Investment Results & Returns - Retail Class
|
2
|
Investment Results & Returns - Institutional Class
|
3
|
Sector Allocation
|
4
|
Schedule of Investments
|
5
|
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
|
8
|
Statement of Operations
|
9
|
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
|
10
|
Financial Highlights
|
12
|
Notes to Financial Statements
|
14
|
Expense Examples
|
22
|
Additional Information
|
24
|
Privacy Notice
|
25
|
INVESTMENT RESULTS (Unaudited)
|
One Year
|
Five Years
|
Ten Years
|
|
Becker Value Equity Fund – Retail Class
|
13.53%
|
9.18%
|
7.87%
|
Russell 1000® Value Index
|
13.42%
|
8.60%
|
8.43%
|
INVESTMENT RESULTS (Unaudited) (Continued)
|
One Year
|
Five Years
|
Ten Years
|
|
Becker Value Equity Fund – Institutional Class
|
13.69%
|
9.28%
|
8.00%
|
Russell 1000® Value Index
|
13.42%
|
8.60%
|
8.43%
|
SECTOR ALLOCATION at April 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
|
Sector
|
% of Net Assets
|
||||
Financials
|
18.8
|
%
|
|||
Health Care
|
15.4
|
||||
Information Technology
|
10.9
|
||||
Industrials
|
9.8
|
||||
Consumer Staples
|
8.7
|
||||
Energy
|
6.8
|
||||
Communication Services
|
6.7
|
||||
Cash 1
|
6.5
|
||||
Consumer Discretionary
|
6.0
|
||||
Materials
|
6.0
|
||||
Utilities
|
4.4
|
||||
Total
|
100.0
|
%
|
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at April 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
|
Shares
|
Value
|
||||||
COMMON STOCKS: 93.5%
|
|||||||
Communication Services: 6.7%
|
|||||||
10,015
|
Alphabet, Inc. -
|
||||||
Class A 1
|
$
|
1,630,242
|
|||||
55,195
|
Verizon
|
||||||
Communications,
|
|||||||
Inc.
|
2,179,650
|
||||||
18,415
|
Walt Disney Co.
|
2,045,906
|
|||||
66,535
|
Warner Bros
|
||||||
Discovery, Inc. 1
|
489,698
|
||||||
6,345,496
|
|||||||
Consumer Discretionary: 6.0%
|
|||||||
12,815
|
Amazon.com, Inc. 1
|
2,242,625
|
|||||
550
|
AutoZone, Inc. 1
|
1,626,020
|
|||||
2,604
|
Home Depot, Inc.
|
870,309
|
|||||
10,375
|
NIKE, Inc. - Class B
|
957,197
|
|||||
5,696,151
|
|||||||
Consumer Staples: 8.7%
|
|||||||
9,350
|
Diageo PLC
|
1,291,796
|
|||||
7,005
|
Dollar Tree, Inc. 1
|
828,341
|
|||||
11,755
|
Procter &
|
||||||
Gamble Co.
|
1,918,416
|
||||||
31,410
|
Sysco Corp.
|
2,334,391
|
|||||
31,899
|
Walmart, Inc.
|
1,893,206
|
|||||
8,266,150
|
|||||||
Energy: 6.8%
|
|||||||
11,842
|
Chevron Corp.
|
1,909,759
|
|||||
17,280
|
Exxon Mobil Corp.
|
2,043,706
|
|||||
78,780
|
Kinder Morgan, Inc.
|
1,440,099
|
|||||
15,346
|
Shell PLC
|
1,099,694
|
|||||
6,493,258
|
|||||||
Financials: 18.8%
|
|||||||
8,860
|
Berkshire Hathaway,
|
||||||
Inc. - Class B 1
|
3,515,028
|
||||||
3,680
|
BlackRock, Inc.
|
2,777,075
|
|||||
35,730
|
Charles
|
||||||
Schwab Corp.
|
2,642,234
|
||||||
9,310
|
Chubb Ltd.
|
2,314,838
|
|||||
5,150
|
Goldman Sachs
|
||||||
Group, Inc.
|
2,197,557
|
||||||
15,265
|
JPMorgan
|
||||||
Chase & Co.
|
2,926,911
|
||||||
22,110
|
PayPal
|
||||||
Holdings, Inc. 1
|
1,501,711
|
||||||
17,875,354
|
|||||||
Health Care: 15.4%
|
|||||||
12,875
|
Johnson & Johnson
|
1,861,596
|
|||||
50,881
|
Koninklijke
|
||||||
Philips NV 1
|
1,350,891
|
||||||
3,370
|
McKesson Corp.
|
1,810,398
|
|||||
24,240
|
Medtronic PLC
|
1,945,018
|
|||||
14,685
|
Merck & Co., Inc.
|
1,897,596
|
|||||
3,885
|
Molina
|
||||||
Healthcare, Inc. 1
|
1,329,058
|
||||||
45,925
|
Pfizer, Inc.
|
1,176,598
|
|||||
7,287
|
Quest
|
||||||
Diagnostics, Inc.
|
1,006,918
|
||||||
47,110
|
Sanofi SA
|
2,319,225
|
|||||
14,697,298
|
|||||||
Industrials: 9.8%
|
|||||||
38,685
|
Carrier Global Corp.
|
2,378,741
|
|||||
5,925
|
Eaton Corp. PLC
|
1,885,691
|
|||||
43,710
|
Embraer SA 1
|
1,116,790
|
|||||
5,710
|
General
|
||||||
Dynamics Corp.
|
1,639,284
|
||||||
23,381
|
RTX Corp.
|
2,373,639
|
|||||
9,394,145
|
|||||||
Information Technology: 10.9%
|
|||||||
9,995
|
Apple, Inc.
|
1,702,448
|
|||||
54,045
|
Cisco Systems, Inc.
|
2,539,034
|
|||||
26,840
|
Intel Corp.
|
817,815
|
|||||
4,480
|
Microsoft Corp.
|
1,744,199
|
|||||
11,035
|
QUALCOMM, Inc.
|
1,830,155
|
|||||
6,495
|
Salesforce, Inc.
|
1,746,765
|
|||||
10,380,416
|
|||||||
Materials: 6.0%
|
|||||||
8,275
|
Air Products and
|
||||||
Chemicals, Inc.
|
1,955,714
|
||||||
32,785
|
Methanex Corp.
|
1,570,729
|
|||||
54,805
|
Newmont Corp.
|
2,227,275
|
|||||
5,753,718
|
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS at April 30, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)
|
Shares
|
Value
|
||||||
COMMON STOCKS: 93.5% (Continued)
|
|||||||
Utilities: 4.4%
|
|||||||
51,475
|
FirstEnergy Corp.
|
$
|
1,973,551
|
||||
30,620
|
Southern Co.
|
2,250,570
|
|||||
4,224,121
|
|||||||
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
|
|||||||
(Cost $60,958,633)
|
89,126,107
|
||||||
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS: 3.8%
|
|||||||
Money Market Funds: 3.8%
|
|||||||
3,646,393
|
First American
|
||||||
Treasury Obligations
|
|||||||
Fund - Class X,
5.212% 2
|
|||||||
3,646,393
|
|||||||
TOTAL MONEY
|
|||||||
MARKET FUNDS: 3.8%
|
3,646,393
|
||||||
TOTAL SHORT-TERM
|
|||||||
INVESTMENTS
|
|||||||
(Cost $3,646,393)
|
3,646,393
|
||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
|
|||||||
IN SECURITIES: 97.3%
|
|||||||
(Cost $64,605,026)
|
92,772,500
|
||||||
Other Assets in Excess
|
|||||||
of Liabilities: 2.7%
|
2,526,603
|
||||||
TOTAL NET ASSETS: 100.0%
|
$
|
95,299,103
|
1
|
Non-income producing security.
|
2
|
Annualized seven-day effective yield as of April 30, 2024.
|
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES at April 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
|
ASSETS
|
||||
Investments in securities, at value (cost $64,605,026)
|
$
|
92,772,500
|
||
Receivables:
|
||||
Fund shares sold
|
2,666
|
|||
Dividends and interest
|
163,259
|
|||
Prepaid expenses
|
29,176
|
|||
Total assets
|
95,398,241
|
|||
LIABILITIES
|
||||
Payables
|
||||
Fund shares redeemed
|
265
|
|||
Investment advisory fees, net
|
16,346
|
|||
Administration fees
|
13,024
|
|||
Accounting fees
|
7,340
|
|||
Service fees - Retail class
|
33,196
|
|||
Audit fees
|
8,383
|
|||
Transfer agent fees
|
10,004
|
|||
Reports to shareholders
|
8,636
|
|||
Custody fees
|
1,009
|
|||
Chief Compliance Officer fees
|
2,968
|
|||
Trustee fees
|
270
|
|||
Registration fees
|
347
|
|||
Other accrued expenses
|
98
|
|||
Total liabilities
|
97,138
|
|||
NET ASSETS
|
$
|
95,299,103
|
||
COMPONENTS OF NET ASSETS
|
||||
Paid-in capital
|
$
|
61,764,742
|
||
Total distributable (accumulated) earnings (losses)
|
33,534,361
|
|||
Total net assets
|
$
|
95,299,103
|
||
COMPONENTS OF NET ASSET VALUE
|
||||
RETAIL CLASS
|
||||
Net assets
|
$
|
28,522,409
|
||
Shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding
|
1,480,205
|
|||
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share
|
$
|
19.27
|
||
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS
|
||||
Net assets
|
$
|
66,776,694
|
||
Shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding
|
3,441,888
|
|||
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share
|
$
|
19.40
|
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS For the Six Months Ended April 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
|
INVESTMENT INCOME
|
||||
Income:
|
||||
Dividends from investments
|
$
|
752,450
|
||
(net of foreign withholding tax and issuance fees of $4,815)
|
||||
Interest
|
97,926
|
|||
Total investment income
|
850,376
|
|||
EXPENSES
|
||||
Investment advisory fees
|
251,826
|
|||
Administration fees
|
38,982
|
|||
Transfer agent fees
|
30,994
|
|||
Accounting fees
|
22,305
|
|||
Registration fees
|
16,767
|
|||
Miscellaneous expenses
|
14,432
|
|||
Service fees – Retail Class
|
14,036
|
|||
Audit fees
|
8,311
|
|||
Trustees fees
|
10,977
|
|||
Chief Compliance Officer fees
|
7,926
|
|||
Reports to shareholders
|
3,463
|
|||
Legal fees
|
7,216
|
|||
Insurance expenses
|
1,490
|
|||
Custody fees
|
3,361
|
|||
Total expenses
|
432,086
|
|||
Less: fees waived
|
(106,702
|
)
|
||
Net expenses
|
325,384
|
|||
Net investment income (loss)
|
524,992
|
|||
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
|
||||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
|
5,117,997
|
|||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments
|
8,794,139
|
|||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
|
13,912,136
|
|||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
|
$
|
14,437,128
|
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
|
Six Months
|
||||||||
Ended
|
||||||||
April 30,
|
Year Ended
|
|||||||
2024
|
October 31,
|
|||||||
(Unaudited)
|
2023
|
|||||||
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM:
|
||||||||
OPERATIONS
|
||||||||
Net investment income (loss)
|
$
|
524,992
|
$
|
1,290,419
|
||||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
|
5,117,997
|
10,055,702
|
||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation
|
||||||||
on investments
|
8,794,139
|
(8,834,186
|
)
|
|||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
|
||||||||
resulting from operations
|
14,437,128
|
2,511,935
|
||||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
|
||||||||
Distributions to shareholders – Retail Class
|
(3,035,016
|
)
|
(2,229,878
|
)
|
||||
Distributions to shareholders – Institutional Class
|
(6,646,523
|
)
|
(5,207,768
|
)
|
||||
Total distributions to shareholders
|
(9,681,539
|
)
|
(7,437,646
|
)
|
||||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
|
||||||||
Increase (decrease) in net assets derived from net change
|
||||||||
in outstanding shares – Retail Class 1
|
1,145,454
|
(1,137,784
|
)
|
|||||
Increase (decrease) in net assets derived from net change
|
||||||||
in outstanding shares – Institutional Class 1
|
5,277,376
|
(12,300,344
|
)
|
|||||
Total increase (decrease) in net assets
|
||||||||
from capital share transactions
|
6,422,830
|
(13,438,128
|
)
|
|||||
Total increase (decrease) in net assets
|
11,178,419
|
(18,363,839
|
)
|
|||||
NET ASSETS
|
||||||||
Beginning of period/year
|
$
|
84,120,684
|
$
|
102,484,523
|
||||
End of period/year
|
$
|
95,299,103
|
$
|
84,120,684
|
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (Continued)
|
1
|
Summary of share transactions is as follows:
|
Six Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||||
April 30, 2024
|
Year Ended
|
||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited)
|
October 31, 2023
|
||||||||||||||||
Shares
|
Amount
|
Shares
|
Amount
|
||||||||||||||
Retail Class:
|
|||||||||||||||||
Shares sold
|
43,375
|
$
|
821,891
|
40,886
|
$
|
781,150
|
|||||||||||
Shares issued
|
|||||||||||||||||
in reinvestment
|
|||||||||||||||||
of distributions
|
170,364
|
2,995,001
|
119,030
|
2,200,857
|
|||||||||||||
Shares redeemed 2
|
(144,626
|
)
|
(2,671,438
|
)
|
(214,674
|
)
|
(4,119,791
|
)
|
|||||||||
Net increase (decrease)
|
69,113
|
$
|
1,145,454
|
(54,758
|
)
|
$
|
(1,137,784
|
)
|
|||||||||
Beginning of year
|
1,411,092
|
1,465,850
|
|||||||||||||||
End of year
|
1,480,205
|
1,411,092
|
|||||||||||||||
Six Months Ended
|
|||||||||||||||||
April 30, 2024
|
Year Ended
|
||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited)
|
October 31, 2023
|
||||||||||||||||
Shares
|
Amount
|
Shares
|
Amount
|
||||||||||||||
Institutional Class:
|
|||||||||||||||||
Shares sold
|
69,417
|
$
|
1,313,110
|
100,799
|
$
|
1,919,306
|
|||||||||||
Shares issued
|
|||||||||||||||||
in reinvestment
|
|||||||||||||||||
of distributions
|
369,209
|
6,531,316
|
273,854
|
5,085,467
|
|||||||||||||
Shares redeemed 2
|
(138,389
|
)
|
(2,567,050
|
)
|
(979,013
|
)
|
(19,305,117
|
)
|
|||||||||
Net increase (decrease)
|
300,237
|
$
|
5,277,376
|
(604,360
|
)
|
$
|
(12,300,344
|
)
|
|||||||||
Beginning of year
|
3,141,651
|
3,746,011
|
|||||||||||||||
End of year
|
3,441,888
|
3,141,651
|
2
|
Net of redemption fees of $10 and $20 for 2024, and $2 and $— for 2023 for Retail Class and Institutional Class, respectively.
|
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS For a capital share outstanding throughout each period/year
|
Six Months
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ended
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
April 30,
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
2024
|
Year Ended October 31,
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited)
|
2023
|
2022
|
2021
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value,
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
beginning of period/year
|
$
|
18.41
|
$
|
19.61
|
$
|
23.59
|
$
|
16.43
|
$
|
17.94
|
$
|
18.66
|
||||||||||||
INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
income (loss) 1
|
0.10
|
0.25
|
0.23
|
0.31
|
0.33
|
0.34
|
||||||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
gain (loss) on investments
|
2.89
|
0.12
|
(1.60
|
)
|
7.31
|
(1.43
|
)
|
0.36
|
||||||||||||||||
Total from
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
investment operations
|
2.99
|
0.37
|
(1.37
|
)
|
7.62
|
(1.10
|
)
|
0.70
|
||||||||||||||||
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions from net
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
investment income
|
(0.30
|
)
|
(0.30
|
)
|
(0.28
|
)
|
(0.46
|
)
|
(0.41
|
)
|
(0.36
|
)
|
||||||||||||
Distributions from net
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
realized gain (loss)
|
(1.83
|
)
|
(1.27
|
)
|
(2.33
|
)
|
—
|
—
|
(1.06
|
)
|
||||||||||||||
Total distributions
|
(2.13
|
)
|
(1.57
|
)
|
(2.61
|
)
|
(0.46
|
)
|
(0.41
|
)
|
(1.42
|
)
|
||||||||||||
Proceeds from
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
redemption fees
|
0.00
|
2
|
0.00
|
2
|
—
|
0.00
|
2
|
0.00
|
2
|
0.00
|
2
|
|||||||||||||
Net asset value,
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
end of period/year
|
$
|
19.27
|
$
|
18.41
|
$
|
19.61
|
$
|
23.59
|
$
|
16.43
|
$
|
17.94
|
||||||||||||
Total return
|
17.36
|
%3
|
1.86
|
%
|
(6.63
|
)%
|
47.10
|
%
|
(6.36
|
)%
|
4.64
|
%
|
||||||||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period/
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
year (000’s omitted)
|
$
|
28,522
|
$
|
25,980
|
$
|
28,743
|
$
|
33,722
|
$
|
25,880
|
$
|
55,948
|
||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate
|
8
|
%3
|
31
|
%
|
28
|
%
|
28
|
%
|
34
|
%
|
37
|
%
|
||||||||||||
Ratios to average net assets:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Expenses before
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
fees waived
|
1.01
|
%4
|
1.00
|
%
|
0.93
|
%
|
0.88
|
%
|
0.88
|
%
|
0.80
|
%
|
||||||||||||
Expenses after
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
fees waived
|
0.78
|
%4
|
0.78
|
%
|
0.78
|
%
|
0.78
|
%
|
0.78
|
%
|
0.78
|
%
|
||||||||||||
Net investment
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
income (loss)
|
1.08
|
%4
|
1.32
|
%
|
1.13
|
%
|
1.48
|
%
|
1.94
|
%
|
1.99
|
%
|
1
|
Calculated using the average shares outstanding method.
|
2
|
Does not round to $0.01 or $(0.01), as applicable.
|
3
|
Not annualized.
|
4
|
Annualized.
|
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS For a capital share outstanding throughout each period/year
|
Six Months
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ended
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
April 30,
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
2024
|
Year Ended October 31,
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited)
|
2023
|
2022
|
2021
|
2020
|
2019
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value,
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
beginning of period/year
|
$
|
18.51
|
$
|
19.69
|
$
|
23.67
|
$
|
16.49
|
$
|
18.01
|
$
|
18.73
|
||||||||||||
INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income 1
|
0.11
|
0.27
|
0.25
|
0.33
|
0.35
|
0.36
|
||||||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
gain (loss) on investments
|
2.90
|
0.12
|
(1.59
|
)
|
7.33
|
(1.43
|
)
|
0.37
|
||||||||||||||||
Total from
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
investment operations
|
3.01
|
0.39
|
(1.34
|
)
|
7.66
|
(1.08
|
)
|
0.73
|
||||||||||||||||
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions from net
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
investment income
|
(0.29
|
)
|
(0.30
|
)
|
(0.31
|
)
|
(0.48
|
)
|
(0.44
|
)
|
(0.39
|
)
|
||||||||||||
Distributions from
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
net realized gain
|
(1.83
|
)
|
(1.27
|
)
|
(2.33
|
)
|
—
|
—
|
(1.06
|
)
|
||||||||||||||
Total distributions
|
(2.12
|
)
|
(1.57
|
)
|
(2.64
|
)
|
(0.48
|
)
|
(0.44
|
)
|
(1.45
|
)
|
||||||||||||
Proceeds from
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
redemption fees
|
0.00
|
2
|
—
|
—
|
0.00
|
2
|
0.00
|
2
|
0.00
|
2
|
||||||||||||||
Net asset value,
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
end of period/year
|
$
|
19.40
|
$
|
18.51
|
$
|
19.69
|
$
|
23.67
|
$
|
16.49
|
$
|
18.01
|
||||||||||||
Total return
|
17.37
|
%3
|
1.97
|
%
|
(6.51
|
)%
|
47.22
|
%
|
(6.27
|
)%
|
4.76
|
%
|
||||||||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period/
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
year (000’s omitted)
|
$
|
66,777
|
$
|
58,141
|
$
|
73,741
|
$
|
116,680
|
$
|
84,483
|
$
|
226,701
|
||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate
|
8
|
%3
|
31
|
%
|
28
|
%
|
28
|
%
|
34
|
%
|
37
|
%
|
||||||||||||
Ratios to average net assets:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Expenses before
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
fees waived
|
0.91
|
%4
|
0.90
|
%
|
0.82
|
%
|
0.78
|
%
|
0.78
|
%
|
0.70
|
%
|
||||||||||||
Expenses after
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
fees waived
|
0.68
|
%4
|
0.68
|
%
|
0.68
|
%
|
0.68
|
%
|
0.68
|
%
|
0.68
|
%
|
||||||||||||
Net investment
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
income (loss)
|
1.18
|
%4
|
1.43
|
%
|
1.23
|
%
|
1.57
|
%
|
2.03
|
%
|
2.09
|
%
|
1
|
Calculated using the average shares outstanding method.
|
2
|
Does not round to $0.01 or $(0.01), as applicable.
|
3
|
Not annualized.
|
4
|
Annualized.
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS April 30, 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 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, which 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.
|
|
Securities for which market quotations are not ready available are valued at their respective fair values as determined in accordance with procedures approved by the Board of Trustees (the
“Board”). Pursuant
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS April 30, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)
|
to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board has designated Becker Capital Management (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. 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 Fund utilizes 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 Fund has the ability to access.
|
||
Level 2 –
|
Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include quoted prices for the
identical instrument on an inactive market, prices for similar instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, default rates, and similar data.
|
||
Level 3 –
|
Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available; representing the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant
would use in valuing the asset or liability; and would be based on the best information available.
|
The availability of observable inputs can vary from security to security and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of security, whether the security is new
and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets, and other characteristics particular to the security. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the
determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3.
|
||
The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the
fair value measurements fall in its entirety, is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS April 30, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)
|
The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of April 30, 2024. See the Schedule of Investments for sector breakouts.
|
Description
|
Level 1
|
Level 2
|
Level 3
|
Total
|
|||||||||||||
Common Stocks
|
$
|
89,126,107
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
89,126,107
|
|||||||||
Short-Term
|
|||||||||||||||||
Investments
|
3,646,393
|
—
|
—
|
3,646,393
|
|||||||||||||
Total Investments
|
|||||||||||||||||
in Securities
|
$
|
92,772,500
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
92,772,500
|
B.
|
Foreign Currency. Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts at the
date of valuation. Purchases and sales of investment securities and income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts on the respective dates of such transactions. The Fund does not isolate
that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and
unrealized gain or loss from investments. The Fund reports net realized foreign exchange gains or losses that arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities
transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange
gains and losses arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities, at fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.
|
|
C.
|
Federal Income Taxes. The Fund 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, the Fund intends to declare each year as dividends in each calendar year at least 98.0% of its net
investment income (earned during the calendar year) and at least 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 April 30, 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 the Fund’s next taxable year. Net investment losses incurred after
December 31, and within the taxable year, are deemed to arise on the first business day of the Fund’s next taxable year. As of the Fund’s most recent fiscal year end October 31, 2023, the Fund had no
late year losses or capital loss carry-forwards.
|
||
As of April 30, 2024, the Fund 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 Fund identifies its major tax jurisdictions as U.S. Federal and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. As of April 30, 2024, the Fund was not aware of any tax
positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially.
|
||
D.
|
Security Transactions and Investment Income. Investment securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Gains and losses realized on sales
of securities are determined on a specific identification basis. 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. Dividends received from REITs and MLPs are generally comprised of ordinary income, capital gains and may include return of capital. Interest income is 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.
|
|
E.
|
Distributions to Shareholders. Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and net realized gains on securities for the Fund normally are
declared and paid on an annual basis. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
|
|
F.
|
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, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
|
|
G.
|
Share Valuation. The net asset value (“NAV”) per share of the Fund is calculated by dividing the sum of the value of the securities held by the Fund,
plus cash and other assets, minus all liabilities (including
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS April 30, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)
|
estimated accrued expenses) by the total number of shares outstanding of the Fund, rounded to the nearest cent. The Fund’s shares will not be priced on the days on which the New York Stock
Exchange is closed for trading. The offering and redemption price per share for the Fund is equal to the Fund’s net asset value per share. The Fund charges a 1.00% redemption fee on shares held less than 30 days. These fees are deducted from
the redemption proceeds otherwise payable to the shareholder. The Fund will retain the fee charged as paid-in capital and such fees become part of the Fund’s daily NAV calculation.
|
||
H.
|
Guarantees and Indemnifications. In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts with service providers that contain general
indemnification clauses. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk
of loss to be remote.
|
|
I.
|
Illiquid Securities. Pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, the Fund has adopted a Board approved Liquidity Risk management Program (“LRMP”) that
requires, among other things, that the Fund limits its illiquid investments that are assets to no more than 15% of net assets. An illiquid investment is any security which may not reasonably be expected to 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.
|
|
J.
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS April 30, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)
|
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.
|
||
K.
|
Subsequent Events. In preparing these financial statements, the Fund have evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure
through the date the financial statements were issued. The Fund has determined that there were no subsequent events that would need to be disclosed in the Fund’s financial statements.
|
NOTE 3 – COMMITMENTS AND OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS April 30, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)
|
Year of Expiration
|
Amount
|
||||
October 31, 2024
|
$
|
81,534
|
|||
October 31, 2025
|
175,841
|
||||
October 31, 2026
|
201,273
|
||||
April 30, 2027
|
106,702
|
NOTE 4 – PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES
|
NOTE 5 – DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
|
2024
|
2023
|
||||||||
Ordinary Income
|
$
|
1,321,843
|
$
|
1,412,584
|
|||||
Long-term capital gain
|
8,359,696
|
6,025,062
|
|||||||
Short-term capital gain
|
—
|
—
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS April 30, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)
|
Cost of investments
|
$
|
64,799,413
|
|||
Gross tax unrealized appreciation
|
21,335,304
|
||||
Gross tax unrealized depreciation
|
(1,972,122
|
)
|
|||
Gross tax unrealized appreciation/depreciation
|
19,363,182
|
||||
Undistributed ordinary income
|
1,055,907
|
||||
Undistributed long-term capital gain
|
8,359,683
|
||||
Total distributable earnings
|
9,415,590
|
||||
Other accumulated gain (loss)
|
—
|
||||
Total distributable (accumulated) earnings (losses)
|
$
|
28,778,772
|
NOTE 6 – CREDIT FACILITY
|
Maximum available credit
|
$4,500,000
|
||
Largest amount outstanding on an individual day
|
—
|
||
Average balance when in use
|
—
|
||
Credit facility outstanding as of April 30, 2024
|
—
|
||
Average interest rate when in use
|
8.50%
|
EXPENSE EXAMPLES For the Six Months Ended April 30, 2024 (Unaudited)
|
EXPENSE EXAMPLES For the Six Months Ended April 30, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)
|
Beginning
|
Ending
|
Expenses Paid
|
|
Account Value
|
Account Value
|
During the Period
|
|
Class
|
11/1/23
|
4/30/24
|
11/1/23 - 4/30/24*
|
Retail
|
|||
Actual
|
$1,000.00
|
$1,173.60
|
$4.22
|
Hypothetical (5% return
|
|||
before expenses)
|
1,000.00
|
1,020.98
|
3.92
|
Institutional
|
|||
Actual
|
1,000.00
|
1,173.70
|
3.68
|
Hypothetical (5% return
|
|||
before expenses)
|
1,000.00
|
1,021.48
|
3.42
|
*
|
The calculations are based on expenses incurred during the most recent six-month period for the Fund. The annualized expense ratios for the most recent six-month period for the Fund’s Retail
Class and Institutional Class were 0.78% and 0.68% (reflecting fee waivers in effect), respectively. The dollar amounts shown as expenses paid for the Fund are equal to the annualized six-month expense ratio multiplied by the average account
value during the period, multiplied by 182 (the number of days in the most recent six-month period) and divided by 366 (the number of days in the fiscal year).
|
INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S TRUSTEES (Unaudited)
|
INFORMATION ABOUT PROXY VOTING (Unaudited)
|
INFORMATION ABOUT THE PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS (Unaudited)
|
INFORMATION ABOUT HOUSEHOLDING (Unaudited)
|
PRIVACY NOTICE (Unaudited)
|
Ticker
|
CUSIP
|
|
Retail Class
|
BVEFX
|
74316J516
|
Institutional Class
|
BVEIX
|
74316J490
|
(a)
|
The Registrant’s President and Treasurer 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 fiscal period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
|
(a)
|
(1) Any code of ethics or amendment thereto, that is 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.
|