ck0001592900-20250531N-CSRSfalse0001592900N-1AThis semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about the Guru Favorite Stocks ETF (the “Fund”) for the period of December 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 (the “Period”).You can find additional information about the Fund at https://gurufocusetf.com/gfgf/. You can also request this information by contacting us at (215) 330-4476.iso4217:USDxbrli:pureck0001592900:holding00015929002024-12-012025-05-310001592900ck0001592900:C000231252Member2024-12-012025-05-310001592900ck0001592900:C000231252Member2025-05-310001592900ck0001592900:C000231252Memberus-gaap:FinancialServicesSectorMember2025-05-310001592900ck0001592900:C000231252Memberoef:InformationTechnologySectorMember2025-05-310001592900ck0001592900:C000231252Memberoef:CommunicationsSectorMember2025-05-310001592900ck0001592900:C000231252Memberoef:ConsumerDiscretionarySectorMember2025-05-310001592900ck0001592900:C000231252Memberoef:IndustrialSectorMember2025-05-310001592900ck0001592900:C000231252Memberus-gaap:HealthCareMember2025-05-310001592900ck0001592900:C000231252Memberoef:ConsumerStaplesSectorMember2025-05-310001592900ck0001592900:C000231252Memberck0001592900:CashCashEquivalentsMember2025-05-310001592900ck0001592900:C000231252Memberck0001592900:MicrosoftCorp.Member2025-05-310001592900ck0001592900:C000231252Memberck0001592900:NvidiaCorp.Member2025-05-310001592900ck0001592900:C000231252Memberck0001592900:AlphabetInc.ClassAMember2025-05-310001592900ck0001592900:C000231252Memberck0001592900:BrownBrownInc.Member2025-05-310001592900ck0001592900:C000231252Memberck0001592900:MSCIInc.Member2025-05-310001592900ck0001592900:C000231252Memberck0001592900:VisaInc.ClassAMember2025-05-310001592900ck0001592900:C000231252Memberck0001592900:BerkshireHathawayInc.ClassBMember2025-05-310001592900ck0001592900:C000231252Memberck0001592900:MastercardInc.ClassAMember2025-05-310001592900ck0001592900:C000231252Memberck0001592900:ArthurJGallagherCo.Member2025-05-310001592900ck0001592900:C000231252Memberck0001592900:TaiwanSemiconductorManufacturingCo.Ltd.Member2025-05-31
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 811-22961
EA Series Trust
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
19 E. Eagle Road
Havertown, PA 19083
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
19 E. Eagle Road
Havertown, PA 19083
(Name and address of agent for service)
(215) 330-4476
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
Date of fiscal year end: November 30, 2025
Date of reporting period: May 31, 2025
Item 1. Report to Stockholders.
(a)
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| Guru Favorite Stocks ETF Ticker: GFGF Listed on: The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC | May 31, 2025 Semi-Annual Shareholder Report https://gurufocusetf.com/gfgf/ |
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This semi-annual shareholder report contains important information about the Guru Favorite Stocks ETF (the “Fund”) for the period of December 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 (the “Period”). You can find additional information about the Fund at https://gurufocusetf.com/gfgf/. You can also request this information by contacting us at (215) 330-4476. |
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WHAT WERE THE FUND COSTS FOR THE PERIOD? (based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment) |
COST OF $10,000 INVESTMENT | COST PAID AS A PERCENTAGE OF $10,000 INVESTMENT |
$32 | 0.65% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
KEY FUND STATISTICS (as of Period End) |
Net Assets | | $33,829,531 | | Portfolio Turnover Rate* | | 19% |
# of Portfolio Holdings | | 29 | | Advisory Fees Paid | | $111,286 |
*Portfolio turnover is not annualized and is calculated without regard to short-term securities having a maturity of less than one year. Excludes impact of in-kind transactions. |
| | | | | |
SECTOR WEIGHTING (as a % of Net Assets) |
Financials | 42.2% |
Information Technology | 24.2% |
Communication Services | 8.1% |
Consumer Discretionary | 5.7% |
Industrials | 5.6% |
Health Care | 3.6% |
Consumer Staples | 2.3% |
Cash and Cash Equivalents | 8.3% |
| | | | | |
TOP 10 HOLDINGS (as a % of Net Assets) |
Microsoft Corp. | 9.3% |
| |
NVIDIA Corp. | 5.9% |
Alphabet, Inc. - Class A | 5.7% |
Brown & Brown, Inc. | 5.2% |
MSCI, Inc. | 4.9% |
Visa, Inc. - Class A | 4.5% |
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. - Class B | 4.3% |
Mastercard, Inc. - Class A | 4.1% |
Arthur J Gallagher & Co. | 4.0% |
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. | 4.0% |
Availability of Additional Information
For additional information about the Fund, including its prospectus, financial information, holdings, and proxy information, visit https://gurufocusetf.com/gfgf/. You can also request information by calling (215) 330-4476.
Householding
Householding is an option available to certain investors of the Fund. Householding is a method of delivery, based on the preference of the individual investor, in which a single copy of certain shareholder documents can be delivered to investors who share the same address, even if their accounts are registered under different names. Householding for the Fund is available through certain broker-dealers. If you are interested in enrolling in householding and receiving a single copy of prospectuses and other shareholder documents or you are currently enrolled in householding and wish to change your householding status, please contact your broker-dealer.
Semi-Annual Shareholder Report: May 31, 2025
(a) Not Applicable
Item 2. Code of Ethics.
Not applicable for semi-annual reports.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
Not applicable for semi-annual reports.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Not applicable for semi-annual reports.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
Not applicable for semi-annual reports.
Item 6. Investments.
(a)
| | |
GURU FAVORITE STOCKS ETF |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS |
May 31, 2025 (Unaudited) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
COMMON STOCKS - 91.7% |
| Shares |
| Value |
Asset Management & Custody Banks - 1.5% | | | |
|
KKR & Co., Inc. |
| 4,067 |
| $ | 493,978 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Broadline Retail - 3.0% | | | |
|
Amazon.com, Inc. (a) |
| 5,042 |
| 1,033,660 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Consumer Finance - 1.5% | | | |
|
American Express Co. |
| 1,704 |
| 501,061 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Diversified Financial Services - 1.5% | | | |
|
Apollo Global Management, Inc. |
| 3,860 |
| 504,463 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Exchanges & Data - 10.0% | | | |
|
Moody's Corp. |
| 2,138 |
| 1,024,786 | |
MSCI, Inc. |
| 2,920 |
| 1,646,939 | |
S&P Global, Inc. |
| 1,365 |
| 700,054 | |
|
|
|
| 3,371,779 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Health Care Equipment - 2.1% | | | |
|
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (a) |
| 1,277 |
| 705,338 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Human Resource & Employment Services - 2.8% | | | |
|
Paychex, Inc. |
| 5,944 |
| 938,617 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Insurance Brokers - 9.2% | | | |
|
Arthur J Gallagher & Co. |
| 3,904 |
| 1,356,406 | |
Brown & Brown, Inc. |
| 15,620 |
| 1,763,498 | |
|
|
|
| 3,119,904 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Interactive Media & Services - 8.1% | | | |
|
Alphabet, Inc. - Class A |
| 11,180 |
| 1,920,053 | |
Meta Platforms, Inc. - Class A |
| 1,251 |
| 810,010 | |
|
|
|
| 2,730,063 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Investment Banking & Brokerage - 3.4% | | | |
|
Charles Schwab Corp. |
| 7,436 |
| 656,896 | |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. |
| 822 |
| 493,570 | |
|
|
|
| 1,150,466 | |
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
1
| | |
GURU FAVORITE STOCKS ETF |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) |
May 31, 2025 (Unaudited) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
COMMON STOCKS - 91.7% (CONTINUED) |
| Shares |
| Value |
Managed Health Care - 1.5% | | | |
|
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. |
| 1,696 |
| $ | 512,039 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Multi-Sector Holdings - 4.3% | | | |
|
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. - Class B (a) |
| 2,887 |
| 1,454,933 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Restaurants - 2.7% | | | |
|
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (a) |
| 18,396 |
| 921,272 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Semiconductor Materials & Equipment - 2.0% | | | |
|
ASML Holding NV |
| 920 |
| 677,828 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Semiconductors - 9.9% | | | |
|
NVIDIA Corp. |
| 14,832 |
| 2,004,248 | |
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. - ADR |
| 7,011 |
| 1,355,367 | |
|
|
|
| 3,359,615 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Soft Drinks & Non-alcoholic Beverages - 2.3% | | | |
|
Monster Beverage Corp. (a) |
| 12,190 |
| 779,551 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Systems Software - 9.3% | | | |
|
Microsoft Corp. |
| 6,823 |
| 3,141,036 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals - 3.0% | | | |
|
Apple, Inc. |
| 5,024 |
| 1,009,070 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Trading Companies & Distributors - 2.8% | | | |
|
Fastenal Co. |
| 22,684 |
| 937,757 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Transaction & Payment Processing Services - 10.8% | | | |
|
Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. |
| 4,199 |
| 760,733 | |
Mastercard, Inc. - Class A |
| 2,364 |
| 1,384,359 | |
Visa, Inc. - Class A |
| 4,170 |
| 1,522,842 | |
|
|
|
| 3,667,934 | |
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $23,398,001) | | |
| 31,010,364 | |
|
|
|
|
|
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 8.3% | |
|
| |
Money Market Funds - 8.3% |
| |
| |
First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 4.23% (b) |
| 2,810,032 |
| 2,810,032 | |
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $2,810,032) | | |
| 2,810,032 | |
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 100.0% (Cost $26,208,033) | | |
| $ | 33,820,396 | |
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities - 0.0% (c) | | |
| 9,135 | |
TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.0% |
| |
| $ | 33,829,531 | |
| | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
2
| | |
GURU FAVORITE STOCKS ETF |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED) |
May 31, 2025 (Unaudited) |
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.
| | |
ADR - American Depositary Receipt |
| | | | | |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | The rate shown represents the 7-day annualized effective yield as of May 31, 2025. |
(c) | Represents less than 0.05% of net assets. |
The Global Industry Classification Standard (“GICS®”) was developed by and/or is the exclusive property of MSCI, Inc. (“MSCI”) and Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). GICS® is a service mark of MSCI and S&P and has been licensed for use by U.S. Bank Global Fund Services.
(b) Not applicable
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
3
Item 7. Financial Statements and Financial Highlights for Open-End Management Investment
Companies.
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
May 31, 2025 (Unaudited)
| | | | | |
ASSETS: | |
Investments, at value (See Note 2) | $ | 33,820,396 | |
Dividends receivable | 16,345 | |
Interest receivable | 10,006 | |
Dividend tax reclaims receivable | 1,107 | |
Total assets | 33,847,854 | |
| |
LIABILITIES: | |
Payable to adviser (See Note 3) | 18,323 | |
Total liabilities | 18,323 | |
NET ASSETS | $ | 33,829,531 | |
| |
NET ASSETS CONSISTS OF: | |
Paid-in capital | $ | 26,459,389 | |
Total distributable earnings (accumulated deficit) | 7,370,142 | |
Total net assets | $ | 33,829,531 | |
| |
Net assets | $ | 33,829,531 | |
Shares issued and outstanding(a) | 1,060,000 | |
Net asset value per share | $ | 31.91 | |
| |
COST: | |
Investments, at cost | $ | 26,208,033 | |
| | | | | |
(a) | Unlimited shares authorized without par value. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
1
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Period Ended May 31, 2025 (Unaudited)
| | | | | |
INVESTMENT INCOME: | |
Dividend income | $ | 142,668 | |
Less: Dividend withholding taxes | (3,990) | |
Less: Issuance fees | (121) | |
Interest income | 49,871 | |
Total investment income | 188,428 | |
| |
EXPENSES: | |
Investment advisory fees (See Note 3) | 111,286 | |
Total expenses | 111,286 | |
NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS) | 77,142 | |
| |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) | |
Net realized gain (loss) from: | |
Investments | 182,901 | |
In-kind redemptions | 2,331,597 | |
Net realized gain (loss) | 2,514,498 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: | |
Investments | (3,051,054) | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | (3,051,054) | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | (536,556) | |
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | $ | (459,414) | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
2
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Period ended May 31, 2025 (Unaudited) | | Year Ended November 30, 2024 | | |
OPERATIONS: | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | $ | 77,142 | | | $ | 28,730 | | | |
Net realized gain (loss) | 2,514,498 | | | 3,627,322 | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | (3,051,054) | | | 6,791,316 | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | (459,414) | | | 10,447,368 | | | |
| | | | | |
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: | | | | | |
Distributable earnings | (36,495) | | | (26,410) | | | |
Total distributions to shareholders | (36,495) | | | (26,410) | | | |
| | | | | |
CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS: | | | | | |
Subscriptions | 4,441,734 | | | 12,807,849 | | | |
Redemptions | (6,336,798) | | | (19,425,858) | | | |
ETF transaction fees (See Note 1) | 2 | | | 5 | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital transactions | (1,895,062) | | | (6,618,004) | | | |
| | | | | |
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS | (2,390,971) | | | 3,802,954 | | | |
| | | | | |
NET ASSETS: | | | | | |
Beginning of the period | 36,220,502 | | | 32,417,548 | | | |
End of the period | $ | 33,829,531 | | | $ | 36,220,502 | | | |
| | | | | |
SHARES TRANSACTIONS: | | | | | |
Subscriptions | 140,000 | | | 500,000 | | | |
Redemptions | (200,000) | | | (750,000) | | | |
Total increase (decrease) in shares outstanding | (60,000) | | | (250,000) | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
3
GURU FAVORITE STOCKS ETF
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: | LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM: | | SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS: |
For the Period Ended | | Net asset value, beginning of period | Net investment income (loss)(a) | Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments(b) | Total from investment operations | Net investment income | Total distributions | ETF transaction fees per share | Net asset value, end of period | Total return(c) | Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | Ratio of expenses to average net assets(d) | Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets(d) | Portfolio turnover rate(c)(e) |
Guru Favorite Stocks ETF | | | | | | | | | | | |
5/31/2025(f) | | $32.34 | 0.07 | (0.47) | (0.40) | (0.03) | (0.03) | 0.00(g) | $31.91 | -1.21% | $33,830 | 0.65% | 0.45% | 19% |
11/30/2024 | | $23.66 | 0.02 | 8.68 | 8.70 | (0.02) | (0.02) | 0.00(g) | $32.34 | 36.78% | $36,221 | 0.65% | 0.09% | 33% |
11/30/2023 | | $21.37 | 0.02 | 2.35 | 2.37 | (0.08) | (0.08) | 0.00(g) | $23.66 | 11.17% | $32,418 | 0.65% | 0.11% | 81% |
11/30/2022(h) | | $25.00 | 0.08 | (3.71) | (3.63) | (0.00)(g) | (0.00)(g) | 0.00(g) | $21.37 | -14.50% | $30,135 | 0.65% | 0.40% | 28% |
| | | | | |
(a) | Net investment income per share has been calculated based on average shares outstanding during the periods. |
(b) | Realized and unrealized gains and losses per share in the caption are balancing amounts necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per share for the periods, and may not reconcile with the aggregate gains and losses in the Statement of Operations due to share transactions for the periods. |
(c) | Not annualized for periods less than one year. |
(d) | Annualized for periods less than one year. |
(e) | Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions. |
(f) | Unaudited. |
(g) | Amount represents less than $0.005 per share. |
(h) | Inception date of the Fund was December 15, 2021. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
4
GURU FAVORITE STOCKS ETF
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
May 31, 2025 (Unaudited)
NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION
Guru Favorite Stocks ETF (the “Fund”) is a series of the EA Series Trust (the “Trust”), which was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on October 11, 2013. The Trust is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company and the offering of the Fund’s shares (“Shares”) is registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Fund is considered diversified under the 1940 Act. The Fund commenced operations on December 15, 2021. The Fund qualifies as an investment company as defined in the Financial Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946-Financial Services- Investment Companies. The Fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation. See the Fund’s Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information regarding the risks of investing in shares of the Fund.
Shares of the Fund are listed and traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (the “Exchange”). Market prices for the shares may be different from their net asset value (“NAV”). The Fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis at NAV only in blocks of 10,000 shares, called “Creation Units.” Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities included in a specified universe. Once created, shares generally trade in the secondary market at market prices that change throughout the day in share amounts less than a Creation Unit. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund. Shares of the Fund may only be purchased or redeemed by certain financial institutions (“Authorized Participants”). An Authorized Participant is a participant of a clearing agency registered with the SEC, which has a written agreement with the Trust or one of its service providers that allows the authorized participant to place orders for the purchase and redemption of creation units. Most retail investors do not qualify as Authorized Participants nor have the resources to buy and sell whole Creation Units. Therefore, they are unable to purchase or redeem the shares directly from a Fund. Rather, most retail investors may purchase Shares in the secondary market with the assistance of a broker and are subject to customary brokerage commissions or fees.
Authorized Participants may be required to pay a transaction fee to compensate the Trust or its custodian for costs incurred in connection with creation and redemption transactions. Certain transactions consisting all or partially of cash may also be subject to a variable charge, which is payable to the relevant Fund, of up to 2.00% of the value of the order in addition to the transaction fee. A Fund may determine to waive the variable charge on certain orders when such waiver is determined to be in the best interests of Fund shareholders. Transaction fees received by a Fund, if any, are displayed in the Capital Share Transactions sections of the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.
The end of the reporting period for the Fund is May 31, 2025, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is from December 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 (the “current fiscal period”).
NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund. These policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
A.Security Valuation. Equity securities that are traded on a national securities exchange, except those listed on the NASDAQ Global Market® (“NASDAQ”) are valued at the last reported sale price on the exchange on which the security is principally traded. Securities traded on NASDAQ will be valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (“NOCP”). If, on a particular day, an exchange-traded or NASDAQ security does not trade, then the most recent quoted bid for exchange-traded or the mean between the most recent quoted bid and ask price for NASDAQ securities will be used. Equity securities that are not traded on a listed exchange are generally valued at the last sale price in the over-the-counter market. If a non-exchange traded security does not trade on a particular day, then the mean between the last quoted closing bid and asked price will be used. Prices denominated in foreign currencies are converted to U.S. dollar equivalents at the current exchange rate, which approximates fair value. Redeemable securities issued by open-end investment companies are valued at the investment company’s applicable net asset value, with the exception of exchange-traded open-end investment companies which are priced as equity securities.
Subject to its oversight, the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has delegated primary responsibility for determining or causing to be determined the value of the Fund’s investments to Empowered Funds, LLC dba EA
GURU FAVORITE STOCKS ETF
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
May 31, 2025 (Unaudited)
Advisers (the “Adviser”), pursuant to the Trust’s valuation policy and procedures, which have been adopted by the Trust and approved by the Board. In accordance with Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board designated the Adviser as the “valuation designee” of the Fund. If the Adviser, as valuation designee, determines that reliable market quotations are not readily available for an investment, the investment is valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Adviser in accordance with the Trust’s fair valuation policy and procedures. The Adviser will provide the Board with periodic reports, no less frequently than quarterly, that discuss the functioning of the valuation process, if applicable, and that identify issues and valuation problems that have arisen, if any. As appropriate, the Adviser and the Board will review any securities valued by the Adviser in accordance with the Trust’s valuation policies during these periodic reports. The use of fair value pricing by the Fund may cause the net asset value of its shares to differ significantly from the net asset value that would be calculated without regard to such considerations. As of the current fiscal period, the Fund did not hold any securities that required fair valuation due to unobservable inputs.
As described above, the Fund may use various methods to measure the fair value of their investments on a recurring basis. GAAP establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods. The three levels of inputs are:
Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Fund has 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 on 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 Fund’s 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 in its entirety.
The following is a summary of the fair value classification of the Fund’s investments as of the current fiscal period end:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
DESCRIPTION | | LEVEL 1 | | LEVEL 2 | | LEVEL 3 | | TOTAL |
Assets | | | | | | | | |
Common Stocks | | $ | 31,010,364 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 31,010,364 | |
Money Market Funds | | 2,810,032 | | | — | | | — | | | 2,810,032 | |
Total Investments in Securities | | $ | 33,820,396 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 33,820,396 | |
Refer to the Schedule of Investments for further disaggregation of investment categories.
During the current fiscal period, the Fund did not invest in any Level 3 investments and recognized no transfers to/from Level 3. Transfers between levels are recognized at the end of the reporting period.
GURU FAVORITE STOCKS ETF
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
May 31, 2025 (Unaudited)
B.Foreign Currency. Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts using the spot rate of exchange at the date of valuation. Purchases and sales of investment securities and income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts on the respective dates of such transactions. The Fund isolates the portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. That portion of gains (losses) attributable to the changes in market prices and the portion of gains (losses) attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates are included on the “Statement of Operations” under “Net realized gain (loss) – Foreign currency” and “Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) – Foreign Currency,” respectively.
The Fund reports net realized foreign exchange gains or losses that arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities at fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.
C.Federal Income Taxes. The Fund’s policy is to comply with the provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of their net investment income and net capital gains to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. Each Fund plans to file U.S. Federal and various state and local tax returns.
The Fund recognizes the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only when the position is more likely than not to be sustained. Management has analyzed the Fund’s uncertain tax positions and concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax positions. Management is 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 12 months. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits on uncertain tax positions as income tax expenses in the Statements of Operations. During the current fiscal period, the Fund did not incur any interest or penalties.
D.Security Transactions and Investment Income. Investment securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Gains and losses realized on sales of securities are determined on a specific identification basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, net of any foreign taxes withheld at source. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the Fund’s understanding of the applicable tax rules and regulations.
Distributions to shareholders from net investment income are declared and paid on an annual basis. Distributions to shareholders from net realized gains on securities normally are declared and paid on an annual basis. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The Fund may distribute more frequently, if necessary, for tax purposes.
E.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 at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
F.Share Valuation. The NAV per share of the Fund is calculated by dividing the sum of the value of the securities held by the Fund, plus cash and other assets, minus all liabilities (including estimated accrued expenses) by the total number of shares outstanding for the Fund, rounded to the nearest cent. The Fund’s shares will not be priced on the days on which the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is closed for regular trading. The offering and redemption price per share for the Fund is equal to the Fund’s net asset value per share.
GURU FAVORITE STOCKS ETF
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
May 31, 2025 (Unaudited)
G.Guarantees and Indemnifications. In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. Additionally, as is customary, the Trust’s organizational documents permit the Trust to indemnify its officers and trustees against certain liabilities under certain circumstances. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be against the Fund that have not yet occurred. As of the date of this report, no claim has been made for indemnification pursuant to any such agreement of the Fund.
H.Segment Reporting: The Fund adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Update 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280) – Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (“ASU 2023-07”) during the current fiscal period. The Fund’s adoption of the new standard impacted financial statement disclosures only and did not affect the Fund’s financial position or results of operations.
The Treasurer (principal financial officer) acts as the Fund’s Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) and is responsible for assessing performance and allocating resources with respect to the Fund. The CODM has concluded that the Fund operates as a single operating segment since the Fund has a single investment strategy as disclosed in its prospectus, against which the CODM assesses performance. The financial information provided to and reviewed by the CODM is presented within the Fund’s financial statements.
I.Reclassification of Capital Accounts. GAAP requires that certain components of net assets relating to permanent differences be reclassified between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset value per share. The Fund’s realized net capital gains resulting from in-kind redemptions, in which shareholders exchanged Fund shares for securities held by the Fund rather than for cash, are not taxable to the Fund and are not distributed to shareholders. As such, they have been reclassified from distributable earnings to paid-in capital. For the fiscal year November 30, 2024, the following table shows the reclassifications made:
| | | | | | | | |
Distributable Earnings | | Paid-in Capital |
$ | (4,150,320) | | | $ | 4,150,320 | |
NOTE 3 – COMMITMENTS AND OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS.
Empowered Funds, LLC dba EA Advisers (the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) between the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Adviser, the Adviser provides investment advice to the Fund and oversees the day-to-day operations of the Fund, subject to the direction and control of the Board and the officers of the Trust. Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser is also responsible for arranging transfer agency, custody, fund administration and accounting, and other non-distribution related services necessary for the Fund to operate. The Adviser administers the Fund’s business affairs, provides office facilities and equipment and certain clerical, bookkeeping and administrative services. The Adviser agrees to pay all expenses incurred by the Fund except for the fee paid to the Adviser pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, payments under any distribution plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1, brokerage expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes (including tax-related services), interest (including borrowing costs), litigation expense (including class action-related services) and other non-routine or extraordinary expenses. Per the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays an annual rate of 0.65% to the Adviser monthly based on average daily net assets.
GuruFocus Investments, LLC (“Sub-Adviser”) serves as a non-discretionary investment sub-adviser to the Fund. Pursuant to an investment sub-advisory agreement (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement”) among the Trust, the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser, the Sub-Adviser is responsible for determining the investment exposures for the Fund, subject to the overall supervision and oversight of the Adviser and the Board.
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services” or “Administrator”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, acts as the Fund’s Administrator and, in that capacity, performs various administrative and accounting services for the Fund.
GURU FAVORITE STOCKS ETF
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
May 31, 2025 (Unaudited)
The Administrator prepares various federal and state regulatory filings, reports and returns for the Fund, including regulatory compliance monitoring and financial reporting; prepares reports and materials to be supplied to the trustees; monitors the activities of the Fund’s Custodian, transfer agent and fund accountant. Fund Services also serves as the transfer agent and fund accountant to the Fund. U.S. Bank N.A. (the “Custodian”), an affiliate of the Administrator, serves as the Fund’s Custodian.
NOTE 4 – PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES
For the current fiscal period, purchases and sales of securities for the Fund, excluding short-term securities and in-kind transactions, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
Purchases | | Sales |
$ | 6,126,708 | | | $ | 8,481,586 | |
For the current fiscal period, in-kind transactions associated with creations and redemptions were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
Purchases | | Sales |
$ | 4,116,880 | | | $ | 6,074,262 | |
There were no purchases or sales of U.S. Government securities during the current fiscal period.
NOTE 5 – TAX INFORMATION
The components of tax basis cost of investments and net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for federal income tax purposes at November 30, 2024, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
Tax cost of Investments | | $ | 25,571,010 | |
Gross tax unrealized appreciation | | 10,824,464 | |
Gross tax unrealized depreciation | | (169,549) | |
Net tax unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | $ | 10,654,915 | |
Undistributed ordinary income | | 28,730 | |
Undistributed long-term gain | | — | |
Total distributable earnings | | 28,730 | |
Other accumulated gain (loss) | | (6,967,915) | |
Total accumulated gain (loss) | | $ | 3,715,730 | |
The difference between book and tax-basis cost is attributable to wash sales. Under tax law, certain capital and foreign currency losses realized after October 31 and within the taxable year are deemed to arise on the first business day of the Fund’s next taxable year.
For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2024, the Fund did not defer any post-October capital or late-year losses.
For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2024, the Fund had the following capital loss carryforwards that do not expire:
| | | | | | | | |
Unlimited Short-Term | | Unlimited Long-Term |
$ | (4,427,242) | | | $ | (2,540,673) | |
GURU FAVORITE STOCKS ETF
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
May 31, 2025 (Unaudited)
NOTE 6 – DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
The tax character of distributions paid by the Fund during the current fiscal period and for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2024, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
Ordinary Income |
Current Fiscal Period | | Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2024 |
$ | 36,495 | | | $ | 26,410 | |
NOTE 7 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
In preparing these financial statements, management of the Fund has evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the financial statements were issued. There were no transactions that occurred during the period subsequent to the current fiscal period, that materially impacted the amounts or disclosures in the Fund’s financial statements.
FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2024, certain dividends paid by the Fund may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 23.8%, as provided for by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The percentage of dividends declared from ordinary income designated as qualified dividend income for the Fund was 100.00%.
For corporate shareholders, the percent of ordinary income distributions qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2024, for the Fund was 100.00%.
The percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions that are designated as short-term capital gain distributions under the Internal Revenue Section 871(k)(2)(C) for the Fund was 0.00%.
Item 8. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants for Open-End Management Investment
Companies.
There were no matters concerning changes in and disagreements with Accountants on accounting and financial disclosures required by Item 304 of Regulation S-K.
Item 9. Proxy Disclosures for Open-End Management Investment Companies.
There were no matters submitted during the period covered by the report to a vote of shareholders.
Item 10. Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others of Open-End Management
Investment Companies
Not applicable. The Independent Trustees are paid by the Adviser out of the advisory fee. See Note 3 to the Financial Statements under Item 7.
Item 11. Statement Regarding Basis for Approval of Investment Advisory Contracts.
The Board (the members of which are referred to as “Trustees”) of the EA Series Trust (the “Trust”) met in-person on March 6-7, 2025 to consider the approval of the continuation of the Advisory Agreement between the Trust, on behalf of the Guru Favorite Stocks ETF (the “Fund”), and Empowered Funds, LLC dba EA Advisers (the “Adviser”), as well as to consider the approval of the continuation of the Sub-Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and GuruFocus Investments, LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”), each for an additional annual term. In accordance with Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act, the Board requested, reviewed and considered materials furnished by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser relevant to the Board’s consideration of whether to approve the continuation of the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement. In connection with considering the approval of both the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Trustees”), met in executive session with counsel to the Trust, who provided assistance and advice. In reaching the decision to approve both the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Board considered and reviewed information provided by the Adviser and Sub-Adviser at this meeting and throughout the year, including among other things information about their respective personnel, operations, financial condition, and compliance and risk management. The Board also reviewed the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement. During its review and consideration, the Board focused on and reviewed the factors it deemed relevant, including:
Nature, Quality, and Extent of Services. The Board was presented with and considered information concerning the nature, quality, and extent of the overall services provided by the Adviser to the Fund. In this connection, the Board considered the responsibilities of the Adviser, recognizing that the Adviser had invested significant time and effort in structuring the Trust and the Fund, and arranging service providers for the Fund. In addition, the Board considered that the Adviser is responsible for providing investment advisory oversight services to the Fund, executing all Fund transactions, monitoring compliance with the Fund’s objectives, policies and restrictions, and carrying out directives of the Board. The Board also considered the services provided by the Adviser in the oversight of the Trust’s administrator, transfer agent and custodian. In addition, the Board evaluated the integrity of each of the Adviser’s and Sub-Adviser’s personnel, the experience of the portfolio managers in managing assets and the adequacy of each of the Adviser’s and the Sub-Adviser’s resources to perform the services provided under the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement. The Board also considered the Adviser’s ongoing oversight responsibilities vis-à-vis the Sub-Adviser.
Performance. The Board considered the third-party peer group analysis comparing the Fund’s performance to the performance of other ETFs that the third-party deemed to be comparable to the Fund. It was determined that the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser have consistently managed the Fund’s portfolio in accordance with its stated investment objective and strategies. The Board noted that the Fund outperformed the average total return of its peer group for the 1-year, 3-year and since inception periods ended December 31, 2024 and underperformed the average total return of its peer group for the 2-year period.
Comparative Fees and Expenses. In considering the advisory fees and sub-advisory fees, the Board reviewed and considered the fees in light of the nature, quality, and extent of the services being provided by the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser,
respectively. With respect to the advisory fees and expense ratio for the Fund, the Board also considered the third-party peer group analysis that included a comparison of the Fund’s advisory fee and expense ratio versus the fees and expenses charged to other comparable ETFs. The Board also considered the allocation of fees between the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser.
The Board compared the Fund’s gross total expense ratio, net total expense ratio, and management fee to those of its peer group, as shown in the third-party report. The Board noted that the Fund’s management fee and net expense ratio were above the average for its peer group, but lower than the only fund in the peer group that follows a similar strategy of seeking to utilize strategies developed by prominent long-term investors (“gurus”). The Board considered the Fund’s fee arrangement in which the Adviser is responsible for paying most of the Fund’s operating expenses out of its resources, noting that comparisons with the Fund’s overall expense ratio may be more relevant than comparisons to management fees only. The Board noted that the Fund’s peer group included both actively managed and passively managed funds. It was noted that the Fund is actively managed and, in general, the Fund’s net expense ratio compared favorably to its actively managed peers.
With respect to the sub-advisory fee, the Board noted that it was payable solely by the Adviser. The Board considered the representations from the Adviser that it does not manage any other accounts that follow a similar strategy. As it relates to the Sub-Adviser, the Board noted that the Sub-Adviser does not manage any other accounts.
Costs and Profitability. The Board further considered information regarding the potential profits, if any, that may be realized by each of the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser in connection with providing their respective services to the Fund. The Board reviewed the profit and loss information provided by the Adviser with respect to the Fund and considered the Adviser’s profitability with respect to providing investment advisory services as well as non-advisory services. The Board also reviewed the same type of information provided by the Sub-Adviser. The Board discussed the financial condition of the Sub-Adviser, noting that the Sub-Adviser has sufficient capital to maintain its commitment to the Fund for an additional annual period. The Board also reviewed the costs associated with the personnel, systems and equipment necessary to manage the Fund and to meet the regulatory and compliance requirements adopted by the SEC and other regulatory bodies. The Board also considered other expenses of the Fund the Adviser would pay in accordance with the Advisory Agreement. The Board took into consideration that, pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser agreed to pay all expenses incurred by the Fund except for the fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, payments under any distribution plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1, brokerage expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes, interest (including borrowing costs), the fees and expenses associated with the Fund’s securities lending program, litigation expenses and other non-routine or extraordinary expenses. The Board also considered the respective financial obligations of the Adviser, as well as the Sub-Adviser, who serves as the sponsor of the Fund.
Other Benefits. The Board further considered the extent to which the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser might derive ancillary benefits from the Fund’s operations. In addition, the Adviser may benefit from continued growth in the Trust by potentially negotiating better fee arrangements with key vendors serving the Fund and other series in the Trust.
Economies of Scale. The Board also considered whether economies of scale would be realized by the Fund as its assets grow larger, including the extent to which this is reflected in the level of fees to be charged. The Board also noted that the advisory and sub-advisory fees do not include breakpoints but concluded that it was premature to meaningfully evaluate potential economies of scale given the Fund’s current assets.
Conclusion. No single factor was determinative of the Board’s decision to approve the continuation of the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement for an additional annual term; rather, the Board based its determination on the total mix of information available to it. Based on a consideration of all the factors in their totality, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously determined that the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement, including the compensation payable under each Agreement, were fair and reasonable to the Fund. The Board, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously determined that the approval of the continuation of each of the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreement was in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders.
Item 12. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable to open-end investment companies.
Item 13. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable to open-end investment companies.
Item 14. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.
Not applicable to open-end investment companies.
Item 15. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of trustees.
Item 16. Controls and Procedures.
(a) The Registrant’s President (principal executive officer) and Treasurer (principal financial officer) have reviewed the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”)) as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report, as required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Act and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d‑15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based on their review, such officers have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in this report is appropriately recorded, processed, summarized and reported and made known to them by others within the Registrant and by the Registrant’s service provider.
(b) There were no changes in the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act) that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Item 17. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies
Not applicable to open-end investment companies.
Item 18. Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation.
There have been no required recovery of erroneously awarded incentive based compensation to an executive officer from the registrant that required an accounting restatement.
Item 19. Exhibits.
| | | | | |
(a) | (1) Any code of ethics or amendment thereto, that is the subject of the disclosure required by Item 2, to the extent that the registrant intends to satisfy Item 2 requirements through filing an exhibit. Not Applicable. |
(2) Any policy required by the listing standards adopted pursuant to Rule 10D-1 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.10D-1) by the registered national securities exchange or registered national securities association upon which the registrant’s securities are listed. Not Applicable.
(4) Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 under the Act sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more persons. Not Applicable to open-end investment companies.
(5) Change in the registrant’s independent public accountant. Not Applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| | | | | | | | |
(Registrant) | EA Series Trust | |
| |
By (Signature and Title) | /s/ Wesley R. Gray, PhD. | |
| Wesley R. Gray, PhD., President (principal executive officer) | |
| |
Date: | July 30, 2025 | |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| | | | | | | | |
By (Signature and Title) | /s/ Wesley R. Gray, PhD. | |
| Wesley R. Gray, PhD., President (principal executive officer) | |
| | |
Date: | July 30, 2025 | |
| | |
By (Signature and Title) | /s/ Sean R. Hegarty, CPA | |
| Sean R. Hegarty, CPA, Treasurer (principal financial officer) | |
| | |
Date: | July 30, 2025 | |