Table of Contents
|
||
Schedule of Investments
|
………………………………………………………………………………
|
1
|
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
|
………………………………………………………………………………
|
3
|
Statement of Operations
|
………………………………………………………………………………
|
4
|
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
|
………………………………………………………………………………
|
5
|
Notes to Financial Statements
|
………………………………………………………………………………
|
7
|
Additional Information
|
………………………………………………………………………………
|
23
|
Statements in this Semi-Annual Report that reflect projections or expectations of future financial or economic performance
of the Aspiration Redwood Fund (the “Fund”) and of the market in general and statements of the Fund’s plans and objectives for future operations are forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that actual results or events will
not differ materially from those projected, estimated, assumed or anticipated in any such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could result in such differences, in addition to the other factors noted with such
forward-looking statements, include, without limitation, general economic conditions such as inflation, recession and interest rates. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
An investor should consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of the Fund before
investing. The prospectus contains this and other information about the Fund. A copy of the prospectus is available at www.aspiration.com/policies or by calling Shareholder Services at 800-773-3863. The prospectus should be read carefully
before investing. Current and future holdings are subject to change and risk.
|
Schedule of Investments (unaudited)
|
|||||||
As of March 31, 2024
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
Value
(Note 1) |
|
Common Stocks - 96.28%
|
|||||||
Communications - 6.95%
|
|||||||
Alphabet Inc (a)
|
41,829
|
$ 6,313,251
|
|||||
Take-Two Interactive Software Inc (a)
|
29,937
|
4,445,345
|
|||||
10,758,596
|
|
||||||
Consumer Discretionary - 10.38%
|
|||||||
Aptiv PLC (a)
|
35,188
|
2,802,724
|
|||||
AZEK Co Inc/The (a)
|
83,387
|
4,187,695
|
|||||
Brunswick Corp/DE
|
27,663
|
2,670,033
|
|||||
Rivian Automotive Inc (a)
|
115,718
|
1,267,112
|
|||||
Starbucks Corp
|
20,537
|
1,876,876
|
|||||
TJX Cos Inc/The
|
32,221
|
3,267,854
|
|||||
16,072,294
|
|
||||||
Consumer Staples - 10.03%
|
|||||||
Costco Wholesale Corp
|
7,740
|
5,670,556
|
|||||
Dollar Tree Inc (a)
|
24,171
|
3,218,369
|
|||||
Estee Lauder Cos Inc/The
|
13,100
|
2,019,365
|
|||||
Sprouts Farmers Market Inc (a)
|
38,106
|
2,457,075
|
|||||
Target Corp
|
12,216
|
2,164,797
|
|||||
15,530,162
|
|
||||||
Financials - 8.11%
|
|||||||
Ameriprise Financial Inc
|
13,061
|
5,726,465
|
|||||
Marsh & McLennan Cos Inc
|
22,699
|
4,675,540
|
|||||
Voya Financial Inc
|
29,303
|
2,166,078
|
|||||
12,568,083
|
|
||||||
Health Care - 15.73%
|
|||||||
AbbVie Inc
|
13,307
|
2,423,205
|
|||||
Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc (a)
|
7,853
|
2,716,117
|
|||||
Dexcom Inc (a)
|
12,054
|
1,671,890
|
|||||
Eli Lilly & Co
|
6,633
|
5,160,209
|
|||||
Moderna Inc (a)
|
15,225
|
1,622,376
|
|||||
Option Care Health Inc (a)
|
35,506
|
1,190,871
|
|||||
UnitedHealth Group Inc
|
11,570
|
5,723,679
|
|||||
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (a)
|
9,222
|
3,854,888
|
|||||
24,363,235
|
|
||||||
Industrials - 8.92%
|
|||||||
Bloom Energy Corp (a)
|
78,927
|
887,139
|
|||||
Emerson Electric Co
|
19,479
|
2,209,308
|
|||||
Hayward Holdings Inc (a)
|
92,571
|
1,417,262
|
|||||
Montrose Environmental Group Inc (a)
|
51,830
|
2,030,181
|
|||||
MSA Safety Inc
|
15,810
|
3,060,658
|
|||||
Regal Rexnord Corp
|
12,295
|
2,214,330
|
|||||
Waste Management Inc
|
9,410
|
2,005,742
|
|||||
13,824,620
|
|
||||||
Materials - 3.93%
|
|||||||
Ecolab Inc
|
10,284
|
2,374,575
|
|||||
International Flavors & Fragrances Inc
|
43,213
|
3,715,886
|
|||||
6,090,461
|
|
Aspiration Redwood Fund
|
|||||||
Schedule of Investments (unaudited)
|
|||||||
As of March 31, 2024
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
Value
(Note 1) |
|
Technology - 30.76%
|
|||||||
Advanced Micro Devices Inc (a)
|
31,623
|
$ 5,707,635
|
|||||
Broadcom Inc
|
2,095
|
2,776,734
|
|||||
Cadence Design Systems Inc (a)
|
14,266
|
4,440,720
|
|||||
Fidelity National Information Services Inc
|
45,934
|
3,407,384
|
|||||
Micron Technology Inc
|
25,776
|
3,038,733
|
|||||
Microsoft Corp
|
27,869
|
11,725,046
|
|||||
ON Semiconductor Corp (a)
|
12,855
|
945,485
|
|||||
Salesforce Inc
|
10,817
|
3,257,864
|
|||||
ServiceNow Inc (a)
|
2,497
|
1,903,713
|
|||||
Visa Inc
|
24,095
|
6,724,433
|
|||||
Zoom Video Communications Inc (a)
|
26,427
|
1,727,533
|
|||||
Zscaler Inc (a)
|
10,308
|
1,985,630
|
|||||
47,640,910
|
|
||||||
Utilities - 1.47%
|
|||||||
American Water Works Co Inc
|
10,130
|
1,237,987
|
|||||
CMS Energy Corp
|
17,350
|
1,046,899
|
|||||
2,284,886
|
|
||||||
Total Common Stocks (Cost $106,086,292)
|
149,133,247
|
|
|||||
Real Estate Investment Trust - 2.19%
|
|||||||
Prologis Inc (Cost $2,263,621)
|
3,388,324
|
||||||
Short-Term Investment - 1.57%
|
|||||||
Fidelity Treasury Portfolio - Class I, 5.21%(a) (Cost $2,425,628)
|
2,425,628
|
||||||
Investments, at Value (Cost $110,775,541) - 100.04%
|
154,947,199
|
||||||
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets - (0.04)%
|
(57,352)
|
||||||
Net Assets - 100.00%
|
$154,889,847
|
|
|||||
(a)
|
Non-income producing investment
|
||||||
(b)
|
Represents 7-day effective SEC yield as of March 31, 2024.
|
Summary of Investments by Sector
|
% of Net Assets
|
|
Value
|
Common Stocks
|
|
||
Communications
|
6.95%
|
$ 10,758,596
|
|
Consumer Discretionary
|
10.38%
|
16,072,294
|
|
Consumer Staples
|
10.03%
|
15,530,162
|
|
Financials
|
8.11%
|
12,568,083
|
|
Health Care
|
15.73%
|
24,363,235
|
|
Industrials
|
8.92%
|
13,824,620
|
|
Materials
|
3.93%
|
6,090,461
|
|
Technology
|
30.76%
|
47,640,910
|
|
Utilities
|
1.47%
|
2,284,886
|
|
Real Estate Investment Trust
|
2.19%
|
3,388,324
|
|
Short-Term Investment
|
1.57%
|
2,425,628
|
|
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets
|
(0.04%)
|
(57,352)
|
|
Total Net Assets
|
100.00%
|
|
$154,889,847
|
Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited)
|
||||
As of March 31, 2024
|
|
|
||
Assets:
|
|
|||
Investments, at value (cost $110,775,541)
|
$154,947,199
|
|||
Cash
|
36,430
|
|||
Dividends receivable
|
35,109
|
|||
Interest receivable
|
2,500
|
|||
Fund shares sold receivable
|
69,460
|
|||
Prepaid expenses
|
11,112
|
|||
|
Total assets
|
155,101,810
|
|
|
Liabilities:
|
||||
Fund shares purchased payable
|
96,986
|
|||
Accrued expenses:
|
||||
Trustee fees
|
59,989
|
|||
Custody fees
|
39,855
|
|||
Professional fees
|
10,459
|
|||
Shareholder fulfillment fees
|
3,943
|
|||
Administration fees
|
487
|
|||
Operational expenses
|
244
|
|||
|
Total liabilities
|
211,963
|
|
|
Total Net Assets
|
$154,889,847
|
|
||
Net Assets Consist of:
|
||||
Paid in capital
|
$108,639,194
|
|||
Accumulated earnings
|
46,250,653
|
|||
Total Net Assets
|
$154,889,847
|
|
||
Capital Shares Outstanding, no par value
|
||||
(unlimited authorized shares)
|
8,562,503
|
|||
Net Asset Value, Per Share
|
$18.09
|
|
Statement of Operations (unaudited)
|
|||
For the fiscal period ended March 31, 2024
|
|
|
|
Investment Income:
|
|
||
Dividends
|
$ 813,016
|
||
Interest
|
31,957
|
||
|
Total Investment Income
|
844,973
|
|
Expenses:
|
|||
Transfer agent fees (note 2)
|
223,102
|
||
Trustee fees and meeting expenses (note 3)
|
76,680
|
||
Administration fees (note 2)
|
69,934
|
||
Custody fees
|
31,400
|
||
Professional fees
|
28,620
|
||
Registration and filing expenses
|
21,314
|
||
Fund accounting fees (note 2)
|
20,360
|
||
Compliance fees (note 2)
|
10,800
|
||
Shareholder fulfillment fees
|
5,835
|
||
Distribution and service fees (note 4)
|
3,239
|
||
Security pricing fees
|
3,132
|
||
|
Total Expenses
|
494,416
|
|
Fees waived by Advisor (note 2)
|
-
|
||
|
Net Expenses
|
494,416
|
|
Net Investment Income
|
350,557
|
|
|
Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments:
|
|||
Net realized gain from investment transactions
|
5,343,306
|
||
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments
|
22,820,255
|
||
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments
|
28,163,561
|
|
|
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
|
$28,514,118
|
|
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
|
|||||||
For the fiscal periods ended
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
March 31, 2024(a)
|
September 30, 2023
|
||||||
Operations:
|
|||||||
Net investment income
|
$ 350,557
|
$ 650,429
|
|||||
Net realized gain (loss) from investment transactions
|
5,343,306
|
(2,959,440)
|
|||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments
|
22,820,255
|
22,603,149
|
|||||
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations
|
28,514,118
|
|
|
20,294,138
|
|
||
Distributions to Shareholders from Distributable Earnings
|
(652,343)
|
(3,012,515)
|
|||||
Capital Share Transactions:
|
|||||||
Shares sold
|
6,557,888
|
15,205,481
|
|||||
Reinvested dividends and distributions
|
650,013
|
3,001,861
|
|||||
Shares repurchased
|
(13,171,601)
|
(22,621,797)
|
|||||
Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Capital Share Transactions
|
(5,963,700)
|
|
(4,414,455)
|
||||
Net Increase in Net Assets
|
21,898,075
|
|
|
12,867,168
|
|
||
Net Assets:
|
|||||||
Beginning of Year
|
132,991,772
|
120,124,604
|
|||||
|
End of Period
|
$154,889,847
|
|
|
$132,991,772
|
|
|
Share Information:
|
|||||||
Shares sold
|
399,953
|
1,045,063
|
|||||
Shares from reinvested dividends and distributions
|
38,772
|
218,077
|
|||||
Shares repurchased
|
(799,180)
|
(1,549,131)
|
|||||
Net Decrease in Capital Shares
|
(360,455)
|
|
(285,991)
|
||||
(a)
|
unaudited
|
Financial Highlights
|
||||||||||||||
March 31,
|
September 30,
|
|||||||||||||
For a share outstanding during each fiscal period ended
|
2024(d)
|
|
2023
|
|
2022
|
|
2021
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
||
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year
|
$14.90
|
|
$13.04
|
|
$17.22
|
|
$12.91
|
|
$12.81
|
|
$13.63
|
|
||
Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:
|
||||||||||||||
Net investment income
|
0.04
|
0.07
|
0.18
|
0.10
|
0.15
|
0.14
|
||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
|
3.22
|
2.12
|
(2.61)
|
4.21
|
1.15
|
0.06
|
||||||||
Total from Investment Operations
|
3.26
|
|
2.19
|
|
(2.43)
|
|
4.31
|
|
1.30
|
|
0.20
|
|
||
Less Distributions From:
|
||||||||||||||
Net investment income
|
(0.07)
|
(0.12)
|
(0.22)
|
-
|
(0.58)
|
(0.12)
|
||||||||
Net realized gains
|
-
|
(0.21)
|
(1.53)
|
-
|
(0.59)
|
(0.90)
|
||||||||
Return of Capital
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
(0.03)
|
-
|
||||||||
Total Distributions
|
(0.07)
|
|
(0.33)
|
|
(1.75)
|
|
-
|
|
(1.20)
|
|
(1.02)
|
|
||
Net Asset Value, End of Period
|
$18.09
|
|
$14.90
|
|
$13.04
|
|
$17.22
|
|
$12.91
|
|
$12.81
|
|
||
Total Return (a)
|
21.95%
|
|
17.00%
|
|
(16.52)%
|
|
33.38%
|
|
9.96%
|
|
2.95%
|
|
||
Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands)
|
$154,890
|
$132,992
|
$120,125
|
$140,062
|
$100,221
|
$84,597
|
||||||||
Ratios of:
|
||||||||||||||
Gross Expenses to Average Net Assets
|
0.69%
|
(b)
|
0.80%
|
0.86%
|
0.87%
|
1.28%
|
1.50%
|
|||||||
Net Expenses to Average Net Assets
|
0.69%
|
(b)
|
0.62%
|
0.50%
|
0.50%
|
0.50%
|
0.50%
|
|||||||
Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets
|
0.49%
|
(b)
|
0.49%
|
1.20%
|
0.62%
|
0.78%
|
1.23%
|
|||||||
Portfolio turnover rate
|
8.72%
|
(c)
|
30.75%
|
|
20.03%
|
|
33.31%
|
|
161.38%
|
|
135.10%
|
|
||
(a)
|
The Fund pays no fees to Aspiration Fund Adviser, LLC (the "Advisor") as compensation for management services. Investors in the Fund are clients of the Advisor. The
Advisor has agreed not to receive fees from the advisory clients. Prior to December 18, 2023, advisory clients could pay the Advisor a fee in the amount they believed to be fair ranging from 0% to 2% of the value of their investment in
the Fund. Assuming a maximum advisory fee of 2% was paid by an investor to the Advisor, the Total Return of an investment in the Fund would have been 19.95%, 15.00%, (18.52)%, 31.38%, 7.96%, and 0.95% for the periods or years ended March
31, 2024, September 30, 2023, September 30, 2022, September 30, 2021, September 30, 2020, and September 30, 2019, respectively.
|
|||||||||||||
(b)
|
Annualized
|
|||||||||||||
(c)
|
Not annualized
|
|||||||||||||
(d)
|
Unaudited
|
1.
|
Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
|
Level 1: |
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities assets or 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 on an inactive market,
prices for similar instruments, interest rates, credit spreads, yield curves, and market-collaborated input.
|
Level 3: |
Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability to the extent that observable inputs are not available, representing the assumptions that a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability
at the measurement date; they would be based on the best information available, which may include the funds’ own data.
|
|
Total
|
|
Level 1
|
|
Level 2
|
|
Level 3 (a)
|
Assets
|
|||||||
Common Stocks (b)
|
$149,133,247
|
$149,133,247
|
$-
|
$-
|
|||
Real Estate Investment Trust
|
3,388,324
|
3,388,324
|
-
|
-
|
|||
Short-Term Investment
|
2,425,628
|
2,425,628
|
-
|
-
|
|||
Total Assets
|
$154,947,199
|
$154,947,199
|
$-
|
$-
|
|||
(a)
|
There were no Level 3 investments during the fiscal period ended March 31, 2024.
|
(b)
|
Refer to the Schedule of Investments for a breakdown by sector.
|
2.
|
Risk Considerations
|
3.
|
Transactions with Related Parties
|
Fiscal Year/Period End
|
Reimbursement Amount
|
Repayment Date Expiration
|
September 30, 2023
|
$240,819
|
September 30, 2026
|
September 30, 2022
|
$501,351
|
September 30, 2025
|
September 30, 2021
|
$480,413
|
September 30, 2024
|
4.
|
Distribution and Service Fees
|
5.
|
Trustees and Officers
|
6.
|
Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities
|
Purchases of Non-U.S.
Government Securities
|
Proceeds from Sales of Non-U.S.
Government Securities
|
Purchases of U.S.
Government Securities
|
Proceeds from Sales of U.S.
Government Securities |
||||
$12,366,528
|
$21,020,100
|
$-
|
$-
|
7.
|
Federal Income Tax
|
March 31, 2024
|
September 30, 2023
|
||
Ordinary Income
|
$ 652,343
|
$1,123,921
|
|
Capital Gains
|
-
|
1,888,594
|
|
Total Distributions
|
$3,012,515
|
$3,012,515
|
Cost of Investments
|
$110,775,541
|
|
Gross Unrealized Appreciation
|
48,417,447
|
|
Gross Unrealized Depreciation
|
(4,245,789)
|
|
Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)
|
$ 44,171,658
|
|
8.
|
Beneficial Ownership
|
9.
|
Commitments and Contingencies
|
11.
|
Approval of Investment Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements
|
(i)
|
Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services. The
Trustees noted that they had considered the responsibilities of the Advisor under the Previous Advisory Agreement and that those responsibilities would not change under the Initial Interim Advisory Agreement. The Trustees reviewed the
services being provided by the Advisor to the Fund including, without limitation, the quality of its investment advisory services since the Fund’s inception; its procedures for overseeing the Sub-Advisor’s investment process and
decisions, and assuring compliance with the Fund’s investment objectives, policies and limitations; its coordination of services for the Fund among the Fund’s service providers; and its efforts to promote the Fund, grow the Fund’s
assets and assist in the distribution of the Fund’s shares. The Trustees also evaluated: the Advisor’s staffing, personnel, and methods of operation; the background and experience of the Advisor’s personnel; the Advisor’s compliance
program; and the financial condition of the Advisor. The Trustees also considered that the Advisor is expected to continue providing the same level of compliance operational support to the Fund under the Initial Interim Advisory
Agreement. After reviewing the foregoing information and further information from the Advisor, the Board concluded that the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided by the Advisor were satisfactory and adequate for the
Fund.
|
(ii)
|
Performance. The Trustees considered that
they had previously compared the performance of the Fund with the performance of its benchmark index, comparable funds with similar strategies managed by other investment advisers, and applicable peer group data (e.g., peer group
averages provided by Broadridge); the consistency of the Advisor’s management of the Fund with its investment objective, policies and limitations; the short-term investment performance of the Fund; the Advisor’s experience overseeing
the management of the Fund; and the Advisor’s historical investment performance. Upon further consideration, the Board concluded that the investment performance of the Fund and the Advisor was satisfactory.
|
(iii)
|
Fees and Expenses; Fall-out Benefits to the Advisor.
The Board considered the fees and expenses in connection with the Advisor’s management of the Fund, including any fall-out benefits derived by the Advisor and its affiliates resulting from its relationship with the Fund. In considering
the costs of the services provided by the Advisor and the benefits derived by the Advisor and its affiliates, the Trustees noted that the management fee for the Fund is 0% of average daily net assets, with shareholders being made up
entirely of clients of the Advisor, and that those clients pay the Advisor directly, rather than through the Fund via a management fee charged to the Fund. The Trustees noted that the clients of the Advisor may choose to pay the
Advisor between 0% and 2%. The Trustees considered the Advisor’s staffing, personnel, and methods of operation; the background and experience of the Advisor’s personnel; the Advisor’s compliance program; the financial condition of the
Advisor; the level of commitment to the Fund and the Advisor’s by the principals of the Advisor; the asset levels of the Fund; the overall expenses of the Fund, including certain prior fee waivers and reimbursements by the Advisor; and
the nature and frequency of advisory fee payments. The Trustees also considered the potential benefits for the Advisor in managing the Fund, including the promotion of the Advisor’s name and the ability for the Advisor to place small
accounts into the Fund. The Trustees considered that they had previously compared the fees and expenses of the Fund (including the management fees) to other funds comparable in terms of the type of fund, the nature of its investment
strategy, and its style of investment management, among other factors, in connection with the approval of the Previous Advisory Agreement. Upon further consideration and discussion of the foregoing, the Board concluded that, due to the
Advisor’s receipt of payment directly from its clients, the lack of fees to be paid to the Advisor by the Fund was fair and reasonable in relation to the nature and quality of the services provided by the Advisor and that it reflected
charges that were within a range of what could have been negotiated at arm’s length.
|
(iv)
|
Profitability. The Trustees considered that
they had previously reviewed the Advisor’s profitability in connection with its management of the Fund in connection with the renewal of the Previous Advisory Agreement, and they noted the Advisor’s representation that the management of
the Fund was not profitable to the Advisor. The Board considered the quality of the Advisor’s service to the Fund, in connection with the Advisor’s “Pay What Is Fair” model.
|
(v)
|
Economies of Scale. The Trustees noted that
the Fund does not have a traditional advisory fee. The Trustees noted that shareholders would benefit from their ability to individually allocate between 0.0% and 2.0% of the net asset value of their account per year as payment to the
Advisor. The Trustees noted that, in connection with their review of the Previous Advisory Agreement, they had previously reviewed the Fund’s operational history (and noted that the size of the Fund had not provided an opportunity to
realize economies of scale) and noted that the Fund was a relatively small size and economies of scale were unlikely to be achieved during the term of the Initial Interim Advisory Agreement. Following further discussion of the Fund’s
asset levels and expectations for growth, the Board determined that the Fund’s fee arrangements were fair and reasonable at the present time in relation to the nature and quality of the services provided by the Advisor.
|
(i)
|
Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services. The
Trustees noted that they had considered the responsibilities of the Sub-Advisor under the previous Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement and that those responsibilities would not change under the Initial Interim Sub-Investment Advisory
Agreement. The Trustees reviewed the services being provided by the Sub-Advisor to the Fund including, without limitation, the quality of its investment advisory services since the Fund’s inception (including research and
recommendations with respect to portfolio securities) and its procedures for formulating investment recommendations and assuring compliance with the Fund’s investment objectives, policies, and limitations. The Trustees evaluated: the
Sub-Advisor’s staffing, personnel, and methods of operating; the background and experience of the Sub-Advisor’s personnel; the Sub-Advisor’s compliance program; and the financial condition of the Sub-Advisor.
After reviewing the foregoing information and further information in the memorandum from the Sub-Advisor (e.g.,
descriptions of the Sub-Advisor’s business, the Sub-Advisor’s compliance program, and the Sub-Advisor’s Form ADV), the Board concluded that the nature, extent, and quality of the services being provided by the Sub-Advisor were
satisfactory for the Fund.
|
(ii)
|
Performance. The Trustees compared the
performance of the Fund with the performance of its benchmark index, comparable funds with similar strategies managed by other investment advisers, and applicable peer group data (e.g., peer group averages provided by Broadridge). The
Trustees also considered the consistency of the Sub-Advisor’s management of the Fund with its investment objective, policies and limitations. After reviewing the investment performance of the Fund, the Sub-Advisor’s experience managing
the Fund, the Sub-Advisor’s historical investment performance, and other factors, the Board concluded that the investment performance of the Fund and the Sub-Advisor was satisfactory. The Trustees evaluated the Sub-Adviser’s compliance
program; the asset level of the Fund; and the overall expenses of the Fund.
|
(iii)
|
Fees and Expenses; Fall-out Benefits to the Sub-Advisor.
The Trustees compared the fees for the Sub-Advisor to those of other funds comparable in terms of the type of fund, the nature of its investment strategy, and its style of investment management, among other factors. The Trustees also
considered potential benefits for the Sub-Advisor in managing the Fund, including promotion of the Sub-Advisor’s name and the potential for the Sub-Advisor to generate soft dollars from Fund trades that may benefit the Sub-Advisor’s
other clients. Following discussion of the foregoing, the Board concluded that the fees to be paid by the Advisor to the Sub-Advisor were fair and reasonable in relation to the nature and quality of the services provided by the
Sub-Advisor and that they reflected charges that were within a range of what could have been negotiated at arm’s length.
|
(iv)
|
Profitability. With respect to the
Sub-Advisor, the Board noted that the sub-advisory fee is the product of arm’s-length negotiation between the Advisor and the Sub-Advisor and will be paid by the Advisor and not the Fund. As a result, the Board focused on the
profitability of the Advisor with respect to the Fund and considered that they had previously reviewed the Advisor’s profitability in connection with its management of the Fund in connection with the renewal of the Previous Advisory
Agreement.
|
(v)
|
Economies of Scale. The Board evaluated
potential or anticipated economies of scale in relation to the services that the Sub-Advisor would provide to the Fund under the Previous Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement. The Trustees reviewed the Fund’s operational history and
considered that the Fund was a relatively small size. The Board also considered the Sub-Advisor’s sub-advisory fee schedule and the existence of breakpoints. The Trustees concluded that the Fund’s fee structure reflected an appropriate
sharing of any efficiencies or economies of scale that are expected to be realized by the Sub-Advisor and noted that they will have the opportunity to periodically reexamine the appropriateness of the fee paid to the Sub-Advisor in
light of any economies of scale experienced in the future.
|
(i)
|
Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services. The
Trustees noted that they had considered the responsibilities of the Advisor under the Previous Advisory Agreement and that the responsibilities of the New Adviser under the New Advisory Agreement would be substantially the same. The
Trustees also evaluated the anticipated staffing, personnel, and methods of operation and the financial condition of the New Adviser and the background and experience of its personnel. After reviewing the foregoing information and
other information provided by the New Adviser, the Board concluded that the New Adviser is capable of providing satisfactory investment management services for the Fund.
|
(ii)
|
Performance. The Board considered that all
of the portfolio managers and other key investment personnel currently managing the Fund are expected to continue to do so following the Transaction. The Trustees considered the performance of the Fund over various historical periods
and compared it with the performance of its benchmark index, comparable funds with similar strategies managed by other investment advisers, and applicable peer group data (e.g., peer group averages provided by Broadridge). Based on this
information, the Board concluded that the New Adviser, in supervising the Sub-Advisor, is capable of generating investment performance that is appropriate for the Fund in light of the Fund’s investment objective, policies and
strategies.
|
(iii)
|
Fees and Expenses; Fall-out Benefits to the New Adviser.
The Board considered the proposed fees and expenses of the Fund in connection with the New Adviser’s management of the Fund under the New Advisory Agreement, including any fall-out benefits derived by the New Adviser and its affiliates
resulting from its relationship with the Fund. The Trustees considered the projected financial condition of the New Adviser; the level of commitment to the Fund and the New Adviser by the principals of the New Adviser; the asset levels
of the Fund; the overall expenses of the Fund; and the nature and frequency of management fee payments. The Trustees reviewed financial projections for the New Adviser and discussed its financial stability following the Transaction. The
Trustees also considered the potential benefits for the New Adviser in managing the Fund, including promotion of the New Adviser’s name. The Trustees concluded that other benefits derived by the New Adviser from its relationship with
the Fund are reasonable and fair and consistent with industry practice and the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. The Trustees compared the fees and expenses of the Fund (including the management fees) to those of a peer
group of other funds comparable in terms of the type of fund, the nature of its investment strategy, and its style of investment management, among other factors. The Trustees discussed the changes to the Fund’s expense limit, including
the nature and scope of such expenses. Upon further consideration and discussion of the foregoing, the Board concluded that the management fee to be paid by the Fund to the New Adviser was fair and reasonable in relation to the nature
and quality of the services to be provided by the New Adviser and that it reflected charges that were within a range of what could have been negotiated at arm’s length.
|
(iv)
|
Profitability. The Trustees considered the
projected profitability of the New Adviser in connection with the investment management services to be provided to the Fund under the New Advisory Agreement. The Trustees noted that the projected profitability of the New Adviser depends
on its ability to enhance the attractiveness of the Fund to investors and distribution channels and that these goals may be difficult to achieve. The Trustees recognized the competitiveness of the mutual fund industry and the importance
of an investment adviser’s long-term profitability, including for maintaining company and management stability, and that the Advisor believes that the Transaction is necessary for the Fund to be sustainable in the long term. The Board
noted that the provision of services by the Advisor had not been profitable. Based on this information, the Board determined that the projected profitability of the New Adviser was not excessive.
|
(v)
|
Economies of Scale. The Board evaluated
potential or anticipated economies of scale in relation to the services that the New Adviser would provide to the Fund under the New Advisory Agreement. The Board noted that at this time, the Fund was a relatively small size and
economies of scale were unlikely to be achieved in the near future. The Trustees noted that the proposed fee structure under the New Advisory Agreement provides for a flat percentage rate, and that should assets under management grow to
substantially higher levels, economies of scale may begin to take effect and benefit the New Adviser. The Board noted that at such future time, it may be appropriate for the Board to review the fee structure to determine whether the
management fees as a percent of assets under management might be reduced.
|
(i)
|
Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services. The
Trustees noted that they had considered the responsibilities of the Sub-Advisor under the previous Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement and that those responsibilities would not change under the New Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement. The
Trustees reviewed the services being provided by the Sub-Advisor to the Fund including, without limitation, the quality of its investment advisory services since the Fund’s inception (including research and recommendations with respect
to portfolio securities) and its procedures for formulating investment recommendations and assuring compliance with the Fund’s investment objectives, policies, and limitations. The Trustees evaluated: the Sub-Advisor’s staffing,
personnel, and methods of operating; the background and experience of the Sub-Advisor’s personnel; the Sub-Advisor’s compliance program; and the financial condition of the Sub-Advisor.
After reviewing the foregoing information and further information in the memorandum from the Sub-Advisor (e.g., descriptions of the Sub-Advisor’s business, the Sub-Advisor’s
compliance program, and the Sub-Advisor’s Form ADV), the Board concluded that the nature, extent, and quality of the services being provided by the Sub-Advisor were satisfactory for the Fund.
|
(ii)
|
Performance. The Trustees compared the
performance of the Fund with the performance of its benchmark index, comparable funds with similar strategies managed by other investment advisers, and applicable peer group data (e.g., peer group averages provided by Broadridge). The
Trustees also considered the consistency of the Sub-Advisor’s management of the Fund with its investment objective, policies and limitations. After reviewing the investment performance of the Fund, the Sub-Advisor’s experience managing
the Fund, the Sub-Advisor’s historical investment performance, and other factors, the Board concluded that the investment performance of the Fund and the Sub-Advisor was satisfactory. The Trustees evaluated the Sub-Advisor’s compliance
program; the asset level of the Fund; and the overall expenses of the Fund.
|
(iii)
|
Fees and Expenses; Fall-out Benefits to the Sub-Advisor.
The Trustees compared the proposed fees for the Sub-Advisor to those of other funds comparable in terms of the type of fund, the nature of its investment strategy, and its style of investment management, among other factors. The
Trustees also considered potential benefits for the Sub-Advisor in managing the Fund, including promotion of the Sub-Advisor’s name and the potential for the Sub-Advisor to generate soft dollars from Fund trades that may benefit the
Sub-Advisor’s other clients. Following discussion of the foregoing, the Board concluded that the fees to be paid by the New Adviser to the Sub-Advisor were fair and reasonable in relation to the nature and quality of the services
provided by the Sub-Advisor and that they reflected charges that were within a range of what could have been negotiated at arm’s length.
|
(iv)
|
Profitability. With respect to the
Sub-Advisor, the Board noted that the sub-advisory fee is the product of arm’s-length negotiation between the New Adviser and the Sub-Advisor and will be paid by the New Adviser and not the Fund. As a result, the Board focused on the
projected profitability of the New Adviser with respect to the Fund.
|
(v)
|
Economies of Scale. The Board evaluated
potential or anticipated economies of scale in relation to the services that the Sub-Advisor would provide to the Fund under the New Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement. The Trustees reviewed the Fund’s operational history and considered
that the Fund was a relatively small size. The Board also considered the Sub-Advisor’s sub-advisory fee schedule and the existence of breakpoints. The Trustees concluded that the Fund’s proposed fee structure reflected an appropriate
sharing of any efficiencies or economies of scale that are expected to be realized by the Sub-Advisor and noted that they will have the opportunity to periodically reexamine the appropriateness of the fee paid to the Sub-Advisor in
light of any economies of scale experienced in the future.
|
(i)
|
Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services. The
Trustees noted that they had considered the responsibilities of the Advisor under the Previous Advisory Agreement and that those responsibilities would not change under the Second Interim Advisory Agreement. The Trustees reviewed the
services being provided by the Advisor to the Fund including, without limitation, the quality of its investment advisory services since the Fund’s inception; its procedures for overseeing the Sub-Advisor’s investment process and
decisions, and assuring compliance with the Fund’s investment objectives, policies and limitations; its coordination of services for the Fund among the Fund’s service providers; and its efforts to promote the Fund, grow the Fund’s
assets and assist in the distribution of the Fund’s shares. The Trustees also evaluated: the Advisor’s staffing, personnel, and methods of operation; the background and experience of the Advisor’s personnel; the Advisor’s compliance
program; the financial condition of the Advisor; and the potential impact of the Transaction on the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Advisor. The Trustees also considered that the Advisor is expected to continue
providing the same level of compliance operational support to the Fund under the Second Interim Advisory Agreement. After reviewing the foregoing information and further information from the Advisor, the Board concluded that the
nature, extent, and quality of the services provided by the Advisor were satisfactory and adequate for the Fund.
|
(ii)
|
Performance. The Trustees considered that
they had previously compared the performance of the Fund with the performance of its benchmark index, comparable funds with similar strategies managed by other investment advisers, and applicable peer group data (e.g., peer group
averages provided by Broadridge); the consistency of the Advisor’s management of the Fund with its investment objective, policies and limitations; the short-term investment performance of the Fund; the Advisor’s experience overseeing
the management of the Fund; and the Advisor’s historical investment performance. Upon further consideration, the Board concluded that the investment performance of the Fund and the Advisor was satisfactory.
|
(iii)
|
Fees and Expenses; Fall-out Benefits to the Advisor.
The Board considered the fees and expenses in connection with the Advisor’s management of the Fund, including any fall-out benefits derived by the Advisor and its affiliates resulting from its relationship with the Fund. In particular,
the Trustees noted that the Advisor would not be entitled to management fees from the Fund or its clients under the Second Interim Advisory Agreement. The Trustees considered the Advisor’s staffing, personnel, and methods of operation;
the background and experience of the Advisor’s personnel; the Advisor’s compliance program; the financial condition of the Advisor; the level of commitment to the Fund and the Advisor’s by the principals of the Advisor; the asset levels
of the Fund; and the overall expenses of the Fund, including certain prior fee waivers and reimbursements by the Advisor. The Trustees also considered the potential benefits for the Advisor in managing the Fund, including the promotion
of the Advisor’s name and the ability for the Advisor to place small accounts into the Fund. The Trustees considered that they had previously compared the fees and expenses of the Fund (including the management fees) to other funds
comparable in terms of the type of fund, the nature of its investment strategy, and its style of investment management, among other factors, in connection with the approval of the Previous Advisory Agreement. Upon further consideration
and discussion of the foregoing, the Board concluded that the lack of fees to be paid to the Advisor by the Fund was fair and reasonable in relation to the nature and quality of the services provided by the Advisor and that, because the
lack of fees is required by SEC staff guidance, it reflected charges that were better than what could have been negotiated at arm’s length.
|
(iv)
|
Profitability. The Trustees considered that
they had previously reviewed the Advisor’s profitability in connection with its management of the Fund in connection with the renewal of the Previous Advisory Agreement. In considering the profitability of the Advisor, the Trustees
noted that the Advisor would not be entitled to management fees from the Fund or its clients under the Second Interim Advisory Agreement.
|
(v)
|
Economies of Scale. The Trustees noted that,
in connection with their review of the Previous Advisory Agreement, they had previously reviewed the Fund’s operational history (and noted that the size of the Fund had not provided an opportunity to realize economies of scale) and
noted that the Fund was a relatively small size and economies of scale were unlikely to be achieved during the term of the Second Interim Advisory Agreement. In considering economies of scale, the Trustees also noted that the Advisor
would not be entitled to management fees from the Fund or its clients under the Second Interim Advisory Agreement. Following further discussion of the Fund’s asset levels and expectations for growth, the Board determined that the Fund’s
fee arrangements were fair and reasonable at the present time in relation to the nature and quality of the services provided by the Advisor.
|
(i)
|
Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services. The
Trustees noted that they had considered the responsibilities of the Sub-Advisor under the Previous Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement and that those responsibilities would not change under the Second Interim Sub-Investment Advisory
Agreement. The Trustees reviewed the services being provided by the Sub-Advisor to the Fund including, without limitation, the quality of its investment advisory services since the Fund’s inception (including research and investment
decisions with respect to portfolio securities) and its procedures for formulating investment decisions and assuring compliance with the Fund’s investment objectives, policies and limitations. The Trustees also evaluated: the
Sub-Advisor’s staffing, personnel, and methods of operation; the background and experience of the Sub-Advisor’s personnel; the Sub-Advisor’s compliance program; and the financial condition of the Sub-Advisor.
|
(ii)
|
Performance. The Trustees considered that
they had previously compared the performance of the Fund with the performance of its benchmark index, comparable funds with similar strategies managed by other investment advisers, and applicable peer group data (e.g., peer group
averages provided by Broadridge); the consistency of the Sub-Advisor’s management of the Fund with its investment objective, policies and limitations; the short-term investment performance of the Fund; the Sub-Advisor’s experience
managing the Fund; the Sub-Advisor’s historical investment performance; and other factors. Upon further consideration, the Board concluded that the investment performance of the Fund and the Sub-Advisor was satisfactory.
|
(iii)
|
Fees and Expenses; Fall-out Benefits to the Sub-Advisor. The Trustees considered that they had previously compared the fees and expenses of the Fund (including the management fees) to other funds comparable in terms
of the type of fund, the nature of its investment strategy, and its style of investment management, among other factors, in connection with the approval of the Previous Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement. The Trustees also considered
potential benefits for the Sub-Advisor in managing the Fund, including promotion of the Sub-Advisor’s name and the potential for the Sub-Advisor to generate soft dollars from Fund trades that may benefit the Sub-Advisor’s other clients.
Upon further consideration and discussion of the foregoing, the Board concluded that the fees to be paid by the Adviser to the Sub-Advisor were fair and reasonable in relation to the nature and quality of the services provided by the
Sub-Advisor and that that they reflected charges that were within the range of what could have been negotiated at arm’s length.
|
(iv)
|
Profitability. With respect to the
Sub-Advisor, the Board noted that the sub-advisory fee is the product of arm’s-length negotiation between the Advisor and the Sub-Advisor and will be paid by the Advisor and not the Fund. As a result, the Board focused on the
profitability of the Advisor with respect to the Fund and considered that they had previously reviewed the Advisor’s profitability in connection with its management of the Fund in connection with the renewal of the Previous Investment
Advisory Agreement.
|
(v)
|
Economies of Scale. The Trustees noted that,
in connection with their review of the Previous Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement, they had previously evaluated potential or anticipated economies of scale in relation to the services that the Sub-Advisor would provide to the Fund
under the Previous Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement; reviewed the Fund’s operational history and considered that the Fund was a relatively small size; and the Sub-Advisor’s sub-advisory fee schedule and the existence of breakpoints.
Following further discussion of the Fund’s asset levels and expectations for growth, the Trustees concluded that the Fund’s fee structure reflected an appropriate sharing of any efficiencies or economies of scale that are expected to be
realized by the Sub-Advisor and noted that they will have the opportunity to periodically reexamine the appropriateness of the fee paid to the Sub-Advisor in light of any economies of scale experienced in the future.
|
12.
|
Liquidity Risk Management Program
|
1.
|
Proxy Voting Policies and Voting Record
|
2.
|
Quarterly Portfolio Holdings
|
3.
|
Tax Information
|
4.
|
Schedule of Shareholder Expenses
|
|
|
Beginning Value
10/1/2023
|
Ending Value
3/31/2024
|
Expense Paid
During Period*
|
Annualized
Expense Ratio*
|
Actual
|
$1,000.00
|
$1,219.50
|
$3.82
|
0.69%
|
|
Hypothetical
|
1,000.00
|
1,043.11
|
3.52
|
0.69%
|
|
*
|
Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 0.69%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/366 (to reflect the one-half year period).
|
For Shareholder Service Inquiries:
|
For Investment Advisor Inquiries:
|
|
|
Nottingham Shareholder Services
|
Aspiration Fund Adviser, LLC
|
116 South Franklin Street
|
4551 Glencoe Avenue
|
Post Office Box 69
|
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
|
Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27802-0069
|
|
|
|
Telephone:
|
Telephone: |
|
|
800-773-3863 |
800-683-8529
|
World Wide Web at: | World Wide Web at: |
ncfunds.com | aspiration.com |
(b) |
Not applicable. |
ITEM 2. | CODE OF ETHICS. |
Not applicable. |
ITEM 3. | AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT. |
Not applicable. |
ITEM 4. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES. |
Not applicable. |
ITEM 5. | AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS. |
Not applicable. |
ITEM 6. | SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS. |
A copy of Schedule I - Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers as of the close of the reporting period is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form. |
ITEM 7.
|
DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. |
Not applicable. |
ITEM 8. | PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. |
Not applicable. |
ITEM 9.
|
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS. |
Not applicable. |
ITEM 10. | SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITYHOLDERS. |
None.
|
Item 11. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. |
(a) |
The President and Principal Executive Officer and the Treasurer, Principal Accounting Officer, and Principal Financial Officer
have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) are effective based on their evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures required by
Rule 30a-3(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Exchange Act of 1934, as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report.
|
(b) |
There were no changes in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) that occurred during the period covered by
this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
|
ITEM 12.
|
DISCLOSURE OF SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITIES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. |
Not applicable. |
ITEM 13. | EXHIBITS. |
(a)(1) |
Not applicable.
|
(a)(2) |
Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 are filed
herewith.
|
(b) |
Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and Section 906
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are filed herewith.
|
Starboard Investment Trust
|
|
/s/ Timothy Newell
|
|
Date: June 3, 2024
|
Timothy Newell
President and Principal Executive Officer
|
/s/ Timothy Newell
|
|
Date: June 3, 2024
|
Timothy Newell President and Principal Executive Officer
|
/s/ Matthew Bergin
|
|
Date: June 3, 2024
|
Matthew Bergin
Principal Financial Officer
|