(a)
|
|
A Message to Our Shareholders
|
2
|
|
Sector Allocations
|
7
|
|
Schedules of Investments
|
9
|
|
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
|
15
|
|
Statements of Operations
|
16
|
|
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
|
17
|
|
Financial Highlights
|
19
|
|
Notes to Financial Statements
|
21
|
|
Expense Examples
|
34
|
|
Additional Information
|
36
|
|
Privacy Notice
|
Inside Back Cover
|
Since
|
|||||
Average Annual Total Returns
|
Inception
|
||||
for Periods Ending 2/29/24
|
6 Mos.*
|
1 Year
|
5 Years
|
10 Years
|
9/30/99
|
Balanced Fund
|
7.04%
|
9.00%
|
3.34%
|
3.19%
|
6.77%
|
S&P 500® Index
|
13.92%
|
30.45%
|
14.76%
|
12.69%
|
7.82%
|
Lipper Balanced Funds Index
|
8.03%
|
14.12%
|
7.47%
|
6.52%
|
5.80%
|
Bloomberg Intermediate
|
|||||
Government/Credit
|
|||||
Bond Index
|
2.61%
|
4.37%
|
1.23%
|
1.51%
|
3.67%
|
* Returns are not annualized.
|
Since
|
|||||
Average Annual Total Returns
|
Inception
|
||||
for Periods Ending 2/29/24
|
6 Mos.*
|
1 Year
|
5 Years
|
10 Years
|
5/31/13
|
Equity Fund
|
6.37%
|
6.94%
|
2.72%
|
2.38%
|
3.20%
|
Lipper Mid-Cap
|
|||||
Growth Funds Index
|
11.65%
|
18.77%
|
9.16%
|
9.25%
|
10.66%
|
S&P 500® Total
|
|||||
Return Index
|
13.92%
|
30.45%
|
14.76%
|
12.69%
|
13.30%
|
* Returns are not annualized.
|
St. Denis J. Villere II
|
George V. Young
|
St. Denis J. Villere III
|
Lamar G. Villere, CFA
|
SECTOR ALLOCATIONS at February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
|
Sector
|
Percent of Net Assets
|
||||
Private Funds1
|
27.1
|
%
|
|||
Insurance Carriers and Related Activities
|
8.2
|
%
|
|||
Miscellaneous Manufacturing
|
8.2
|
%
|
|||
Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods
|
6.9
|
%
|
|||
Chemical Manufacturing
|
6.8
|
%
|
|||
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing
|
6.8
|
%
|
|||
Credit Intermediation and Related Activities
|
6.5
|
%
|
|||
Utilities
|
5.0
|
%
|
|||
Support Activities for Transportation
|
4.7
|
%
|
|||
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
|
4.6
|
%
|
|||
Administrative and Support Services
|
4.5
|
%
|
|||
Beverage and Tobacco Product Manufacturing
|
4.3
|
%
|
|||
Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods
|
4.1
|
%
|
|||
Money Market Funds
|
3.7
|
%
|
|||
Ambulatory Health Care Services
|
2.6
|
%
|
|||
Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation
|
2.6
|
%
|
|||
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing
|
2.1
|
%
|
|||
Accommodation
|
2.1
|
%
|
|||
Mining (except Oil and Gas)
|
2.0
|
%
|
|||
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
|
1.9
|
%
|
|||
Support Activities for Mining
|
1.9
|
%
|
|||
Publishing Industries (Except Internet)
|
1.5
|
%
|
|||
Consumer Discretionary
|
1.4
|
%
|
|||
Telecommunications
|
1.3
|
%
|
|||
Rail Transportation
|
1.3
|
%
|
|||
Food Manufacturing
|
1.3
|
%
|
|||
Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing
|
1.2
|
%
|
|||
Nonstore Retailers
|
1.0
|
%
|
|||
Electrical Equipment, Appliance,
|
|||||
and Component Manufacturing
|
0.8
|
%
|
|||
Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing
|
0.7
|
%
|
|||
Paper Manufacturing
|
0.7
|
%
|
|||
Machinery Manufacturing
|
0.7
|
%
|
|||
Computing Infrastructure Providers,
|
|||||
Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services
|
0.2
|
%
|
|||
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets
|
(28.7
|
)%
|
|||
Total
|
100.0
|
%
|
SECTOR ALLOCATIONS at February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
|
Sector
|
Percent of Net Assets
|
||||
Private Funds1
|
29.3
|
%
|
|||
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing
|
10.3
|
%
|
|||
Money Market Funds
|
9.6
|
%
|
|||
Insurance Carriers and Related Activities
|
9.0
|
%
|
|||
Miscellaneous Manufacturing
|
8.5
|
%
|
|||
Credit Intermediation and Related Activities
|
6.6
|
%
|
|||
Support Activities for Transportation
|
6.0
|
%
|
|||
Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods
|
6.0
|
%
|
|||
Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods
|
5.2
|
%
|
|||
Chemical Manufacturing
|
5.1
|
%
|
|||
Beverage and Tobacco Product Manufacturing
|
4.5
|
%
|
|||
Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation
|
3.9
|
%
|
|||
Ambulatory Health Care Services
|
3.5
|
%
|
|||
Administrative and Support Services
|
3.3
|
%
|
|||
Support Activities for Mining
|
3.2
|
%
|
|||
Accommodation
|
3.0
|
%
|
|||
Mining (except Oil and Gas)
|
2.9
|
%
|
|||
Broadcasting (except Internet)
|
1.5
|
%
|
|||
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
|
1.4
|
%
|
|||
Publishing Industries (Except Internet)
|
1.1
|
%
|
|||
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
|
1.0
|
%
|
|||
Food Manufacturing
|
1.0
|
%
|
|||
Telecommunications
|
1.0
|
%
|
|||
Consumer Discretionary
|
1.0
|
%
|
|||
Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing
|
0.9
|
%
|
|||
Plastics and Rubber Products Manufacturing
|
0.8
|
%
|
|||
Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing
|
0.8
|
%
|
|||
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets
|
(30.4
|
)%
|
|||
Total
|
100.0
|
%
|
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
|
Shares
|
Value
|
|||||||
COMMON STOCKS: 74.3%
|
||||||||
Accommodation: 2.1%
|
||||||||
Caesars
|
||||||||
Entertainment,
|
||||||||
Inc.(a)
|
61,649
|
$
|
2,679,882
|
|||||
Administrative and
|
||||||||
Support Services: 2.3%
|
||||||||
Visa, Inc. –
|
||||||||
Class A(b)
|
10,520
|
2,973,373
|
||||||
Ambulatory Health Care Services: 2.6%
|
||||||||
Option Care Health,
|
||||||||
Inc.(a)(b)
|
104,155
|
3,361,082
|
||||||
Beverage and Tobacco
|
||||||||
Product Manufacturing: 4.3%
|
||||||||
Monster Beverage
|
||||||||
Corp.(a)
|
69,390
|
4,100,949
|
||||||
PepsiCo, Inc.
|
9,000
|
1,488,060
|
||||||
5,589,009
|
||||||||
Chemical Manufacturing: 5.0%
|
||||||||
Colgate-Palmolive
|
||||||||
Co.
|
24,070
|
2,082,537
|
||||||
Ligand
|
||||||||
Pharmaceuticals,
|
||||||||
Inc.(a)
|
55,338
|
4,391,070
|
||||||
6,473,607
|
||||||||
Computer and Electronic
|
||||||||
Product Manufacturing: 6.4%
|
||||||||
IDEXX Laboratories,
|
||||||||
Inc.(a)
|
4,735
|
2,723,714
|
||||||
ON Semiconductor
|
||||||||
Corp.(a)(b)
|
28,175
|
2,223,571
|
||||||
Roper Technologies,
|
||||||||
Inc.
|
6,260
|
3,410,010
|
||||||
8,357,295
|
||||||||
Consumer Discretionary: 1.4%
|
||||||||
CVS Health Corp.(b)
|
24,785
|
1,843,260
|
||||||
Credit Intermediation and
|
||||||||
Related Activities: 5.1%
|
||||||||
Euronet Worldwide,
|
||||||||
Inc.(a)
|
26,505
|
2,900,707
|
||||||
Credit Intermediation and
|
||||||||
Related Activities: 5.1% (Continued)
|
||||||||
First Hawaiian, Inc.
|
67,237
|
1,409,288
|
||||||
JPMorgan
|
||||||||
Chase & Co.
|
12,535
|
2,332,262
|
||||||
6,642,257
|
||||||||
Food Manufacturing: 1.3%
|
||||||||
Mondelez International,
|
||||||||
Inc. – Class A(b)
|
22,950
|
1,676,957
|
||||||
Furniture and Related
|
||||||||
Product Manufacturing: 0.7%
|
||||||||
Leggett & Platt, Inc.
|
44,465
|
907,975
|
||||||
Insurance Carriers and
|
||||||||
Related Activities: 7.6%
|
||||||||
Palomar Holdings,
|
||||||||
Inc.(a)
|
92,739
|
7,061,147
|
||||||
The Progressive
|
||||||||
Corp.
|
15,210
|
2,883,208
|
||||||
9,944,355
|
||||||||
Merchant Wholesalers,
|
||||||||
Durable Goods: 5.9%
|
||||||||
Pool Corp.(b)
|
14,312
|
5,697,893
|
||||||
STERIS PLC
|
8,095
|
1,885,407
|
||||||
7,583,300
|
||||||||
Merchant Wholesalers,
|
||||||||
Nondurable Goods: 4.1%
|
||||||||
On Holding AG –
|
||||||||
Class A(a)(b)
|
151,606
|
5,309,242
|
||||||
Mining (except Oil and Gas): 2.0%
|
||||||||
Freeport-McMoRan,
|
||||||||
Inc.
|
68,640
|
2,595,278
|
||||||
Miscellaneous Manufacturing: 8.2%
|
||||||||
Johnson & Johnson
|
9,720
|
1,568,614
|
||||||
Stryker Corp.
|
13,450
|
4,694,991
|
||||||
Teleflex, Inc.(b)
|
19,885
|
4,430,179
|
||||||
10,693,784
|
||||||||
Petroleum and Coal
|
||||||||
Products Manufacturing: 1.2%
|
||||||||
Chevron Corp.(b)
|
10,610
|
1,612,826
|
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)
|
Shares
|
Value
|
|||||||
Professional, Scientific, and
|
||||||||
Technical Services: 1.2%
|
||||||||
OmniAb, Inc.(a)(b)
|
271,160
|
$
|
1,583,574
|
|||||
OmniAb, Inc.(a)(c)
|
20,984
|
0
|
||||||
OmniAb, Inc.(a)(c)
|
20,984
|
0
|
||||||
1,583,574
|
||||||||
Publishing Industries
|
||||||||
(Except Internet): 1.5%
|
||||||||
Microsoft Corp.
|
4,615
|
1,908,949
|
||||||
Support Activities for Mining: 1.9%
|
||||||||
Atlas Energy
|
||||||||
Solutions, Inc.(b)
|
128,905
|
2,431,148
|
||||||
Support Activities
|
||||||||
for Transportation: 4.7%
|
||||||||
J.B. Hunt Transport
|
||||||||
Services, Inc.
|
29,510
|
6,088,208
|
||||||
Telecommunications: 1.3%
|
||||||||
Verizon
|
||||||||
Communications,
|
||||||||
Inc.
|
43,435
|
1,738,269
|
||||||
Transit and Ground
|
||||||||
Passenger Transportation: 2.6%
|
||||||||
Uber Technologies,
|
||||||||
Inc.(a)
|
42,090
|
3,346,156
|
||||||
Transportation Equipment
|
||||||||
Manufacturing: 0.9%
|
||||||||
Lockheed Martin
|
||||||||
Corp.
|
2,745
|
1,175,519
|
||||||
TOTAL COMMON
|
||||||||
STOCKS
|
||||||||
(Cost $73,415,142)
|
96,515,305
|
|||||||
Par
|
||||||||
CORPORATE BONDS: 20.5%
|
||||||||
Administrative and
|
||||||||
Support Services: 0.5%
|
||||||||
Scotts Miracle-
|
||||||||
Gro Co.,
|
||||||||
4.50%,
10/15/2029
|
||||||||
$
|
700,000
|
621,964
|
||||||
Chemical Manufacturing: 1.8%
|
||||||||
HB Fuller Co.,
|
||||||||
4.00%,
02/15/2027
|
||||||||
2,418,000
|
2,314,363
|
|||||||
Kimberly-Clark
|
||||||||
Corp.,
|
||||||||
3.20%,
04/25/2029
|
||||||||
100,000
|
92,912
|
|||||||
2,407,275
|
||||||||
Computer and Electronic
|
||||||||
Product Manufacturing: 0.4%
|
||||||||
Northrop Grumman
|
||||||||
Corp.,
|
||||||||
4.60%,
02/01/2029 (b)
|
||||||||
525,000
|
514,250
|
|||||||
Computing Infrastructure Providers,
|
||||||||
Data Processing, Web Hosting, and
|
||||||||
Related Services: 0.2%
|
||||||||
Visa, Inc.,
|
||||||||
0.75%,
08/15/2027
|
||||||||
321,000
|
281,936
|
|||||||
Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and
|
||||||||
Component Manufacturing: 0.8%
|
||||||||
Hubbell, Inc.,
|
||||||||
3.50%,
02/15/2028
|
||||||||
1,045,000
|
987,133
|
|||||||
Fabricated Metal
|
||||||||
Product Manufacturing: 2.1%
|
||||||||
Emerson
|
||||||||
Electric Co.,
|
||||||||
0.88%,
10/15/2026
|
||||||||
950,000
|
859,368
|
|||||||
Stanley Black &
|
||||||||
Decker, Inc.,
|
||||||||
2.30%,
02/24/2025
|
||||||||
2,000,000
|
1,938,886
|
|||||||
2,798,254
|
||||||||
Insurance Carriers and
|
||||||||
Related Activities: 0.6%
|
||||||||
Reinsurance Group
|
||||||||
of America, Inc.,
|
||||||||
3.90%,
05/15/2029 (b)
|
||||||||
800,000
|
755,033
|
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)
|
Par
|
Value
|
|||||||
Machinery Manufacturing: 0.7%
|
||||||||
Brunswick Corp.,
|
||||||||
4.40%,
09/15/2032 (b)
|
||||||||
$
|
960,000
|
$
|
855,695
|
|||||
Merchant Wholesalers,
|
||||||||
Durable Goods: 1.0%
|
||||||||
Avnet, Inc.,
|
||||||||
3.00%,
05/15/2031
|
||||||||
1,000,000
|
826,455
|
|||||||
Reliance, Inc.,
|
||||||||
1.30%,
08/15/2025
|
||||||||
490,000
|
460,033
|
|||||||
1,286,488
|
||||||||
Nonstore Retailers: 1.0%
|
||||||||
Amazon.com, Inc.,
|
||||||||
1.65%,
05/12/2028 (b)
|
||||||||
1,500,000
|
1,331,504
|
|||||||
Paper Manufacturing: 0.7%
|
||||||||
Sonoco Products Co.,
|
||||||||
2.25%,
02/01/2027
|
||||||||
950,000
|
872,562
|
|||||||
Professional, Scientific, and
|
||||||||
Technical Services: 0.7%
|
||||||||
Alphabet, Inc.,
|
||||||||
0.80%,
08/15/2027 (b)
|
||||||||
1,000,000
|
883,498
|
|||||||
Rail Transportation: 1.3%
|
||||||||
Union Pacific Corp.,
|
||||||||
2.80%,
02/14/2032 (b)
|
||||||||
2,000,000
|
1,721,438
|
|||||||
Transportation Equipment
|
||||||||
Manufacturing: 3.7%
|
||||||||
Honda Motor
|
||||||||
Co. Ltd.,
|
||||||||
2.53%,
03/10/2027 (b)
|
||||||||
1,200,000
|
1,120,801
|
|||||||
Honeywell
|
||||||||
International, Inc.,
|
||||||||
4.95%,
09/01/2031
|
||||||||
1,000,000
|
998,497
|
|||||||
Transportation Equipment
|
||||||||
Manufacturing: 3.7% (Continued)
|
||||||||
Toyota Motor Corp.,
|
||||||||
1.34%,
03/25/2026
|
||||||||
2,900,000
|
2,693,309
|
|||||||
4,812,607
|
||||||||
Utilities: 5.0%
|
||||||||
Duke Energy Corp.,
|
||||||||
0.90%,
09/15/2025
|
||||||||
1,000,000
|
935,757
|
|||||||
NextEra Energy
|
||||||||
Capital Holdings,
|
||||||||
Inc.,
|
||||||||
2.94%,
03/21/2024
|
||||||||
2,000,000
|
1,997,304
|
|||||||
Pacific Gas &
|
||||||||
Electric Co.,
|
||||||||
4.20%,
03/01/2029
|
||||||||
600,000
|
565,788
|
|||||||
Public Service
|
||||||||
Enterprise
|
||||||||
Group, Inc.,
|
||||||||
5.85%,
11/15/2027
|
||||||||
1,500,000
|
1,536,662
|
|||||||
The Southern Co.,
|
||||||||
5.11%,
08/01/2027
|
||||||||
1,500,000
|
1,496,590
|
|||||||
6,532,101
|
||||||||
TOTAL CORPORATE
|
||||||||
BONDS
|
||||||||
(Cost $28,475,067)
|
26,661,738
|
|||||||
PREFERRED STOCKS: 1.7%
|
||||||||
Administrative and
|
||||||||
Support Services: 1.7%
|
||||||||
B Riley Financial, Inc.
|
||||||||
6.50%,
09/30/2026 (b)
|
||||||||
72,000
|
1,148,400
|
|||||||
6.75%,
05/31/2024 (b)
|
||||||||
42,671
|
1,074,029
|
|||||||
2,222,429
|
||||||||
TOTAL PREFERRED
|
||||||||
STOCKS
|
||||||||
(Cost $2,866,775)
|
2,222,429
|
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)
|
Par
|
Value
|
|||||||
CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED
|
||||||||
STOCKS: 1.4%
|
||||||||
Credit Intermediation and
|
||||||||
Related Activities: 1.4%
|
||||||||
Bank of America
|
||||||||
Corp., Series L,
|
||||||||
7.25%,
Perpetual
|
||||||||
$
|
1,500
|
$
|
1,776,045
|
|||||
TOTAL CONVERTIBLE
|
||||||||
PREFERRED STOCKS
|
||||||||
(Cost $1,883,932)
|
1,776,045
|
|||||||
Shares
|
||||||||
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS: 30.8%
|
||||||||
Investments Purchased
|
||||||||
with Proceeds from
|
||||||||
Securities Lending: 27.1%
|
||||||||
Mount Vernon
|
||||||||
Liquid Assets
|
||||||||
Portfolio, LLC,
5.51%(d)
|
||||||||
35,287,188
|
35,287,188
|
|||||||
Money Market Funds: 3.7%
|
||||||||
Invesco Government
|
||||||||
& Agency
|
||||||||
Portfolio – Class
|
||||||||
Institutional,
5.25%(d)
|
||||||||
4,836,358
|
4,836,358
|
|||||||
TOTAL SHORT-TERM
|
||||||||
INVESTMENTS
|
||||||||
(Cost $40,123,546)
|
40,123,546
|
|||||||
TOTAL
|
||||||||
INVESTMENTS: 128.7%
|
||||||||
(Cost $146,764,462)
|
167,299,063
|
|||||||
Liabilities in Excess
|
||||||||
of Other Assets: (28.7)%
|
(37,269,475
|
)
|
||||||
TOTAL NET
|
||||||||
ASSETS: 100.0%
|
$
|
130,029,588
|
(a)
|
Non-income producing security.
|
(b)
|
All or a portion of this security is on loan as of February 29, 2024. The total market value of these securities was $34,496,546 which represented 26.5% of net assets.
|
(c)
|
Fair value determined using significant unobservable inputs in accordance with procedures established by and under the supervision of the Adviser, acting as Valuation Designee. These securities
represented $0 or 0.0% of net assets as of February 29, 2024.
|
(d)
|
The rate shown represents the 7-day effective yield as of February 29, 2024.
|
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
|
Shares
|
Value
|
|||||||
COMMON STOCKS: 90.4%
|
||||||||
Accommodation: 3.0%
|
||||||||
Caesars
|
||||||||
Entertainment,
|
||||||||
Inc.(a)
|
28,400
|
$
|
1,234,548
|
|||||
Administrative and
|
||||||||
Support Services: 3.3%
|
||||||||
Visa, Inc. – Class A(b)
|
4,730
|
1,336,887
|
||||||
Ambulatory Health Care Services: 3.5%
|
||||||||
Option Care
|
||||||||
Health, Inc.(a)(b)
|
45,055
|
1,453,925
|
||||||
Beverage and Tobacco
|
||||||||
Product Manufacturing: 4.5%
|
||||||||
Monster Beverage
|
||||||||
Corp.(a)
|
24,090
|
1,423,719
|
||||||
PepsiCo, Inc.
|
2,475
|
409,216
|
||||||
1,832,935
|
||||||||
Broadcasting (except Internet): 1.5%
|
||||||||
Paramount Global –
|
||||||||
Class B(b)
|
55,805
|
616,087
|
||||||
Chemical Manufacturing: 5.1%
|
||||||||
Colgate-Palmolive Co.
|
5,485
|
474,562
|
||||||
Ligand
|
||||||||
Pharmaceuticals,
|
||||||||
Inc.(a)(b)
|
20,320
|
1,612,392
|
||||||
2,086,954
|
||||||||
Computer and Electronic
|
||||||||
Product Manufacturing: 10.3%
|
||||||||
IDEXX
|
||||||||
Laboratories, Inc.(a)
|
2,205
|
1,268,382
|
||||||
Microchip
|
||||||||
Technology, Inc.
|
5,285
|
444,680
|
||||||
ON Semiconductor
|
||||||||
Corp.(a)(b)
|
12,770
|
1,007,809
|
||||||
Roper
|
||||||||
Technologies, Inc.
|
2,725
|
1,484,389
|
||||||
4,205,260
|
||||||||
Consumer Discretionary: 1.0%
|
||||||||
CVS Health Corp.(b)
|
5,255
|
390,814
|
||||||
Credit Intermediation and
|
||||||||
Related Activities: 5.5%
|
||||||||
Euronet
|
||||||||
Worldwide, Inc.(a)
|
12,365
|
1,353,225
|
||||||
First Hawaiian, Inc.
|
16,105
|
337,561
|
||||||
JPMorgan
|
||||||||
Chase & Co.
|
3,110
|
578,647
|
||||||
2,269,433
|
||||||||
Food Manufacturing: 1.0%
|
||||||||
Mondelez
|
||||||||
International,
|
||||||||
Inc. – Class A(b)
|
5,690
|
415,768
|
||||||
Furniture and Related
|
||||||||
Product Manufacturing: 0.8%
|
||||||||
Leggett & Platt,
|
||||||||
Inc.(b)
|
15,435
|
315,183
|
||||||
Insurance Carriers and
|
||||||||
Related Activities: 9.0%
|
||||||||
Palomar Holdings,
|
||||||||
Inc.(a)
|
38,950
|
2,965,653
|
||||||
The Progressive Corp.
|
3,820
|
724,119
|
||||||
3,689,772
|
||||||||
Merchant Wholesalers,
|
||||||||
Durable Goods: 6.0%
|
||||||||
Pool Corp.(b)
|
4,900
|
1,950,788
|
||||||
STERIS PLC
|
2,005
|
466,985
|
||||||
2,417,773
|
||||||||
Merchant Wholesalers,
|
||||||||
Nondurable Goods: 5.2%
|
||||||||
On Holding AG –
|
||||||||
Class A(a)(b)
|
60,925
|
2,133,593
|
||||||
Mining (except Oil and Gas): 2.9%
|
||||||||
Freeport-
|
||||||||
McMoRan, Inc.
|
31,010
|
1,172,488
|
||||||
Miscellaneous Manufacturing: 8.5%
|
||||||||
Johnson & Johnson
|
2,570
|
414,747
|
||||||
Stryker Corp.
|
4,280
|
1,494,020
|
||||||
Teleflex, Inc.(b)
|
7,060
|
1,572,897
|
||||||
3,481,664
|
||||||||
Petroleum and Coal Products
|
||||||||
Manufacturing: 0.9%
|
||||||||
Chevron Corp.(b)
|
2,555
|
388,386
|
||||||
Plastics and Rubber
|
||||||||
Products Manufacturing: 0.8%
|
||||||||
Newell Brands, Inc.
|
45,160
|
338,700
|
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)
|
Shares
|
Value
|
|||||||
Professional, Scientific, and
|
||||||||
Technical Services: 1.4%
|
||||||||
OmniAb, Inc.(a)(b)
|
99,569
|
$
|
581,483
|
|||||
OmniAb, Inc.(a)(c)
|
7,705
|
0
|
||||||
OmniAb, Inc.(a)(c)
|
7,705
|
0
|
||||||
581,483
|
||||||||
Publishing Industries
|
||||||||
(Except Internet): 1.1%
|
||||||||
Microsoft Corp.
|
1,140
|
471,550
|
||||||
Support Activities for Mining: 3.2%
|
||||||||
Atlas Energy
|
||||||||
Solutions, Inc.(b)
|
69,845
|
1,317,278
|
||||||
Support Activities
|
||||||||
for Transportation: 6.0%
|
||||||||
J.B. Hunt Transport
|
||||||||
Services, Inc.
|
11,845
|
2,443,742
|
||||||
Telecommunications: 1.0%
|
||||||||
Verizon
|
||||||||
Communications,
|
||||||||
Inc.
|
10,155
|
406,403
|
||||||
Transit and Ground
|
||||||||
Passenger Transportation: 3.9%
|
||||||||
Uber Technologies,
|
||||||||
Inc.(a)
|
19,850
|
1,578,075
|
||||||
Transportation Equipment
|
||||||||
Manufacturing: 1.0%
|
||||||||
Lockheed
|
||||||||
Martin Corp.
|
1,000
|
428,240
|
||||||
TOTAL COMMON
|
||||||||
STOCKS
|
||||||||
(Cost $30,168,173)
|
37,006,941
|
|||||||
CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED
|
||||||||
STOCKS: 1.1%
|
||||||||
Credit Intermediation and
|
||||||||
Related Activities: 1.1%
|
||||||||
Bank of America
|
||||||||
Corp., Series L,
|
||||||||
7.25%, Perpetual
|
360
|
426,251
|
||||||
TOTAL CONVERTIBLE
|
||||||||
PREFERRED STOCKS
|
||||||||
(Cost $452,144)
|
426,251
|
|||||||
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS: 38.9%
|
||||||||
Investments Purchased
|
||||||||
with Proceeds from
|
||||||||
Securities Lending: 29.3%
|
||||||||
Mount Vernon
|
||||||||
Liquid Assets
|
||||||||
Portfolio, LLC,
5.51%(d)
|
||||||||
11,996,954
|
11,996,954
|
|||||||
Money Market Funds: 9.6%
|
||||||||
Invesco Government
|
||||||||
& Agency Portfolio –
|
||||||||
Class Institutional,
5.25%(d)
|
||||||||
3,948,606
|
3,948,606
|
|||||||
TOTAL SHORT-TERM
|
||||||||
INVESTMENTS
|
||||||||
(Cost $15,945,560)
|
15,945,560
|
|||||||
TOTAL
|
||||||||
INVESTMENTS: 130.4%
|
||||||||
(Cost $46,565,877)
|
53,378,752
|
|||||||
Liabilities in Excess
|
||||||||
of Other Assets: (30.4)%
|
(12,433,843
|
)
|
||||||
TOTAL NET
|
||||||||
ASSETS: 100.0%
|
$
|
40,944,909
|
(a)
|
Non-income producing security.
|
(b)
|
All or a portion of this security is on loan as of February 29, 2024. The total market value of these securities was $11,680,070 which represented 28.5% of net assets.
|
(c)
|
Fair value determined using significant unobservable inputs in accordance with procedures established by and under the supervision of the Adviser, acting as Valuation Designee. These securities
represented $0 or 0.0% of net assets as of February 29, 2024.
|
(d)
|
The rate shown represents the 7-day effective yield as of February 29, 2024.
|
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES at February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
|
Balanced Fund
|
Equity Fund
|
|||||||
ASSETS
|
||||||||
Investments in unaffiliated securities, at value1
|
$
|
167,299,063
|
$
|
53,378,752
|
||||
(Cost $146,764,462 and $46,565,877, respectively)
|
||||||||
Receivables:
|
||||||||
Fund shares sold
|
11,711
|
40
|
||||||
Dividends and interest
|
281,305
|
44,064
|
||||||
Securities lending income, net
|
8,611
|
1,034
|
||||||
Prepaid expenses
|
11,294
|
4,960
|
||||||
Total assets
|
167,611,984
|
53,428,850
|
||||||
LIABILITIES
|
||||||||
Payables:
|
||||||||
Collateral received for securities loaned
|
35,287,188
|
11,996,954
|
||||||
Investment securities purchased
|
2,177,863
|
442,224
|
||||||
Investment advisory fees, net
|
72,921
|
24,365
|
||||||
Audit fees
|
6,156
|
6,156
|
||||||
Fund shares redeemed
|
11,359
|
4,015
|
||||||
Fund administration fees
|
11,195
|
3,621
|
||||||
Transfer agent fees
|
7,380
|
1,757
|
||||||
Fund accounting fees
|
2,852
|
2,679
|
||||||
Trustee fees
|
30
|
172
|
||||||
Custody fees
|
1,110
|
856
|
||||||
Chief Compliance Officer fees
|
995
|
995
|
||||||
Other accrued expenses
|
3,347
|
147
|
||||||
Total liabilities
|
37,582,396
|
12,483,941
|
||||||
NET ASSETS
|
$
|
130,029,588
|
$
|
40,944,909
|
||||
COMPONENTS OF NET ASSETS
|
||||||||
Paid-in capital
|
$
|
119,817,536
|
$
|
37,282,941
|
||||
Total distributable (accumulated) earnings (losses)
|
10,212,052
|
3,661,968
|
||||||
Net assets
|
$
|
130,029,588
|
$
|
40,944,909
|
||||
1 Includes loaned securities with a market value of
|
$
|
34,496,546
|
$
|
11,680,070
|
||||
Net Assets
|
$
|
130,029,588
|
$
|
40,944,909
|
||||
Shares (unlimited number of shares
|
||||||||
authorized without par value)
|
6,338,762
|
3,582,263
|
||||||
Net assets value, offering, and redemption price per share
|
$
|
20.51
|
$
|
11.43
|
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
|
Balanced Fund
|
Equity Fund
|
|||||||
INVESTMENT INCOME
|
||||||||
Dividends
|
$
|
729,904
|
$
|
207,004
|
||||
Interest
|
549,138
|
108,516
|
||||||
Income from securities lending, net
|
77,431
|
7,028
|
||||||
Total investment income
|
1,356,473
|
322,548
|
||||||
EXPENSES
|
||||||||
Investment advisory fees
|
469,637
|
142,518
|
||||||
Fund administration fees
|
56,222
|
22,790
|
||||||
Sub-transfer agent fees
|
30,541
|
3,939
|
||||||
Fund accounting fees
|
18,033
|
16,660
|
||||||
Miscellaneous expense
|
15,567
|
7,301
|
||||||
Audit fees
|
6,223
|
6,223
|
||||||
Transfer agent fees
|
11,852
|
10,294
|
||||||
Registration fees
|
11,658
|
10,153
|
||||||
Trustee fees
|
9,986
|
9,186
|
||||||
Chief Compliance Officer fees
|
6,238
|
6,238
|
||||||
Legal fees
|
4,694
|
4,694
|
||||||
Reports to shareholders
|
6,168
|
1,410
|
||||||
Custody fees
|
3,200
|
2,619
|
||||||
Insurance expense
|
2,881
|
2,637
|
||||||
Total expenses
|
652,900
|
246,662
|
||||||
Less: Fees Waived
|
(32,978
|
)
|
(9,132
|
)
|
||||
Net expenses
|
619,922
|
237,530
|
||||||
Net investment income (loss)
|
736,551
|
85,018
|
||||||
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
|
||||||||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
|
(11,059,034
|
)
|
(3,234,227
|
)
|
||||
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation
|
||||||||
on investments
|
18,876,989
|
5,577,219
|
||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
|
7,817,955
|
2,342,992
|
||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
|
||||||||
resulting from operations
|
$
|
8,554,506
|
$
|
2,428,010
|
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
|
Six Months Ended
|
||||||||
February 29, 2024
|
Year Ended
|
|||||||
(Unaudited)
|
August 31, 2023
|
|||||||
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM:
|
||||||||
OPERATIONS
|
||||||||
Net investment income (loss)
|
$
|
736,551
|
$
|
1,111,111
|
||||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
|
(11,059,034
|
)
|
2,212,250
|
|||||
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation
|
||||||||
on investments
|
18,876,989
|
4,754,817
|
||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
|
||||||||
resulting from operations
|
8,554,506
|
8,078,178
|
||||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
|
||||||||
From net investment income
|
(823,317
|
)
|
(743,632
|
)
|
||||
From realized gain
|
(1,301,497
|
)
|
(4,685,616
|
)
|
||||
Net distributions to shareholders
|
(2,124,814
|
)
|
(5,429,248
|
)
|
||||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
|
||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived
|
||||||||
from net change in outstanding shares1
|
(8,372,954
|
)
|
(13,054,305
|
)
|
||||
Total increase (decrease) in net assets
|
(1,943,262
|
)
|
(10,405,375
|
)
|
||||
NET ASSETS
|
||||||||
Beginning of period/year
|
$
|
131,972,850
|
$
|
142,378,225
|
||||
End of period/year
|
$
|
130,029,588
|
$
|
131,972,850
|
1
|
Summary of capital share transactions is as follows:
|
Six Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||||
February 29, 2024
|
Year Ended
|
||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited)
|
August 31, 2023
|
||||||||||||||||
Shares
|
Value
|
Shares
|
Value
|
||||||||||||||
Shares sold
|
36,870
|
$
|
711,377
|
137,223
|
$
|
2,659,782
|
|||||||||||
Shares issued in
|
|||||||||||||||||
reinvestment of
|
|||||||||||||||||
distributions
|
104,170
|
2,054,248
|
289,868
|
5,272,691
|
|||||||||||||
Shares redeemed
|
(578,759
|
)
|
(11,138,579
|
)
|
(1,105,845
|
)
|
(20,986,778
|
)
|
|||||||||
Net increase (decrease)
|
(437,719
|
)
|
$
|
(8,372,954
|
)
|
(678,754
|
)
|
$
|
(13,054,305
|
)
|
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
|
Six Months Ended
|
||||||||
February 29, 2024
|
Year Ended
|
|||||||
(Unaudited)
|
August 31, 2023
|
|||||||
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM:
|
||||||||
OPERATIONS
|
||||||||
Net investment income (loss)
|
$
|
85,018
|
$
|
21,262
|
||||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
|
(3,234,227
|
)
|
1,759,552
|
|||||
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation
|
||||||||
on investments
|
5,577,219
|
594,067
|
||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
|
||||||||
resulting from operations
|
2,428,010
|
2,374,881
|
||||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
|
||||||||
From net investment income
|
—
|
—
|
||||||
From realized gain
|
(1,761,239
|
)
|
(1,053,970
|
)
|
||||
Net distributions to shareholders
|
(1,761,239
|
)
|
(1,053,970
|
)
|
||||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
|
||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived
|
||||||||
from net change in outstanding shares1
|
919,881
|
(787,892
|
)
|
|||||
Total increase (decrease) in net assets
|
1,586,652
|
533,019
|
||||||
NET ASSETS
|
||||||||
Beginning of period/year
|
$
|
39,358,257
|
$
|
38,825,238
|
||||
End of period/year
|
$
|
40,944,909
|
$
|
39,358,257
|
1
|
Summary of capital share transactions is as follows:
|
Six Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||||
February 29, 2024
|
Year Ended
|
||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited)
|
August 31, 2023
|
||||||||||||||||
Shares
|
Value
|
Shares
|
Value
|
||||||||||||||
Shares sold
|
77,370
|
$
|
850,194
|
110,034
|
$
|
1,207,030
|
|||||||||||
Shares issued in
|
|||||||||||||||||
reinvestment of
|
|||||||||||||||||
distributions
|
159,299
|
1,758,658
|
101,173
|
1,047,143
|
|||||||||||||
Shares redeemed2
|
(155,391
|
)
|
(1,688,971
|
)
|
(273,555
|
)
|
(3,042,065
|
)
|
|||||||||
Net increase (decrease)
|
81,278
|
$
|
919,881
|
(62,348
|
)
|
$
|
(787,892
|
)
|
2
|
Net of redemption fees of $0 and $201, respectively.
|
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS For a capital share outstanding throughout each period/year
|
Six Months
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ended
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
February 29,
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
2024
|
Year Ended August 31,
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited)
|
2023
|
2022
|
2021
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value,
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
beginning of period/year
|
$
|
19.48
|
$
|
19.10
|
$
|
26.72
|
$
|
22.60
|
$
|
22.08
|
$
|
25.22
|
||||||||||||
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
income (loss)1
|
0.11
|
0.15
|
0.11
|
0.10
|
0.15
|
0.20
|
||||||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
gain (loss) on investments
|
1.25
|
0.98
|
(4.95
|
)
|
5.53
|
0.54
|
(1.95
|
)
|
||||||||||||||||
Total from
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
investment operations
|
1.36
|
1.13
|
(4.84
|
)
|
5.63
|
0.69
|
(1.75
|
)
|
||||||||||||||||
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
From net
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
investment income
|
(0.13
|
)
|
(0.10
|
)
|
(0.12
|
)
|
(0.16
|
)
|
(0.17
|
)
|
(0.24
|
)
|
||||||||||||
From net realized gain
|
(0.20
|
)
|
(0.65
|
)
|
(2.66
|
)
|
(1.35
|
)
|
—
|
(1.15
|
)
|
|||||||||||||
Total distributions
|
(0.33
|
)
|
(0.75
|
)
|
(2.78
|
)
|
(1.51
|
)
|
(0.17
|
)
|
(1.39
|
)
|
||||||||||||
Net asset value,
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
end of period/year
|
$
|
20.51
|
$
|
19.48
|
$
|
19.10
|
$
|
26.72
|
$
|
22.60
|
$
|
22.08
|
||||||||||||
Total return
|
7.04
|
%2
|
6.22
|
%
|
(19.80
|
)%
|
25.66
|
%
|
3.06
|
%
|
(6.20
|
)%
|
||||||||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
period/year (millions)
|
$
|
130.0
|
$
|
132.0
|
$
|
142.4
|
$
|
203.9
|
$
|
188.2
|
$
|
223.1
|
||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate
|
8
|
%2
|
20
|
%
|
21
|
%
|
28
|
%
|
22
|
%
|
21
|
%
|
||||||||||||
RATIOS
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Expenses before fees waived
|
1.04
|
%3
|
1.03
|
%
|
1.01
|
%
|
0.99
|
%
|
0.98
|
%
|
0.98
|
%
|
||||||||||||
Expenses after fees waived
|
0.99
|
%3
|
0.99
|
%
|
0.99
|
%
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
|||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
before fees waived
|
1.12
|
%3
|
0.77
|
%
|
0.45
|
%
|
0.38
|
%
|
0.69
|
%
|
0.89
|
%
|
||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
after fees waived
|
1.18
|
%3
|
0.81
|
%
|
0.47
|
%
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
1
|
Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.
|
2
|
Not Annualized.
|
3
|
Annualized.
|
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS For a capital share outstanding throughout each period/year
|
Six Months
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ended
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
February 29,
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
2024
|
Year Ended August 31,
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited)
|
2023
|
2022
|
2021
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value,
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
beginning of period/year
|
$
|
11.24
|
$
|
10.90
|
$
|
15.68
|
$
|
12.28
|
$
|
11.67
|
$
|
12.89
|
||||||||||||
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
income (loss)1
|
0.02
|
0.01
|
(0.04
|
)
|
(0.05
|
)
|
(0.03
|
)
|
0.02
|
|||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
gain (loss) on investments
|
0.68
|
0.63
|
(3.58
|
)
|
3.55
|
0.66
|
(1.21
|
)
|
||||||||||||||||
Total from
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
investment operations
|
0.70
|
0.64
|
(3.62
|
)
|
3.50
|
0.63
|
(1.19
|
)
|
||||||||||||||||
Paid-in capital from
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
redemption fees
|
—
|
0.00
|
2
|
0.00
|
2
|
0.00
|
2
|
0.00
|
2
|
—
|
||||||||||||||
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
From net
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
investment income
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(0.02
|
)
|
—
|
|||||||||||||||||
From net realized gain
|
(0.51
|
)
|
(0.30
|
)
|
(1.16
|
)
|
(0.10
|
)
|
—
|
(0.03
|
)
|
|||||||||||||
Total distributions
|
(0.51
|
)
|
(0.30
|
)
|
(1.16
|
)
|
(0.10
|
)
|
(0.02
|
)
|
(0.03
|
)
|
||||||||||||
Net asset value,
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
end of period/year
|
$
|
11.43
|
$
|
11.24
|
$
|
10.90
|
$
|
15.68
|
$
|
12.28
|
$
|
11.67
|
||||||||||||
Total return
|
6.37
|
%3
|
6.08
|
%
|
(24.54
|
)%
|
28.63
|
%
|
5.41
|
%
|
(9.16
|
)%
|
||||||||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
period/year (millions)
|
$
|
40.9
|
$
|
39.4
|
$
|
38.8
|
$
|
52.9
|
$
|
43.1
|
$
|
39.8
|
||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate
|
10
|
%3
|
23
|
%
|
12
|
%
|
26
|
%
|
35
|
%
|
36
|
%
|
||||||||||||
RATIOS:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Expenses before fees waived
|
1.30
|
%4
|
1.31
|
%
|
1.23
|
%
|
1.21
|
%
|
1.22
|
%
|
1.23
|
%
|
||||||||||||
Expenses after fees waived
|
1.25
|
%4
|
1.25
|
%
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
before fees waived
|
0.40
|
%4
|
(0.01
|
)%
|
(0.29
|
)%
|
(0.32
|
)%
|
(0.28
|
)%
|
0.19
|
%
|
||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
after fees waived
|
0.45
|
%4
|
0.05
|
%
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
1
|
Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period.
|
2
|
Does not round to $0.01 or $(0.01), as applicable.
|
3
|
Not Annualized.
|
4
|
Annualized.
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
|
NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION
|
NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
|
A.
|
Security Valuation. All equity securities, which may include Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”), Business Development Companies (“BDCs”) and Master
Limited Partnerships (“MLPs”), that are traded on U.S. or foreign national securities exchanges are valued either at the last reported sale price on the exchange on which the security is principally traded or the exchange’s official closing
price, if applicable. If, on a particular day, an exchange-traded security does not trade, then the mean between the most recent quoted bid and asked prices will be used. All equity securities, which may include REITs, BDCs and MLPs, that are
not traded on a listed exchange are 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.
|
|
Debt securities are valued by using the evaluated mean prices supplied by an approved independent pricing service. The independent pricing service may use various valuation methodologies,
including matrix pricing and other analytical pricing models as well as market transactions and dealer quotations. These
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)
|
models generally consider such factors as yields or prices of bonds of comparable quality, type of issue, coupon, maturity, ratings and general market conditions.
|
||
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at their respective fair values as determined in accordance with procedures approved by the Board of Trustees (the
“Board”). Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board has designated St. Denis J. Villere & Co., LLC (the “Advisor”) as valuation designee to perform fair value determinations relating to the Fund’s portfolio investments, subject
to the Board’s oversight. Fair value pricing is an inherently subjective process, and no single standard exists for determining fair value. Different funds could reasonably arrive at different values for the same security. The use of fair
value pricing by a 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 described above, the Funds utilize various methods to measure the fair value of its investments on a recurring basis. U.S. 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 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, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, default rates and similar data.
|
||
Level 3 –
|
Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available; representing the Funds’ own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant
would use in valuing the asset or liability and would be based on the best information available.
|
The availability of observable inputs can vary from security to security and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of security, whether the security is new
and not yet
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)
|
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 measurements fall 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 inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of February 29, 2024. See the Schedules of Investments for industry breakouts.
|
||
Balanced Fund
|
Investments
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Measured at
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Net Asset Value
|
Level 1
|
Level 2
|
Level 3
|
Total
|
|||||||||||||||||
Common Stocks1
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
96,515,305
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
0
|
$
|
96,515,305
|
|||||||||||
Convertible
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Stock
|
—
|
1,776,045
|
—
|
—
|
1,776,045
|
||||||||||||||||
Preferred Stocks
|
—
|
2,222,429
|
—
|
—
|
2,222,429
|
||||||||||||||||
Corporate Bonds
|
—
|
—
|
26,661,738
|
—
|
26,661,738
|
||||||||||||||||
Short-Term
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Investments
|
—
|
4,836,358
|
—
|
—
|
4,836,358
|
||||||||||||||||
Investments
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Purchased with
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Cash Proceeds
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
from Securities
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Lending2
|
35,287,188
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
35,287,188
|
||||||||||||||||
Total Investments
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
in Securities
|
$
|
35,287,188
|
$
|
105,350,137
|
$
|
26,661,738
|
$
|
0
|
$
|
167,299,063
|
1
|
See Schedule of Investments for disclosure of Level 3 securities.
|
|
2
|
Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the NAV per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient have not been characterized in the fair value hierarchy.
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)
|
The following is a reconciliation of the Balanced Fund’s Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:
|
Common Stocks
|
|||||
Balance as of August 31, 2023
|
$
|
0
|
|||
Acquisitions
|
—
|
||||
Dispositions
|
—
|
||||
Accrued discounts/premiums
|
—
|
||||
Realized gain (loss)
|
—
|
||||
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation
|
—
|
||||
Transfer in and/or out of Level 3
|
—
|
||||
Balance as of February 29, 2024
|
$
|
0
|
|||
Change in unrealized appreciation/
|
|||||
depreciation for Level 3 investments
|
|||||
held at February 29, 2024
|
$
|
—
|
Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. Increases in the adjustment to yield would decrease
price and decreases in the adjustment to yield would increase price.
|
||
The Adviser, as the Funds’ Valuation Designee, oversees valuation techniques.
|
Fair Value
|
Valuation
|
Unobservable
|
Input
|
||
Type of Security
|
at 2/29/24
|
Techniques
|
Input
|
Value(s)
|
|
Common Stock
|
$0.00
|
Issue Price
|
Market Data
|
$0.00
|
Equity Fund
|
Investments
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Measured at
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Net Asset Value
|
Level 1
|
Level 2
|
Level 3
|
Total
|
|||||||||||||||||
Common Stocks1
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
37,006,941
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
0
|
$
|
37,006,941
|
|||||||||||
Convertible
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Stock
|
—
|
426,251
|
—
|
—
|
426,251
|
||||||||||||||||
Short-Term
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Investments
|
—
|
3,948,606
|
—
|
—
|
3,948,606
|
||||||||||||||||
Investments
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Purchased with
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Cash Proceeds
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
from Securities
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Lending2
|
11,996,954
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
11,996,954
|
||||||||||||||||
Total Investments
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
in Securities
|
$
|
11,996,954
|
$
|
41,381,798
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
0
|
$
|
53,378,752
|
1
|
See Schedule of Investments for disclosure of Level 3 securities.
|
|
2
|
Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the NAV per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient have not been characterized in the fair value hierarchy.
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)
|
The following is a reconciliation of the Equity Fund’s Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:
|
Common Stocks
|
|||||
Balance as of August 31, 2023
|
$
|
0
|
|||
Acquisitions
|
—
|
||||
Dispositions
|
—
|
||||
Accrued discounts/premiums
|
—
|
||||
Realized gain (loss)
|
|||||
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation
|
—
|
||||
Transfer in and/or out of Level 3
|
—
|
||||
Balance as of February 29, 2024
|
$
|
0
|
|||
Change in unrealized appreciation/
|
|||||
depreciation for Level 3 investments
|
|||||
held at February 29, 2024
|
$
|
—
|
Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. Increases in the adjustment to yield would decrease
price and decreases in the adjustment to yield would increase price.
|
||
The Adviser, as the Funds’ Valuation Designee, oversees valuation techniques.
|
Fair Value
|
Valuation
|
Unobservable
|
Input
|
||
Type of Security
|
at 2/29/24
|
Techniques
|
Input
|
Value(s)
|
|
Common Stock
|
$0.00
|
Issue Price
|
Market Data
|
$0.00
|
B.
|
Federal Income Taxes. Each Fund has elected to be taxed as a “regulated investment company” and intends to distribute substantially all taxable income to
its shareholders and otherwise comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes or excise taxes has been made.
|
|
In order to avoid imposition of the excise tax applicable to regulated investment companies, each Fund intends to declare dividends in each calendar year of at least 98.0% of its net investment
income (earned during the calendar year) and 98.2% of its net realized capital gains (earned during the twelve months ended October 31) plus undistributed amounts, if any, from prior years.
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)
|
Net capital losses incurred after October 31 and within the taxable year are deemed to arise on the first business day of each Fund’s next taxable year. At the most recent fiscal year ended
August 31, 2023, the Funds had no capital loss carryovers available for federal income tax purposes.
|
||
As of February 29, 2024, the Funds did not have any tax positions that did not meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Generally, tax
authorities can examine all the tax returns filed for the last three years. The Funds identify major tax jurisdiction as U.S. Federal and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. As of February 29, 2024, the Funds are not aware of any tax positions
for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially.
|
||
C.
|
Securities 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. Discounts/premiums on debt securities purchased are accreted/amortized over the life of the respective securities using the effective interest method. Dividend income is
recorded on the ex- dividend date. Interest income and securities lending income are recorded on an accrual basis. Other non-cash dividends are recognized as investment income at the fair value of the property received. Withholding taxes on
foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the Trust’s understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates.
|
|
D.
|
Distributions to Shareholders. Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and net realized gains on securities for each Fund normally are
declared and paid on an annual basis. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
|
|
E.
|
Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
|
|
F.
|
Share Valuation. The net asset value (“NAV”) per share of the Funds are calculated by dividing the sum of the value of the securities held
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)
|
by each Fund, plus cash and other assets, minus all liabilities (including estimated accrued expenses) by the total number of shares outstanding for each Fund, rounded to the nearest cent. Each
Fund’s shares will not be priced on the days on which the New York Stock Exchange is closed for trading. The offering and redemption price per share for each Fund is equal to each Fund’s NAV per share. The Equity Fund charges a 2.00%
redemption fee on shares held less than 60 calendar days. This fee is deducted from the redemption proceeds otherwise payable to the shareholder. The Equity Fund retains the fee charged as paid-in capital and such fees become part of the
Fund’s daily NAV calculation.
|
||
G.
|
Guarantees and Indemnifications. In the normal course of business, each Fund enters into contracts with service providers that contain general
indemnification clauses. Each Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against each Fund that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Funds expect the
risk of loss to be remote.
|
|
H.
|
Illiquid Securities. Pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, the Funds have adopted a Board approved liquidity risk management program that requires,
among other things, that the Funds limit their illiquid investments that are assets to no more than 15% of net assets. An illiquid investment is any investment that the Funds reasonably expect cannot be sold or disposed of in current market
conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment.
|
|
I.
|
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements. In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2022-03, which amends Fair Value Measurement (Topic
820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 clarifies guidance for fair value measurement of an equity security subject to a contractual sale restriction and
establishes new disclosure requirements for such equity securities. ASU 2022-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Management is
currently evaluating the impact of these amendments on the financial statements.
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)
|
In October 2022, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) adopted a final rule relating to Tailored Shareholder Reports for Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds; Fee Information in
Investment Company Advertisements. The rule and form amendments will, among other things, require the Fund to transmit concise and visually engaging shareholder reports that highlight key information. The amendments will require that funds
tag information in a structured data format and that certain more in-depth information be made available online and available for delivery free of charge to investors on request. The amendments became effective January 24, 2023. There is an
18-month transition period after the effective date of the amendment.
|
||
J.
|
Subsequent Events. In preparing these financial statements, the Funds have evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure
through the date the financial statements were issued. The Funds have determined that there were no subsequent events that would need to be disclosed in the Funds’ financial statements.
|
NOTE 3 – COMMITMENTS AND OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)
|
Expiration
|
Balanced Fund
|
Equity Fund
|
|||||||
February 29, 2027
|
$
|
32,978
|
$
|
9,132
|
|||||
August 31, 2026
|
50,763
|
24,169
|
|||||||
August 31, 2025
|
36,727
|
—
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)
|
NOTE 4 – SECURITIES LENDING
|
Market Value of
|
Payable on
|
||||||||
Securities on Loan
|
Collateral Received
|
||||||||
Balanced Fund
|
$
|
34,496,546
|
$
|
35,287,188
|
|||||
Equity Fund
|
11,680,070
|
11,996,954
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)
|
NOTE 5 – PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES
|
Purchases
|
Sales/Maturities
|
||||||||
Balanced Fund
|
$
|
9,661,091
|
$
|
12,311,130
|
|||||
Equity Fund
|
4,160,981
|
3,469,550
|
NOTE 6 – DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
|
February 29, 2024
|
August 31, 2023
|
||||||||
Distributions paid from:
|
|||||||||
Ordinary income
|
$
|
823,317
|
$
|
743,632
|
|||||
Long-term capital gain
|
1,301,497
|
4,685,616
|
|||||||
$
|
2,124,814
|
$
|
5,429,248
|
||||||
Equity Fund
|
|||||||||
February 29, 2024
|
August 31, 2023
|
||||||||
Distributions paid from:
|
|||||||||
Ordinary income
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
—
|
|||||
Long-term capital gain
|
1,761,239
|
1,053,970
|
|||||||
$
|
1,761,239
|
$
|
1,053,970
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)
|
Balanced Fund
|
|||||
Cost of investments
|
$
|
159,197,494
|
|||
Gross tax unrealized appreciation
|
24,449,108
|
||||
Gross tax unrealized depreciation
|
(22,791,497
|
)
|
|||
Gross tax unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
|
1,657,611
|
||||
Undistributed ordinary income
|
823,317
|
||||
Undistributed long-term capital gain
|
1,301,432
|
||||
Total distributable earnings
|
2,124,749
|
||||
Other distributable (accumulated) earnings (losses)
|
—
|
||||
Total distributable (accumulated) earnings (losses)
|
$
|
3,782,360
|
|||
Equity Fund
|
|||||
Cost of investments
|
$
|
48,872,614
|
|||
Gross tax unrealized appreciation
|
8,786,280
|
||||
Gross tax unrealized depreciation
|
(7,552,298
|
)
|
|||
Gross tax unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
|
1,233,982
|
||||
Undistributed ordinary income
|
—
|
||||
Undistributed long-term capital gain
|
1,761,215
|
||||
Total distributable earnings
|
1,761,215
|
||||
Other distributable (accumulated) earnings (losses)
|
—
|
||||
Total distributable (accumulated) earnings (losses)
|
$
|
2,995,197
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)
|
NOTE 7 – CREDIT FACILITY
|
Balanced Fund
|
Equity Fund
|
||||||||
Maximum available credit
|
$
|
25,000,000
|
$
|
2,500,000
|
|||||
Largest amount outstanding
|
|||||||||
on an individual day
|
—
|
—
|
|||||||
Average daily loan outstanding
|
|||||||||
when in use
|
—
|
—
|
|||||||
Credit facility outstanding as
|
|||||||||
of February 29, 2024
|
—
|
—
|
|||||||
Average interest rate when in use
|
—
|
—
|
EXPENSE EXAMPLES For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
|
EXPENSE EXAMPLES For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)
|
Beginning
|
Ending
|
Expenses Paid
|
|
Account
|
Account
|
During the Period
|
|
Value 9/1/23
|
Value 2/29/24
|
9/1/23 – 2/29/241
|
|
Actual
|
$1,000.00
|
$1,070.40
|
$5.10
|
Hypothetical (5% return
|
|||
before expenses)
|
1,000.00
|
1,019.94
|
4.97
|
1
|
Expenses are equal to the Balanced Fund’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six-month period of 0.99% (fee waivers in effect) multiplied by the average account value over the period
multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period).
|
Beginning
|
Ending
|
Expenses Paid
|
|
Account
|
Account
|
During the Period
|
|
Value 9/1/23
|
Value 2/29/24
|
9/1/23 – 2/29/242
|
|
Actual
|
$1,000.00
|
$1,063.70
|
$6.41
|
Hypothetical (5% return
|
|||
before expenses)
|
1,000.00
|
1,018.65
|
6.27
|
2
|
Expenses are equal to the Equity Fund’s annualized expense ratio for the most recent six-month period of 1.25% (fee waivers in effect) multiplied by the average account value over the period
multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period).
|
INFORMATION ABOUT PROXY VOTING (Unaudited)
|
INFORMATION ABOUT THE PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS (Unaudited)
|
INFORMATION ABOUT HOUSEHOLDING (Unaudited)
|
INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS’ TRUSTEES (Unaudited)
|
PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)
|
(b)
|
Not applicable.
|
(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.
|
(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. Incorporated by reference to previous Form N-CSR filing.
|