Consolidated ssr-output-EDGAR XBRL File

united states
securities and exchange commission
washington, d.c. 20549

 

form n-csr

 

certified shareholder report of registered management
investment companies

 

Investment Company Act file number: 811-21237

 

 

Unified Series Trust

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450

Cincinnati, OH 45246

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip code)

 

Zachary P. Richmond

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC

225 Pictoria Drive. Suite 450

Cincinnati, OH 45246

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

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

 

Date of fiscal year end: November 30

 

Date of reporting period: May 31,2024

 

 

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

(a)

 

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Auer Growth Fund 

(AUERX)

Semi-Annual Shareholder Report - May 31, 2024

Image

Fund Overview

This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about Auer Growth Fund for the period of December 1, 2023 to May 31, 2024. You can find additional information about the Fund at https://sbauerfunds.com/sbauer-documents/ . You can also request this information by contacting us at (888) 711-2837.

 

What were the Fund’s costs for the last six months?

(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)

Fund Name
Costs of a $10,000 investment
Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment
Auer Growth Fund
$98
1.97%

How did the Fund perform during the reporting period?

We are pleased to report that as of May 31, 2024, the Auer Growth Fund has delivered a solid performance, achieving a six month increase of 19.48%. This compares favorably to the S&P 500 Index®, which was up 16.35% over the same period.

 

The Fund's performance reflects a strategic response to prevailing market conditions, particularly the concerns about increasing inflation and the optimism surrounding potential Federal Reserve actions on interest rates. Despite these challenges, the focus on value investing, particularly in companies with a Price Earnings Ratio of 12 or less, has been a key driver of the Fund's success. This strategy has led us to invest significantly in small and micro-cap companies, which has contributed to the Fund's performance differential compared to the broader S&P 500 Index®.

 

Looking ahead, we remain committed to our value-driven investment strategy, focusing on companies that we believe are undervalued relative to their earnings potential. We believe that this approach will continue to deliver strong results for our shareholders, even in a challenging economic environment. 

 

 

How has the Fund performed over the last ten years? 

Total Return Based on $10,000 Investment

Chart showing performance over last 10 years or since inception
Auer Growth Fund
S&P 500® Index
May-2014
$10,000
$10,000
May-2015
$8,523
$11,181
May-2016
$7,057
$11,372
May-2017
$8,365
$13,359
May-2018
$10,846
$15,281
May-2019
$8,298
$15,859
May-2020
$7,554
$17,895
May-2021
$12,762
$25,109
May-2022
$15,671
$25,034
May-2023
$14,200
$25,766
May-2024
$20,901
$33,028

Average Annual Total Returns 

1 Year
5 Years
10 Years
Auer Growth Fund
47.20%
20.29%
7.65%
S&P 500® Index
28.19%
15.80%
12.69%

The Fund's past performance is not a good predictor of how the Fund will perform in the future. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or redemption of fund shares.

Fund Statistics 

  • Net Assets$62,680,646
  • Number of Portfolio Holdings89
  • Advisory Fee $404,814
  • Portfolio Turnover80%

Asset Weighting (% of total investments)

Group By Asset Type Chart
Value
Value
Common Stocks
83.8%
Money Market Funds
16.2%

What did the Fund invest in? 

Sector Weighting (% of net assets)

Group By Sector Chart
Value
Value
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities
0.3%
Real Estate
0.4%
Consumer Staples
0.5%
Utilities
1.4%
Communication Services
1.9%
Technology
2.3%
Materials
8.1%
Consumer Discretionary
8.6%
Health Care
9.5%
Industrials
15.1%
Money Market Funds
16.2%
Energy
17.2%
Financials
18.5%

Top 10 Holdings (% of net assets)

Holding Name
% of Net Assests
Fidelity Investments Money Market Government Portfolio, Class I
16.2%
First Solar, Inc.
3.2%
Tidewater, Inc.
2.7%
Costamare, Inc.
2.4%
Euroseas Ltd.
2.3%
Precision Drilling Corp.
2.0%
General Motors Co.
2.0%
ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
2.0%
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.
1.9%
Gravity Co. Ltd.
1.9%

Material Fund Changes

No material changes occured during the period ended May 31, 2024. 

Image

Auer Growth Fund -  (AUERX)

Semi-Annual Shareholder Report - May 31, 2024

Where can I find additional information about the Fund? 

Additional information is available on the Fund's website (https://sbauerfunds.com/sbauer-documents/ ), including its:

 

  • Prospectus

  • Financial information

  • Holdings

  • Proxy voting information

TSR-SAR 053124-AUERX

 

 

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

Not Applicable – disclosed with annual report

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

Not Applicable – disclosed with annual report

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

Not Applicable – disclosed with annual report

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

Not Applicable – disclosed with annual report

 

Item 6. Investments.

 

The Registrant’s schedule of investments in unaffiliated issuers is included in the Financial Statements under Item 7 of this form.

 

 

 

Item 7. Financial Statements and Financial Highlights for Open-End Management Investment Companies.

 

(a)

 

 

Auer Growth Fund

 

Financial Statements

 

May 31, 2024

 

Fund Adviser: 

SBAuer Funds, LLC

8801 River Crossing Blvd, Suite 100

Indianapolis, IN 46240

Toll Free (888) 711-AUER (2837)

www.sbauerfunds.com

 

 

Auer Growth Fund 

Schedule of Investments

 

May 31, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 83.54%   Shares     Fair Value  
Communication Services — 1.87%                
Gravity Co. Ltd. - ADR(a)     15,500     $ 1,168,700  
Consumer Discretionary — 8.62%                
Century Communities, Inc.     7,500       633,075  
Crown Crafts, Inc. ARS     46,000       240,120  
Forestar Group, Inc.(a)     34,000       1,156,340  
General Motors Co.     28,000       1,259,720  
GigaCloud Technology Inc.(a)     18,000       560,520  
LGI Homes, Inc.(a)     9,000       864,000  
Sadot Group, Inc.(a)     300,000       87,600  
TRI Pointe Group, Inc.(a)     15,500       600,315  
              5,401,690  
Consumer Staples — 0.45%                
United-Guardian Inc.     30,000       279,600  
Energy — 17.20%                
Borr Drilling Ltd.(a)     75,000       516,750  
CNX Resources Corp.(a)     25,000       657,500  
First Solar, Inc.(a)     7,500       2,038,200  
Hallador Energy Co.(a)     53,000       475,410  
Obsidian Energy Ltd.(a)     70,000       537,600  
Peabody Energy Corp.     22,000       545,160  
Precision Drilling Corp.(a)     17,000       1,267,520  
PrimeEnergy Resources Corp.(a)     3,000       342,000  
Ring Energy, Inc.(a)     400,000       716,000  
Seadrill Ltd.(a)     11,000       570,570  
Tidewater, Inc.(a)     16,000       1,653,280  
VAALCO Energy, Inc.     120,000       765,600  
Valaris Ltd.(a)     9,000       696,600  
              10,782,190  
Financials — 18.53%                
AG Mortgage Investment Trust, Inc.     45,000       306,900  
Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A., Class E     15,500       465,155  
CNO Financial Group, Inc.     11,000       315,590  
Cohen & Co., Inc.     35,000       356,300  
Enstar Group Ltd.(a)     1,800       563,652  
Fidelis Insurance Holdings Ltd.     43,000       712,940  
First Bank     24,000       292,080  
Flushing Financial Corp.     25,000       318,000  
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The)     1,400       639,128  
Greenlight Capital Re, Ltd., Class A(a)     46,000       611,340  
Hamilton Insurance Group Ltd.(a)     45,000       776,250  
Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc.     20,000       665,800  
HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc.     10,000       276,100  
Jefferies Financial Group, Inc.     13,500       628,020  
Lument Finance Trust Inc.     57,000       142,500  
See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements. 1

 

Auer Growth Fund

Schedule of Investments (continued)

 

May 31, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 83.54% - (continued)   Shares     Fair Value  
Financials — 18.53% - (continued)                
Merchants Bancorp     7,000     $ 280,350  
Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp.(a)     5,000       210,250  
Mr. Cooper Group, Inc.(a)     3,700       308,580  
MVB Financial Corp.     12,000       224,760  
Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.     17,000       290,020  
OptimumBank Holdings, Inc.(a)     67,000       301,500  
Primis Financial Corp.     22,500       236,025  
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.     5,200       1,184,872  
Siebert Financial Corp.(a)     60,000       133,200  
Velocity Financial, Inc.(a)     16,000       296,000  
VersaBank     47,000       456,370  
White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd.     350       632,450  
              11,624,132  
Health Care — 9.50%                
Alkermes PLC(a)     35,000       819,000  
ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)     19,000       1,233,100  
Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a)     67,000       1,083,390  
DocGo, Inc.(a)     100,000       293,000  
Harmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc.(a)     33,000       970,200  
Sensus Healthcare, Inc.(a)     50,000       271,000  
SIGA Technologies, Inc.     80,000       598,400  
United Therapeutics Corp.(a)     2,500       687,825  
              5,955,915  
Industrials — 15.10%                
Acacia Research Corp.(a)     55,000       306,900  
Ameresco, Inc., Class A(a)     30,000       1,095,600  
Argan, Inc.     11,500       812,245  
Costamare, Inc.     93,000       1,488,930  
Euroseas Ltd.     37,500       1,428,000  
Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd.     14,000       315,280  
Golden Ocean Group Ltd.(a)     45,000       647,550  
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp.(a)     64,000       585,600  
Miller Industries, Inc.     12,200       741,760  
Optex Systems Holdings, Inc.(a)     50,000       393,500  
Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp.(a)     30,000       366,000  
TAT Technologies Ltd.(a)     25,000       377,625  
Titan Machinery, Inc.(a)     10,000       188,200  
Willis Lease Finance Corp.     11,000       716,430  
              9,463,620  
Materials — 8.15%                
B2Gold Corp.     360,000       1,008,000  
Centerra Gold, Inc.     90,000       620,100  
Eldorado Gold Corp.(a)     52,000       840,840  
IAMGOLD Corp.(a)     140,000       553,000  
2 See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

Auer Growth Fund

Schedule of Investments (continued)

 

May 31, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

COMMON STOCKS — 83.54% - (continued)   Shares     Fair Value  
Materials — 8.15% - (continued)                
MAG Silver Corp.(a)     26,000     $ 347,880  
Ramaco Resources, Inc.     33,000       466,950  
Taseko Mines Ltd.(a)     150,000       414,000  
Ternium SA - ADR     13,500       582,930  
TRX Gold Corp.(a)     570,000       274,740  
              5,108,440  
Real Estate — 0.42%                
Five Point Holdings LLC(a)     80,000       260,800  
                 
Technology — 2.30%                
Canadian Solar, Inc.(a)     15,000       294,600  
Frequency Electronics, Inc.(a)     21,000       189,000  
Gorilla Technology Group Inc.(a)     100,000       599,000  
Immersion Corp.     36,000       359,640  
              1,442,240  
Utilities — 1.40%                
Consolidated Water Co. Ltd.     11,000       298,100  
Portland General Electric Co.     13,000       579,280  
              877,380  
                 
Total Common Stocks (Cost $46,506,027)             52,364,707  
                 
MONEY MARKET FUNDS — 16.19%                
                 
Fidelity Investments Money Market Government Portfolio, Class I, 5.20%(b)     10,149,750       10,149,750  
Total Money Market Funds (Cost $10,149,750)             10,149,750  
Total Investments — 99.73%                
(Cost $56,655,777)             62,514,457  
                 
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.27%             166,189  
                 
NET ASSETS — 100.00%           $ 62,680,646  

 

(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) Rate disclosed is the seven day effective yield as of May 31, 2024.

 

ADR - American Depositary Receipt 

See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements. 3

 

Auer Growth Fund

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

May 31, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Assets      
Investments in securities at fair value (cost $56,655,777)   $ 62,514,457  
Receivable for fund shares sold     180,000  
Dividends receivable     79,190  
Tax reclaims receivable     6,572  
Prepaid expenses     12,561  
Total Assets     62,792,780  
Liabilities        
Payable for fund shares redeemed     10,963  
Payable to Adviser     76,374  
Payable to affiliates     8,511  
Other accrued expenses     16,286  
Total Liabilities     112,134  
Net Assets   $ 62,680,646  
Net Assets consist of:        
Paid-in capital   $ 50,417,754  
Accumulated earnings     12,262,892  
Net Assets   $ 62,680,646  
Shares outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, no par value)     3,749,665  
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share(a)   $ 16.72  

 

(a)  The Fund charges a 1.00% redemption fee on shares redeemed within 7 days of purchase.
4 See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

Auer Growth Fund

Statement of Operations

 

For the Six Months ended May 31, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Investment Income      
Dividend income (net of foreign taxes withheld of $581)   $ 637,592  
Total investment income     637,592  
Expenses        
Adviser     404,814  
Administration     26,458  
Fund accounting     19,407  
Legal     11,798  
Audit and tax preparation     10,069  
Transfer agent     10,046  
Trustee     8,762  
Registration     8,745  
Compliance services     6,001  
Report printing     5,336  
Custodian     3,855  
Insurance     1,387  
Pricing     1,177  
Miscellaneous     14,387  
Total expenses     532,242  
Net investment income     105,350  
Net Realized and Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments        
Net realized gain on investment securities transactions     6,966,197  
Net realized loss on foreign currency translations     (41 )
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investment securities     2,565,941  
Net change in unrealized appreciation of foreign currency translations     25  
Net realized and change in unrealized gain on investments     9,532,122  
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations     9,637,472  
See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements. 5

 

Auer Growth Fund

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

    For the Six
Months Ended
May 31, 2024
    For the
Year Ended
November 30,
2023
 
  (Unaudited)          
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets due to:                
Operations                
Net investment income   $ 105,350     $ 313,347  
Net realized gain on investment securities transactions and foreign currency translations     6,966,156       1,059,257  
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investment securities and foreign currency translations     2,565,966       629,969  
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations     9,637,472       2,002,573  
Distributions From                
Earnings     (2,037,992 )     (2,139,895 )
Capital Transactions                
Proceeds from shares sold     12,049,272       15,218,656  
Proceeds from redemption fees(a)           148  
Reinvestment of distributions     1,992,774       1,820,710  
Amount paid for shares redeemed     (3,290,922 )     (13,551,876 )
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital transactions     10,751,124       3,487,638  
Total Increase in Net Assets     18,350,604       3,350,316  
Net Assets                
Beginning of period     44,330,042       40,979,726  
End of period   $ 62,680,646     $ 44,330,042  
Share Transactions                
Shares sold     803,693       1,120,240  
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions     141,031       139,625  
Shares redeemed     (219,709 )     (1,044,284 )
Net increase in shares outstanding     725,015       215,581  

 

(a) The Fund charges a 1.00% redemption fee on shares redeemed within 7 days of purchase.
6 See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

Auer Growth Fund

Financial Highlights

 

(For a share outstanding during each period)

 

    For the Six     For the Years Ended November 30,  
    Months                                
    Ended                                
    May 31, 2024                                
    (Unaudited)     2023     2022     2021     2020     2019  
Selected Per Share Data:                                    
Net asset value, beginning of period   $ 14.66     $ 14.59     $ 11.30     $ 8.10     $ 8.12     $ 7.85  
Income from investment operations:                                                
Net investment income (loss)     0.03       0.10       (0.01 )(a)      (0.08 )     (0.02 )     (0.06 )
Net realized and unrealized gain     2.70       0.73       3.30       3.28       (b)(c)      0.33  
Total from investment operations     2.73       0.83       3.29       3.20       (0.02 )     0.27  
Net investment income     (0.11 )                              
Net realized gains     (0.56 )     (0.76 )                        
Total distributions     (0.67 )     (0.76 )                        
Paid in capital from redemption fees           (b)      (b)                   
Net asset value, end of period   $ 16.72     $ 14.66     $ 14.59     $ 11.30     $ 8.10     $ 8.12  
Total Return(d)      19.48 %(e)      6.35 %     29.12 %     39.51 %     (0.25 )%     3.44 %
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                                                
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)   $ 62,681     $ 44,330     $ 40,980     $ 23,838     $ 18,434     $ 23,963  
Ratio of expenses to average net assets     1.97 %(f)      2.06 %     2.20 %     2.37 %     2.56 %     2.31 %
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets     0.39 %(f)      0.72 %     (0.05 )%     (0.76 )%     (0.09 )%     (0.64 )%
Portfolio turnover rate     80 %(e)      134 %     149 %     150 %     169 %     210 %

 

(a) Calculation based on the average number of shares outstanding during the period.

(b) Rounds to less than $0.005 per share.

(c) Realized and unrealized gains and losses in the caption are balancing amounts necessary to reconcile the change in net in net asset value for the period and may not reconcile with the Statement of Operations due to share transactions for the period.

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

(e) Not annualized.

(f) Annualized.
See accompanying notes which are an integral part of these financial statements. 7

 

Auer Growth Fund 

Notes to the Financial Statements

 

May 31, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION

 

The Auer Growth Fund (the “Fund”) was registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”), as a diversified series of Unified Series Trust (the “Trust”) on September 10, 2007. The Trust is an open-end investment company established under the laws of Ohio by an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated October 14, 2002, as amended (the “Trust Agreement”). The Trust Agreement permits the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board”) to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of separate series. The investment objective of the Fund is long-term capital appreciation. The Fund is one of a series of funds currently authorized by the Board. The Fund’s investment adviser is SBAuer Funds, LLC (the “Adviser”).

 

NOTE 2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

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

 

Regulatory Update – Tailored Shareholder Reports for Mutual Funds and Exchange- Traded Funds (“ETFs”) – The Securities and Exchange Commission adopted rule and form amendments that have resulted in changes to the design and delivery of shareholder reports of mutual funds and ETFs, requiring them to transmit concise and visually engaging streamlined annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders that highlight key information by July 24, 2024. Other information, including financial statements, will no longer appear in a streamlined shareholder report but must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semi-annual basis on Form N-CSR.

 

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

 

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

8

 

Auer Growth Fund 

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

 

May 31, 2024 (Unaudited)

  

As of and during the six months ended May 31, 2024, the Fund did not have any liabilities for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations when incurred. During the six months ended May 31, 2024, the Fund did not incur any interest or penalties. Management of the Fund has reviewed tax positions taken in tax years that remain subject to examination by all major tax jurisdictions, including federal (i.e., the previous three tax year ends and the interim tax period since then, as applicable) and has concluded that no provision for unrecognized tax benefits or expenses is required in these financial statements and does not expect this to change over the next twelve months.

 

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

 

Security Transactions and Related Income – The Fund follows industry practice and records security transactions on the trade date for financial reporting purposes. The specific identification method is used for determining gains or losses for financial statements and income tax purposes. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Distributions received from investments in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) that represent a return of capital or capital gain are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investment or as a realized gain, respectively. The calendar year-end amounts of ordinary income, capital gains, and return of capital included in distributions received from the Fund’s investments in REITs are reported to the Fund after the end of the calendar year; accordingly, the Fund estimates these amounts for accounting purposes until the characterization of REIT distributions is reported. Estimates are based on the most recent REIT distributions information available. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends and related reclaims have been provided for in accordance with the Fund’s understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates. Discounts and premiums on securities purchased are accreted or amortized using the effective interest method.

 

Foreign Currency Translation – The accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars at the current rate of exchange each business day to determine the value of investments, and other assets and liabilities. Purchases and sales of foreign securities, and income and expenses, are translated at the prevailing rate of exchange on the respective date of these transactions. The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. These fluctuations are included with the realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments. Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency translations on the Statement of Operations represents currency gains (losses) realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amount of investment income and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. The change in unrealized currency gains (losses) on foreign currency translations for the period is reflected in the Statement of Operations.

9

 

Auer Growth Fund 

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

 

May 31, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Dividends and Distributions – The Fund intends to distribute its net investment income and net realized long-term and short-term capital gains, if any, at least annually. Dividends and distributions to shareholders, which are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The treatment for financial reporting purposes of distributions made to shareholders during the period from net investment income or net realized capital gains may differ from their ultimate treatment for federal income tax purposes. These differences are caused primarily by differences in the timing of the recognition of certain components of income, expense or realized capital gain for federal income tax purposes. Where such differences are permanent in nature, they are reclassified among the components of net assets based on their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Any such reclassifications will have no effect on net assets, results of operations or net asset value (“NAV”) per share of the Fund.

 

Redemption Fees – The Fund charges a 1.00% redemption fee for shares redeemed within 7 days of purchase. These fees are deducted from the redemption proceeds otherwise payable to the shareholder. The Fund will retain the fee charged as an increase in paid-in capital and such fees become part of the Fund’s daily NAV calculation.

 

NOTE 3. SECURITIES VALUATION AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

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

 

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

10

 

Auer Growth Fund 

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

 

May 31, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Equity securities that are traded on any stock exchange are generally valued at the last quoted sale price on the security’s primary exchange. Lacking a last sale price, an exchange-traded security is generally valued at its last bid price. Securities traded in the Nasdaq over-the-counter market are generally valued at the Nasdaq Official Closing Price. When using market quotations and when the market is considered active, the security is classified as a Level 1 security. In the event that market quotations are not readily available or are considered unreliable due to market or other events, securities are valued in good faith by the Adviser, as Valuation Designee, under oversight of the Board’s Pricing & Liquidity Committee. The Valuation Designee has adopted written policies and procedures for valuing securities and other assets in circumstances where market quotes are not readily available in conformity with guidelines adopted by the Board. In the event that market quotes are not readily available, and the security or asset cannot be valued pursuant to one of the valuation methods, the value of the security or asset will be determined in good faith by the Valuation Designee pursuant to its policies and procedures. Any fair value provided by the Valuation Designee is subject to the ultimate review of the pricing methodology by the Pricing & Liquidity Committee of the Board on a quarterly basis. Under these policies, the securities will be classified as Level 2 or 3 within the fair value hierarchy, depending on the inputs used.

11

 

Auer Growth Fund 

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

 

May 31, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Investments in mutual funds, including money market mutual funds, are generally priced at the ending NAV provided by the service agent of the mutual funds. These securities are categorized as Level 1 securities.

 

In accordance with the Trust’s valuation policies and fair value determinations pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Valuation Designee is required to consider all appropriate factors relevant to the value of securities for which it has determined other pricing sources are not available or reliable as described above. No single method exists for determining fair value because fair value depends upon the circumstances of each individual case. As a general principle, the current fair value of a security being valued by the Valuation Designee would be the amount that the Fund might reasonably expect to receive upon the current sale. Methods that are in accordance with this principle may, for example, be based on (i) a multiple of earnings; (ii) a discount from market prices of a similar freely traded security (including a derivative security or a basket of securities traded on other markets, exchanges or among dealers); or (iii) yield to maturity with respect to debt issues, or a combination of these and other methods. Fair-value pricing is permitted if, in the Valuation Designee’s opinion, the validity of market quotations appears to be questionable based on factors such as evidence of a thin market in the security based on a small number of quotations, a significant event occurs after the close of a market but before the Fund’s NAV calculation that may affect a security’s value, or the Valuation Designee is aware of any other data that calls into question the reliability of market quotations. The Valuation Designee may obtain assistance from others in fulfilling its duties. For example, it may seek assistance from pricing services, fund administrators, sub-advisers, accountants, or counsel; it may also consult the Trust’s Fair Value Committee. The Valuation Designee, however, remains responsible for the final fair value determination any may not designate or assign that responsibility to any third party.

12

 

Auer Growth Fund 

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

 

May 31, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of May 31, 2024:

 

          Valuation Inputs                
Investments   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
Common Stocks(a)   $ 52,364,707     $     $     $ 52,364,707  
Money Market Funds     10,149,750                   10,149,750  
Total   $ 62,514,457     $     $     $ 62,514,457  

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The Adviser, under the terms of the management agreement (the “Agreement”), manages the Fund’s investments. As compensation for its management services, the Fund is obligated to pay the Adviser a management fee computed and accrued daily and paid monthly at an annual rate of 1.50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. For the six months ended May 31, 2024, the Adviser earned a management fee of $404,814 from the Fund. At May 31, 2024, the Fund owed the Adviser $76,374 for management services.

 

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC (“Ultimus”) provides administration, fund accounting and transfer agent services to the Fund. The Fund pays Ultimus fees in accordance with the agreements for such services.

 

Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”), an affiliate of Ultimus, provides a Chief Compliance Officer to the Trust, as well as related compliance services, pursuant to a consulting agreement between NLCS and the Trust. Under the terms of such agreement, NLCS receives fees from the Fund, which are approved annually by the Board.

 

Under the terms of a Distribution Agreement with the Trust, Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) serves as principal underwriter to the Fund. The Distributor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ultimus. The Distributor is compensated by the Adviser (not the Fund) for acting as principal underwriter.

 

Certain officers of the Trust are also employees of Ultimus and such persons are not paid by the Fund for serving in such capacities.

 

The Board supervises the business activities of the Trust. Each Trustee serves as a trustee until termination of the Trust unless the Trustee dies, resigns, retires, or is removed. The Chair of the Board and more than 75% of the Trustees are “Independent Trustees,” which means that they are not “interested persons” as defined in the 1940 Act. The Independent Trustees review and establish compensation at least annually. Each Independent Trustee of the Trust receives annual compensation, which is an established amount paid quarterly per fund in the Trust at the time of the regular quarterly Board meetings. The Chair of the Board receives the highest compensation, commensurate with his additional duties and each Chair of a committee receives additional compensation as well. Independent Trustees also receive additional fees for attending any special meetings. In addition, the Trust reimburses Independent Trustees for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in conjunction with attendance at meetings. Beginning in May 2024, the interested Trustee began receiving the same compensation as the Independent Trustees. 

13

 

Auer Growth Fund 

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

 

May 31, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

The Trust, with respect to the Fund, has adopted a distribution plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Fund can pay the Distributor, the Adviser and/or other financial institutions or any other person (the “Recipient”) a fee of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund in connection with the promotion and distribution of the Fund’s shares or the provision of personal services to shareholders, including, but not necessarily limited to, advertising, compensation to underwriters, dealers and selling personnel, the printing and mailing of prospectuses to other than current Fund shareholders, the printing and mailing of sales literature and servicing shareholder accounts (“12b-1 Expenses”). The Fund or Adviser may pay all or a portion of these fees to any Recipient who renders assistance in distributing or promoting the sale of shares, or who provides certain shareholder services, pursuant to a written agreement. The Plan is a compensation plan, which means that compensation is provided regardless of 12b-1 expenses actually incurred. The Fund has not implemented its 12b-1 Plan, although the Fund may do so at any time upon 60 days’ notice to shareholders.

 

NOTE 5. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

For the six months ended May 31, 2024, purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments, were $39,814,948 and $36,823,074, respectively.

 

There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. government obligations during the six months ended May 31, 2024.

 

NOTE 6. BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

 

As of May 31, 2024, the following entity owned beneficially 25% or greater of the Fund’s outstanding shares. The shares are held under omnibus accounts (whereby the transactions of two or more shareholders are combined and carried in the name of the origination broker rather than designated separately).

14

 

Auer Growth Fund 

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

 

May 31, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

  Percentage
Charles Schwab & Co.

61%

 

NOTE 7. FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION

 

At May 31, 2024, the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) and tax cost of investments for tax purposes were as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation   $ 8,409,717  
Gross unrealized depreciation     (2,597,715 )
Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments   $ 5,812,002  
Tax cost of investments   $ 56,702,455  

 

The tax character of distributions paid for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2023, the Fund's most recent fiscal year end, was as follows:

 

Distributions paid from:        
Ordinary income(a)   $ 2,139,895  
Total distributions paid   $ 2,139,895  

  

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

 

At November 30, 2023, the Fund’s most recent fiscal year end, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income   $ 906,842  
Undistributed long-term capital gains     510,508  
Unrealized appreciation on investments     3,246,062  
Total accumulated earnings   $ 4,663,412  

 

As of November 30, 2023, the difference between book basis and tax basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable to the passive foreign investment company basis adjustments of underlying securities.

 

Capital losses and specified gains realized after October 31, and net investment losses realized after December 31 of the Fund’s fiscal year may be deferred and treated as occurring on the first business day of the flowing fiscal year for tax purposes. For the year ended November 30, 2023, the Fund didn’t defer late year ordinary losses.

15

 

Auer Growth Fund 

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

 

May 31, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 8. SECTOR RISK

 

If the Fund has significant investments in the securities of issuers within a particular sector, any development affecting that sector will have a greater impact on the value of the net assets of the Fund than would be the case if the Fund did not have significant investments in that sector. In addition, this may increase the risk of loss in the Fund and increase the volatility of the Fund’s NAV per share. For instance, economic or market factors, regulatory changes or other developments may negatively impact all companies in a particular sector, and therefore the value of the Fund’s portfolio will be adversely affected.

 

NOTE 9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

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

 

NOTE 10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

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

16

 

Proxy Voting

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities and information regarding how the Fund voted those proxies during the most recent twelve month period ended June 30, are available (1) without charge upon request by calling the Fund at (888) 711-2837 and (2) in Fund documents filed with the SEC on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

TRUSTEES

Daniel J. Condon, Chair

David R. Carson

Kenneth G.Y. Grant

Freddie Jacobs, Jr.

Catharine B. McGauley

Ronald C. Tritschler

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Cohen & Company, Ltd.

151 North Franklin Street, Suite 575

Chicago, IL 60606

   

OFFICERS

Martin R. Dean, President

Gweneth K. Gosselink,

Chief Compliance Officer

Zachary P. Richmond,

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

LEGAL COUNSEL

Thompson Hine LLP 

312 Walnut Street, 20th Floor 

Cincinnati, OH 45202

   

INVESTMENT ADVISER 

SBAuer Funds, LLC 

8801 River Crossing Blvd, Suite 100 

Indianapolis, IN 46240

CUSTODIAN 

Huntington National Bank 

41 South High Street 

Columbus, OH 43215

   

DISTRIBUTOR 

Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC 

225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450

Cincinnati, OH 45246

ADMINISTRATOR, TRANSFER
AGENT AND FUND ACCOUNTANT

Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC 

225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450 

Cincinnati, OH 45246

  

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

 

Distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC

 

Member FINRA/SIPC

 

 

 

Item 8. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants for Open-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not Applicable

 

Item 9. Proxy Disclosures for Open-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not Applicable

 

Item 10. Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others of Open-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Included under Item 7

 

Item 11. Statement Regarding Basis for Approval of Investment Advisory Contract.

 

Included under Item 7

 

Item 12. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable

 

Item 13. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable

 

Item 14. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

 

Not applicable

 

Item 15. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

None

 

Item 16. Controls and Procedures

 

(a) The registrant’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Act) are effective in design and operation and are sufficient to form the basis of the certifications required by Rule 30a-(2) under the Act, based on their evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of this report on Form N-CSR.

 

 

 

(b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act) 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 17. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable

 

Item 18. Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation.

 

(a) Not applicable

 

(b) Not applicable

 

Item 19. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1) Not applicable – disclosed with annual report.

 

(a)(2) Not applicable

 

(a)(3) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Act are attached hereto...

 

(a)(4) Not applicable

 

(b) Certifications required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Act are attached hereto.

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

(Registrant) Unified Series Trust  
     
By /s/ Martin R. Dean   
  Martin R. Dean, Principal Executive Officer  
     
Date 8/7/2024   

 

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.

 

By /s/ Martin R. Dean   
  Martin R. Dean, Principal Executive Officer  
     
Date 8/7/2024   
     
By /s/ Zachary P. Richmond   
  Zachary P. Richmond, Principal Financial Officer  
     
Date 8/7/2024