N-CSRS 1 dssamericafirstncsrs.htm FORM N-CSRS



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 811-22669


DSS AmericaFirst Quantitative Funds

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)


9700 Village Center Drive, Suite 50-N

Granite Bay, CA  95746

 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)


Mutual Shareholder Services, LLC

8000 Town Centre Drive, Suite 400

Broadview Hts., OH  44147

(Name and address of agent for service)




Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (877) 217-8501


Date of fiscal year end: June 30


Date of reporting period: December 31, 2021


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.





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DSS AmericaFirst Defensive Growth Fund

DSS AmericaFirst Large Cap Share Buyback Fund

DSS AmericaFirst Monthly Risk-On Risk-Off Fund

DSS AmericaFirst Income Fund



SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT



DECEMBER 31, 2021

 (Unaudited)

 

 



DSS AmericaFirst Quantitative Funds

c/o Mutual Shareholder Services, LLC

8000 Town Centre Drive, Suite 400

Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147












DSS AMERICAFIRST DEFENSIVE GROWTH FUND


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)






  Shares

 

 

Value

 

 

 

 

COMMON STOCK - 101.68%

 

 

 

 

 

Aircraft Engines & Engine Parts - 2.02%

 

535

 

Raytheon Technologies Corp.

$     46,042

 

 

 

 

Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment - 1.91%

 

3,311

 

Park Aerospace Corp.

43,705

 

 

 

 

Beverages - 2.05%

 

187

 

Constellation Brands, Inc. Class B

46,750

 

 

 

 

Biological Products (No Diagnostic Substances) - 11.06%

 

184

 

Biogen, Inc. *

44,145

2,660

 

Coherus Biosciences, Inc. *

42,454

613

 

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

44,510

1,313

 

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. *

52,796

270

 

Moderna, Inc. *

68,575

 

 

 

252,480

Canned, Frozen & Preserved Fruit, Vegetable & Food Specialties - 4.04%

 

1,285

 

The Kraft Heinz Co.

46,131

1,136

 

Treehouse Foods, Inc. *

46,042

 

 

 

92,173

Canned, Fruits, Vegetables, Preserves, Jams & Jellies - 4.00%

 

956

 

Seneca Foods Corp. Class A *

45,840

334

 

The J.M. Smucker Co.

45,364

 

 

 

91,204

Converted Paper & Paperboard Products (No Containers/Boxes) - 2.01%

 

321

 

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

45,877

 

 

 

 

Electric & Other Services Combined - 12.24%

 

763

 

Alliant Energy Corp.

46,902

1,075

 

Avista Corp.

45,677

716

 

CMS Energy Corp.

46,576

572

 

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

48,803

1,732

 

NiSource, Inc.

47,821

762

 

NorthWestern Corp.

43,556

 

 

 

279,335

Electric Services - 6.27%

 

657

 

Black Hills Corp.

46,364

1,187

 

NRG Energy, Inc.

51,136

1,515

 

PPL Corp.

45,541

 

 

 

143,041

Fabricated Rubber Products - 1.99%

 

97

 

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

45,494


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.




Semi-Annual Report | 1


DSS AMERICAFIRST DEFENSIVE GROWTH FUND


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)






  Shares

 

 

Value

 

 

 

 

Gas & Other Services Combined - 2.06%

 

1,023

 

UGI Corp.

$       46,966

 

 

 

 

Hospital & Medical Service Plans - 2.13%

 

105

 

Anthem, Inc.

48,672

 

 

 

 

In Vitro & In Vivo Diagnostic Substances - 1.73%

 

292

 

Quidel Corp.

39,417

 

 

 

 

Natural Gas Distribution - 4.22%

 

1,797

 

South Jersey Industries, Inc.

46,938

472

 

Atmos Energy Corp.

49,451

 

 

 

96,389

Natural Gas Transmission & Distribution - 1.83%

 

595

 

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.

41,680

 

 

 

 

Malt Beverages - 1.97%

 

775

 

Molson Coors Beverage Co. Class A

44,950

 

 

 

 

Ophthalmic - 2.07%

 

113

 

The Cooper Cos., Inc.

47,340

 

 

 

 

Pharmaceutical Preparations - 11.93%

 

365

 

Abbvie, Inc.

49,421

769

 

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

47,947

2,414

 

Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc. *

45,093

2,545

 

Innoviva, Inc. *

43,901

568

 

Merck & Co., Inc.

43,532

67

 

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. *

42,312

 

 

 

272,206

Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design - 4.44%

 

2,572

 

Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc. *

47,453

580

 

Cerner Corp.

53,865

 

 

 

101,318

Services-Computer Programming, Data, Processing, Etc. - 1.93%

 

1,673

 

HealthStream, Inc. *

44,100

 

 

 

 

Services-General Medical & Surgical Hospitals - 3.94%

 

316

 

Universal Health Services, Inc. Class B

40,973

599

 

Tenet Healthcare Corp.

48,932

 

 

 

89,905

Services-Help Supply Services - 2.02%

 

1,660

 

Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. *

46,082




The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.



Semi-Annual Report | 1


DSS AMERICAFIRST DEFENSIVE GROWTH FUND


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)






  Shares

 

 

Value

 

 

 

 

Services-Medical Laboratories - 2.04%

 

148

 

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings *

$       46,503

 

 

 

 

Ship & Boat Building & Repairing - 3.87%

 

224

 

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.

41,830

223

 

General Dynamics Corp.

46,489

 

 

 

88,319

Wholesale-Drugs Proprietaries & Druggists' Sundries - 1.76%

 

790

 

Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. Class A

40,092

 

 

 

 

Wholesale-Farm Product Raw Materials - 2.16%

 

900

 

Universal Corp.

49,428

 

 

 

 

Wholesale-Groceries, General Line - 1.99%

 

1,769

 

SpartanNash Co.

45,569

 

 

 

 

X-Ray Apparatus & Tubes & Related Irradiation Apparatus - 2.00%

 

598

 

Hologic, Inc. *

45,783

 

 

 

 

TOTAL COMMON STOCK (Cost $2,219,917) - 101.68%

$ 2,320,820

 

 

 

 

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES, AT VALUE (Cost $2,219,917) *** - 101.68%

$ 2,320,820

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES LESS OTHER ASSETS - (1.68)%

(38,329)

 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS - 100.00%

$ 2,282,491


 
















* Represents non-income producing security during the period.

** Variable rate security; the money market rate shown represents the seven day yield at December 31, 2021.

*** Represents cost for financial reporting purposes.  Aggregate cost for federal tax purposes is $2,219,917 and differs from market value by net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of securities as follows:


Gross Unrealized Appreciation                                      $153,609

Gross Unrealized Depreciation                                         (52,706)

       Net Unrealized Appreciation                                   $100,903


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.




Semi-Annual Report | 2


DSS AMERICAFIRST DEFENSIVE GROWTH FUND


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)



The Fund’s holdings were divided among the following economic industries and asset types (Unaudited):


Electric & Other Services Combined

12.04%

Pharmaceutical Preparations

11.73%

Biological Products (No Diagnostic Substances)

10.88%

Electric Services

6.16%

Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design

4.37%

Natural Gas Distribution

4.15%

Canned, Frozen & Preserved Fruit, Vegetable & Food Specialties

3.97%

Canned, Fruits, Vegetables, Preserves, Jams & Jellies

3.93%

Services-General Medical & Surgical Hospitals

3.87%

Ship & Boat Building & Repairing

3.81%

Wholesale-Farm Product Raw Materials

2.13%

Hospital & Medical Service Plans

2.10%

Ophthalmic

 

2.04%

Gas & Other Services Combined

2.02%

Beverages

 

2.01%

Services-Medical Laboratories

2.00%

Services-Help Supply Services

1.99%

Aircraft Engines & Engine Parts

1.98%

Converted Paper & Paperboard Products (No Containers/Boxes)

1.98%

X-Ray Apparatus & Tubes & Related Irradiation Apparatus

1.97%

Fabricated Rubber Products

1.96%

Wholesale-Groceries, General Line

1.96%

Malt Beverages

1.94%

Services-Computer Programming, Data, Processing, Etc.

1.90%

Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment

1.88%

Natural Gas Transmission & Distribution

1.80%

Wholesale-Drugs Proprietaries & Druggists' Sundries

1.73%

In Vitro & In Vivo Diagnostic Substances

1.70%

 

 

Total Portfolio Holdings

100.00%


The percentages in the above table are based on market value of the Fund’s portfolio holdings as of December 31, 2021 and are subject to change.
















Semi-Annual Report | 3


DSS AMERICAFIRST LARGE CAP SHARE BUYBACK FUND


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)






Shares

 

 

Value

 

 

 

 

COMMON STOCK - 108.85%

 

 

 

 

 

Aircraft & Parts - 2.26%

 

1,434

 

Textron, Inc.

$     110,705

 

 

 

 

Arrangement of Transportation of Freight & Cargo - 2.32%

 

1,056

 

C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

113,657

 

 

 

 

Biological Products (No Diagnostic Substances) - 4.39%

 

432

 

Biogen, Inc.

103,646

494

 

Amgen, Inc.

111,135

 

 

 

214,781

Computer & Office Equipment - 2.09%

 

2,719

 

HP, Inc.

102,425

 

 

 

 

Electronic Computers - 2.18%

 

602

 

Apple, Inc.

106,897

 

 

 

 

Finance Services - 2.15%

 

2,265

 

Synchrony Financial

105,073

 

 

 

 

Fire, Marine & Casualty Insurance - 4.38%

 

1,917

 

American International Group, Inc.

109,001

1,526

 

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

105,355

 

 

 

214,356

Heating Equipment, Except Electric & Warm Air & Plumbing Fixtures - 2.16%

 

1,509

 

Masco Corp.

105,962

 

 

 

 

Hotels & Motels - 2.37%

 

2,588

 

MGM Resorts International

116,149

 

 

 

 

Investment Advice - 2.14%

 

348

 

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

104,978

 

 

 

 

Laboratory Analytical Instruments - 2.25%

 

65

 

Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.

110,319

 

 

 

 

National Commercial Banks - 8.43%

 

2,272

 

Bank of America Corp.

101,081

1,229

 

Comerica, Inc.

106,923

716

 

Capital One Financial Corp.

103,885

2,100

 

Wells Fargo & Co.

100,758

 

 

 

412,647





The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.




Semi-Annual Report | 4


DSS AMERICAFIRST LARGE CAP SHARE BUYBACK FUND


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)






Shares

 

 

Value

 

 

 

 

Operative Builders - 4.48%

 

18

 

NVR, Inc.

$       106,360

1,980

 

PulteGroup, Inc.

113,177

 

 

 

219,537

Personal Credit Institutions - 2.20%

 

934

 

Discover Financial Services

107,933

 

 

 

 

Petroleum Refining - 2.13%

 

1,627

 

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

104,112

 

 

 

 

Plastic Material, Synthetic Resin/Rubber, Cellulose (No Glass) - 4.54%

 

666

 

Celanese Corp. Class A

111,928

1,636

 

Sealed Air Corp.

110,381

 

 

 

222,309

Railroads, Line-Haul Operating - 1.46%

 

994

 

Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. (Canada)

71,508

 

 

 

 

Retail-Auto & Home Supply Stores - 4.60%

 

55

 

AutoZone, Inc.

115,301

156

 

O'Reilly Automotive, Inc.

110,172

 

 

 

225,473

Retail-Building Materials, Hardware, Garden Supply - 2.16%

 

300

 

The Sherwin-Williams Co.

105,648

 

 

 

 

Retail-Eating Places - 2.28%

 

804

 

Yum! Brands, Inc.

111,643

 

 

 

 

Retail-Grocery Stores - 0.00%

 

1

 

Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV ADR

34

 

 

 

 

Retail-Lumber & Other Building Materials Dealers - 4.23%

 

248

 

The Home Depot, Inc.

102,922

404

 

Lowe's Cos., Inc.

104,426

 

 

 

207,348

Retail-Retail Stores - 2.26%

 

268

 

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

110,507

 

 

 

 

Retail-Variety Stores - 1.95%

 

412

 

Target Corp.

95,353

 

 

 

 

Retail-Women's Clothing Stores - 1.97%

 

1,384

 

Bath & Body Works, Inc.

96,589

 

 

 

 

Security Brokers, Dealers & Flotation Companies - 2.05%

 

263

 

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

100,611


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.



Semi-Annual Report | 5


DSS AMERICAFIRST LARGE CAP SHARE BUYBACK FUND


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)






Shares

 

 

Value

 

 

 

 

Services-Business Services - 4.27%

 

1,484

 

eBay, Inc.

$         98,686

494

 

FleetCor Technologies, Inc.

110,577

 

 

 

209,263

Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design - 4.97%

 

1,416

 

Cerner Corp.

131,504

670

 

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.

111,883

 

 

 

243,387

Services-Computer Programming Services - 2.16%

 

416

 

Versign, Inc.

105,589

 

 

 

 

Services-General Medical & Surgical Hospitals - 2.30%

 

439

 

HCA Healthcare, Inc.

112,788

 

 

 

 

Services-Help Supply Services - 2.09%

 

918

 

Robert Half International, Inc.

102,375

 

 

 

 

Services-Management Services - 2.21%

 

323

 

Gartner, Inc.

107,985

 

 

 

 

Services-Medical Laboratories - 2.31%

 

655

 

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

113,322

 

 

 

 

Services-Prepackaged Software - 4.18%

 

824

 

Electronic Arts, Inc.

108,686

1,104

 

Oracle Corp.

96,280

 

 

 

204,966

State Commercial Banks - 2.11%

 

2,375

 

Fifth Third Bancorp

103,431

 

 

 

 

Steel Works, Blast Furnaces Rolling Mills (Coke Ovens) - 2.21%

 

947

 

Nucor Corp.

108,100

 

 

 

 

Wholesale-Durable Goods - 2.20%

 

208

 

W.W. Grainger, Inc.

107,794

 

 

 

 

Wholesale-Groceries & Related Products - 2.24%

 

194

 

Domino's Pizza, Inc.

109,480

 

 

 

 

Wholesale-Motor Vehicles & Motor Vehicle - 2.17%

 

1,768

 

LKQ Corp.

106,133

 

 

 

 

TOTAL COMMON STOCK (Cost $4,978,266) - 108.85%

$  5,331,167




The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.



Semi-Annual Report | 6


DSS AMERICAFIRST LARGE CAP SHARE BUYBACK FUND


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)






Shares

 

 

Value

 

 

 

 

MONEY MARKET FUND - 0.51%

 

25,033

 

Federated Hermes Institutional Prime Obligations Fund –

    Institutional Class 0.01% **

$       25,041

TOTAL MONEY MARKET FUND (Cost $25,041) - 0.51%

$       25,041

 

 

 

 

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES, AT VALUE (Cost $5,003,307) *** - 109.36%

$  5,356,208

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES LESS OTHER ASSETS - (9.36)%

(458,303)

 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS - 100.00%

$  4,897,905


















* Represents non-income producing security during the period.

** Variable rate security; the money market rate shown represents the seven day yield at December 31, 2021.

*** Represents cost for financial reporting purposes.  Aggregate cost for federal tax purposes is $5,003,307 and differs from market value by net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of securities as follows:


Gross Unrealized Appreciation                       $449,649

Gross Unrealized Depreciation                          (96,748)

          Net Unrealized Appreciation                 $352,901


ADR - American Depositary Receipt

PLC - Public Limited Company

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.




Semi-Annual Report | 7


DSS AMERICAFIRST LARGE CAP SHARE BUYBACK FUND


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)



The Fund’s holdings were divided among the following economic industries and asset types (Unaudited):


National Commercial Banks

7.70%

Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design

4.54%

Retail-Auto & Home Supply Stores

4.21%

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

4.15%

Operative Builders

4.10%

Biological Products (No Diagnostic Substances)

4.01%

Fire, Marine & Casualty Insurance

4.00%

Services-Business Services

3.91%

Retail-Lumber & Other Building Materials Dealers

3.87%

Services-Prepackaged Software

3.83%

Hotels & Motels

2.17%

Arrangement of Transportation of Freight & Cargo

2.12%

Services-Medical Laboratories

2.12%

Services-General Medical & Surgical Hospitals

2.11%

Retail-Eating Places

2.08%

Aircraft & Parts

2.07%

Laboratory Analytical Instruments

2.06%

Retail-Retail Stores

2.06%

Wholesale-Groceries & Related Products

2.04%

Personal Credit Institutions

2.02%

Services-Management Services

2.02%

Steel Works, Blast Furnaces Rolling Mills (Coke Ovens)

2.02%

Wholesale-Durable Goods

2.01%

Electronic Computers

2.00%

Heating Equipment, Except Electric & Warm Air & Plumbing Fixtures

1.98%

Wholesale-Motor Vehicles & Motor Vehicle

1.98%

Retail-Building Materials, Hardware, Garden Supply

1.97%

Services-Computer Programming Services

1.97%

Finance Services

1.96%

Investment Advice

1.96%

Petroleum Refining

1.94%

State Commercial Banks

1.93%

Computer & Office Equipment

1.91%

Services-Help Supply Services

1.91%

Security Brokers, Dealers & Flotation Companies

1.88%

Retail-Women's Clothing Stores

1.80%

Retail-Variety Stores

1.78%

Railroads, Line-Haul Operating

1.34%

Money Market Fund

0.47%

Retail-Grocery Stores

0.00%

 

 

Total Portfolio Holdings

100.00%


The percentages in the above table are based on market value of the Fund’s portfolio holdings as of December 31, 2021 and are subject to change.  



Semi-Annual Report | 8


DSS AMERICAFIRST MONTHLY RISK-ON RISK-OFF FUND


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)






 Shares

 

 

Value

 

 

 

 

COMMON STOCK - 75.23%

 

 

 

 

 

Accident &  Health Insurance - 1.57%

 

2,305

 

Aflac, Inc.

$    134,589

 

 

 

 

Agricultural Production-Crops - 1.53%

 

2,771

 

Corteva, Inc.

131,013

 

 

 

 

Air Transportation, Scheduled - 0.19%

 

819

 

American Airlines Group, Inc. *

14,715

80,929

 

AMR Corp. (a) *

1,619

 

 

 

16,334

Aircraft & Parts - 1.61%

 

1,787

 

Textron, Inc.

137,956

 

 

 

 

Beverages - 1.60%

 

548

 

Constellation Brands, Inc. Class B

137,000

 

 

 

 

Computer Communications Equipment - 1.66%

 

2,246

 

Cisco Systems, Inc.

142,329

 

 

 

 

Construction Machinery & Equipment - 1.56%

 

646

 

Caterpillar, Inc.

133,554

 

 

 

 

Electronic Computers - 1.55%

 

748

 

Apple, Inc.

132,822

 

 

 

 

Farm Machinery & Equipment - 1.45%

 

363

 

Deere & Co.

124,469

 

 

 

 

Finance Services - 3.11%

 

823

 

American Express Co.

134,643

2,829

 

Synchrony Financial

131,237

 

 

 

265,880

Fire, Marine & Casualty Insurance - 1.59%

 

1,154

 

The Allstate Corp.

135,768

 

 

 

 

General Building Contractors - Residential Buildings - 1.54%

 

1,135

 

Lennar Corp.

131,842

 

 

 

 

Gold & Silver Ores - 1.67%

 

2,302

 

Newmont Corp.

142,770

 

 

 

 

Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts - 1.56%

 

376

 

Lockheed Martin Corp.

133,634



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.




Semi-Annual Report | 9


DSS AMERICAFIRST MONTHLY RISK-ON RISK-OFF FUND


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)






Shares

 

 

Value

 

 

 

 

Instruments for Measuring & Testing of Electricity & Electrical Signals - 1.55%

 

810

 

Teradyne, Inc.

$      132,459

 

 

 

 

Life Insurance - 1.56%

 

1,236

 

Prudential Financial, Inc.

133,785

 

 

 

 

Measuring & Controlling Devices - 1.54%

 

197

 

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

131,446

 

 

 

 

National Commercial Banks - 4.38%

 

894

 

Capital One Financial Corp.

129,710

1,979

 

Citigroup, Inc.

119,512

2,621

 

Wells Fargo & Co.

125,756

 

 

 

374,978

Operative Builders - 1.60%

 

1,261

 

D.R. Horton, Inc.

136,755

 

 

 

 

Optical Instruments & Lenses - 1.50%

 

299

 

KLA Corp.

128,603

 

 

 

 

Paper Mills - 1.50%

 

2,739

 

International Paper Co.

128,678

 

 

 

 

Personal Credit Institutions - 1.57%

 

1,165

 

Discover Financial Services

134,627

 

 

 

 

Pharmaceutical Preparations - 1.49%

 

1,660

 

Merck & Co., Inc.

127,222

 

 

 

 

Radio & Tv Broadcasting & Communication Equipment - 1.50%

 

702

 

Qualcomm, Inc.

128,375

 

 

 

 

Retail-Auto & Home Supply Stores - 1.59%

 

566

 

Advanced Auto Parts, Inc.

135,772

 

 

 

 

Retail-Building Materials, Hardware, Garden Supply - 1.54%

 

551

 

Tractor Supply Co.

131,469

 

 

 

 

Retail-Catalog & Mail-Order Houses - 1.60%

 

668

 

CDW Corp.

136,793

 

 

 

 

Retail-Eating Places - 1.59%

 

903

 

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

136,028

 

 

 

 

Retail-Lumber & Other Building Materials Dealers - 1.50%

 

309

 

The Home Depot, Inc.

128,238



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.



Semi-Annual Report | 10


DSS AMERICAFIRST MONTHLY RISK-ON RISK-OFF FUND


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)






Shares

 

 

Value

 

 

 

 

Retail-Radio TV & Consumer Electronics Stores - 1.43%

 

1,207

 

Best Buy Co., Inc.

$      122,631

 

 

 

 

Retail-Variety Stores - 1.39%

 

513

 

Target Corp.

118,729

 

 

 

 

Security Brokers, Dealers & Flotation Companies - 2.96%

 

1,298

 

Morgan Stanley

127,412

329

 

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

125,859

 

 

 

253,271

Security & Commodity Brokers, Dealers, Exchanges & Services - 1.45%

 

630

 

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

123,883

 

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Related Devices - 4.52%

 

813

 

Applied Materials, Inc.

127,934

2,541

 

Intel Corp.

130,862

822

 

Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

127,525

 

 

 

386,321

Services-Advertising Agencies - 1.59%

 

1,858

 

Omnicom Group, Inc.

136,136

 

 

 

 

Services-Prepackaged Software - 2.87%

 

374

 

Microsoft Corp.

125,784

1,376

 

Oracle Corp.

120,001

 

 

 

245,785

Special Industry Machinery - 1.50%

 

178

 

Lam Research Corp.

128,009

 

 

 

 

Steel Works, Blast Furnaces Rolling Mills (Coke Ovens) - 1.58%

 

1,185

 

Nucor Corp.

135,268

 

 

 

 

Wholesale-Durable Goods - 1.57%

 

259

 

W.W. Grainger, Inc.

134,224

 

 

 

 

Wholesale-Electronic Parts & Equipment - 1.53%

 

810

 

TE Connectivity Ltd. (Switzerland)

130,685

 

 

 

 

Wholesale-Miscellaneous Durable Goods - 1.48%

 

224

 

Pool Corp.

126,784

 

 

 

 

Wholesale-Motor Vehicle Supplies & New Parts - 1.61%

 

985

 

Genuine Parts Co.

138,097

 

 

 

 

Wholesale-Motor Vehicles & Motor Vehicle Parts & Supplies - 1.55%

 

2,205

 

LKQ Corp.

132,366

 

 

 

 

TOTAL COMMON STOCK (Cost $6,616,529) - 75.23%

$  6,437,377

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.




Semi-Annual Report | 11


DSS AMERICAFIRST MONTHLY RISK-ON RISK-OFF FUND


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)




Shares

 

 

Value

 

 

 

 

EXCHANGE TRADED FUND - 23.77%

 

8,880

 

iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF

$  1,021,200

6,822

 

iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF

1,012,385

TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (Cost $2,066,779) - 23.77%

$  2,033,585

 

 

 

 

MONEY MARKET FUND - 1.56%

 

133,756

 

Federated Hermes Institutional Prime Obligations Fund –

    Institutional Class 0.01% **

133,796

TOTAL MONEY MARKET FUND (Cost $133,796) - 1.56%

$    133,796

 

 

 

 

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES, AT VALUE (Cost $8,817,104) *** - 100.56%

$  8,604,758

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES LESS OTHER ASSETS - (0.56)%

(47,807)

 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS - 100.00%

$  8,556,951















* Represents non-income producing security during the period.

** Variable rate security; the money market rate shown represents the seven day yield at December 31, 2021.

*** Represents cost for financial reporting purposes.  Aggregate cost for federal tax purposes is $8,817,104 and differs from market value by net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of securities as follows:


Gross Unrealized Appreciation              $   378,577

Gross Unrealized Depreciation                  (590,923)

       Net Unrealized Depreciation           $ (212,346)


(a) Indicates an illiquid and fair valued security. As of December 31, 2021, the Fund had a total of $1,619 or 0.02% of its net assets in illiquid securities.

ETF - Exchange Traded Fund

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.




Semi-Annual Report | 12


DSS AMERICAFIRST MONTHLY RISK-ON RISK-OFF FUND


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)



The Fund’s holdings were divided among the following economic industries and asset types (Unaudited):


Accident &  Health Insurance

1.56%

Agricultural Production-Crops

1.52%

Air Transportation, Scheduled

0.19%

Aircraft & Parts

1.60%

Beverages

1.59%

Computer Communications Equipment

1.65%

Construction Machinery & Equipment

1.55%

Electronic Computers

1.54%

Farm Machinery & Equipment

1.45%

Finance Services

3.09%

Fire, Marine & Casualty Insurance

1.58%

General Building Contractors - Residential Buildings

1.53%

Gold & Silver Ores

1.66%

Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts

1.55%

Instruments for Measuring & Testing of Electricity & Electrical Signals

1.54%

Life Insurance

1.55%

Measuring & Controlling Devices

1.53%

National Commercial Banks

4.36%

Operative Builders

1.59%

Optical Instruments & Lenses

1.49%

Paper Mills

1.50%

Personal Credit Institutions

1.57%

Pharmaceutical Preparations

1.48%

Radio & Tv Broadcasting & Communication Equipment

1.49%

Retail-Auto & Home Supply Stores

1.58%

Retail-Building Materials, Hardware, Garden Supply

1.53%

Retail-Catalog & Mail-Order Houses

1.59%

Retail-Eating Places

1.58%

Retail-Lumber & Other Building Materials Dealers

1.49%

Retail-Radio TV & Consumer Electronics Stores

1.43%

Retail-Variety Stores

1.38%

Security Brokers, Dealers & Flotation Companies

2.94%

Security & Commodity Brokers, Dealers, Exchanges & Services

1.44%

Semiconductors & Related Devices

4.49%

Services-Advertising Agencies

1.58%

Services-Prepackaged Software

2.86%

Special Industry Machinery

1.49%

Steel Works, Blast Furnaces Rolling Mills (Coke Ovens)

1.57%

Wholesale-Durable Goods

1.56%

Wholesale-Electronic Parts & Equipment

1.52%

Wholesale-Miscellaneous Durable Goods

1.47%

Wholesale-Motor Vehicle Supplies & New Parts

1.61%

Wholesale-Motor Vehicles & Motor Vehicle Parts & Supplies

1.54%

Exchange Traded Funds

23.63%

Money Market Fund

1.56%

 

 

Total Portfolio Holdings

100.00%


The percentages in the above table are based on market value of the Fund’s portfolio holdings as of December 31, 2021 and are subject to change.  




Semi-Annual Report | 13


DSS AMERICAFIRST INCOME FUND


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)






 Shares

 

 

Value

 

 

 

 

COMMON STOCK - 61.23%

 

 

 

 

 

Accident & Health Insurance - 1.29%

 

1,773

 

Principal Financial Group, Inc.

$   128,241

 

 

 

 

Biological Products (No Diagnostic Substances) - 1.28%

 

1,743

 

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

126,559

 

 

 

 

Canned, Frozen & Preserved Fruit, Vegetable & Food Specialties - 1.32%

 

3,654

 

The Kraft Heinz Co.

131,179

 

 

 

 

Cigarettes - 1.34%

 

2,795

 

Altria Group, Inc.

132,455

 

 

 

 

Computer & Office Equipment - 2.64%

 

3,296

 

HP, Inc.

124,160

1,028

 

International Business Machines Corp.

137,403

 

 

 

261,563

Converted Paper & Paperboard Products (No Containers/Boxes) - 1.31%

 

912

 

Kimberly-Clark Corp.

130,343

 

 

 

 

Crude Petroleum & Natural Gas - 2.57%

 

2,942

 

Devon Energy Corp.

129,595

1,408

 

EOG Resources, Inc.

125,073

 

 

 

254,668

Electric & Other Services Combined - 5.32%

 

2,171

 

Alliant Energy Corp.

133,451

2,037

 

CMS Energy Corp.

132,507

1,924

 

Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

128,389

1,370

 

WEC Energy Group, Inc.

132,986

 

 

 

527,333

Electric Services - 4.05%

 

1,101

 

DTE Energy Co.

131,614

1,197

 

Entergy Corp.

134,842

1,965

 

The Southern Co.

134,760

 

 

 

401,216

Fire, Marine & Casualty Insurance - 1.33%

 

1,122

 

Allstate Corp.

132,003

 

 

 

 

Food & Kindred Products - 1.32%

 

3,011

 

Campbell Soup Co.

130,858

 

 

 

 

Gas & Other Services Combined - 1.34%

 

1,004

 

Sempra Energy

132,809



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.




Semi-Annual Report | 14


DSS AMERICAFIRST INCOME FUND


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)






Shares

 

 

Value

 

 

 

 

Industrial Organic Chemicals - 1.32%

 

1,421

 

LyondellBasell Industries NV Class A

$   131,059

 

 

 

 

Life Insurance - 1.31%

 

1,201

 

Prudential Financial, Inc.

129,996

 

 

 

 

Men's & Boys', Furnishings, Work Clothing & Allied Garments - 1.25%

 

1,696

 

VF Corp.

124,181

 

 

 

 

National Commercial Banks - 7.46%

 

1,922

 

Citigroup, Inc.

116,070

1,490

 

Comerica, Inc.

129,630

8,196

 

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

126,382

5,447

 

KeyCorp

125,989

5,467

 

Regions Financial Corp.

119,181

2,191

 

U.S. Bancorp

123,068

 

 

 

740,320

Natural Gas Distribution - 1.42%

 

1,344

 

Atmos Energy Corp.

140,811

 

 

 

 

Natural Gas Transmission & Distribution - 1.21%

 

2,049

 

ONEOK, Inc.

120,399

 

 

 

 

Paperboard Containers & Boxes - 1.27%

 

928

 

Packaging Corp.

126,347

 

 

 

 

Petroleum Refining - 1.27%

 

1,973

 

Marathon Petroleum Corp.

126,252

 

 

 

 

Pharmaceutical Preparations - 5.35%

 

1,037

 

AbbVie, Inc.

140,410

2,187

 

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.

136,359

1,614

 

Merck & Co., Inc.

123,697

2,198

 

Pfizer, Inc.

129,792

 

 

 

530,258

Plastics, Materials, Synthetic Resins & Nonvulcan Elastomers - 2.57%

 

4,495

 

Dow, Inc.

254,956

 

 

 

 

Retail-Eating Places - 1.34%

 

879

 

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

132,413

 

 

 

 

Security Brokers, Dealers & Flotation Companies - 1.25%

 

1,261

 

Morgan Stanley

123,780

 

 

 

 

Semiconductors & Related Devices - 1.28%

 

2,472

 

Intel Corp.

127,308


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.



Semi-Annual Report | 15


DSS AMERICAFIRST INCOME FUND


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)






Shares

 

 

Value

 

 

 

 

Services-Advertising Agencies - 2.71%

 

1,805

 

Omnicom Group, Inc.

$   132,252

3,635

 

The Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc.

136,131

 

 

 

268,383

Specialty Cleaning, Polishing & Sanitation Preparations - 1.27%

 

725

 

Clorox Co.

126,411

 

 

 

 

State Commercial Banks - 2.50%

 

2,583

 

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

122,047

2,879

 

Fifth Third Bancorp

125,380

 

 

 

247,427

Wholesale-Computers & Peripheral Equipment & Software - 1.34%

 

8,456

 

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.

133,351

 

 

 

 

TOTAL COMMON STOCK (Cost $5,867,450) - 61.23%

$6,072,879

 

 

 

 

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS - 25.91%

 

5,689

 

iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF

844,248

7,403

 

iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF

851,345

26,523

 

VanEck Vectors Fallen Angel High Yield Bond ETF

874,463

TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (Cost $2,606,174) - 25.91%

$2,570,056

 

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS - 5.36%

 

1,454

 

Equity Residential

131,587

2,663

 

Iron Mountain, Inc.

139,355

1,823

 

Realty Income Corp.

130,509

813

 

Simon Property Group, Inc.

129,893

TOTAL REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (Cost $488,766) - 5.36%

$   531,344

 

 

 

 

MONEY MARKET FUND - 7.50%

 

744,140

 

Federated Hermes Institutional Prime Obligations Fund –

    Institutional Class 0.01% *

744,363

TOTAL MONEY MARKET FUND (Cost $744,403) - 7.50%

$   744,363

 

 

 

 

INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES, AT VALUE (Cost $9,706,793) ** - 100.00%

$9,918,642

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES LESS OTHER ASSETS - (0.00)%

(27)

 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS - 100.00%

$9,918,615


* Variable rate security; the money market rate shown represents the seven day yield at December 31, 2021.

** Represents cost for financial reporting purposes.  Aggregate cost for federal tax purposes

is $9,706,793 and differs from market value by net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of securities as follows:


Gross Unrealized Appreciation                   $   320,291

Gross Unrealized Depreciation                       (108,442)

       Net Unrealized Appreciation                $   211,850


ETF - Exchange Traded Fund

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.




Semi-Annual Report | 16


DSS AMERICAFIRST INCOME FUND


SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)



The Fund’s holdings were divided among the following economic industries and asset types (Unaudited):


Exchange Traded Funds

25.91%

Money Market Fund

7.51%

National Commercial Banks

7.46%

Real Estate Investment Trusts

5.36%

Pharmaceutical Preparations

5.35%

Electric & Other Services Combined

5.32%

Electric Services

4.05%

Services-Advertising Agencies

2.71%

Computer & Office Equipment

2.64%

Crude Petroleum & Natural Gas

2.57%

Plastics, Materials, Synthetic Resins & Nonvulcan Elastomers

2.57%

State Commercial Banks

2.50%

Natural Gas Distribution

1.42%

Cigarettes

1.34%

Gas & Other Services Combined

1.34%

Wholesale-Computers & Peripheral Equipment & Software

1.34%

Fire, Marine & Casualty Insurance

1.33%

Retail-Eating Places

1.33%

Canned, Frozen & Preserved Fruit, Vegetable & Food Specialties

1.32%

Food & Kindred Products

1.32%

Industrial Organic Chemicals

1.32%

Converted Paper & Paperboard Products (No Containers/Boxes)

1.31%

Life Insurance

1.31%

Accident & Health Insurance

1.29%

Biological Products (No Diagnostic Substances)

1.28%

Semiconductors & Related Devices

1.28%

Paperboard Containers & Boxes

1.27%

Petroleum Refining

1.27%

Specialty Cleaning, Polishing & Sanitation Preparations

1.27%

Men's & Boys', Furnishings, Work Clothing & Allied Garments

1.25%

Security Brokers, Dealers & Flotation Companies

1.25%

Natural Gas Transmission & Distribution

1.21%

 

 

Total Portfolio Holdings

100.00%


The percentages in the above table are based on market value of the Fund’s portfolio holdings as of December 31, 2021 and are subject to change.



Semi-Annual Report | 17


DSS AMERICAFIRST QUANTITATIVE FUNDS


STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)



[dssamericafirstsemi003.gif]


(a) A redemption fee of 1.00% is imposed in the event of certain redemption transactions occurring within 90 days of purchase.

(b) Maximum offering price includes a maximum front-end sales load of 5.00%; 5.00%; 5.00%; and 4.00%, respectively.

(c) Maximum offering price includes a maximum front-end sales load of 2.50%; 2.50%; 2.50%; and 2.00%, respectively.

(d) Investment in Class A and Class U shares made at or above the $1 million breakpoint are not subject to an initial sales charge and may be subject to a 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) on shares redeemed less than 12 months after the date of purchase (excluding shares purchased with reinvested dividends and/or distributions). Assumes 1% redemption fee described in (a) does not apply.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.




Semi-Annual Report | 18


DSS AMERICAFIRST QUANTITATIVE FUNDS


STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the six months ended December 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)



[dssamericafirstsemi005.gif]










 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Semi-Annual Report | 19


DSS AMERICAFIRST DEFENSIVE GROWTH FUND


STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS



[dssamericafirstsemi007.gif]












The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


Semi-Annual Report | 20


DSS AMERICAFIRST LARGE CAP SHARE BUYBACK FUND


STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS



[dssamericafirstsemi009.gif]



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.




Semi-Annual Report | 21


DSS AMERICAFIRST MONTHLY RISK-ON RISK-OFF FUND


STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS



[dssamericafirstsemi011.gif]

 








 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.




Semi-Annual Report | 22


DSS AMERICAFIRST INCOME FUND


STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS



[dssamericafirstsemi013.gif]

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.




Semi-Annual Report | 23


DSS AMERICAFIRST DEFENSIVE GROWTH FUND

CLASS A


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period/year presented.



[dssamericafirstsemi015.gif]

 








(a) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund assuming reinvestment of distributions and excludes all sales charges.

(b) These ratios exclude the impact of the expenses of the underlying acquired funds.

(c) Less than $0.01 per share.

(d) Ratio of interest and dividends on securities sold short included were 0.00%, 0.00%, 0.00%, 0.70%, 0.44%, and 0.36%, respectively.

(e) Recognition of net investment income is affected by the timing and declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

(f) Annualized.

(g) Not annualized.

* Per share amounts are calculated using the average shares method.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.



Semi-Annual Report | 24


DSS AMERICAFIRST DEFENSIVE GROWTH FUND

CLASS I


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period/year presented.



[dssamericafirstsemi017.gif]

 








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

(b) These ratios exclude the impact of the expenses of the underlying acquired funds.

(c) Less than $0.01 per share.

(d) Ratio of interest and dividends on securities sold short included were 0.00%, 0.00%, 0.00%, 0.70%, 0.44%, and 0.37%, respectively.

(e) Recognition of net investment income is affected by the timing and declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

(f) Annualized.

(g) Not annualized.

* Per share amounts are calculated using the average shares method.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.




Semi-Annual Report | 25


DSS AMERICAFIRST DEFENSIVE GROWTH FUND

CLASS U


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period/year presented.



[dssamericafirstsemi019.gif]

 










(a) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund assuming reinvestment of distributions and excludes all sales charges.

(b) These ratios exclude the impact of the expenses of the underlying acquired funds.

(c) Less than $0.01 per share.

(d) Ratio of interest and dividends on securities sold short included were 0.00%, 0.00%, 0.00%, 0.70%, 0.44%, and 0.35%, respectively.

(e) Recognition of net investment income is affected by the timing and declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

(f) Annualized.

(g) Not annualized.

* Per share amounts are calculated using the average shares method.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.




Semi-Annual Report | 26


DSS AMERICAFIRST LARGE CAP SHARE BUYBACK FUND

CLASS A


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period/year presented.



[dssamericafirstsemi021.gif]









(a) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund assuming reinvestment of distributions and excludes all sales charges.

(b) These ratios exclude the impact of the expenses of the underlying acquired funds.

(c) Less than $0.01 per share.

(d) For the period January 31, 2017 (commencement of investment operations) through June 30, 2017.

(e) Recognition of net investment loss is affected by the timing and declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

* Per share amounts are calculated using the average shares method.

**  Annualized.

*** Not Annualized.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.




Semi-Annual Report | 27


DSS AMERICAFIRST LARGE CAP SHARE BUYBACK FUND

CLASS I


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period/year presented.



[dssamericafirstsemi023.gif]









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

(b) These ratios exclude the impact of the expenses of the underlying acquired funds.

(c) Less than $0.01 per share.

(d) For the period January 31, 2017 (commencement of investment operations) through June 30, 2017.

(e) Recognition of net investment loss is affected by the timing and declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

* Per share amounts are calculated using the average shares method.

**  Annualized.

*** Not Annualized.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.




Semi-Annual Report | 28


DSS AMERICAFIRST LARGE CAP SHARE BUYBACK FUND

CLASS U


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period/year presented.



[dssamericafirstsemi025.gif]










(a) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund assuming reinvestment of distributions and excludes all sales charges.

(b) These ratios exclude the impact of the expenses of the underlying acquired funds.

(c) Less than $0.01 per share.

(d) For the period January 31, 2017 (commencement of investment operations) through June 30, 2017.

(e) Recognition of net investment loss is affected by the timing and declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

* Per share amounts are calculated using the average shares method.

**  Annualized.

*** Not Annualized.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.




Semi-Annual Report | 29


DSS AMERICAFIRST MONTHLY RISK-ON RISK-OFF FUND CLASS A(f)


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period/year presented.



[dssamericafirstsemi027.gif]

 









(a) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund assuming reinvestment of distributions and excludes all sales charges.

(b) These ratios exclude the impact of the expenses of the underlying acquired funds.

(c) Less than $0.01 per share.

(d) Ratio of interest and dividends on securities sold short included were 0.00%, 0.00%, 0.00%, 0.00%, 0.00%, and 0.06%, respectively.

(e) Recognition of net investment loss is affected by the timing and declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

(f) On September 1, 2019, the AmericaFirst Tactical Alpha Fund was renamed to AmericaFirst Monthly Risk-On-Risk-Off Fund.

(g) Annualized.

(h) Not annualized.

* Per share amounts are calculated using the average shares method.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.




Semi-Annual Report | 30


DSS AMERICAFIRST MONTHLY RISK-ON RISK-OFF FUND

CLASS I (f)


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period/year presented.



[dssamericafirstsemi029.gif]










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

(b) These ratios exclude the impact of the expenses of the underlying acquired funds.

(c) Less than $0.01 per share.

(d) Ratio of interest and dividends on securities sold short included were 0.00%, 0.00%, 0.00%, 0.00%, 0.00%, and 0.08%, respectively.

(e) Recognition of net investment income (loss) is affected by the timing and declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

(f) On September 1, 2019, the AmericaFirst Tactical Alpha Fund was renamed to AmericaFirst Monthly Risk-On-Risk-Off Fund.

(g) Annualized.

(h) Not annualized.

* Per share amounts are calculated using the average shares method.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.




Semi-Annual Report | 31


DSS AMERICAFIRST MONTHLY RISK-ON RISK-OFF FUND

CLASS U (f)


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period/year presented.



[dssamericafirstsemi031.gif]











(a) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund assuming reinvestment of distributions and excludes all sales charges.

(b) These ratios exclude the impact of the expenses of the underlying acquired funds.

(c) Less than $0.01 per share.

(d) Ratio of interest and dividends on securities sold short included were 0.00%, 0.00%, 0.00%, 0.00%, 0.00%, and 0.07%, respectively.

(e) Recognition of net investment loss is affected by the timing and declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

(f) On September 1, 2019, the AmericaFirst Tactical Alpha Fund was renamed to AmericaFirst Monthly Risk-On-Risk-Off Fund.

(g) Annualized.

(h) Not annualized.

* Per share amounts are calculated using the average shares method.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.




Semi-Annual Report | 32


DSS AMERICAFIRST INCOME FUND

CLASS A


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period/year presented.



[dssamericafirstsemi033.gif]

 









(a) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund assuming reinvestment of distributions and excludes all sales charges.

(b) These ratios exclude the impact of the expenses of the underlying acquired funds.

(c) Less than $0.01 per share.

(d) Ratio of interest and dividends on securities sold short included were 0.00%, 0.00%, 0.00%, 0.00%, 0.00%, and 0.35%, respectively.

(e) Recognition of net investment income is affected by the timing and declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

(f) Not annualized.

(g) Annualized.

* Per share amounts are calculated using the average shares method.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.




Semi-Annual Report | 33


DSS AMERICAFIRST INCOME FUND

CLASS I


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period/year presented.



[dssamericafirstsemi035.gif]

 









(a) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund assuming reinvestment of distributions and excludes all sales charges.

(b) These ratios exclude the impact of the expenses of the underlying acquired funds.

(c) Less than $0.01 per share.

(d) Ratio of interest and dividends on securities sold short included were 0.00%, 0.00% ,0.00%, 0.00%, 0.00%, and 0.35%, respectively.

(e) Recognition of net investment income is affected by the timing and declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

(f) Not annualized.

(g) Annualized.

* Per share amounts are calculated using the average shares method.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.




Semi-Annual Report | 34


DSS AMERICAFIRST INCOME FUND

CLASS U


FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period/year presented.



[dssamericafirstsemi037.gif]









(a) Total return in the above table represents the rate that the investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the Fund assuming reinvestment of distributions and excludes all sales charges.

(b) These ratios exclude the impact of the expenses of the underlying acquired funds.

(c) Less than $0.01 per share.

(d) Ratio of interest and dividends on securities sold short included were 0.00%, 0.00%, 0.00%, 0.00%, 0.00%, 0.36%, respectively.

(e) Recognition of net investment income is affected by the timing and declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Fund invests.

(f) Not annualized.

(g) Annualized.

* Per share amounts are calculated using the average shares method.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.




Semi-Annual Report | 35


DSS AMERICAFIRST QUANTITATIVE FUNDS


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)



 1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFCANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES


DSS AmericaFirst Quantitative Funds (the “Trust) was reorganized as a Delaware statutory trust on January 4, 2013. Prior to January 4, 2013, the series of the Trust, other than DSS AmericaFirst Large Cap Share Buyback Fund, were each a part of the Mutual Fund Series Trust, an Ohio business trust organized on February 27, 2006. The Trust is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust currently consists of four series: DSS AmericaFirst Defensive Growth Fund, DSS AmericaFirst Large Cap Share Buyback Fund, DSS AmericaFirst Monthly Risk-On Risk-Off Fund (formerly AmericaFirst Tactical Alpha Fund and AmericaFirst Absolute Return Fund), and DSS AmericaFirst Income Fund (formerly AmericaFirst Income Trends Fund) (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”). The Funds are registered as diversified series of the Trust, except the Large Cap Share Buyback Fund which is non-diversified. The investment objectives of each Fund are set forth below. AmericaFirst Capital Management, LLC is the former is investment advisor to the Funds. DSS Wealth Management, Inc. is the current investment advisor to the Funds (“Manager”).

 

DSS AmericaFirst Defensive Growth Fund (“Defensive Growth Fund”) commenced operations on May 23, 2011. The Fund’s investment objective is to achieve capital appreciation through all market cycles.


DSS AmericaFirst Large Cap Share Buyback Fund (“Large Cap Share Buyback Fund”) commenced operations on January 31, 2017. The Fund’s investment objective is to provide growth of capital.


DSS AmericaFirst Monthly Risk-On Risk-Off Fund (“Risk-On Risk-Off Fund”) commenced operations on February 26, 2010. The Fund’s investment objective is to achieve capital appreciation with a focus on producing positive returns regardless of the direction of financial markets.

 

DSS AmericaFirst Income Fund (“Income Fund”) commenced operations on July 1, 2010. The Fund’s investment objective is to achieve a high rate of current income with less volatility than common stocks as measured by standard deviation. The Fund seeks total return as a secondary investment objective.


The Funds each offer three classes of shares, Class A, Class I, and Class U. Each class differs as to sales and redemption charges and ongoing fees.

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds and are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The Funds are investment companies and accordingly follow the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standard Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services – Investment Companies.”

 



Semi-Annual Report | 36


DSS AMERICAFIRST QUANTITATIVE FUNDS


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)



a)       Securities Valuation – Securities listed on an exchange are valued at the last reported sale price at the close of the regular trading session of the primary exchange on the business day the value is being determined, or in the case of securities listed on NASDAQ at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. In the absence of a sale, such securities shall be valued at the mean between the current bid and ask prices on the day of valuation. Debt securities (other than short-term obligations) are valued each day by an independent pricing service approved by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) based on methods which include consideration of: yields or prices of securities of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type, indications as to values from dealers, and general market conditions or market quotations from a major market maker in the securities. Short-term debt obligations having 60 days or less remaining until maturity, at time of purchase, may be valued at amortized cost. The Funds may invest in portfolios of open-end or closed-end investment companies and exchange traded funds (the “underlying funds”). Open-end funds are valued at their respective net asset values as reported by such investment companies. The underlying funds value securities in their portfolios for which market quotations are readily available at their market values (generally the last reported sale price) and all other securities and assets at their fair value by the methods established by the Boards of the underlying funds. The shares of many closed-end investment companies and exchange traded funds, after their initial public offering, frequently trade at a price per share, which is different than the net asset value per share. The difference represents a market premium or market discount of such shares. There can be no assurances that the market discount or market premium on shares of any closed-end investment company or exchange traded fund purchased by the Funds will not change.

 

In unusual circumstances, instead of valuing securities in the usual manner, the Funds may value securities at “fair value” as determined in good faith by the Funds’ Board of Trustees, pursuant to the procedures (the “Procedures”) approved by the Board. The Procedures consider, among others, the following factors to determine a security’s fair value: the nature and pricing history (if any) of the security; whether any dealer quotations for the security are available; and possible valuation methodologies that could be used to determine the fair value of the security. Fair value may also be used by the Board if extraordinary events occur after the close of the relevant world market but prior to the NYSE close (generally 4:00 pm eastern time).

 

Exchange Traded Funds (“ETF”) The Funds may invest in exchange traded funds. ETFs are typically a type of index fund bought and sold on a securities exchange. An ETF trades like common stock and typically represents a fixed portfolio of securities designed to track the performance and dividend yield of a particular domestic or foreign market index. The Funds may purchase an ETF to temporarily gain exposure to a portion of the U.S. or a foreign market while awaiting purchase of underlying securities. There are risks of owning the underlying securities the ETFs are designed to track, and the lack of liquidity of an ETF may result in it being more volatile. Additionally, ETFs have fees and expenses that reduce their value.  




Semi-Annual Report | 37


DSS AMERICAFIRST QUANTITATIVE FUNDS


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)



Each Fund utilizes various methods to measure the fair value of its investments on a recurring basis. GAAP establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods. The three levels of input are:


Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities that the Funds have the ability to access.

 

Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument in an inactive market, prices for similar instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, default rates and similar data.

 

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the Funds’ own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available.

 

The availability of observable inputs can vary from security to security and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of security, whether the security is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets, and other characteristics particular to the security. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3.

 

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 within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety, is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The following tables summarize the inputs used as of December 31, 2021 for each Fund’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value:


Defensive Growth Fund


Assets

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Security Classification

 

Value

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

Common Stock (2)

 

$

2,320,820

 

 

$

2,320,820

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

Total

 

$

2,320,820

 

 

$

2,320,820

 

 

$

 

 

$

 




Semi-Annual Report | 38


DSS AMERICAFIRST QUANTITATIVE FUNDS


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)



Large Cap Share Buyback Fund


Assets

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Security Classification

 

Value

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

Common Stock (2)

 

$

5,331,167

 

 

$

5,331,167

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

Money Market Fund

 

 

25,041

 

 

 

25,041

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

5,356,208

 

 

$

5,356,208

 

 

$

 

 

$

 


Risk-On Risk-Off Fund


Assets

 

Total 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Security Classification (1)

 

Value

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

Common Stock (2)

 

$

6,437,377

 

 

$

6,435,758

 

 

$

 

 

$

1,619

 

Exchange Traded Fund

 

 

2,033,585

 

 

 

2,033,585

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money Market Fund

 

 

133,796

 

 

 

133,796

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

8,604,758

 

 

$

8,603,139

 

 

$

 

 

$

1,619

 


Income Fund


Assets

 

 Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Security Classification

 

Value

 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

Common Stock (2)

 

$

6,072,879

 

 

$

6,072,879

 

$

 

 

$

 

Exchange Traded Funds

 

 

2,570,056

 

 

 

2,570,056

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts

 

 

531,344

 

 

 

531,344

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money Market Fund

 

 

744,363

 

 

 

744,363

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

9,918,642

 

 

$

9,918,642

 

$

 

 

$

 


1)

As of and during the six months ended December 31, 2021, none of the Funds held securities that were considered to be “Level 3securities and material to Fund’s portfolios (those valued using significant unobservable inputs). Therefore, a reconciliation of assets in which significant unobservable inputs were used in determining fair value is not applicable.


2)

For a detailed break-out of securities by investment industry please refer to the Schedules of Investments.


b)       Short Sales A “short sale” is a transaction in which a Fund sells a security it does not own, but has borrowed in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline. A Fund is obligated to replace the security borrowed by purchasing it on the open market at a later date. If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time a Fund replaces the borrowed security, the Fund will incur a loss, unlimited in size. Conversely, if the price declines, the Fund will realize a gain, limited to the price at which a fund sold the security short.

 

c)       Federal Income Tax – The Funds intend to continue to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies (“RIC”), except as noted below, and will distribute all of their taxable income, if any, to shareholders. Accordingly, no provision for Federal income



Semi-Annual Report | 39


DSS AMERICAFIRST QUANTITATIVE FUNDS


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)



taxes is required in the financial statements. The Funds recognize the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only when the position is “more likely than not” to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions, and has concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax positions on returns filed for open tax years (2018-2020) or expected to be taken in the Funds’ 2021 tax returns. The Funds identified their major tax jurisdictions as U.S. Federal and foreign jurisdictions where the Funds make significant investments; however, the Funds are not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next twelve months.


d)       Distribution to Shareholders - Distributions from investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually and are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The character of income and gains to be distributed is determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. These “book/tax” differences are considered either temporary (e.g., deferred losses, mark-to-market on open Section 1256 contracts) or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the composition of net assets based on their federal tax-basis treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification.

 

e)       Other – Investment and shareholder transactions are recorded on trade date. The Funds determine the gain or loss realized from the investment transactions by comparing the original cost of the security lot sold, or amortized cost with bonds, with the net sales proceeds. Cost is determined and gains and losses are based upon the specific identification method for both financial statement and Federal income tax purposes. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date or as soon as information is available to the Funds and interest income is recognized on an accrual basis using the effective interest method. Discounts and premiums on debt securities are amortized over their respective lives. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the Funds’ understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates.


 f)       Multiple Class Allocations – Income, non-class specific expenses and realized/unrealized gains or losses are allocated to each class based on average net assets. Distribution fees are charged to each respective share class in accordance with the distribution plan. Expenses of the Trust that are directly identifiable to a specific fund are charged to that fund. Expenses, which are not readily identifiable to a specific fund, are allocated in such a manner as deemed equitable, taking into consideration the nature and type of expense and the relative sizes of the Funds in the Trust.

 

g)       Foreign Currency – The accounting records of each Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency, and income receipts and expense payments are translated into U.S. dollars using the prevailing exchange rate at the London market close. Purchases and sales of securities are translated into U.S. dollars at the contractual currency rates established at the approximate time of the trade. Net realized gains and losses on foreign currency



Semi-Annual Report | 40


DSS AMERICAFIRST QUANTITATIVE FUNDS


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)



transactions represent net gains and losses from currency realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions and the difference between income accrued versus income received. The effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on investments in securities are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investment securities.

 

h)       Use of 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 revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.


i)       Commitments and Contingencies – In the normal course of business, the Trust may enter into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties and provide general indemnifications. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on future claims that may be made against the Funds and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, management considers the risk of loss from such claims to be remote.


j)

ETF, Mutual Fund and Exchange Traded Note (“ETN”) Risk – ETFs, mutual funds and ETNs are subject to investment advisory or management and other expenses, which will be indirectly paid by each Fund. Each is subject to specific risks, depending on investment strategy. Also, each may be subject to leverage risk, which will magnify losses. ETNs are subject to default risks.


k)     Restricted securities are generally acquired directly or indirectly from an issuer in a nonpublic offering. Because restricted securities are generally subject to restrictions on transfer, market quotations for such securities are generally not readily available, and they are considered to be illiquid securities.  The Board of Trustees (“Board”) has adopted Portfolio Securities Valuation Procedures that, among other things, provide guidelines for the valuation of portfolio securities for which market quotations are not readily available (“Valuation Procedures”). The Valuation Procedures delegate the responsibility for determining the fair value of securities for which market quotations are not readily available to a Valuation Committee, subject to review and oversight by the Board of Trustees (“Board”).  Under circumstances where the Adviser determines that the market quotation or the price provided by a pricing service does not accurately reflect the current market value, such securities are also valued as determined in good faith by the Valuation Committee, subject to review and oversight by Board of Trustees.  Restricted securities are categorized in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

l)     Credit Risk - The Deposits held in the Fund’s portfolio include deposits in a checking account and money market deposit account.  These deposits will be limited to accounts with Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insured banks or savings and loan associations which are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. Deposits that Congress affirmed to be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government are those that the resources of the U.S. Government stand behind.  



Semi-Annual Report | 41


DSS AMERICAFIRST QUANTITATIVE FUNDS


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)



Further, each of the Fund’s deposits will not exceed the FDIC’s Standard Maximum Deposit Insurance Amount (“SMDIA”) which currently is $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank inclusive of the principal and accrued interest for each deposit.  To the extent the Fund’s deposits with a particular bank exceed the federally insured limit; any amount of the Fund’s deposit over the federally insured limit will not be covered by FDIC insurance.

m)

Fifth Third Bank (the "Custodian"), the Funds' custodian, allowed cash overdrafts during the fiscal year when insufficient cash was available in the Funds' custodial accounts to meet its obligations. The Custodian maintained subsequent cash deposits in non-interest bearing accounts in order to compensate the Custodian for overdrafts which previously occurred during the fiscal year. Amounts presented as Due to Custodian on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities represent temporary cash overdrafts that existed as of December 31, 2021. The Funds' did not earn net interest income or incur net interest expense on cash deposits and overdrafts, respectively, during the fiscal year.

n)

Distributions from REITs -

Distributions from REITs are initially recorded as dividend income and, to the extent such represent a return of capital or capital gain for tax purposes, are reclassified when such information becomes available.


2. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS


For the six months ended December 31, 2021, aggregate purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments and government securities) for the Funds were as follows:


 

 

Purchases

 

   

Sales

 

Defensive Growth Fund

 

$

17,998,854

 

 

$

18,268,622

 

Large Cap Buyback Fund

 

 

12,466,688

 

 

 

13,420,083

 

Risk-On Risk-Off Fund

 

 

34,349,736

 

 

 

36,366,375

 

Income Fund

 

 

27,334,954

 

 

 

25,865,225

 


  3. INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT AND OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS


DSS Wealth Management, Inc. (“DSS” or the Manager) acts as investment advisor for the Funds pursuant to the terms of an Investment Management Agreement with the Trust (the Management Agreement) effective October 1, 2021. Under the terms of the Management Agreement, DSS is responsible for formulating the Funds’ investment policies, making ongoing investment decisions and engaging in portfolio transactions. The Management Agreement provides that the Manager will provide the Funds with investment advice and supervision and will continuously furnish an investment program for the Funds consistent with the investment objectives and policies of the Funds. For its services under the Management Agreement, the Manager is paid a



Semi-Annual Report | 42


DSS AMERICAFIRST QUANTITATIVE FUNDS


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)



bi-monthly (or more frequently) management fee at the annual rate of the average daily net assets were as follows:


Defensive Growth Fund

1.50%

Large Cap Buyback Fund

1.25%

Risk-On Risk-Off Fund

1.00%

Income Fund

1.25%


AmericaFirst Capital Management, LLC (“AFCM”) was the investment advisor prior to October 1, 2021, under identical terms.


For the six months ended December 31, 2021, total management fees were as follows:


Defensive Growth Fund

$18,224

Large Cap Buyback Fund

$33,949

Risk-On Risk-Off Fund

$46,377

Income Fund

$59,000


DSS earned the following amounts and the remainder were earned by AFCM:


Defensive Growth Fund

$8,612

Large Cap Buyback Fund

$16,382

Risk-On Risk-Off Fund

$22,254

Income Fund

$30,456


DSS and the Funds have entered into Expense Limitation Agreements (“Expense Limits”) under which the Manager has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses but only to the extent necessary to maintain total annual operating expenses exclusive of: (i) any front-end or contingent deferred loads; (ii) brokerage fees and commissions, (iii) acquired fund fees and expenses; (iv) borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short); (v) taxes; (vi) legal fees; (vii) specialized pricing services, (viii) proxy costs not born by the Manager or another party, (ix) unusual or unanticipated audit costs, (x) change in service provider transition expenses, and (xi) extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses (which may include indemnification of Fund officers and Trustees, contractual indemnification of Fund service providers (other than the Manager) at the ratios to average daily net assets detailed below.


 

Class A

Class I

Class U

Expiration

Defensive Growth Fund

2.45%

1.94%

2.95%

October 31, 2023

Large Cap Buyback Fund

1.75%

1.50%

2.50%

October 31, 2023

Risk-On Risk-Off Fund

2.45%

1.20%

2.95%

October 31, 2023

Income Fund

2.20%

1.40%

2.70%

October 31, 2023





Semi-Annual Report | 43


DSS AMERICAFIRST QUANTITATIVE FUNDS


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)



Each waiver or reimbursement by the Manager is subject to repayment by the Funds within the three fiscal years following the date in which those particular expenses are incurred, if the Funds are able to make the repayments without exceeding the expense limitations in effect at that time and the repayments are approved by the Board of Trustees.


 

Dec. 31, 2024

Defensive Growth Fund

 

   Class A

$10,732

   Class I

$2,626

   Class U

$4,662

 

 

Large Cap Buyback Fund

 

   Class A

$12,137

   Class I

$5,790

   Class U

$904


Risk-On Risk-Off Fund

 

   Class A

$1,465

   Class I

$6,984

   Class U

$2,501


Income Fund

 

   Class A

$6,599

   Class I

$7,940

   Class U

$3,807


AFCM and the Funds had entered into Expense Limitation Agreements (“Expense Limits”) under which the AFCM was contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses but only to the extent necessary to maintain total annual operating expenses (exclusive of any front-end or contingent deferred loads, taxes, leverage interest, brokerage commissions, legal fees, dividend expense on securities sold short, acquired fund fees and expenses or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) at the ratios to average daily net assets detailed below.  Below are the ratios, by class, per each contractual agreement for the time period November 1, 2018 through October 31, 2019:


 

Class A

Class I

Class U

Expiration

Defensive Growth Fund

2.45%

1.94%

2.95%

October 31, 2019

Large Cap Buyback Fund

1.75%

1.50%

2.50%

October 31, 2019

Risk-On Risk-Off Fund

2.45%

1.50% *

2.95%

October 31, 2019

Income Fund

2.20%

1.40%

2.70%

October 31, 2019


* Ratio was 1.20% as of September 1, 2019.




Semi-Annual Report | 44


DSS AMERICAFIRST QUANTITATIVE FUNDS


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)



Below are the ratios, by class, per each contractual agreement for the time period November 1, 2019 through December 31, 2021(the agreement terminated when AFCM no longer served as investment adviser):


 

Class A

Class I

Class U

Expiration

Defensive Growth Fund

2.45%

1.94%

2.95%

October 31, 2022

Large Cap Buyback Fund

1.75%

1.50%

2.50%

October 31, 2022

Risk-On Risk-Off Fund

2.45%

1.20%

2.95%

October 31, 2022

Income Fund

2.20%

1.40%

2.70%

October 31, 2022


Effective November 1, 2020 the expense limitation agreement excluded any (i) any front-end or contingent deferred loads; (ii) brokerage fees and commissions, (iii) acquired fund fees and expenses; (iv) borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short); (v) taxes; (vi) legal fees; (vii) specialized pricing services, (viii) proxy costs not borne by the Advisor or another party, (ix) unusual or unanticipated audit costs, (x) change in service provider transition expenses, and (xi) extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses (which may include indemnification of Fund officers and Trustees, contractual indemnification of Fund service providers (other than the Advisor)).


Distributor – The Trust has adopted a Distribution Plan (“Plan”), pursuant to rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act for each class of shares, other than class I, which allows the Funds to pay to the distributor a monthly fee for distribution and shareholder servicing expenses. Under the Plan, the Funds may pay up to 0.25% for Class A and 1.00%      Class U per year of its average daily net assets for such distribution and shareholder service activities.  During the six months ended December 31, 2021, fees incurred under the Plan were as follows:


Defensive Growth Fund

$1,541

Large Cap Buyback Fund

$1,856

Risk-On Risk-Off Fund

$6,271

Income Fund

$15,363

 

Mutual Shareholder Services, LLC (“MSS”) serves as the Funds’ Transfer Agent, Accounting Agent, and Administrator. Certain employees of MSS are Officers of the Trust.

 

Officers of the Trust and Trustees who are “interested persons” of the Trust or the Manager will receive no salary or fees from the Trust. Trustees, who are not “interested persons” as that term is defined in the 1940 Act, will be paid a fee of $10,000 per year. The Trust reimburses each Trustee and Officer for his or her travel and other expenses relating to attendance at such meetings.


As of December 31, 2021, the Risk-On Risk-Off Fund and Income Fund owed the Adviser each $5,874 and $6,248, respectively.




Semi-Annual Report | 45


DSS AMERICAFIRST QUANTITATIVE FUNDS


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)



As of December 31, 2021, the Adviser owed the Defensive Growth Fund, Large Cap Buyback Fund, and each $7,489 and $2,686, respectively.


4. REDEMPTION FEES


The Funds may assess a short-term redemption fee of 1.00% of the total redemption amount if a shareholder sells their shares within 90 days. The redemption fee is paid directly to the specific Fund in which the short-term redemption occurs. For the year ended June 30, 2021, redemption fees were assessed as follows:


Defensive Growth Fund

$51

Large Cap Buyback Fund

$34

Risk-On Risk-Off Fund

$0

Income Fund

$552


For the six months ended December 31, 2021, redemption fees were assessed as follows:


Defensive Growth Fund

$0

Large Cap Buyback Fund

$50

Risk-On Risk-Off Fund

$0

Income Fund

$0


5. DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS AND TAX COMPONENTS OF CAPITAL


The tax character of fund distributions paid for the year ended June 30, 2021, and the six months ended December 31, 2021 was as follows:


For the year ended June 30, 2021:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ordinary

 

 

Long-Term

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income

 

 

Capital Gains

 

 

Return of Capital

 

 

Total

Defensive Growth Fund

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

Large Cap Buyback Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Risk-On Risk-Off Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income Fund

 

 

105,084

 

 

 

 

 

 

510,840

 

 

 

615,924


For the six months ended December 31, 2021:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ordinary

 

 

Long-Term

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income

 

 

Capital Gains

 

 

Return of Capital

 

 

Total

 

Defensive Growth Fund

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

Large Cap Buyback Fund

 

 

 

 

 

$1,224,901

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Risk-On Risk-Off Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income Fund

 

 

61,413

 

 

 

 

 

 

298,538

 

 

 

359,951

 




Semi-Annual Report | 46


DSS AMERICAFIRST QUANTITATIVE FUNDS


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)



As of June 30, 2021, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:




 

Undistributed

Ordinary

Income

 

 

Undistributed

Long-Term

Capital Gains

 

 

Post October

 Loss and

Late Year

Loss

 

Capital Loss

Carry

Forwards

Other

Book/Tax

Differences

 

 

Unrealized

Appreciation/

(Depreciation)

Total

Accumulated

Earnings/

(Deficits)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Defensive

     Growth Fund

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

(34,026)

 

$

(9,540,029)

$

 

 

$

12,734

$

(9,561,321)

Large Cap Buyback Fund

 

 

685,887

 

 

 

92,360

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

333,024

 

1,111,271

Risk-On Risk-Off Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(77,119)

 

 

(11,451,571)

 

 

 

 

(344,581)

 

(11,873,271)

Income Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(9,726,796)

 

 

 

 

210,925

 

(9,515,871)


The difference between book basis and tax basis unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation), undistributed net investment income/loss and accumulated net realized gains/ (losses) from investments is primarily attributable to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales and distributions from partnership investments.

 

Late year losses incurred after December 31 within the fiscal year are deemed to arise on the first business day of the following fiscal year for tax purposes. The Funds incurred and elected to defer such late year losses as follows:

 

 

Late Year

 

Losses

Defensive Growth Fund

$

34,026

Large Cap Buyback Fund

 

Risk-On Risk-Off Fund

 

77,119

Income Fund

 

 

Capital losses incurred after October 31 within the fiscal year are deemed to arise on the first business day of the following fiscal year for tax purposes. The Funds incurred and elected to defer such capital losses as follows:

 

 

Post October

 

Losses

Defensive Growth Fund

$

Large Cap Buyback Fund

 

Risk-On Risk-Off Fund

 

Income Fund

 


At June 30, 2021, the Funds below had capital loss carry forwards with no expiration date for federal income tax purposes available to offset future capital gains as follows:

 

 

Short-Term

Long-Term

Total

Defensive Growth Fund

$9,009,838

$

530,191

 

$9,540,029

Large Cap Buyback Fund

 

 

Risk-On Risk-Off Fund

 

9,641,638

 

1,809,933

 

11,451,571

Income Fund

 

9,541,438

 

185,358

 

9,726,796



Semi-Annual Report | 47


DSS AMERICAFIRST QUANTITATIVE FUNDS


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)






Permanent book and tax differences, primarily attributable to the book/tax basis treatment of net operating losses, resulted in reclassifications for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021 as follows:




 

Paid

In

Capital

 

 

Distributable

Earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

Defensive Growth Fund

 

$

(50,232)

 

 

 $

50,232

Large Cap Buyback Fund

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

Risk-On Risk-Off Fund

 

 

(82,860)

 

 

 

82,860

Income Fund

 

 

-

 

 

 

-


NOTE 6.  MARKET RISK


Overall market risks may also affect the value of the Funds. Factors such as domestic economic growth and market conditions, interest rate levels and political events affect the securities markets. Local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issue, recessions and depressions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Funds and its investments and could result in increased premiums or discounts to the Funds’ net asset value, and may impair market liquidity, thereby increasing liquidity risk. The Funds could lose money over short periods due to short-term market movements and over longer periods during more prolonged market downturns.  During a general market downturn, multiple asset classes may be negatively affected. Changes in market conditions and interest rates can have the same impact on all types of securities and instruments.


An outbreak of infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 was first detected in China in December 2019 and has now been detected globally. This coronavirus has resulted in travel restrictions, closed international borders, enhanced health screenings at ports of entry and elsewhere, disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, prolonged quarantines, cancellations, supply chain disruptions, and lower consumer demand, as well as general concern and uncertainty. The impact of COVID-19, and other infectious illness outbreaks that may arise in the future, could adversely affect the economies of many nations or the entire global economy, individual issuers and capital markets in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen. In addition, the impact of infectious illnesses in emerging market countries may be greater due to generally less established healthcare systems. Public health crises caused by the COVID-19 outbreak may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks in certain countries or globally. The duration of the COVID-19 outbreak and its effects cannot be determined with certainty.


NOTE 7. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS


Subsequent events after the Statements of Assets and Liabilities date have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has



Semi-Annual Report | 48


DSS AMERICAFIRST QUANTITATIVE FUNDS


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)



concluded that there is no impact requiring adjustment in the financial statements.  However, the following disclosures are applicable:


Distributions


During the period subsequent to year-end, the Income Fund paid the following distributions per share:


Class A

 

Pay Date

Rate

 

 

 

Ordinary Income

1/28/2022

0.03695


Class I

 

Pay Date

Rate

 

 

 

Ordinary Income

1/28/2022

0.03840


Class U

 

Pay Date

Rate

 

 

 

Ordinary Income

1/28/2022

0.03270





Semi-Annual Report | 49


DSS AMERICAFIRST QUANTITATIVE FUNDS


EXPENSE ILLUSTRATION

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)



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


The example below is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period July 1, 2021 and held for the entire period through December 31, 2021.


Actual Expenses


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


Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes


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


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




Semi-Annual Report | 50


DSS AMERICAFIRST QUANTITATIVE FUNDS


EXPENSE ILLUSTRATION (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)






Defensive Growth Fund - Class A

 

 

 

Beginning Account Value

Ending

Account Value

Expenses Paid During the Period*

 

July 1, 2021

December 31, 2021

July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021

 

 

 

 

Actual

$1,000.00

$840.35

$15.12

Hypothetical

 

 

 

 (5% Annual Return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$1,008.77

$16.51

 

 

 

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 3.26%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

Defensive Growth Fund - Class I

 

 

 

Beginning Account Value

Ending

Account Value

Expenses Paid During the Period*

 

July 1, 2021

December 31, 2021

July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021

 

 

 

 

Actual

$1,000.00

$842.30

$12.82

Hypothetical

 

 

 

 (5% Annual Return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$1,011.29

$13.99

 

 

 

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 2.76%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

Defensive Growth Fund - Class U

 

 

 

Beginning Account Value

Ending

Account Value

Expenses Paid During the Period*

 

July 1, 2021

December 31, 2021

July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021

 

 

 

 

Actual

$1,000.00

$838.17

$17.37

Hypothetical

 

 

 

 (5% Annual Return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$1,006.30

$18.96

 

 

 

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 3.75%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

LargeCap Buyback Fund - Class A

 

 

 

Beginning Account Value

Ending

Account Value

Expenses Paid During the Period*

 

July 1, 2021

December 31, 2021

July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021

 

 

 

 

Actual

$1,000.00

$1,107.90

$13.23

Hypothetical

 

 

 

 (5% Annual Return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$1,012.65

$12.63

 

 

 

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 2.49%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).



Semi-Annual Report | 51


DSS AMERICAFIRST QUANTITATIVE FUNDS


EXPENSE ILLUSTRATION (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)







 

 

 

LargeCap Buyback Fund - Class I

 

 

 

Beginning Account Value

Ending

Account Value

Expenses Paid During the Period*

 

July 1, 2021

December 31, 2021

July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021

 

 

 

 

Actual

$1,000.00

$1,109.59

$11.59

Hypothetical

 

 

 

 (5% Annual Return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$1,014.22

$11.07

 

 

 

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 2.18%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

LargeCap Buyback Fund - Class U

 

 

 

Beginning Account Value

Ending

Account Value

Expenses Paid During the Period*

 

July 1, 2021

December 31, 2021

July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021

 

 

 

 

Actual

$1,000.00

$1,104.38

$17.19

Hypothetical

 

 

 

 (5% Annual Return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$1,008.87

$16.41

 

 

 

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 3.24%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

Risk-On Risk-Off Fund - Class A

 

 

 

Beginning Account Value

Ending

Account Value

Expenses Paid During the Period*

 

July 1, 2021

December 31, 2021

July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021

 

 

 

 

Actual

$1,000.00

$986.29

$15.97

Hypothetical

 

 

 

 (5% Annual Return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$1,009.12

$16.15

 

 

 

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 3.19%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

Risk-On Risk-Off Fund - Class I

 

 

 

Beginning Account Value

Ending

Account Value

Expenses Paid During the Period*

 

July 1, 2021

December 31, 2021

July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021

 

 

 

 

Actual

$1,000.00

$992.12

$9.89

Hypothetical

 

 

 

 (5% Annual Return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$1,015.27

$10.01

 

 

 

 




Semi-Annual Report | 52


DSS AMERICAFIRST QUANTITATIVE FUNDS


EXPENSE ILLUSTRATION (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)







* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 1.97%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

 

 

Risk-On Risk-Off Fund - Class U

 

 

 

Beginning Account Value

Ending

Account Value

Expenses Paid During the Period*

 

July 1, 2021

December 31, 2021

July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021

 

 

 

 

Actual

$1,000.00

$983.24

$18.20

Hypothetical

 

 

 

 (5% Annual Return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$1,006.86

$18.41

 

 

 

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 3.64%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

Income Fund - Class A

 

 

 

 

Beginning Account Value

Ending

Account Value

Expenses Paid During the Period*

 

July 1, 2021

December 31, 2021

July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021

 

 

 

 

Actual

$1,000.00

$980.23

$14.92

Hypothetical

 

 

 

 (5% Annual Return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$1,010.13

$15.15

 

 

 

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 2.99%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

Income Fund - Class I

 

 

 

 

Beginning Account Value

Ending

Account Value

Expenses Paid During the Period*

 

July 1, 2021

December 31, 2021

July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021

 

 

 

 

Actual

$1,000.00

$992.19

$10.90

Hypothetical

 

 

 

 (5% Annual Return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$1,014.27

$11.02

 

 

 

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 2.17%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

 

 

Income Fund - Class U

 

 

 

 

Beginning Account Value

Ending

Account Value

Expenses Paid During the Period*

 

July 1, 2021

December 31, 2021

July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021

 

 

 

 

Actual

$1,000.00

$986.11

$17.47




Semi-Annual Report | 53


DSS AMERICAFIRST QUANTITATIVE FUNDS


EXPENSE ILLUSTRATION (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)






Hypothetical

 

 

 

 (5% Annual Return before expenses)

$1,000.00

$1,007.61

$17.66

 

 

 

 

* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 3.49%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).



Semi-Annual Report | 54


DSS AMERICAFIRST QUANTITATIVE FUNDS


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)



Reference is made to the Prospectus and the Statements of Additional Information for descriptions of the Management Agreements, Services Agreements and Distribution (12b-1) Plans, tax aspects of the Funds and the calculations of the net asset value of shares of the Funds.

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

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

 

PROXY VOTE

 

A description of the policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-877-217 -8501; and on the Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-877-217 -8501; and on the Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov.


LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM


The Funds have adopted and implemented a written liquidity risk management program as required by Rule 22e-4 (the “Liquidity Rule”) under the Investment Company Act. During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Trust's Liquidity Program Administrator ("LPA") and the Board reviewed the Fund's investments and they determined that, generally, the Fund held adequate levels of cash and highly liquid investments to meet shareholder redemption activities in accordance with applicable requirements.  Accordingly, the Board and the LPA concluded that (i) the Fund's liquidity risk management program is reasonably designed to prevent violations of the Liquidity Rule and (ii) the Fund's liquidity risk management program has been effectively implemented.


The program is reasonably designed to assess and manage the Funds’ liquidity risk, taking into consideration, among other factors, the Funds’ investment strategy and the liquidity of its portfolio investments during normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions; its short and long-term cash flow projections; and its cash holdings and access to other funding sources.




Semi-Annual Report | 55


DSS AMERICAFIRST QUANTITATIVE FUNDS


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)



Approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement (“New Management Agreement”) between AmericaFirst Quantitative Funds and DSS Wealth Management, Inc. (“DSS”).

Evaluation by the Board of Trustees

The “New Management Agreement” was approved by a majority of the Board, including the Independent Trustees, in connection with meetings held on May 28, 2021 and July 1, 2021.  The Board reviewed the materials provided by DSS in advance of the meetings and further reviewed materials at the meetings.  Certain officers and a Trustee had conferred with representatives of DSS prior to the meetings and provided a summary of their discussions with DSS.  The Trustees were assisted by independent legal counsel throughout the New Management Agreement review process.  The Board relied upon the advice of independent legal counsel and their own business judgment in determining the material factors to be considered in evaluating the New Management Agreement and the weight to be given to each such factor.  The conclusions reached by the Trustees were based on a comprehensive evaluation of all of the information provided and were not the result of any one factor.  Moreover, each Trustee may have afforded different weight to the various factors in reaching his or her conclusions that approval of the New Management Agreement would be in each Fund's and its shareholders' best interests.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services.  The Board examined the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by DSS to the Funds.  The Trustees reviewed materials provided by DSS related to the New Management Agreement with the Trust on behalf of the Funds, a description of investment decisions and trade execution, DSS's draft Form ADV, a projected revenue and expenses summary, current and projected assessment of financial condition, an overview of the personnel that will perform services for the Funds, a verbal summary of a review of DSS' policies and procedures provided by the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer, the compliance policies and procedures, including a representation that DSS has adopted a Code of Ethics containing provisions reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons, as that term is defined in Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, from engaging in conduct prohibited by Rule 17j-1(b), historical and comparative performance information with respect to the Funds' current portfolio manager who will join DSS and provide portfolio management services to each of the Funds.  The Trustees considered that DSS intends to continue the current investment strategies of each of the Funds.  The Trustees discussed the nature of DSS's operations, financial flexibility, the quality of compliance infrastructure, and the experience of its management support personnel.  The Trustees also noted that DSS will have a $1 million errors and omissions insurance policy with a $100,000 deductible.  The Trustees also examined DSS's balance sheet and noted that as is recently formed, does not have an income statement.  The Trustees noted that while DSS is recently formed, it has cash resources that would allow it to operate for many years based on its projected operating costs and the projected net-of-expense-limitation revenues to be received from the Funds.  Overall, the Trustees concluded that DSS had sufficient financial strength to perform as adviser and meet the obligations under the New Expense Limitation Agreement.  Additionally, the Trustees



Semi-Annual Report | 56


DSS AMERICAFIRST QUANTITATIVE FUNDS


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)



noted that even though DSS is recently formed, it will benefit from the years of experience and operational infrastructure to be provided by the current adviser's portfolio manager and chief compliance officer who will join DSS in those roles.  Next, the Trustees considered aspects of the Mr. Gonsalves' and AFCM's regulatory history.  The Trustees noted that in January 2018, both were subject to an SEC Order Instituting Administrative and Cease-and-Desist Proceedings related to violations of certain sections of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.  These violations were related to the capital raising activities of AFCM during 2012 to 2015.  They also noted that Mr. Gonsalves' role with DSS would not involve capital raising activities.  After reviewing the remedial measures taken by AFCM and Mr. Gonsalves, the Trustees found they were satisfied that this matter had been resolved.  After further discussion, the Trustees concluded that DSS has sufficient quality and depth of personnel, resources, investment methods and compliance policies and procedures essential to performing its duties under the New Management Agreement and that the nature, overall quality and extent of the management services to be provided by DSS generally meet the Board's expectations.

Performance.  Next, the Board noted that DSS has no direct performance history to examine.  The Board concluded it would be informative to review the performance of the Funds, as measured by Class I shares, because the current portfolio manager will continue to serve in that capacity with DSS and each Fund's strategies will remain intact.  Overall, the Board noted that somewhat novel and non-mainstream nature of each Fund's strategies does not lend itself to a simple comparison to a mainstream index.  The Board also considered that none of the Funds pursues an index-tracking strategy.  The Board observed that each Fund had produced positive returns over the year-to-date, one-year, three-year, and five-year periods, each ended June 25, 2021, with the exception of the Defensive Growth Fund which was slightly negative over the five-year period.  

The Board noted that the Monthly Risk-On Risk-Off Fund outperformed the Lipper Absolute Return peer group over the year-to-date, one-year, and five-year periods, while lagging over the three-year period.  The Board also considered that this Fund underperformed the S&P 500 Index and Morningstar Tactical Allocation category peer group for the year-to-date, one-year, three-year, and five-year periods.  The Board noted that comparison to the S&P 500 Index is informative, yet not a perfect profile match to the Fund because of the Fund's tactical strategy.  The Board further observed that recently, the Fund has narrowed the performance gap when compared to the Morningstar Tactical Allocation category peer group.  The Board noted that the Income Fund outperformed the Lipper Flexible Portfolio peer group over the year-to-date and one-year periods while lagging over the three-year and five-year periods.  The Board noted that the Income Fund outperformed the Bloomberg Barclays Aggregate Bond Index, for the year-to-date and one-year periods, but lagged somewhat during the three-year period, while outperforming somewhat for the five-year period.  The Board also noted that the Income Fund has outperformed the Morningstar Large Value equity category peer group for the year-to-date period, but lagged for the one-year, three-year, and five-year periods.  The Board noted that comparison to the index and peer group is informative, yet neither is a



Semi-Annual Report | 57


DSS AMERICAFIRST QUANTITATIVE FUNDS


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)



perfect profile match to the Fund because of the Fund's wide-ranging income-seeking strategy.

The Board noted that the Defensive Growth Fund outperformed the Lipper Alternative Long/Short Equity peer group for the one-year period, but lagged for the year-to-date, three-year, and five-year periods.  The Board noted that, similarly, the Defensive Growth Fund outperformed the Morningstar Long/Short Equity category peer group for the one-year period, but lagged for the year-to-date, three-year, and five-year periods.  The Board also considered that the Fund underperformed the S&P 500 Index for the year-to-date, one-year, three-year, and five-year periods.  Here too, the Board noted that comparison to the S&P 500 Index is informative, yet not a perfect profile match to the Fund because the index is long-only while the Fund has long and short elements.  The Board noted that while performance was mixed, the Fund's strategy appears capable of producing positive returns and above comparison group returns.

The Board observed that the Large Cap Share Buyback Fund outperformed the Lipper Multi-Cap Core peer group for the year-to-date period, while lagging for the one-year and three-year periods.  The Board also observed that the Buyback Fund outperformed the Morningstar Large Cap Blend category peer group for the year-to-date period, while lagging for the one-year and three-year periods.  The Board also observed that the Fund outperformed the S&P 500 Index for the year-to-date period while lagging for the one-year and three-year periods.  Here too, the Board noted that comparison to the S&P 500 Index is informative, yet not a perfect profile match to the Fund because the Fund's investment strategy will select only a subset of securities in any index.  The Board also considered a comparison to the S&P 500 Buyback Index, noting the Fund lagged for the year-to-date, one-year and three-year periods.

Overall, the Board found performance mixed and for some Funds somewhat or significantly below expectations but, considered that the novel, non-mainstream, and very long-term nature of the Funds' strategies is likely to lead to periods of underperformance which may last for significant periods of time.  Based, in part, upon the review of performance and strategy discussions provided by the portfolio manager, the Board agreed that it would be inadvisable for the portfolio manager to deviate from the long-term approach.  The Board also considered that the portfolio manager and DSS would undertake steps to consider fine tuning strategies in the hopes of improving performance.  In total, even though the Board found some performance periods for some Funds to be generally below expectations, it was acceptable nonetheless and the Board noted it would continue to monitor performance under DSS.

Fees and Expenses.  The Trustees reviewed information regarding comparative fees to be charged by DSS to fees charged by other advisers to respective peer groups of funds.  The Board noted that the advisory fee for the Funds was above the average for each respective peer group, but within the range of reasonable advisory fees charged by advisers in each respective peer group.  They also noted that each Fund share class had net expense ratios that were projected, based on the most recent prospectus, to be above



Semi-Annual Report | 58


DSS AMERICAFIRST QUANTITATIVE FUNDS


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)



average when compared to the respective peer group, but within (or only slightly above, in the case of Large Cap Share Buyback Class U shares) the range of reasonable fees for the respective class of the peer group.  It was also noted that DSS will provide an expense limitation for each Fund identical to the levels of the current expense limitation with the current adviser.  The Trustees considered the level of sophistication to be utilized by DSS in executing its investment strategies and concluded that the level of advisory fees to be paid to DSS was not unreasonable in light of the quality of the services expected to be received from DSS.  

Economies of Scale.  The Board considered whether there will be economies of scale in respect of the management of the Funds.  The Board concluded that no economies of scale were present at each Fund's current size or a somewhat larger size.  The Board considered DSS' expectation that growth from current level of assets of each Fund is difficult to forecast and agreed that the absence of breakpoints was acceptable at present.  However, the Board noted they would revisit the matter as assets in the Funds grow.

Profitability.  The Trustees considered that DSS is not expected to receive its full advisory fee in most of the forecasted scenarios, because of the effect of the expense limitation agreement for each Fund.  They also reviewed estimates of DSS' expenses for serving each Fund as well as each Fund's projected growth.  The Trustees discussed a projected per-Fund profitability analysis provided by DSS and reviewed industry studies of profit norms.  The Trustees considered an array of projections for Fund asset growth, while noting that optimistic projections may not necessarily be supported by any firm commitments.  The Trustees observed that most Funds are not expected to be profitable, or only modestly so.  They further observed that the Monthly Risk-On Risk-Off Fund, because of its larger size and lessened expense cap burden will likely be profitable and significantly profitable under some projected scenarios.  Nonetheless, the trustees viewed a significant profit as a fair entrepreneurial profit for risks taken and financial commitment made.  Additionally, the Trustees noted that because of DSS' parent company's multi-layer holding company structure and its unconventional method for allocating expenses it is likely that DSS understates the full expenses of DSS and overstates profit margins.  They viewed this aspect as tempering any optimistic profit projections.  Additionally, the Trustees observed, but did not give weight to, the projected marketing costs DSS plans to incur in support of the Funds.

Conclusion.  During the Board's deliberations, it was noted that the Board did not identify any single piece of information that was all-important or controlling with respect to the New Management Agreement for each Fund.  Based on the Board's deliberations and its evaluation of the information described above, the Board, including all the Independent Trustees, unanimously approved the New Management Agreement finding that it would be in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders, subject to shareholder approval, on behalf of each Fund.



Semi-Annual Report | 59


DSS AMERICAFIRST QUANTITATIVE FUNDS


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

DECEMBER 31, 2021 (UNAUDITED)



Special Shareholders’ Meeting September 10, 2021

A special meeting of the Shareholders of the Funds of AmericaFirst Quantitative Funds was held at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time, September 10, 2021, at the offices of Mutual Shareholder Services, LLC, 8000 Town Centre Drive, Suite 400, Broadview Heights OH 44147.  Shareholders of record as of August 4, 2021, voted to approve the election of Allan R. Siegel as a trustee.  Trustees serve indefinitely.  Trustees David S. Friedensohn, Monica S. Himes, and Rick A. Gonsalves continue to serve.  Shares are weighted by net asset value per share for purposes of determining votes.  Trustees are elected by a plurality of votes.  Votes abstaining and broker non-votes were not applicable to the vote totals at this meeting.


Outstanding
Share Votes
as of
Record
Date

Share Votes
Present in
Person
or by Proxy

Percentage
of Share Votes
Present
for Quorum

Percentage
of Voted
For

Percentage
of Voted
Withhold

26,589,057.72

19,256,127.95

72.4%

99.1%

0.9%


Special Shareholders’ Meeting September 13, 2021

A special meeting of the Shareholders of the Funds of AmericaFirst Quantitative Funds was held at 12:30 p.m. Eastern time, September 13, 2021, at the offices of Mutual Shareholder Services, LLC, 8000 Town Centre Drive, Suite 400, Broadview Heights OH 44147.  Shareholders of record as of June 15, 2021, voted to approve an investment management agreement with DSS Wealth Management, Inc.  Shares are weighted by net asset value per share for purposes of determining votes.  Votes withheld were not applicable to the vote totals at this meeting and broker non-votes were included in against as per policy.


Fund

Outstanding
Share Votes
as of
Record
Date

Share Votes
Present in
Person
or by Proxy

Percentage
of Share Votes
Present
for Quorum

Percentage
of Voted
For

Percentage
of Voted
Against

Percentage
of Voted
Abstaining

AmericaFirst Monthly Risk-On Risk-Off Fund

10,234,838.73

5,494,671.07

53.7%

70.6%

26.3%

3.1%

AmericaFirst Income Fund

8,426,606.38

4,612,449.29

54.7%

77.8%

18.5%

3.7%

AmericaFirst Defensive Growth Fund

3,179,212.72

1,760,537.32

55.4%

98.6%

0.4%

1.0%

AmericaFirst Large Cap Share Buyback Fund

6,100,690.56

3,246,602.81

53.2%

92.1%

7.7%

0.2%




Semi-Annual Report | 60


 


 PRIVACY NOTICE


Rev. Jan 2013


FACTS

WHAT DOES DSS AMERICAFIRST QUANTITATIVE FUNDS DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

 

 

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

 

 

What?

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

               Social Security number                                       Purchase History

               Assets                                                                 Account Balances

               Retirement Assets                                               Account Transactions

               Transaction History                                            Wire Transfer Instructions

               Checking Account Information

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

 

 

How?

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

 

Reasons we can share your personal information

Does DSS AmericaFirst
Quantitative Funds share?

Can you limit
this sharing?

For our everyday business purposes –

such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus

Yes

No

For our marketing purposes –

to offer our products and services to you

No

We don’t share

For joint marketing with other financial companies

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes –

information about your transactions and experiences

No

We don’t share

For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes –

information about your creditworthiness

No

We don’t share

For nonaffiliates to market to you

No

We don’t share

 

Questions?

Call 1-877-217-8363



Semi-Annual Report | 61


 





PAGE 2

Who we are

Who is providing this notice?

DSS AmericaFirst Quantitative Funds

 

What we do

How does DSS AmericaFirst Quantitative Funds protect my personal information?

To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.

 

Our service providers are held accountable for adhering to strict policies and procedures to prevent any misuse of your nonpublic personal information.

How does DSS AmericaFirst Quantitative Funds collect my personal information?

We collect your personal information, for example, when you

      Open an account

 

     Provide account information

 

     Give us your contact information

 

     Make deposits or withdrawals from your account

 

     Make a wire transfer

 

     Tell us where to send the money

 

     Tells us who receives the money

 

     Show your government-issued ID

 

     Show your drivers license

 

We also collect your personal information from other companies.

Why cant I limit all sharing?

Federal law gives you the right to limit only

 

     Sharing for affiliates everyday business purposes information about your creditworthiness

 

    Affiliates from using your information to market to you

 

    Sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you

 

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

Definitions

Affiliates

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

 

      DSS AmericaFirst Quantitative Funds doesnt share with our affiliates.

Nonaffiliates

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

 

      DSS AmericaFirst Quantitative Funds doesnt share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.

Joint marketing

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

 

     DSS AmericaFirst Quantitative Funds doesn’t jointly market.



Semi-Annual Report | 62





DSS AmericaFirst Quantitative Funds

 


 

MANAGER

DSS Wealth Management, Inc.

1999 Bryan St., Ste. 900

Dallas, TX 75201

 


TRANSFER AGENT

Mutual Shareholder Services, LLC

8000 Town Centre Drive, Suite 400

Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147














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 Companies.   Not applicable.


Item 6. Schedule of Investments. Included in Report to Shareholders.


Item 7. Disclosure of Closed End fund Proxy Voting Policies/Procedures. Not applicable.


Item 8.  Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Funds.  Not applicable.


Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed End Funds. Not applicable.


Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. Not applicable.


Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

(a)

Disclosure Controls & Procedures.  The registrant’s president and chief financial officer has 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”) are effective, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.


(b)

Internal Controls. There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act that occurred during the registrant’s first fiscal half-year that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.


Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. Not applicable.


Item 13.  Exhibits.  



(a)(1)

EX-99.CERT.  Filed herewith.


(a)(2)

Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 under the Act (17 CFR 270.23c-1) sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more persons.  Not applicable.


(b)

EX-99.906CERT.  Filed herewith.


SIGNATURES


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



DSS AmericaFirst Quantitative Funds


By /s/ Rick Gonsalves

     * Rick Gonsalves

     Chief Executive Officer


Date: March 8, 2022





Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.



By /s/ Rick Gonsalves

     * Rick Gonsalves

     Chief Executive Officer


Date: March 8, 2022




*Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.