 220.00 | | | | | 02/16/24 | | | | | (2,860 | ) |
| | | | | |
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B | | | | 10 | | | | | (356,660 | ) | | | | 360.00 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (8,600 | ) |
| | | | | |
Boston Scientific Corp. | | | | 10 | | | | | (57,810 | ) | | | | 55.00 | | | | | 02/16/24 | | | | | (750 | ) |
| | | | | |
Capital One Financial Corp. | | | | 25 | | | | | (327,800 | ) | | | | 130.00 | | | | | 02/16/24 | | | | | (12,425 | ) |
| | | | | |
CF Industries Holdings, Inc. | | | | 30 | | | | | (238,500 | ) | | | | 82.50 | | | | | 01/19/24 | | | | | (10,950 | ) |
| | | | | |
CME Group, Inc. | | | | 5 | | | | | (105,300 | ) | | | | 210.00 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (3,400 | ) |
| | | | | |
CME Group, Inc. | | | | 5 | | | | | (105,300 | ) | | | | 220.00 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (6,000 | ) |
| | | | | |
DaVita, Inc. | | | | 15 | | | | | (157,140 | ) | | | | 100.00 | | | | | 01/19/24 | | | | | (1,800 | ) |
| | | | | |
EQT Corp. | | | | 55 | | | | | (212,630 | ) | | | | 43.00 | | | | | 01/19/24 | | | | | (26,400 | ) |
| | | | | |
GoDaddy, Inc., Class A | | | | 25 | | | | | (265,400 | ) | | | | 105.00 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (10,000 | ) |
| | | | | |
Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A | | | | 9 | | | | | (318,564 | ) | | | | 335.00 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (12,087 | ) |
| | | | | |
Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A | | | | 4 | | | | | (141,584 | ) | | | | 345.00 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (6,760 | ) |
| | | | | |
Microsoft Corp. | | | | 8 | | | | | (300,832 | ) | | | | 365.00 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (8,352 | ) |
| | | | | |
Nucor Corp. | | | | 18 | | | | | (313,272 | ) | | | | 165.00 | | | | | 02/16/24 | | | | | (5,634 | ) |
| | | | | |
NVIDIA Corp. | | | | 3 | | | | | (148,566 | ) | | | | 470.00 | | | | | 02/16/24 | | | | | (3,930 | ) |
| | | | | |
NVIDIA Corp. | | | | 1 | | | | | (49,522 | ) | | | | 460.00 | | | | | 02/16/24 | | | | | (1,004 | ) |
| | | | | |
Ovintiv, Inc. | | | | 10 | | | | | (43,920 | ) | | | | 47.00 | | | | | 01/19/24 | | | | | (4,400 | ) |
| | | | | |
Range Resources Corp. | | | | 40 | | | | | (121,760 | ) | | | | 31.00 | | | | | 01/19/24 | | | | | (4,720 | ) |
| | | | | |
T-Mobile US, Inc. | | | | 10 | | | | | (160,330 | ) | | | | 155.00 | | | | | 02/16/24 | | | | | (2,410 | ) |
| | | | | |
United Airlines Holdings, Inc. | | | | 45 | | | | | (185,670 | ) | | | | 40.00 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (9,405 | ) |
| | | | | |
Vertiv Holdings Co., Class A | | | | 70 | | | | | (336,210 | ) | | | | 47.50 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (28,000 | ) |
| | | | | |
Walmart, Inc. | | | | 23 | | | | | (362,595 | ) | | | | 150.00 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (4,784 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
Total Exchange Traded Put Options Written (Premiums Received $ (262,430)) | | | | $ | (234,463 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
62 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
Managed Volatility Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
| |
Showing percentage of net assets as of December 31, 2023 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Description | | Number of Contracts | | Notional Amount | | Exercise Price | | Expiration Date | | Value |
|
EXCHANGE TRADED CALL OPTIONS WRITTEN - (1.11%) | |
| | | | | |
AbbVie, Inc. | | | | 6 | | | | $ | (92,982 | ) | | | $ | 145.00 | | | | | 02/16/24 | | | | $ | (6,390) | |
| | | | | |
Adobe, Inc. | | | | 2 | | | | | (119,320 | ) | | | | 600.00 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (6,820) | |
| | | | | |
Alphabet, Inc., Class A | | | | 20 | | | | | (279,380 | ) | | | | 135.00 | | | | | 02/16/24 | | | | | (18,200) | |
| | | | | |
Alphabet, Inc., Class C | | | | 10 | | | | | (140,930 | ) | | | | 140.00 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (8,250) | |
| | | | | |
Alphabet, Inc., Class C | | | | 3 | | | | | (42,279 | ) | | | | 145.00 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (1,725) | |
| | | | | |
Amazon.com, Inc. | | | | 18 | | | | | (273,492 | ) | | | | 145.00 | | | | | 02/16/24 | | | | | (21,510) | |
| | | | | |
Amgen, Inc. | | | | 2 | | | | | (57,604 | ) | | | | 285.00 | | | | | 02/16/24 | | | | | (2,284) | |
| | | | | |
APA Corp. | | | | 70 | | | | | (251,160 | ) | | | | 35.00 | | | | | 01/19/24 | | | | | (11,200) | |
| | | | | |
Apple, Inc. | | | | 25 | | | | | (481,325 | ) | | | | 190.00 | | | | | 02/16/24 | | | | | (20,000) | |
| | | | | |
Applied Materials, Inc. | | | | 4 | | | | | (64,828 | ) | | | | 155.00 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (5,800) | |
| | | | | |
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B | | | | 2 | | | | | (71,332 | ) | | | | 350.00 | | | | | 01/19/24 | | | | | (1,940) | |
| | | | | |
Cheniere Energy, Inc. | | | | 20 | | | | | (341,420 | ) | | | | 180.00 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (8,800) | |
| | | | | |
Chevron Corp. | | | | 3 | | | | | (44,748 | ) | | | | 145.00 | | | | | 01/19/24 | | | | | (1,770) | |
| | | | | |
CME Group, Inc. | | | | 6 | | | | | (126,360 | ) | | | | 220.00 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (2,160) | |
| | | | | |
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A | | | | 3 | | | | | (22,659 | ) | | | | 75.00 | | | | | 02/16/24 | | | | | (960) | |
| | | | | |
Constellation Brands, Inc., Class A | | | | 2 | | | | | (48,350 | ) | | | | 240.00 | | | | | 01/19/24 | | | | | (1,480) | |
| | | | | |
DaVita, Inc. | | | | 8 | | | | | (83,808 | ) | | | | 105.00 | | | | | 01/19/24 | | | | | (2,400) | |
| | | | | |
Dropbox, Inc., Class A | | | | 40 | | | | | (117,920 | ) | | | | 27.00 | | | | | 01/19/24 | | | | | (10,800) | |
| | | | | |
Electronic Arts, Inc. | | | | 19 | | | | | (259,939 | ) | | | | 140.00 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (8,550) | |
| | | | | |
Exact Sciences Corp. | | | | 2 | | | | | (14,796 | ) | | | | 65.00 | | | | | 01/19/24 | | | | | (1,940) | |
| | | | | |
Expedia Group, Inc. | | | | 25 | | | | | (379,475 | ) | | | | 150.00 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (31,125) | |
| | | | | |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | | | | 3 | | | | | (29,994 | ) | | | | 105.00 | | | | | 02/16/24 | | | | | (531) | |
| | | | | |
FedEx Corp. | | | | 2 | | | | | (50,594 | ) | | | | 250.00 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (2,504) | |
| | | | | |
Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. | | | | 3 | | | | | (32,427 | ) | | | | 100.00 | | | | | 01/19/24 | | | | | (2,925) | |
| | | | | |
Marathon Petroleum Corp. | | | | 27 | | | | | (400,572 | ) | | | | 145.00 | | | | | 01/19/24 | | | | | (17,064) | |
| | | | | |
Mastercard, Inc., Class A | | | | 2 | | | | | (85,302 | ) | | | | 400.00 | | | | | 01/19/24 | | | | | (5,650) | |
| | | | | |
McDonald’s Corp. | | | | 13 | | | | | (385,463 | ) | | | | 285.00 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (22,282) | |
| | | | | |
Micron Technology, Inc. | | | | 7 | | | | | (59,738 | ) | | | | 87.50 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (2,905) | |
| | | | | |
Microsoft Corp. | | | | 9 | | | | | (338,436 | ) | | | | 375.00 | | | | | 02/16/24 | | | | | (13,995) | |
| | | | | |
Northrop Grumman Corp. | | | | 2 | | | | | (93,628 | ) | | | | 465.00 | | | | | 02/16/24 | | | | | (3,620) | |
| | | | | |
Nucor Corp. | | | | 2 | | | | | (34,808 | ) | | | | 170.00 | | | | | 02/16/24 | | | | | (1,968) | |
| | | | | |
NVIDIA Corp. | | | | 2 | | | | | (99,044 | ) | | | | 495.00 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (7,694) | |
| | | | | |
Occidental Petroleum Corp. | | | | 69 | | | | | (411,999 | ) | | | | 57.50 | | | | | 02/16/24 | | | | | (25,530) | |
| | | | | |
PepsiCo, Inc. | | | | 16 | | | | | (271,744 | ) | | | | 165.00 | | | | | 01/19/24 | | | | | (9,360) | |
| | | | | |
PepsiCo, Inc. | | | | 3 | | | | | (50,952 | ) | | | | 170.00 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (1,695) | |
| | | | | |
QUALCOMM, Inc. | | | | 6 | | | | | (86,778 | ) | | | | 145.00 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (4,680) | |
| | | | | |
Salesforce, Inc. | | | | 3 | | | | | (78,942 | ) | | | | 260.00 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (4,935) | |
| | | | | |
Steel Dynamics, Inc. | | | | 15 | | | | | (177,150 | ) | | | | 115.00 | | | | | 02/16/24 | | | | | (11,550) | |
| | | | | |
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. | | | | 2 | | | | | (106,158 | ) | | | | 530.00 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (5,596) | |
| | | | | |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | | | | 3 | | | | | (157,941 | ) | | | | 520.00 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (7,536) | |
| | | | | |
Valero Energy Corp. | | | | 22 | | | | | (286,000 | ) | | | | 135.00 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (11,220) | |
| | | | | |
Visa, Inc., Class A | | | | 2 | | | | | (52,070 | ) | | | | 250.00 | | | | | 03/15/24 | | | | | (4,160) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Total Exchange Traded Call Options Written (Premiums Received $(341,076)) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (341,504) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
Managed Volatility Fund | | |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (continued) | | |
| |
| | |
Summary of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of 12/31/2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Assets Table | | | | |
| | | | | Valuation Inputs | | | | |
| | | | | Investment in Securities (Value) | | | | |
| | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
| | | | |
Common Stocks (a) | | | $18,157,207 | | | | $– | | | | $– | | | | $18,157,207 | |
| | | | |
U.S. Government Obligations | | | – | | | | 9,968,419 | | | | – | | | | 9,968,419 | |
| | | | |
Money Market Fund | | | 2,323,878 | | | | – | | | | – | | | | 2,323,878 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
TOTAL | | | $20,481,085 | | | | $9,968,419 | | | | $– | | | | $30,449,504 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
| | Liabilities Table | | | | |
| | Valuation Inputs | | | | |
| | Investment in Securities (Value) | | | | |
| | Level 1 Quoted Prices | | | Level 2 Significant Observable Inputs | | | Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | Total | |
| | | | |
Written Options | | | $(466,892) | | | | $(109,075) | | | | $– | | | | $(575,967) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
TOTAL | | | $(466,892) | | | | $(109,075) | | | | $– | | | | $(575,967) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(a) - Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for the industry classifications of these portfolio holdings.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
64 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
| | |
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES | | |
December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) | | |
| | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
ASSETS | | Aggressive Investors 1 | | | | | | Ultra-Small Company | |
Investments at value(c) | | $ | 159,046,888 | | | | | | | $ | 92,876,414 | |
| | | |
Deposit with brokers for options written | | | – | | | | | | | | – | |
| | | |
Deposits with brokers for future contracts | | | – | | | | | | | | – | |
| | | |
Receivables: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Portfolio securities sold | | | 2,991,187 | | | | | | | | 241,270 | |
| | | |
Fund shares sold | | | 2,573 | | | | | | | | – | |
| | | |
Dividends and interest | | | 64,653 | | | | | | | | 47,054 | |
| | | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 21,418 | | | | | | | | 11,978 | |
| | | |
Total assets | | | 162,126,719 | | | | | | | | 93,176,716 | |
| | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Payables: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Portfolio securities purchased | | | 2,534,280 | | | | | | | | 641,928 | |
| | | |
Fund shares redeemed | | | 8,102 | | | | | | | | 4,625 | |
| | | |
Due to custodian | | | – | | | | | | | | – | |
| | | |
Loan payable | | | – | | | | | | | | – | |
| | | |
Payable upon return of securities loaned | | | 438,500 | | | | | | | | 6,198,589 | |
| | | |
Accrued Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Investment adviser fees | | | 22,923 | | | | | | | | 61,723 | |
| | | |
Administration fees | | | 759 | | | | | | | | 360 | |
| | | |
Directors’ fees | | | 1,725 | | | | | | | | 1,376 | |
| | | |
Other | | | 49,928 | | | | | | | | 33,165 | |
| | | |
Put options written at value | | | – | | | | | | | | – | |
| | | |
Call options written at value | | | – | | | | | | | | – | |
| | | |
Total liabilities | | | 3,056,217 | | | | | | | | 6,941,766 | |
| | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 159,070,502 | | | | | | | $ | 86,234,950 | |
| | | |
NET ASSETS REPRESENT | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Paid-in capital | | $ | 138,761,594 | | | | | | | $ | 80,458,454 | |
| | | |
Distributable earnings/(Accumulated losses) | | | 20,308,908 | | | | | | | | 5,776,496 | |
| | | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 159,070,502 | | | | | | | $ | 86,234,950 | |
| | | |
Shares of common stock outstanding of $.001 par value(a) | | | 2,175,991 | | | | | | | | 3,014,707 | |
| | | |
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share | | $ | 73.10 | | | | | | | $ | 28.60 | |
| | | |
Total investments at cost | | $ | 129,369,479 | | | | | | | $ | 87,892,271 | |
| | | |
Premiums received on put options written | | $ | – | | | | | | | $ | – | |
| | | |
Premiums received on call options written | | $ | – | | | | | | | $ | – | |
(a) | See Note 1 - Organization in the Notes to Financial Statements for shares authorized for each Fund. |
(b) | Redemption of shares held less than six months may be charged a 2% redemption fee. See Note 8. |
(c) | Includes investments purchased with cash collateral for security lending, see Note 2. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
66 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ultra-Small Company Market | | | Small-Cap Value | | | Omni Small-Cap Value | | | Managed Volatility |
| | | |
$ | 202,142,106 | | | $ | 583,156,562 | | | $ | 1,294,870,641 | | | $ | 30,449,504 | |
| | | |
| – | | | | – | | | | – | | | | 129,263 | |
| | | |
| – | | | | – | | | | – | | | | 752,502 | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| 804,382 | | | | 1,040,739 | | | | 5,311,716 | | | | – | |
| | | |
| 56,955 | | | | 538,551 | | | | 4,923,200 | | | | – | |
| | | |
| 154,099 | | | | 487,808 | | | | 919,859 | | | | 29,427 | |
| | | |
| 29,843 | | | | 67,787 | | | | 78,740 | | | | 15,582 | |
| | | |
| 203,187,385 | | | | 585,291,447 | | | | 1,306,104,156 | | | | 31,376,278 | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| 49,430 | | | | 6,623,422 | | | | 1,191,786 | | | | – | |
| | | |
| 126,753 | | | | 690,151 | | | | 853,545 | | | | 1 | |
| | | |
| 114,856 | | | | – | | | | – | | | | – | |
| | | |
| – | | | | – | | | | 1,421,000 | | | | – | |
| | | |
| 16,219,579 | | | | 2,983,605 | | | | 13,381,173 | | | | – | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| 60,410 | | | | 314,854 | | | | 270,169 | | | | 4,975 | |
| | | |
| 780 | | | | 2,598 | | | | 5,973 | | | | 175 | |
| | | |
| 3,614 | | | | 7,949 | | | | 15,250 | | | | 313 | |
| | | |
| 81,651 | | | | 122,575 | | | | 169,071 | | | | 33,032 | |
| | | |
| – | | | | – | | | | – | | | | 234,463 | |
| | | |
| – | | | | – | | | | – | | | | 341,504 | |
| | | |
| 16,657,073 | | | | 10,745,154 | | | | 17,307,967 | | | | 614,463 | |
| | | |
$ | 186,530,312 | | | $ | 574,546,293 | | | $ | 1,288,796,189 | | | $ | 30,761,815 | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
$ | 196,532,226 | | | $ | 522,564,711 | | | $ | 917,678,743 | | | $ | 21,948,462 | |
| | | |
| (10,001,914 | ) | | | 51,981,582 | | | | 371,117,446 | | | | 8,813,353 | |
| | | |
$ | 186,530,312 | | | $ | 574,546,293 | | | $ | 1,288,796,189 | | | $ | 30,761,815 | |
| | | |
| 16,487,837 | | | | 14,905,909 | | | | 67,712,795 | | | | 1,889,945 | |
| | | |
$ | 11.31 | (b) | | $ | 38.54 | | | $ | 19.03 | | | $ | 16.28 | |
| | | |
$ | 183,601,867 | | | $ | 536,292,086 | | | $ | 979,514,491 | | | $ | 21,397,675 | |
| | | |
$ | – | | | $ | – | | | $ | – | | | $ | 262,430 | |
| | | |
$ | – | | | $ | – | | | $ | – | | | $ | 341,076 | |
| | |
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS | | |
Six Months Ended December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) | | |
| | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Aggressive Investors 1 | | | | | | Ultra-Small Company | |
| | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Dividends | | $ | 983,411 | | | | | | | $ | 754,299 | |
| | | |
Less: foreign taxes withheld | | | (2,258 | ) | | | | | | | (3,880 | ) |
| | | |
Interest | | | 19,501 | | | | | | | | 17,150 | |
| | | |
Securities lending | | | 3,154 | | | | | | | | 104,694 | |
| | | |
Total Investment Income | | | 1,003,808 | | | | | | | | 872,263 | |
| | | |
EXPENSES | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Investment advisory fees - Base fees | | | 678,128 | | | | | | | | 352,282 | |
| | | |
Investment advisory fees - Performance adjustment | | | (576,316 | ) | | | | | | | – | |
| | | |
Administration fees | | | 4,586 | | | | | | | | 2,380 | |
| | | |
Accounting fees | | | 32,481 | | | | | | | | 29,489 | |
| | | |
Transfer agent fees | | | 62,159 | | | | | | | | 28,096 | |
| | | |
Audit fees | | | 8,558 | | | | | | | | 6,986 | |
| | | |
Legal fees | | | 15,427 | | | | | | | | 8,329 | |
| | | |
Custody fees | | | 2,363 | | | | | | | | 6,342 | |
| | | |
Blue sky fees | | | 12,272 | | | | | | | | 6,045 | |
| | | |
Directors’ and officers’ fees | | | 12,795 | | | | | | | | 7,057 | |
| | | |
Shareholder servicing fees | | | 37,234 | | | | | | | | 12,886 | |
| | | |
Reports to shareholders | | | 14,820 | | | | | | | | 10,421 | |
| | | |
Insurance expenses | | | 7,848 | | | | | | | | 4,346 | |
| | | |
Miscellaneous expenses | | | 8,085 | | | | | | | | 8,031 | |
| | | |
Total Expenses | | | 320,440 | | | | | | | | 482,690 | |
| | | |
Less investment advisory fees waived and other expenses reimbursed | | | – | | | | | | | | – | |
| | | |
Net Expenses | | | 320,440 | | | | | | | | 482,690 | |
| | | |
NET INVESTMENT INCOME | | | 683,368 | | | | | | | | 389,573 | |
| | | |
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Realized Gain (Loss) on: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Investments | | | 547,498 | | | | | | | | 447,779 | |
| | | |
Foreign Currency Transactions | | | (284 | ) | | | | | | | – | |
| | | |
Written options | | | – | | | | | | | | – | |
| | | |
Futures contracts | | | – | | | | | | | | – | |
| | | |
Net Realized Gain (Loss) | | | 547,214 | | | | | | | | 447,779 | |
| | | |
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
Investments | | | 12,623,760 | | | | | | | | 7,307,043 | |
| | | |
Foreign Currency Translations | | | 66 | | | | | | | | – | |
| | | |
Written options | | | – | | | | | | | | – | |
| | | |
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | | | 12,623,826 | | | | | | | | 7,307,043 | |
| | | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments | | | 13,171,040 | | | | | | | | 7,754,822 | |
| | | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 13,854,408 | | | | | | | $ | 8,144,395 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
68 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ultra-Small Company Market | | | Small-Cap Value | | | Omni Small-Cap Value | | | Managed Volatility |
| | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
$ | 974,699 | | | $ | 5,452,506 | | | $ | 13,150,020 | | | $ | 181,811 | |
| | | |
| 389 | | | | (11,312 | ) | | | (8,634 | ) | | | – | |
| | | |
| 24,516 | | | | 81,285 | | | | 50,446 | | | | 321,846 | |
| | | |
| 329,014 | | | | 27,558 | | | | 103,364 | | | | – | |
| | | |
| 1,328,618 | | | | 5,550,037 | | | | 13,295,196 | | | | 503,657 | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| 437,227 | | | | 1,615,883 | | | | 2,644,424 | | | | 92,501 | |
| | | |
| – | | | | 66,992 | | | | – | | | | – | |
| | | |
| 5,316 | | | | 16,379 | | | | 35,754 | | | | 940 | |
| | | |
| 39,811 | | | | 58,386 | | | | 105,926 | | | | 26,532 | |
| | | |
| 52,666 | | | | 104,989 | | | | 6,794 | | | | 19,967 | |
| | | |
| 9,185 | | | | 17,640 | | | | 29,465 | | | | 8,334 | |
| | | |
| 18,453 | | | | 58,355 | | | | 117,406 | | | | 3,306 | |
| | | |
| 9,200 | | | | 7,100 | | | | 14,267 | | | | 3,030 | |
| | | |
| 12,649 | | | | 27,007 | | | | 32,741 | | | | 12,002 | |
| | | |
| 16,013 | | | | 48,835 | | | | 97,568 | | | | 2,646 | |
| | | |
| 79,886 | | | | 235,250 | | | | 481,582 | | | | 10,537 | |
| | | |
| 17,156 | | | | 48,017 | | | | 42,687 | | | | 8,366 | |
| | | |
| 10,117 | | | | 28,326 | | | | 58,883 | | | | 1,612 | |
| | | |
| 7,624 | | | | 30,397 | | | | 50,043 | | | | 8,549 | |
| | | |
| 715,303 | | | | 2,363,556 | | | | 3,717,540 | | | | 198,322 | |
| | | |
| (59,462) | | | | – | | | | (955,586 | ) | | | (53,404 | ) |
| | | |
| 655,841 | | | | 2,363,556 | | | | 2,761,954 | | | | 144,918 | |
| | | |
| 672,777 | | | | 3,186,481 | | | | 10,533,242 | | | | 358,739 | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| (2,846,212) | | | | 4,682,108 | | | | 69,068,688 | | | | 639,644 | |
| | | |
| 8 | | | | – | | | | – | | | | – | |
| | | |
| – | | | | – | | | | – | | | | 218,527 | |
| | | |
| – | | | | – | | | | – | | | | (635,499 | ) |
| | | |
| (2,846,204) | | | | 4,682,108 | | | | 69,068,688 | | | | 222,672 | |
| | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | |
| 15,210,219 | | | | 40,658,425 | | | | 138,094,639 | | | | 820,523 | |
| | | |
| (34) | | | | – | | | | – | | | | – | |
| | | |
| – | | | | – | | | | – | | | | (106,721 | ) |
| | | |
| 15,210,185 | | | | 40,658,425 | | | | 138,094,639 | | | | 713,802 | |
| | | |
| 12,363,981 | | | | 45,340,533 | | | | 207,163,327 | | | | 936,474 | |
| | | |
$ |
13,036,758 |
| | $ | 48,527,014 | | | $ | 217,696,569 | | | $ | 1,295,213 | |
| | |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS | | |
| | |
| | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Aggressive Investors 1 | | | Ultra-Small Company | |
| | | | |
| | Six Months Ended | | | Year Ended | | | Six Months Ended | | | Year Ended | |
| | December 31, 2023 | | | June 30, 2023 | | | December 31, 2023 | | | June 30, 2023 | |
| | | | |
| | (Unaudited) | | | | | | (Unaudited) | | | | |
| | | | |
OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | $ | 683,368 | | | $ | 1,792,022 | | | $ | 389,573 | | | $ | (47,737 | ) |
| | | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | | | 547,214 | | | | (6,694,951 | ) | | | 447,779 | | | | 10,737,492 | |
| | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | | 12,623,826 | | | | 29,439,691 | | | | 7,307,043 | | | | (2,700,149 | ) |
| | | | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | | 13,854,408 | | | | 24,536,762 | | | | 8,144,395 | | | | 7,989,606 | |
| | | | |
DISTRIBUTIONS: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
From net investment income and net realized gains | | | (1,390,323 | ) | | | (2,003,138 | ) | | | (4,092,359 | ) | | | (12,493,631 | ) |
| | | | |
Net decrease in net assets from distributions | | | (1,390,323 | ) | | | (2,003,138 | ) | | | (4,092,359 | ) | | | (12,493,631 | ) |
| | | | |
SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | 1,137,713 | | | | 1,334,030 | | | | 73,958 | | | | 662,893 | |
| | | | |
Reinvestment of distributions | | | 1,332,748 | | | | 1,909,352 | | | | 3,893,496 | | | | 11,514,136 | |
| | | | |
Cost of shares redeemed | | | (6,756,550 | ) | | | (10,394,348 | ) | | | (4,179,227 | ) | | | (3,765,829 | ) |
| | | | |
Redemption fees | | | – | | | | – | | | | – | | | | – | |
| | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from share transactions | | | (4,286,089 | ) | | | (7,150,966 | ) | | | (211,773 | ) | | | 8,411,200 | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets | | | 8,177,996 | | | | 15,382,658 | | | | 3,840,263 | | | | 3,907,175 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 150,892,506 | | | | 135,509,848 | | | | 82,394,687 | | | | 78,487,512 | |
| | | | |
End of period | | $ | 159,070,502 | | | $ | 150,892,506 | | | $ | 86,234,950 | | | $ | 82,394,687 | |
| | | | |
SHARES ISSUED & REDEEMED | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Issued | | | 17,338 | | | | 21,758 | | | | 2,733 | | | | 23,570 | |
| | | | |
Distributions reinvested | | | 18,674 | | | | 31,285 | | | | 148,042 | | | | 455,825 | |
| | | | |
Redeemed | | | (98,919 | ) | | | (166,206 | ) | | | (157,647 | ) | | | (135,871 | ) |
| | | | |
Net increase (decrease) | | | (62,907 | ) | | | (113,163 | ) | | | (6,872 | ) | | | 343,524 | |
| | | | |
Outstanding at beginning of period | | | 2,238,898 | | | | 2,352,061 | | | | 3,021,579 | | | | 2,678,055 | |
| | | | |
Outstanding at end of period | | | 2,175,991 | | | | 2,238,898 | | | | 3,014,707 | | | | 3,021,579 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
70 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ultra-Small Company Market | | | Small-Cap Value | | | Omni Small-Cap Value | |
| | | | | |
Six Months Ended | | | Year Ended | | | Six Months Ended | | | Year Ended | | | Six Months Ended | | | Year Ended | |
December 31, 2023 | | | June 30, 2023 | | | December 31, 2023 | | | June 30, 2023 | | | December 31, 2023 | | | June 30, 2023 | |
| | | | | |
(Unaudited) | | | | | | (Unaudited) | | | | | | (Unaudited) | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
$ | 672,777 | | | $ | 1,680,427 | | | $ | 3,186,481 | | | $ | 7,901,047 | | | $ | 10,533,242 | | | $ | 22,771,852 | |
| | | | | |
| (2,846,204) | | | | (26,363,666 | ) | | | 4,682,108 | | | | 13,058,912 | | | | 69,068,688 | | | | 105,110,438 | |
| | | | | |
| 15,210,185 | | | | 25,013,533 | | | | 40,658,425 | | | | 24,242,974 | | | | 138,094,639 | | | | (64,596,869 | ) |
| | | | | |
| 13,036,758 | | | | 330,294 | | | | 48,527,014 | | | | 45,202,933 | | | | 217,696,569 | | | | 63,285,421 | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| (1,680,449) | | | | (3,941,983 | ) | | | (14,696,211 | ) | | | (4,893,779 | ) | | | (104,233,821 | ) | | | (218,697,351 | ) |
| | | | | |
| (1,680,449) | | | | (3,941,983 | ) | | | (14,696,211 | ) | | | (4,893,779 | ) | | | (104,233,821 | ) | | | (218,697,351 | ) |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| 2,978,975 | | | | 26,230,413 | | | | 88,467,019 | | | | 281,484,779 | | | | 65,488,121 | | | | 229,039,073 | |
| | | | | |
| 1,547,171 | | | | 3,707,860 | | | | 14,272,088 | | | | 4,723,622 | | | | 104,131,268 | | | | 218,471,046 | |
| | | | | |
| (13,973,840) | | | | (31,049,948 | ) | | | (108,358,022 | ) | | | (202,895,796 | ) | | | (114,006,072 | ) | | | (331,319,501 | ) |
| | | | | |
| 17,414 | | | | 23,911 | | | | – | | | | – | | | | – | | | | – | |
| | | | | |
| (9,430,280) | | | | (1,087,764 | ) | | | (5,618,915 | ) | | | 83,312,605 | | | | 55,613,317 | | | | 116,190,618 | |
| | | | | |
| 1,926,029 | | | | (4,699,453 | ) | | | 28,211,888 | | | | 123,621,759 | | | | 169,076,065 | | | | (39,221,312 | ) |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| 184,604,283 | | | | 189,303,736 | | | | 546,334,405 | | | | 422,712,646 | | | | 1,119,720,124 | | | | 1,158,941,436 | |
| | | | | |
$ | 186,530,312 | | | $ | 184,604,283 | | | $ | 574,546,293 | | | $ | 546,334,405 | | | $ | 1,288,796,189 | | | $ | 1,119,720,124 | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| 294,630 | | | | 2,486,450 | | | | 2,432,789 | | | | 7,883,750 | | | | 3,623,750 | | | | 12,341,533 | |
| | | | | |
| 149,775 | | | | 368,209 | | | | 388,991 | | | | 135,736 | | | | 5,765,851 | | | | 12,505,498 | |
| | | | | |
| (1,370,068) | | | | (2,913,014 | ) | | | (3,030,845 | ) | | | (5,797,264 | ) | | | (6,288,548 | ) | | | (17,739,796 | ) |
| | | | | |
| (925,663) | | | | (58,355 | ) | | | (209,065 | ) | | | 2,222,222 | | | | 3,101,053 | | | | 7,107,235 | |
| | | | | |
| 17,413,500 | | | | 17,471,855 | | | | 15,114,974 | | | | 12,892,752 | | | | 64,611,742 | | | | 57,504,507 | |
| | | | | |
| 16,487,837 | | | | 17,413,500 | | | | 14,905,909 | | | | 15,114,974 | | | | 67,712,795 | | | | 64,611,742 | |
| | |
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASETS (continued) | | |
| | |
| | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | Managed Volatility | |
| | |
| | Six Months Ended | | | Year Ended | |
| | December 31, 2023 | | | June 30, 2023 | |
| | |
| | (Unaudited) | | | | |
| | |
OPERATIONS | | | | | | | | |
| | |
Net investment income | | $ | 358,739 | | | $ | 474,184 | |
Net realized gain on investments | | | 222,672 | | | | 879,193 | |
| | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | | 713,802 | | | | 1,997,142 | |
| | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | | 1,295,213 | | | | 3,350,519 | |
| | |
DISTRIBUTIONS: | | | | | | | | |
| | |
From net investment income and net realized gains | | | (1,670,716 | ) | | | (1,771,090 | ) |
| | |
Net decrease in net assets from distributions | | | (1,670,716 | ) | | | (1,771,090 | ) |
| | |
SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | | | | | | | | |
| | |
Proceeds from sale of shares | | | 1,090,041 | | | | 2,541,769 | |
| | |
Reinvestment of distributions | | | 1,652,130 | | | | 1,663,038 | |
| | |
Cost of shares redeemed | | | (2,340,985 | ) | | | (3,687,157 | ) |
| | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from share transactions | | | 401,186 | | | | 517,650 | |
Net increase in net assets | | | 25,683 | | | | 2,097,079 | |
| | |
NET ASSETS: | | | | | | | | |
| | |
Beginning of period | | | 30,736,132 | | | | 28,639,053 | |
| | |
End of period | | $ | 30,761,815 | | | $ | 30,736,132 | |
| | |
SHARES ISSUED & REDEEMED | | | | | | | | |
| | |
Issued | | | 65,543 | | | | 158,492 | |
| | |
Distributions reinvested | | | 102,173 | | | | 107,086 | |
| | |
Redeemed | | | (141,076 | ) | | | (231,144 | ) |
| | |
Net increase | | | 26,640 | | | | 34,434 | |
| | |
Outstanding at beginning of period | | | 1,863,305 | | | | 1,828,871 | |
| | |
Outstanding at end of period | | | 1,889,945 | | | | 1,863,305 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
72 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | |
| |
(for a share outstanding throughout each period indicated) | | |
AGGRESSIVE INVESTORS 1
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Six Months Ended 12/31/23 (Unaudited) | | Year Ended June 30 |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2019 |
| | | | | | |
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | $67.40 | | $57.61 | | $82.61 | | $56.59 | | $62.01 | | $74.05 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Income from Investment Operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net Investment Income(a) | | 0.31 | | 0.78 | | 0.69 | | 0.86 | | 0.61 | | 0.98 |
| | | | | | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | | 6.03 | | 9.88 | | (18.56) | | 25.88 | | (5.21) | | (6.93) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Total from Investment Operations | | 6.34 | | 10.66 | | (17.87) | | 26.74 | | (4.60) | | (5.95) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Less Distributions to Shareholders from: | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net Investment Income | | (0.64) | | (0.87) | | (0.83) | | (0.72) | | (0.82) | | (1.21) |
| | | | | | |
Net Realized Gain | | – | | – | | (6.30) | | – | | – | | (4.88) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Total Distributions | | (0.64) | | (0.87) | | (7.13) | | (0.72) | | (0.82) | | (6.09) |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net Asset Value, End of Period | | $73.10 | | $67.40 | | $57.61 | | $82.61 | | $56.59 | | $62.01 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Total Return | | 9.43%(b) | | 18.66% | | (23.81%) | | 47.48% | | (7.53%) | | (6.67%) |
| | | | | | |
Ratios and Supplemental Data: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net Assets, End of Period (in 000’s) | | $159,071 | | $150,893 | | $135,510 | | $190,248 | | $142,728 | | $181,367 |
| | | | | | |
Expenses Before Waivers and Reimbursements(c) | | 0.43%(d) | | 0.32% | | 0.39% | | 0.34% | | 0.28% | | 0.35% |
| | | | | | |
Expenses After Waivers and Reimbursements | | 0.43%(d) | | 0.32% | | 0.39% | | 0.34% | | 0.28% | | 0.35% |
| | | | | | |
Net Investment Income After Waivers and Reimbursements | | 0.91%(d) | | 1.25% | | 0.90% | | 1.22% | | 1.04% | | 1.52% |
| | | | | | |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | | 39%(b) | | 81% | | 64% | | 88% | | 125% | | 102% |
(a) | Per share amounts calculated based on the average daily shares outstanding during the period. |
(c) | Expense ratios are significantly lower than in other past periods, due to a negative performance adjustment to the investment advisory fee. Please refer to Note 3 of the Notes to Financial Statements for further information. The rate shown may not be indicative of the rate going forward. |
(d) | Annualized for periods less than one year. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | |
| |
(for a share outstanding throughout each period indicated) | | |
ULTRA-SMALL COMPANY
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Six Months Ended 12/31/23 (Unaudited) | | Year Ended June 30 |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2019 |
| | | | | | |
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | $27.27 | | $29.31 | | $46.46 | | $22.06 | | $24.16 | | $32.13 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Income from Investment Operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net Investment Income (Loss)(a) | | 0.13 | | (0.02) | | 0.19 | | 0.16 | | (0.02) | | 0.28 |
| | | | | | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | | 2.62 | | 2.69 | | (9.11) | | 24.24 | | (1.80) | | (5.14) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Total from Investment Operations | | 2.75 | | 2.67 | | (8.92) | | 24.40 | | (1.82) | | (4.86) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Less Distributions to Shareholders from: | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net Investment Income | | – | | – | | (0.24) | | – | | (0.28) | | (0.01) |
| | | | | | |
Net Realized Gain | | (1.42) | | (4.71) | | (7.99) | | – | | – | | (3.10) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Total Distributions | | (1.42) | | (4.71) | | (8.23) | | – | | (0.28) | | (3.11) |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net Asset Value, End of Period | | $28.60 | | $27.27 | | $29.31 | | $46.46(b) | | $22.06 | | $24.16 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Total Return | | 10.55%(c) | | 10.37% | | (21.04%) | | 110.61% | | (7.63%) | | (14.48%) |
| | | | | | |
Ratios and Supplemental Data: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net Assets, End of Period (in 000’s) | | $86,235 | | $82,395 | | $78,488 | | $109,592 | | $57,511 | | $74,005 |
| | | | | | |
Expenses Before Waivers and Reimbursements | | 1.23%(d) | | 1.20% | | 1.15% | | 1.19% | | 1.32% | | 1.21% |
| | | | | | |
Expenses After Waivers and Reimbursements | | 1.23%(d) | | 1.20% | | 1.15% | | 1.19% | | 1.32% | | 1.21% |
| | | | | | |
Net Investment Income (Loss) After Waivers and Reimbursements | | 1.00%(d) | | (0.06%) | | 0.50% | | 0.48% | | (0.09%) | | 1.00% |
| | | | | | |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | | 36%(c) | | 74% | | 109% | | 82% | | 104% | | 93% |
(a) | Per share amounts calculated based on the average daily shares outstanding during the period. |
(b) | Includes adjustments in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States; consequently, the net asset value for financial reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset values and returns for shareholder transactions. |
(d) | Annualized for periods less than one year. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
74 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | |
| |
(for a share outstanding throughout each period indicated) | | |
ULTRA-SMALL COMPANY MARKET
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Six Months Ended 12/31/23 (Unaudited) | | Year Ended June 30 |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2019 |
| | | | | | |
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | $10.60 | | $10.83 | | $19.61 | | $9.96 | | $11.34 | | $15.81 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Income from Investment Operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net Investment Income(a) | | 0.04 | | 0.09 | | 0.13 | | 0.13 | | 0.13 | | 0.11 |
| | | | | | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | | 0.77 | | (0.10) | | (5.43) | | 9.98 | | (1.36) | | (2.93) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Total from Investment Operations | | 0.81 | | (0.01) | | (5.30) | | 10.11 | | (1.23) | | (2.82) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Less Distributions to Shareholders from: | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net Investment Income | | (0.10) | | (0.11) | | (0.12) | | (0.14) | | (0.15) | | (0.08) |
| | | | | | |
Net Realized Gain | | – | | (0.11) | | (3.39) | | (0.35) | | – | | (1.57) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Total Distributions | | (0.10) | | (0.22) | | (3.51) | | (0.49) | | (0.15) | | (1.65) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Paid-in Capital from Redemption Fees(a) | | 0.00(b) | | 0.00(b) | | 0.03 | | 0.03 | | 0.00(b) | | 0.00(b) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net Asset Value, End of Period | | $11.31 | | $10.60 | | $10.83 | | $19.61 | | $9.96 | | $11.34 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Total Return | | 7.74%(c)(d) | | (0.01%)(d) | | (30.38%)(d) | | 103.83% | | (10.99%)(d) | | (16.98%)(d) |
| | | | | | |
Ratios and Supplemental Data: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net Assets, End of Period (in 000’s) | | $186,530 | | $184,604 | | $189,304 | | $386,516 | | $150,054 | | $236,371 |
| | | | | | |
Expenses Before Waivers and Reimbursements | | 0.82%(e) | | 0.78% | | 0.78% | | 0.75% | | 0.82% | | 0.77% |
| | | | | | |
Expenses After Waivers and Reimbursements | | 0.75%(e) | | 0.75% | | 0.75% | | 0.75% | | 0.75% | | 0.75% |
| | | | | | |
Net Investment Income After Waivers and Reimbursements | | 0.77%(e) | | 0.88% | | 0.85% | | 0.83% | | 1.27% | | 0.84% |
| | | | | | |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | | 21%(c) | | 58% | | 47% | | 52% | | 51% | | 38% |
(a) | Per share amounts calculated based on the average daily shares outstanding during the period. |
(b) | Amount represents less than $0.005. |
(d) | Total return would have been lower had various fees not been waived during the period. |
(e) | Annualized for periods less than one year. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | |
| |
(for a share outstanding throughout each period indicated) | | |
SMALL-CAP VALUE
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Six Months Ended 12/31/23 (Unaudited) | | Year Ended June 30 |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2019 |
| | | | | | |
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | $36.15 | | $32.79 | | $36.49 | | $16.52 | | $20.24 | | $29.60 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Income from Investment Operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net Investment Income(a) | | 0.21 | | 0.53 | | 0.15 | | 0.12 | | 0.19 | | 0.47 |
| | | | | | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | | 3.20 | | 3.16 | | (2.12) | | 20.05 | | (3.40) | | (5.72) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Total from Investment Operations | | 3.41 | | 3.69 | | (1.97) | | 20.17 | | (3.21) | | (5.25) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Less Distributions to Shareholders from: | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net Investment Income | | (0.36) | | (0.33) | | (0.10) | | (0.20) | | (0.51) | | (0.74) |
| | | | | | |
Net Realized Gain | | (0.66) | | – | | (1.63) | | – | | – | | (3.37) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Total Distributions | | (1.02) | | (0.33) | | (1.73) | | (0.20) | | (0.51) | | (4.11) |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net Asset Value, End of Period | | $38.54 | | $36.15 | | $32.79 | | $36.49 | | $16.52 | | $20.24 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Total Return | | 9.57%(b) | | 11.30% | | (5.81%) | | 122.77% | | (16.43%)(c) | | (17.12%)(c) |
| | | | | | |
Ratios and Supplemental Data: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net Assets, End of Period (in 000’s) | | $574,546 | | $546,334 | | $422,713 | | $290,686 | | $30,051 | | $49,652 |
| | | | | | |
Expenses Before Waivers and Reimbursements | | 0.88%(d) | | 0.86%(e) | | 0.83% | | 0.91% | | 1.12% | | 1.00% |
| | | | | | |
Expenses After Waivers and Reimbursements | | 0.88%(d) | | 0.86%(e) | | 0.83% | | 0.91% | | 0.94% | | 0.94% |
| | | | | | |
Net Investment Income After Waivers and Reimbursements | | 1.18%(d) | | 1.51% | | 0.42% | | 0.40% | | 1.01% | | 1.97% |
| | | | | | |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | | 35%(b) | | 61% | | 95% | | 91% | | 87% | | 84% |
(a) | Per share amounts calculated based on the average daily shares outstanding during the period. |
(c) | Total return would have been lower had various fees not been waived during the period. |
(d) | Annualized for periods less than one year. |
(e) | Includes interest expense of 0.01%. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
76 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | |
| |
(for a share outstanding throughout each period indicated) | | |
OMNI SMALL-CAP VALUE
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Six Months Ended 12/31/23 (Unaudited) | | Year Ended June 30 |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2019 |
| | | | | | |
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | $17.33 | | $20.15 | | $22.03 | | $11.44 | | $14.97 | | $19.83 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Income from Investment Operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net Investment Income(a) | | 0.16 | | 0.37 | | 0.28 | | 0.21 | | 0.19 | | 0.20 |
| | | | | | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | | 3.17 | | 0.67 | | (1.23) | | 10.57 | | (3.56) | | (3.61) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Total from Investment Operations | | 3.33 | | 1.04 | | (0.95) | | 10.78 | | (3.37) | | (3.41) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Less Distributions to Shareholders from: | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net Investment Income | | (0.30) | | (0.32) | | (0.41) | | (0.19) | | (0.08) | | (0.17) |
| | | | | | |
Net Realized Gain | | (1.33) | | (3.54) | | (0.52) | | – | | (0.08) | | (1.28) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Total Distributions | | (1.63) | | (3.86) | | (0.93) | | (0.19) | | (0.16) | | (1.45) |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net Asset Value, End of Period | | $19.03 | | $17.33 | | $20.15 | | $22.03 | | $11.44 | | $14.97 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Total Return(b) | | 19.71%(c) | | 5.04% | | (4.65%) | | 94.92% | | (22.82%) | | (16.82%) |
| | | | | | |
Ratios and Supplemental Data: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net Assets, End of Period (in 000’s) | | $1,288,796 | | $1,119,720 | | $1,158,941 | | $1,271,035 | | $828,480 | | $989,015 |
| | | | | | |
Expenses Before Waivers and Reimbursements | | 0.63%(d) | | 0.66% | | 0.66% | | 0.68% | | 0.72% | | 0.70% |
| | | | | | |
Expenses After Waivers and Reimbursements | | 0.47%(d) | | 0.47% | | 0.47% | | 0.47% | | 0.54% | | 0.60% |
| | | | | | |
Net Investment Income After Waivers and Reimbursements | | 1.79%(d) | | 1.93% | | 1.25% | | 1.29% | | 1.46% | | 1.21% |
| | | | | | |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | | 15%(c) | | 38% | | 30% | | 21% | | 43% | | 29% |
(a) | Per share amounts calculated based on the average daily shares outstanding during the period. |
(b) | Total return would have been lower had various fees not been waived during the period. |
(d) | Annualized for periods less than one year. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS | | |
| |
(for a share outstanding throughout each period indicated) | | |
MANAGED VOLATILITY
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Six Months Ended 12/31/23 (Unaudited) | | Year Ended June 30 |
| | 2023 | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2019 |
| | | | | | |
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | | $16.50 | | $15.66 | | $17.13 | | $15.56 | | $15.05 | | $15.75 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Income from Investment Operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net Investment Income (Loss)(a) | | 0.19 | | 0.26 | | (0.01) | | (0.01) | | 0.12 | | 0.16 |
| | | | | | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | | 0.51 | | 1.56 | | (1.28) | | 2.35 | | 0.55 | | 0.06 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Total from Investment Operations | | 0.70 | | 1.82 | | (1.29) | | 2.34 | | 0.67 | | 0.22 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
Less Distributions to Shareholders from: | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net Investment Income | | (0.48) | | (0.05) | | – | | – | | (0.16) | | (0.31) |
| | | | | | |
Net Realized Gain | | (0.44) | | (0.93) | | (0.18) | | (0.77) | | – | | (0.61) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Total Distributions | | (0.92) | | (0.98) | | (0.18) | | (0.77) | | (0.16) | | (0.92) |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net Asset Value, End of Period | | $16.28 | | $16.50 | | $15.66 | | $17.13 | | $15.56 | | $15.05 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Total Return(b) | | 4.31%(c) | | 12.00% | | (7.62%) | | 15.33% | | 4.45% | | 1.74% |
| | | | | | |
Ratios and Supplemental Data: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net Assets, End of Period (in 000’s) | | $30,762 | | $30,736 | | $28,639 | | $36,160 | | $29,383 | | $30,657 |
| | | | | | |
Expenses Before Waivers and Reimbursements | | 1.29%(d) | | 1.26% | | 1.19% | | 1.21% | | 1.27% | | 1.24% |
| | | | | | |
Expenses After Waivers and Reimbursements | | 0.94%(d) | | 0.94% | | 0.94% | | 0.94% | | 0.94% | | 0.94% |
| | | | | | |
Net Investment Income (Loss) After Waivers and Reimbursements | | 2.33%(d) | | 1.60% | | (0.08%) | | (0.07%) | | 0.77% | | 1.06% |
| | | | | | |
Portfolio Turnover Rate | | 5%(c) | | 45% | | 66% | | 41% | | 68% | | 69% |
(a) | Per share amounts calculated based on the average daily shares outstanding during the period. |
(b) | Total return would have been lower had various fees not been waived during the period. |
(d) | Annualized for periods less than one year. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
78 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | | |
December 31, 2023 (Unaudited)
Bridgeway Funds, Inc. (“Bridgeway” or the “Company”) was organized as a Maryland corporation on October 19, 1993, and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. Bridgeway is organized as a series fund, with six investment funds as of December 31, 2023.
Bridgeway is authorized to issue 1,915,000,000 shares of common stock at $0.001 per share. As of December 31, 2023, 15,000,000 shares have been classified into the Ultra-Small Company Fund. 100,000,000 shares each have been classified into the Aggressive Investors 1, Ultra-Small Company Market, Small-Cap Value and Omni Small-Cap Value Funds. 50,000,000 shares have been classified into the Managed Volatility Fund.
The Ultra-Small Company Fund is open to existing investors (direct only).
The Funds are no-load, diversified funds.
The Aggressive Investors 1 Fund seeks to exceed the stock market total return (primarily through capital appreciation) at a level of total risk roughly equal to that of the stock market over longer periods of time (three-year intervals or more).
The Ultra-Small Company, Ultra-Small Company Market, Small-Cap Value, and Omni Small-Cap Value Funds seek to provide a long-term total return-on-capital, primarily through capital appreciation.
The Managed Volatility Fund seeks to provide a high current return with short-term risk less than or equal to 40% of the stock market.
Bridgeway Capital Management, LLC (the “Adviser”) is the investment adviser for all of the Funds.
2. | Significant Accounting Policies: |
Following is a summary of significant accounting policies that are followed in the preparation of the financial statements of the Funds. They are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Each Fund is considered an investment company under GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies.
Securities, Options, Futures, and Other Investments Valuation Other than options, securities for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the last sale price on the national exchange on which such securities are primarily traded. In the case of securities reported on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation (“Nasdaq”) system, the securities are valued based on the Nasdaq Official Closing Price (“NOCP”). In the absence of recorded sales on their primary exchange, or NOCP, in the case of Nasdaq traded securities, the security will be valued as follows: bid prices for long positions and ask prices for short positions.
Fixed income securities are valued on the basis that incorporates market observable data such as reported sales of similar securities, broker quotes, bids, offers and current market quotations by a pricing service. Options are valued at the close if there is trading volume, and if there is no trading volume, the options are valued at the bid on long positions and the ask on the short positions.
Investments in open-end registered investment companies and closed-end registered investment companies that do not trade on an exchange are valued at the end of day net asset value (“NAV”) per share.
Investments in closed-end registered investment companies that trade on an exchange are valued at the last sales price as of the close of the customary trading session on the exchange where the security is principally traded.
When market quotations are not readily available or when events occur that make established valuation methods unreliable, securities of the Funds may be valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of Directors. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board has designated the Adviser as the “valuation designee” to
| | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) | | |
December 31, 2023 (Unaudited)
make all necessary determinations of fair value. The valuation assigned to a fair valued security for purposes of calculating the Funds’ NAVs may differ from the security’s most recent closing market price and from the prices used by other mutual funds to calculate their NAVs.
The inputs and valuation techniques used to determine the value of a Fund’s investments are summarized into three levels as described in the hierarchy below:
● Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
Investments whose values are based on quoted market prices in active markets, and whose values are therefore classified as Level 1 prices, include active listed equity securities. The Adviser does not adjust the quoted price for such investments, even in situations where the Funds hold a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price.
● | | Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
Investments that trade in markets that are not considered to be active, but whose values are based on quoted market prices, dealer quotations, or valuations provided by alternative pricing sources supported by observable inputs, are classified as Level 2 prices. These generally include certain US Government and sovereign obligations, most government agency securities, investment-grade corporate bonds, and less liquid listed equity securities. As investments whose values are classified as Level 2 prices include positions that are not traded in active markets and/or are subject to transfer restrictions, valuations may be adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability, which are generally based on available market information.
● | | Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Adviser’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
Investments whose values are classified as Level 3 prices have significant unobservable inputs, as they may trade infrequently or not at all. When observable prices are not available for these securities, the Adviser uses one or more valuation techniques for which sufficient and reliable data is available. The inputs used by the Adviser in estimating the value of Level 3 prices may include the original transaction price, quoted prices for similar securities or assets in active markets, completed or pending third-party transactions in the underlying investment or comparable issuers, and changes in financial ratios or cash flows. Level 3 prices may also be adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability, with the amount of such discount estimated by the Adviser in the absence of market information. Assumptions used by the Adviser due to the lack of observable inputs may significantly impact the resulting value and therefore the results of the Funds’ operations.
The inputs or methodology used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those investments. A summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of December 31, 2023 is included with each Fund’s Schedule of Investments.
Details regarding material transfers into, and material transfers out of, Level 3, if any, can be found at the end of each Schedule of Investments for Funds that held Level 3 securities.
Securities Lending Upon lending its securities to third parties, each participating Fund receives compensation in the form of fees. The loans are secured by collateral at least equal to the fair value of the securities loaned plus accrued interest. The remaining contractual maturity of all securities lending transactions is overnight and continuous. Each Fund has the right under the lending agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand. Additionally, a Fund does not have the right to sell or re-pledge collateral received in the form of securities unless the borrower goes into default. The risks to a Fund of securities lending are that the borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or return the securities when due, resulting in a loss. Under the terms of the Securities Lending Agreement, the Funds are indemnified for such losses by the securities lending agent.
While securities are on loan, the Fund continues to receive dividends on the securities loaned and recognizes any unrealized gain or loss in the fair value of the securities loaned.
| | |
80 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) | | |
December 31, 2023 (Unaudited)
Securities lending transactions are entered into by a Fund under a Securities Lending Agreement which provides the right, in the event of default (including bankruptcy or insolvency) for the non-defaulting party to liquidate the collateral or to offset the market value of the collateral received against the market value of the securities loaned. The value of the collateral is typically greater than that of the market value of the securities loaned, leaving the lender with a net amount payable to the defaulting party. However, bankruptcy or insolvency laws of a particular jurisdiction may impose restrictions on or prohibitions against such a right of offset in the event of a counterparty’s bankruptcy or insolvency.
The market value of securities on loan, all of which are classified as common stocks in the Funds’ Schedules of Investments, and the value of the related cash collateral are shown in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as a component of Investments at value. Securities lending transactions are considered to be overnight and continuous and can be terminated by the Funds or the borrower at any time. During the period ended December 31, 2023 the Managed Volatility Fund did not have any securities lending transactions.
The following table is a summary of the Funds’ payable upon return of securities loaned and related cash collateral, which are subject to a netting agreement as of December 31, 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | Gross Amount Not Offset in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | | | | |
Fund | | Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities1 | | | Gross Amounts Offset in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | | | Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | | Financial Instruments | | | Collateral Received | | | Net Amount | |
| | | | | | |
Aggressive Investors 1 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Securities lending | | | $438,500 | | | | $– | | | | $438,500 | | | | $– | | | | $438,500 | | | | $– | |
Ultra-Small Company | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Securities lending | | | $6,198,589 | | | | – | | | | $6,198,589 | | | | – | | | | $6,198,589 | | | | – | |
Ultra-Small Company Market | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Securities lending | | | $16,219,579 | | | | – | | | | $16,219,579 | | | | – | | | | $16,219,579 | | | | – | |
Small-Cap Value | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Securities lending | | | $2,983,605 | | | | – | | | | $2,983,605 | | | | – | | | | $2,983,605 | | | | – | |
Omni Small-Cap Value | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Securities lending | | | $13,381,173 | | | | – | | | | $13,381,173 | | | | – | | | | $13,381,173 | | | | – | |
1 | Securities loaned with a value of $ 225,000 in Ultra-Small Company Market have been sold and are pending settlement on December 31, 2023. |
| | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) | | |
December 31, 2023 (Unaudited)
The following table summarizes the securities received as non-cash collateral and cash collateral for securities lending:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Non-Cash Collateral | | | | | | | | | | |
Fund | | Collateral Type | | | Coupon Range | | | Maturity Date Range | | | Market Value | | | Cash Collateral | | | Total Collateral | | | Market Value of Securities on Loan | |
| | | | | | | |
Aggressive Investors 1 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Securities lending | |
| U.S.Gov’t Obligations | | |
| 0.13%- 4.75% | | |
| 04/15/24- 05/15/51 | | | | $2,084,036 | | | | $438,500 | | | | $2,522,536 | | | | $2,440,502 | |
Ultra-Small Company | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Securities lending | |
| U.S.Gov’t Obligations | | |
| 0.00%- 6.00% | | |
| 02/01/24- 08/15/53 | | | | $1,542,271 | | | | $6,198,589 | | | | $7,740,860 | | | | $7,175,358 | |
Ultra-Small Company Market | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Securities lending | |
| U.S.Gov’t Obligations | | |
| 0.00%- 6.00% | | |
| 02/01/24- 08/15/53 | | | | $422,340 | | | | $16,219,579 | | | | $16,641,919 | | | | $15,218,675 | |
Small-Cap Value | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Securities lending | |
| U.S.Gov’t Obligations | | |
| 0.13%- 5.33% | | |
| 04/15/24- 08/15/53 | | | | $7,451,842 | | | | $2,983,605 | | | | $10,435,447 | | | | $10,001,376 | |
Omni Small-Cap Value | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Securities lending | |
| U.S.Gov’t Obligations | | |
| 0.13%- 5.33% | | |
| 04/15/24- 08/15/53 | | | | $30,793,233 | | | | $13,381,173 | | | | $44,174,406 | | | | $42,586,663 | |
It is each Fund’s policy to obtain additional collateral from, or return excess collateral to, the borrower by the end of the next business day following the valuation date of the securities loaned. Therefore, the value of the collateral held may be temporarily less than that required under the lending contract. As of December 31, 2023, the collateral consisted of an institutional government money market fund and US Government Obligations.
Use of Estimates in Financial Statements In preparing financial statements in conformity with GAAP, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities on the date of the financial statements and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities on the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Concentrations of Credit Risk The Funds maintain cash and securities in its custody account, maintained by a high-credit, quality financial institution. Cash balances may, at times, exceed the FDIC insurance limit. Cash balances are generally invested in a short-term investment vehicle, which minimizes the risk of cash balances exceeding the FDIC insurance limit. Additionally, deposits with brokers may, at times, exceed the SIPC insurance limit.
Sector Concentration Risk Companies with similar characteristics may be grouped together in broad categories called sectors. Although each Fund seeks investments across a number of sectors, from time to time, based on economic conditions, each Fund may have significant positions in particular sectors. A certain sector may underperform other sectors or the market as a whole. As more assets are held in a specific sector, a Fund’s performance will be more susceptible to any economic, business or other developments which generally affect that sector.
As of December 31, 2023, Funds with net assets of 25% or greater in a particular sector were as follows:
| | | | |
Fund | | Sector | | % Net Assets at December 31, 2023 |
Aggressive Investors 1 Fund | | Information Technology | | 27.56% |
Ultra-Small Company Fund | | Health Care | | 31.90% |
Ultra-Small Company Market Fund | | Health Care | | 31.13% |
Small-Cap Value Fund | | Financials | | 27.14% |
Omni Small-Cap Value Fund | | Financials | | 33.93% |
| | |
82 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) | | |
December 31, 2023 (Unaudited)
Risks and Uncertainties The Funds provide for various investment options, including stocks, bonds, futures, and call and put options. Such investments are exposed to risks, such as interest rate, market, and credit risks. Due to the risks involved, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in risks in the near term would materially affect shareholders’ account values and the amounts reported in the financial statements.
Security Transactions, Investment Income, and Expenses Security transactions are accounted for as of the trade date, the date the order to buy or sell is executed. Realized gains and losses are computed on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, and interest income is recorded on the accrual basis from settlement date. Particularly as related to the Managed Volatility Fund, discounts and premiums are accreted/amortized using the effective interest method. Income from the securities lending program is recorded when earned from the securities lending agent and reflected in the Statement of Operations under “Securities lending.”
Fund expenses that are not series-specific are allocated to each series based upon its relative proportion of net assets to the Funds’ total net assets or other appropriate basis.
Distributions to Shareholders The Funds pay dividends from net investment income and distribute realized capital gains annually, usually in December.
Derivatives The Funds’ use of derivatives for the year ended December 31, 2023 was limited to futures contracts, purchased options, and written options. The following is a summary of how these derivatives are treated in the financial statements and their impact on the Funds, categorized by primary underlying risk.
| | | | | | |
Primary Underlying Risk/Fund | | Derivative Assets | | Derivative Liabilities | | Location on Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
| | | |
Equity Risk | | | | | | |
Managed Volatility: | | | | | | |
Written Put Options | | – | | $234,463 | | Put options written at value |
Written Call Options | | – | | 341,504 | | Call options written at value |
| | | |
Primary Underlying Risk/Fund | | Amount of Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives | | Amount of Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives | | Location of Gain (Loss) in the Statement of Operations |
| | | |
Equity Risk | | | | | | |
Managed Volatility: | | | | | | |
Written Options | | $218,527 | | | | Realized Gain (Loss) on Written Options |
| | | | | | Change in Unrealized Appreciation |
| | | | $(106,721) | | (Depreciation) on Written Options |
Futures Contracts | | $(635,499) | | – | | Realized Gain (Loss) on Futures Contracts |
The derivative instruments outstanding as of December 31, 2023, as disclosed in the Schedule of Investments, and the amounts of realized and changes in unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments during the period ended December 31, 2023, as disclosed in the Statements of Operations, serve as indicators of the volume of derivatives activity for the Funds.
Futures Contracts The Funds may purchase or sell financial futures contracts to hedge cash positions, manage market risk, and to dampen volatility in line with investment objectives. A futures contract is an agreement between two parties to buy or sell a financial instrument at a set price on a future date. Upon entering into such a contract, a Fund is required to pledge to the broker an amount of cash or US Government securities equal to the minimum “initial margin” requirements of the exchange on which the futures contract is traded. The contract amount reflects the extent of a Fund’s exposure in these financial instruments. A Fund’s participation in the futures markets involves certain risks, including imperfect correlation between movements in the price of futures contracts and movements in the price of the securities hedged or used for cover. Pursuant to a contract, such Fund agrees to receive from, or pay to, the broker an amount of cash equal to the fluctuation in value of
| | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) | | |
December 31, 2023 (Unaudited)
the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as “variation margin” and are recorded by a Fund as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. When a contract is closed, a Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. With futures, there is minimal counter-party risk to the Funds, since futures are exchange traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange traded futures, guarantees the futures against default. As of December 31, 2023, the Funds had no open futures contracts.
Options The Managed Volatility Fund may buy and sell calls and puts to reduce the Fund’s volatility and provide some cash flow. An option is a contract conveying a right to buy or sell a financial instrument at a specified price during a stipulated period. The premium paid by a Fund for the purchase of a call or a put option is included in such Fund’s Schedule of Investments as an investment and subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current market value of the option. When a Fund writes a call or a put option, an amount equal to the premium received by such Fund is included in its Statement of Assets and Liabilities as a liability and is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current market value of the option written. If an option that a Fund has written either expires on its stipulated expiration date, or if such Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, that Fund realizes a gain (or a loss if the cost of a closing purchase transaction exceeds the premium received when the option was written) without regard to any unrealized gain or loss on the underlying security, and the liability related to such options is extinguished. If a call option that a Fund has written is assigned, such Fund realizes a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security, and the proceeds from such sale are increased by the premium originally received. If a put option that a Fund has written is assigned, the amount of the premium originally received reduces the cost of the security that such Fund purchased upon exercise of the option. Buying calls increases a Fund’s exposure to the underlying security to the extent of any premium paid. Buying puts on a stock market index tends to limit a Fund’s exposure to a stock market decline. All options purchased by the Funds were listed on exchanges and considered liquid positions with readily available market quotes.
Covered Call Options and Secured Puts The Managed Volatility Fund may write call options on a covered basis; that is, the Fund will own the underlying security, or the Fund may write secured puts. The principal reason for writing covered calls and secured puts on a security is to attempt to realize income through the receipt of premiums. The option writer has, in return for the premium, given up the opportunity for profit from a substantial price increase in the underlying security so long as the obligation as a writer continues, but has retained the risk of loss should the price of the security decline. All options were listed on exchanges and considered liquid positions with readily available market quotes.
Outstanding written options as of December 31, 2023 for the Managed Volatility Fund are included in the Schedule of Investments.
Indemnification Under the Company’s organizational documents, the Funds’ officers, directors, employees and agents are indemnified against certain liabilities that may arise out of the performance of their duties to the Funds. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts that contain a variety of indemnification clauses. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds that have not yet occurred. However, the Funds have not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts.
3. | Advisory Fees and Other Related Party Transactions: |
The Funds have entered into management agreements with the Adviser. As compensation for the advisory services rendered, facilities furnished, and expenses borne by the Adviser, the Funds pay the Adviser a fee pursuant to each Fund’s management agreement, as described below.
Aggressive Investors 1 Fund and Small-Cap Value Fund each have management fees that are comprised of a base fee, which is applied to the Fund’s average annual net assets, and a performance adjustment, which adjusts the fee upward or downward depending on a Fund’s performance relative to the applicable market index over a rolling five-year performance period, and is applied to the Fund’s average daily net assets over this performance period.
Because the performance adjustment is based on a Fund’s performance relative to the applicable market index, and not the Fund’s absolute performance, the performance adjustment could increase the Adviser’s fee even if the Fund’s shares lose value over the performance period, provided that the Fund outperformed its market index, or could decrease the Adviser’s fee
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84 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) | | |
December 31, 2023 (Unaudited)
even if the Fund’s shares increase in value during the performance period, provided that the Fund underperformed its market index. Also, depending on a Fund’s performance relative to the applicable market index over the rolling five-year performance period, the performance adjustment could increase the Adviser’s fee even if the Fund has experienced underperformance relative to its market index in the short-term, or could decrease the Adviser’s fee even if the Fund has experienced outperformance relative to its market index in the short-term. However, no performance fee adjustment will be applied to the Adviser’s fee if the cumulative difference between a Fund’s performance and that of the applicable market index is less than or equal to 2% over the rolling five-year performance period.
Additionally, because the base fee is applied to average annual net assets, and the performance adjustment is calculated over a rolling five-year performance period, it is possible that if a Fund underperforms the applicable market index significantly over the performance period, and the Fund’s assets have declined significantly over that performance period, the negative performance adjustment may exceed the base fee. In this event, the Adviser would make a payment to the Fund.
Aggressive Investors 1: A total advisory fee is paid by the Fund to the Adviser that is comprised of a Base Fee and a Performance Adjustment. The Base Fee equals the Base Fee Rate times the average daily net assets of the Fund. The Base Fee Rate is based on the following annual rates: 0.90% of the first $250 million of the Fund’s average daily net assets, 0.875% of the next $250 million, 0.85% of the next $500 million and 0.80% of any net assets in excess of $1 billion.
The Performance Adjustment equals 4.67% times the difference in cumulative total return between the Fund and the Standard and Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Price Index with dividends reinvested (hereinafter “Index”) over a rolling five-year performance period. The Performance Adjustment Rate varies from a minimum of -0.70% to a maximum of +0.70%. However, the Performance Adjustment Rate is zero if the difference between the cumulative Fund performance and the Index performance is less than or equal to 2%.
Ultra-Small Company: The Fund pays advisory fees based on the following annual rates: 0.90% of the first $250 million of the Fund’s average daily net assets, 0.875% of the next $250 million and 0.85% of any excess over $500 million. The management fees are computed daily and are payable monthly. However, during any period when the Fund’s net assets range from $27,500,000 to $55,000,000, the advisory fee will be determined as if the Fund had $55,000,000 under management. This is limited to a maximum annualized expense ratio of 1.49% of average net assets.
Ultra-Small Company Market: The Fund’s advisory fee is a flat 0.50% of the value of the Fund’s average daily net assets, computed daily and payable monthly.
Small-Cap Value: A total advisory fee is paid by each Fund to the Adviser that is comprised of a Base Fee and a Performance Adjustment. The Base Fee equals the Base Fee Rate times the average daily net assets of the Fund. The Base Fee Rate is based on the annual rate of 0.60% of the value of each Fund’s average daily net assets.
The Performance Adjustment equals 0.33% times the difference in cumulative total return between the Fund and the Russell 2000 Value Index, with dividends reinvested (hereinafter “Index”) over a rolling five-year performance period. The Performance Adjustment Rate varies from a minimum of -0.05% to a maximum of +0.05%. However, the Performance Adjustment Rate is zero if the difference between the cumulative Fund Performance and the Index performance is less than or equal to 2%.
Omni Small-Cap Value Fund: The Fund’s advisory fee is a flat 0.45% of the value of average daily net assets, computed daily and payable monthly. Prior to April 1, 2023, the advisory fee was 0.50%.
Managed Volatility: The Fund’s advisory fee is a flat 0.60% of the value of the Fund’s average daily net assets, computed daily and payable monthly.
Expense limitations: The Adviser has agreed to reimburse the Funds for operating expenses and management fees above the expense limitations shown in the table below, which are shown as a ratio of net expenses to average net assets, for each
| | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) | | |
December 31, 2023 (Unaudited)
Fund, for the period ended December 31, 2023. Any material change to the expense limitation would require a vote by share- holders of the applicable Fund.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Bridgeway Fund | | Expense Limitation | | | | | | Total Waivers and Reimbursements for Period Ended 12/31/23 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aggressive Investors 1 | | | 1.75% | | | | | | | | $– | |
Ultra-Small Company | | | 1.85% | | | | | | | | – | |
Ultra-Small Company Market | | | 0.75% | | | | | | | | 59,462 | |
Small-Cap Value | | | 0.94% | | | | | | | | – | |
Omni Small-Cap Value* | | | 0.47% | | | | | | | | 955,586 | |
Managed Volatility | | | 0.94% | | | | | | | | 53,404 | |
* | The Fund is authorized to reimburse the Adviser for management fees previously waived and/or for expenses previously paid by the Adviser to meet the expense limitation for each fiscal year provided, however, that any reimbursements must be paid at a date not more than three years after the Adviser waived the fees or reimbursed the expenses and that the reimbursements do not cause the Fund to exceed the expense limitation in effect at the time of the waiver or the current expense limitation, if different. The Omni Small-Cap Value Fund has recoupable expenses of $955,586, $2,244,593, $755,915 and $836,967, which expire no later than December 31, 2026, June 30, 2026, June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024, respectively. |
Other Related Party Transactions: The Funds will engage in inter-portfolio trades when it is to the benefit of both parties. The Board of Directors reviews a report on inter-portfolio trades quarterly. Inter-portfolio purchases and sales during the period ended December 31, 2023 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
Bridgeway Fund | | Inter-Portfolio Purchases | | | Inter-Portfolio Sales | |
| | | | | | | | |
Ultra-Small Company | | $ | 2,426,856 | | | $ | 2,243,923 | |
Ultra-Small Company Market | | | 2,251,195 | | | | 1,786,090 | |
Small-Cap Value | | | 1,441,702 | | | | – | |
Omni Small-Cap Value | | | 1,015,794 | | | | 3,105,533 | |
The Adviser entered into an Administrative Services Agreement with Bridgeway, pursuant to which the Adviser provides various administrative services to the Funds, including, but not limited to: (i) supervising and managing various aspects of the Funds’ business and affairs; (ii) selecting, overseeing and/or coordinating activities with other service providers to the Funds;(iii) providing reports to the Board of Directors as requested from time to time; (iv) assisting and/or reviewing amendments and updates to the Funds’ registration statement and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”); (v) providing certain shareholder services; (vi) providing administrative support in connection with meetings of the Board of Directors; and (vii) providing certain record-keeping services. For its services to all of the Bridgeway Funds, the Adviser was paid an annual aggregate fee of $150,000, payable in equal monthly installments. Effective July 1, 2023 the Adviser is paid an annual aggregate fee of $130,000. For the allocation of this expense to each of the Funds, please see the Statements of Operations.
Board of Directors Compensation Independent Directors are paid an annual retainer of $20,000, with an additional retainer of $5,000 paid to the Independent Chairman of the Board and an additional retainer of $1,000 paid to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chair. The retainer is paid in quarterly installments. In addition, Independent Directors are paid $14,000 per meeting for meeting fees. Such compensation is the total compensation from all Bridgeway Funds and is allocated among the Bridgeway Funds.
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86 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) | | |
December 31, 2023 (Unaudited)
Independent Directors are reimbursed for any expenses incurred in attending meetings and conferences, as well as expenses for subscriptions or printed materials. The amount of directors’ fees attributable to each Fund is disclosed in the Statements of Operations.
One director of Bridgeway, John Montgomery, is an owner and director of the Adviser. Under the 1940 Act definitions, he is considered to be an “affiliated person” of the Adviser and an “interested person” of the Adviser and of Bridgeway. Compensation for Mr. Montgomery is borne by the Adviser rather than the Funds.
4. | Distribution Agreement: |
Foreside Fund Services, LLC acts as distributor of the Funds’ shares, pursuant to a Distribution Agreement dated September 30, 2021. The Adviser pays all costs and expenses associated with distribution of the Funds’ shares, pursuant to a protective plan adopted by shareholders pursuant to Rule 12b-1.
5. | Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities: |
Purchases and sales of investments, other than short-term securities, for each Fund for the year ended December 31, 2023 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Purchases | | | Sales | |
Bridgeway Fund | | U.S. Government | | | Other | | | U.S. Government | | | Other | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aggressive Investors 1 | | | $ – | | | $ | 58,031,931 | | | | $ – | | | $ | 63,283,299 | |
Ultra-Small Company | | | – | | | | 28,449,960 | | | | – | | | | 32,969,120 | |
Ultra-Small Company Market | | | – | | | | 36,537,773 | | | | – | | | | 45,925,329 | |
Small-Cap Value | | | – | | | | 188,897,801 | | | | – | | | | 213,580,974 | |
Omni Small-Cap Value | | | – | | | | 178,490,290 | | | | – | | | | 223,415,167 | |
Managed Volatility | | | – | | | | 812,600 | | | | – | | | | 2,204,821 | |
It is the Funds’ policy to continue to comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Internal Revenue Code”), applicable to regulated investment companies, and to distribute income to the extent necessary so that the Funds are not subject to federal income tax. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.
Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation on Investments (Tax Basis) The amount of net unrealized appreciation/depreciation and the cost of investment securities for tax purposes, including short-term securities as of December 31, 2023, were as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | Aggressive Investors 1 | | Ultra-Small Company | | Ultra-Small Company Market |
Gross appreciation (excess of value over tax cost) | | $31,361,768 | | $20,055,020 | | $52,573,681 |
Gross depreciation (excess of tax cost over value) | | (1,684,359) | | (15,085,951) | | (34,033,848) |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $29,677,409 | | $4,969,069 | | $18,539,833 |
Cost of investments for income tax purposes | | $129,369,479 | | $87,907,345 | | $183,602,273 |
| | | |
| | Small-Cap Value | | Omni Small-Cap Value | | Managed Volatility |
Gross appreciation (excess of value over tax cost) | | $94,855,580 | | $351,491,758 | | $9,238,368 |
Gross depreciation (excess of tax cost over value) | | (47,991,104) | | (36,822,059) | | (226,026) |
Net unrealized appreciation | | $46,864,476 | | $314,669,699 | | $9,012,342 |
Cost of investments for income tax purposes | | $536,292,086 | | $980,200,942 | | $20,861,195 |
The differences between book and tax net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) are primarily due to wash sale and passive foreign investment companies (PFICs).
| | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) | | |
December 31, 2023 (Unaudited)
Classifications of Distributions Net investment income (loss) and net realized gain (loss) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes. The character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes.
The tax character of the distributions paid by the Funds during the last two fiscal years ended June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2022 respectively, are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Aggressive Investors 1 | | | Ultra-Small Company | |
| | Year Ended June 30, 2023 | | | Year Ended June 30, 2022 | | | Year Ended June 30, 2023 | | | Year Ended June 30, 2022 | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ordinary Income | | | $2,003,138 | | | | $1,913,699 | | | | $– | | | | $4,776,033 | |
Long-Term Capital Gain | | | – | | | | 14,127,616 | | | | 12,509,632 | | | | 14,127,123 | |
Total | | | $2,003,138 | | | | $16,041,315 | | | | $12,509,632 | | | | $18,903,156 | |
| | |
| | Ultra-Small Company Market | | | Small-Cap Value | |
| | Year Ended June 30, 2023 | | | Year Ended June 30, 2022 | | | Year Ended June 30, 2023 | | | Year Ended June 30, 2022 | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ordinary Income | | | $1,949,150 | | | | $1,841,115 | | | | $5,499,665 | | | | $12,576,425 | |
Long-Term Capital Gain | | | 1,992,833 | | | | 51,783,834 | | | | 792,604 | | | | 5,954,069 | |
Total | | | $3,941,983 | | | | $53,624,949 | | | | $6,292,269 | | | | $18,530,494 | |
| | |
| | Omni Small-Cap Value | | | Managed Volatility | |
| | Year Ended June 30, 2023 | | | Year Ended June 30, 2022 | | | Year Ended June 30, 2023 | | | Year Ended June 30, 2022 | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ordinary Income | | | $20,509,847 | | | | $22,971,027 | | | | $95,249 | | | | $146,278 | |
Long-Term Capital Gain | | | 210,597,017 | | | | 29,237,911 | | | | 1,675,841 | | | | 184,092 | |
Total | | | $231,106,864 | | | | $52,208,938 | | | | $1,771,090 | | | | $330,370 | |
Components of Accumulated Earnings As of June 30, 2023, the components of accumulated earnings on a tax basis were:
| | | | | | |
| | Aggressive Investors 1 | | Ultra-Small Company | | Ultra-Small Company Market |
Accumulated Net Investment Income | | $– | | $– | | $1,680,293 |
Capital Loss Carryovers | | (5,082,183) | | – | | (5,169,702) |
Accumulated Net Realized Gain on Investments | | – | | 4,092,357 | | – |
Post October Losses Deferred* | | (4,126,578) | | – | | (21,198,469) |
Other Temporary Differences | | – | | – | | – |
Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) of Investments** | | 17,053,584 | | (2,367,897) | | 3,329,655 |
Total | | $7,844,823 | | $1,724,460 | | $(21,358,223) |
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88 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) | | |
December 31, 2023 (Unaudited)
| | | | | | |
| | Small-Cap Value | | Omni Small-Cap Value | | Managed Volatility |
Accumulated Net Investment Income | | $2,401,382 | | $8,359,265 | | $694,061 |
Capital Loss Carryovers | | – | | – | | – |
Accumulated Net Realized Gain on Investments | | 9,543,346 | | 72,952,177 | | 206,801 |
Post October Losses Deferred* | | – | | – | | – |
Other Temporary Differences | | – | | – | | (7,876) |
Net Unrealized Appreciation of Investments | | 6,206,051 | | 176,343,256 | | 8,295,870 |
Total | | $18,150,779 | | $257,654,698 | | $9,188,856 |
* | Includes Post October Losses that the Funds have elected to defer to the beginning of their next fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. The Aggressive Investors 1 Fund has elected to defer qualified short term and long term capital gains (losses) of $(4,126,578). The Ultra-Small Company Market Fund has elected to defer qualified short term and long term capital gains (losses) of $(21,198,469). The Ultra-Small Company, Small-Cap Value, Omni Small-Cap Value and Managed Volatility Funds have no deferred qualified ordinary late-year losses, short term capital losses or long term capital losses. As of June 30, 2023 Aggressive Investors 1 Fund and Ultra-Small Company Market Fund had non-expiring short term capital loss carryforwards of $5,082,183 and $5,169,702 respectively. |
** | The differences between Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) of Investments on a book versus tax basis for the Aggressive Investors 1 Fund and Ultra-Small Company Market Fund are ($65) and $34 respectively. The differences are due to the valuation of foreign denominated receivables and payables. |
For the fiscal year June 30, 2023, the Funds recorded the following reclassifications to the accounts listed below:
| | | | | | |
| | Increase (Decrease) |
| | Aggressive Investors 1 | | Ultra-Small Company | | Ultra-Small Company Market |
Paid-In Capital | | $(211,988) | | $(1,825) | | $– |
Distributable Earnings | | 211,988 | | 1,825 | | – |
| |
| | Increase (Decrease) |
| | Small-Cap Value | | Omni Small-Cap Value | | Managed Volatility |
Paid-In Capital | | $1,398,490 | | $12,409,513 | | $– |
Distributable Earnings | | (1,398,490) | | (12,409,513) | | – |
The difference between book and tax components of net assets and the resulting reclassifications were primarily a result of the differing book/tax treatment of the deduction of dividends paid for tax purposes, excess distributions and the write-off of unused net operating loss.
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes sets forth a minimum threshold for financial statement recognition of the benefit of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Management has analyzed each Fund’s tax positions and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the individual Fund’s financial statements. The Funds are not aware of any tax position for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months. Each Fund’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.
Bridgeway established a line of credit agreement (“Facility”) with The Bank of New York Mellon, effective November 5, 2010. The Facility is for temporary or emergency purposes, such as to provide liquidity for shareholder redemptions, and is cancellable by either party. Unless cancelled earlier, the Facility shall be held available until October 4, 2024. Advances under the Facility are limited to $15,000,000 in total for all Funds, and advances to each Fund shall not exceed certain limits set forth in the credit agreement, including, but not limited to, the maximum amount a Fund is permitted to borrow under the 1940 Act.
| | |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) | | |
December 31, 2023 (Unaudited)
The Funds incur a commitment fee of 0.10% per annum on the unused portion of the Facility and interest expense to the extent of amounts borrowed under the Facility. Interest is based on the “Overnight Rate” plus 1.25%. The Overnight Rate means the higher of (a) the Federal Funds rate, (b) the Overnight Eurodollar Rate, or (c) the One-Month Eurodollar Rate. The facility fees are payable quarterly in arrears and are allocated to all participating Funds. Interest expense is charged directly to a Fund based upon actual amounts borrowed by such Fund.
For the period ended December 31, 2023, borrowings by the Funds under this line of credit were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Bridgeway Fund | | Weighted Average Interest Rate | | Weighted Average Loan Balance | | Number of Days Outstanding | | Interest Expense Incurred1 | | Maximum Amount Borrowed During the Period |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aggressive Investors 1 | | | 6.48 | % | | | $480,773 | | | | 22 | | | | $1,904 | | | | $1,222,000 | |
Ultra-Small Company | | | 6.48 | % | | | 465,438 | | | | 48 | | | | 4,022 | | | | 880,000 | |
Ultra-Small Company Market | | | 6.48 | % | | | 241,200 | | | | 5 | | | | 217 | | | | 397,000 | |
Small-Cap Value | | | 6.45 | % | | | 1,149,244 | | | | 41 | | | | 8,444 | | | | 3,545,000 | |
Omni Small-Cap Value | | | 6.41 | % | | | 2,201,556 | | | | 27 | | | | 10,577 | | | | 15,000,000 | |
1Interest expense is included on the Statements of Operations in Miscellaneous expenses. | |
On December 31, 2023, Omni Small-Cap Value Fund had loans outstanding in the amount of $1,421,000, exclusive of interest payable on the loans.
In Ultra-Small Company Market Fund, a 2% redemption fee may be charged on shares held less than six months. The fee is charged for the benefit of the remaining shareholders and will be paid to the Fund to help offset transaction costs. The fee is accounted for as an addition to paid-in capital.
9. | Change in Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
BBD, LLP (“BBD”) served as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Funds to audit the financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022. On March 13, 2023, BBD sent a letter of cessation to the SEC indicating that BBD would no longer be serving as auditor. This letter was sent as a result of the Investment Management Group of BBD being acquired by Cohen & Company, Ltd (“Cohen”).
On May 25, 2023 the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors recommended and approved the appointment of Cohen as the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023.
The report of BBD on the financial statements of the Funds for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, contained no adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principle.
In connection with the Funds’ audit for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, there were no disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of BBD, that would have caused them to make reference to in their report on the financial statements for such period.
Management has evaluated the impact of all subsequent events on the Funds and has determined that there were no subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.
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90 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
OTHER INFORMATION | | |
December 31, 2023 (Unaudited)
A description of the policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to the portfolio securities and a summary of proxies voted by the Funds for the period ended June 30, 2023 are available without charge, upon request, by contacting Bridgeway Funds at 800-661-3550 and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
The complete schedules of the Funds’ holdings for the second and fourth quarters of each fiscal year are contained in the Funds’ Semi-Annual and Annual Shareholder Reports, respectively.
The Bridgeway Funds file complete schedules of the Funds’ holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to Form N-PORT within 60 days after the end of the period. Copies of the Funds’ Form N-PORT exhibit are available without charge, upon request, by contacting Bridgeway Funds at 800-661-3550 and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. You may also review and copy the Funds’ Form N-PORT exhibit at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. For more information about the operation of the Public Reference Room, please call 800-SEC-0330.
| | |
DISCLOSURE OF FUND EXPENSES | | |
December 31, 2023 (Unaudited)
As a shareholder of a Fund, you will incur no transaction costs from such Fund, including sales charges (loads) on purchases, on reinvested dividends or on other distributions. There are no exchange fees. Shareholders are subject to redemption fees on the Ultra-Small Company Market Fund under certain circumstances. However, as a shareholder of a Fund, you will incur ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. The following examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a Fund and to compare these costs with ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested on July 1, 2023 and held until December 31, 2023.
Actual Expenses. The first line of the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during the period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes. The second line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in a Fund and other mutual funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.
The expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing Fund costs only. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds, because other funds may also have transaction costs, such as sales charges, redemption fees or exchange fees.
| | | | | | | | |
| | Beginning Account Value at 7/1/23 | | Ending Account Value at 12/31/23 | | Expense Ratio | | Expenses Paid During Period* 7/1/23 - 12/31/23 |
|
Bridgeway Aggressive Investors 1 Fund |
Actual Fund Return | | $1,000.00 | | $1,094.30 | | 0.43% | | $2.26 |
Hypothetical Fund Return | | $1,000.00 | | $1,022.97 | | 0.43% | | $2.19 |
|
Bridgeway Ultra-Small Company Fund |
Actual Fund Return | | $1,000.00 | | $1,105.50 | | 1.23% | | $6.51 |
Hypothetical Fund Return | | $1,000.00 | | $1,018.95 | | 1.23% | | $6.24 |
|
Bridgeway Ultra-Small Company Market Fund |
Actual Fund Return | | $1,000.00 | | $1,077.40 | | 0.75% | | $3.92 |
Hypothetical Fund Return | | $1,000.00 | | $1,021.37 | | 0.75% | | $3.81 |
|
Bridgeway Small-Cap Value Fund |
Actual Fund Return | | $1,000.00 | | $1,095.70 | | 0.88% | | $4.64 |
Hypothetical Fund Return | | $1,000.00 | | $1,020.71 | | 0.88% | | $4.47 |
|
Bridgeway Omni Small-Cap Value Fund |
Actual Fund Return | | $1,000.00 | | $1,197.10 | | 0.47% | | $2.60 |
Hypothetical Fund Return | | $1,000.00 | | $1,022.77 | | 0.47% | | $2.39 |
|
Bridgeway Managed Volatility Fund |
Actual Fund Return | | $1,000.00 | | $1,043.10 | | 0.94% | | $4.83 |
Hypothetical Fund Return | | $1,000.00 | | $1,020.41 | | 0.94% | | $4.77 |
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92 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
| | |
DISCLOSURE OF FUND EXPENSES (continued) | | |
December 31, 2023 (Unaudited)
* | Expenses are equal to the average account value times the Fund’s annualized expense ratio multiplied by the number of days in the most recent six- month period (184) divided by the number of days in the fiscal year (366). |
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94 | | Semi-Annual Report | December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) |
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| | BRIDGEWAY FUNDS, INC. BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. P.O. Box 534435 Pittsburgh, PA 15253-4435 CUSTODIAN The Bank of New York Mellon One Wall Street New York, NY 10286 DISTRIBUTOR Foreside Fund Services, LLC Three Canal Plaza, Suite 100 Portland, ME 04101 |
| | You can review and copy information about our Funds (including the SAIs) at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. To find out more about this public service, call the SEC at 800-SEC-0330. Reports and other information about the Funds are also available on the SEC’s website at ww.sec.gov. You can receive copies of this information, for a fee, by writing the Public Reference Section, Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520 or by sending an electronic request to the following email address: publicinfo@ sec.gov. |
Item 2. Code of Ethics.
Not applicable.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
Not applicable.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Not applicable.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
Not applicable.
Item 6. Investments.
(a) | Schedule of Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers as of the close of the reporting period is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1(a) of this form. |
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 officer and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) are effectively designed, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b)). |
| (b) | There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d))) that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. |
Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable.
Item 13. Exhibits.
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.
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(Registrant) Bridgeway Funds, Inc. |
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By (Signature and Title)* | | /s/ Linda Giuffré |
| | Linda Giuffré, President and Principal Executive Officer |
| | (principal executive officer) |
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Date March 1, 2024 |
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.
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By (Signature and Title)* | | /s/ Linda Giuffré |
| | Linda Giuffré, President and Principal Executive Officer |
| | (principal executive officer) |
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Date March 1, 2024 |
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By (Signature and Title)* | | /s/ Deborah L. Hanna |
| | Deborah L. Hanna, Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer |
| | (principal financial officer) |
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Date February 29, 2024 |
* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.