Semi-Annual Report

February 29, 2024

 

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM

Ticker: VIDI

 

Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM

Ticker: VUSE

 

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

Ticker: VBND

 

 

 

Vident ETFs

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Page

Letters to Shareholders

1

Portfolio Allocations

8

Schedules of Investments

11

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

38

Statements of Operations

40

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

41

Financial Highlights

44

Notes to Financial Statements

50

Expense Examples

65

Review of Liquidity Risk Management Program

67

Federal Tax Information

68

Information About Portfolio Holdings

69

Information About Proxy Voting

70

Information About the Funds’ Trustees

70

Frequency Distribution of Premiums and Discounts

70

 

 

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

Letters to Shareholders
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholders,

 

On behalf of the entire team, we want to express our appreciation for the confidence you have placed in the Vident International Equity Strategy ETF™ (“VIDI” or the “Fund”). The following information pertains to the fiscal period of September 1, 2023 through February 29, 2024 (the “period”). The Fund seeks to track the total return performance, before fees and expenses, of the Vident Core International Equity Index™ (the “Index”). This index strategy seeks to provide investors with a well-diversified set of global equities exposures across countries, regions and stocks, emphasizing countries with more favorable conditions for investment as well as economic and financial market resilience. The Index also seeks to enhance investors’ stock exposures, systematically selecting higher quality stocks that Vident believes to have favorable valuations and favorable price momentum.

 

The Fund had positive performance during the period ending on February 29, 2024. The market return for VIDI was 7.58% and the NAV return was 7.04%, while the Morningstar Global Markets ex-US Large-Mid Cap Index, a broad market index, increased 7.78% over the same period. The Fund’s Index increased 7.65%. Meanwhile, outstanding shares ended the period at 15,600,000.

 

VIDI returns were consistent with global market dynamics. Most global markets underperformed U.S. markets, and VIDI (an international fund) underperformed most U.S. indices. The exchange rate for the U.S. dollar ended roughly at the same rate as it was at the beginning of the period, so currency dynamics are not likely the problem. Emerging markets underperformed developed markets. Accordingly, VIDI (which is overweight emerging markets) underperformed Morningstar Global Markets ex-US Large-Mid Cap Index (which is overweight developed markets). VIDI was underweight developed Asia, an overperforming region, which may also help explain why VIDI slightly lagged Morningstar Global Markets ex-US Large-Mid Cap Index. Expectations of a tighter U.S. Federal Reserve may have contributed to the headwind for emerging markets as interest rate hikes historically have disproportionately harmed emerging markets.

 

For the period, the largest positive contributor to return was Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd. (2385 TT), adding 0.41% to the return of the Fund, gaining 82.76% with an average weighting of 0.70%. The second largest contributor to return was Compeq Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (2313 TT), adding 0.34% to the return of the Fund, gaining 69.48% with an average weighting of 0.66%. The third largest contributor to return was Bank Polska Kasa Opieki Spolka Akcyjna (PEO PW), adding 0.31% to the return of the Fund, gaining 65.78% with an average weighting of 0.57%.

 

1

 

 

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

LetterS to Shareholders
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

For the period, the largest negative contributor to return was InMode Ltd. (INMD US), detracting 0.22% from the return of the Fund, declining 43.72% with an average weighting of 0.29%. The second largest negative contributor was Nongshim Co., Ltd. (004370 KS), detracting 0.14% from the return of the Fund, and declining 23.72% with an average weighting of 0.53%. The third largest negative contributor to return was BioNTech SE (BNTX US), detracting 0.13% from the return of the Fund, and declining 21.41% with an average weight of 0.42%.

 

For the period, the best performing security in the Fund was Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd. (2385 TT), gaining 82.76% and contributing 0.41% to the return of the Fund. The second-best performing security for the period was Celestica Inc. (CLS CN), gaining 82.69% and contributing 0.23% to the return of the Fund. The third-best performing security was Compeq Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (2313 TT), gaining 69.48% for the period and contributing 0.34% to the return of the Fund.

 

For the period, the worst performing security in the Fund was InMode Ltd. (INMD US), declining 43.72% and reducing the return of the Fund by 0.22%. The second-worst performing security in the Fund was Hello Group Inc. (MOMO US), declining 31.98% and reducing the return of the Fund by 0.10%. The third-worst performing security in the Fund was Perion Network Ltd (PERI US), declining 30.85% and reducing the return of the Fund by 0.12%.

 

Sincerely,

 

Vince Birley
Chief Executive Officer, Vident Asset Management

 

2

 

 

Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

LetterS to Shareholders
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholders,

 

On behalf of the entire team, we want to express our appreciation for the confidence you have placed in the Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETF™ (“VUSE” or the “Fund”). The following information pertains to the fiscal period of September 1, 2023 through February 29, 2024 (the “period”). The Fund seeks to track the total return performance, before fees and expenses, of the Vident U.S. Quality Index™ (the “Index”). This index strategy represents a portfolio of U.S. equities that adhere to higher standards of corporate governance and accounting, as measured by numerous research metrics. This research is integrated into a systematic and structured selection process that seeks to provide an index of higher quality U.S. companies across small, medium and large-capitalization ranges. The Index also seeks to mitigate some of the risks often associated with market capitalization-weighted indices, including issuer concentration.

 

The Fund had positive performance during the period ending on February 29, 2024. The market return for VUSE was 11.09% and the NAV return was 10.63%, while the S&P 500 Index, a broad market index, increased 13.93% over the same period. The Fund’s Index increased 10.95%. Meanwhile, outstanding shares ended the period at 10,625,000.

 

The positive performance of VUSE, similar to most of the public equity asset class, is consistent with the economic and market themes of the period. The economy continued its recovery, and that reflected itself in profit growth. VUSE also underweights giant cap relative to the S&P Index, which meant that it participated less in the valuation expansion of companies associated with the artificial intelligence (AI) trend. VUSE is slightly overweight to small and mid-capitalization, and those capitalization sizes underperformed during the period. VUSE’s market return makes sense in light of the dynamics of other markets during the period covered by this report.

 

For the period, the largest positive contributor to return was Broadcom Inc. (AVGO US), adding 0.87% to the return of the Fund, gaining 42.35% with an average weighting of 2.18%. The second largest contributor to return was Microsoft Corporation (MSFT US), adding 0.70% to the return of the Fund, gaining 26.69% with an average weighting of 2.73%. The third largest contributor to return was Meta Platforms, Inc. (META US), adding 0.57% to the return of the Fund, gaining 65.82% with an average weighting of 1.00%.

 

For the period, the largest negative contributor to return was Tesla, Inc. (TSLA US), detracting 0.33% from the return of the Fund, declining 21.78% with an average weighting of 1.28%. The second largest negative contributor was Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO US), detracting 0.31% from the return of the Fund, and declining 14.39% with

 

3

 

 

Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

LetterS to Shareholders
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

an average weighting of 1.79%. The third largest negative contributor to return was Iridium Communications Inc. (IRDM US), detracting 0.24% from the return of the Fund, and declining 40.51% with an average weight of 0.46%.

 

For the period, the best performing security in the Fund was Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc. (AMR US), gaining 86.70% and contributing 0.40% to the return of the Fund. The second-best performing security for the period was Vistra Corp. (VST US), gaining 75.65% and contributing 0.39% to the return of the Fund. The third-best performing security was Meta Platforms, Inc. (META US), gaining 65.82% for the period and contributing 0.57% to the return of the Fund.

 

For the period, the worst performing security in the Fund was Iridium Communications Inc. (IRDM US), declining 40.51% and reducing the return of the Fund by 0.24%. The second-worst performing security in the Fund was Charter Communications, Inc. (CHTR US), declining 32.91% and reducing the return of the Fund by 0.24%. The third-worst performing security in the Fund was Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. (CCRN US), declining 29.08% and reducing the return of the Fund by 0.16%.

 

Sincerely,

 

Vince Birley
Chief Executive Officer, Vident Asset Management

 

4

 

 

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

 

LetterS to Shareholders
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Dear Shareholders,

 

On behalf of the entire team, we want to express our appreciation for the confidence you have placed in the Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETF™ (“VBND” or the “Fund”). The following information pertains to the fiscal period of September 1, 2023 through February 29, 2024 (the “period”). The Fund seeks to track the total return performance, before fees and expenses, of the Vident Core U.S. Bond Index™ (the “Index”). This Index seeks to diversify interest rate and credit risks through the application of time-tested principles. In addition to diversifying across fixed income sectors, the strategy seeks to improve corporate bond exposures by screening for companies with stronger leadership, governance and creditworthiness factors.

 

The Fund had positive performance during the period ending on February 29, 2024. The market return for VBND was 4.17% and the NAV return was 3.99%, while the FTSE US Broad Investment Grade Bond Index, a broad market index, returned 2.40% over the same period. The Fund’s Index returned 4.46%. Meanwhile, outstanding shares ended the period at 9,500,000.

 

Due to its fixed income composition, VBND is sensitive to U.S. Federal Reserve (“Fed”) policy. Buying and selling U.S. Treasury securities, which is a core holding for VBND, is a significant aspect of Fed policy implementation. During the six-month period ending February 29, 2024, the futures market indicated a rising probability that the Fed would stand pat as opposed to cutting rates. VBND’s underperformance relative to most equity indices is consistent with general bond market returns relative to equities, and with the shift in market expectations towards a more hawkish Fed. Additionally, not just negative relative performance but also negative market returns are consistent with the hawkish sentiment shift during the period. VBND’s favorable performance relative to the FTSE US Broad Investment Grade Bond Index makes sense: VBND was underweight to mortgages which have tended to underperform, and also was more weighted to high quality corporate bonds with higher yields than the rest of the sector. With regard to Treasuries, duration likely helped as well, as VBND had shorter duration in treasuries, and short duration treasuries outperformed long duration treasuries. Hawkish sentiment helps explain both general bond losses and VBNDs performance relative to broad bond indices.

 

For the period, the largest positive contributor to return was United States Treasury (T 0 ¼ 08/31/25), adding 0.13% to the return of the Fund, gaining 2.53% with an average weighting of 4.97%. The second largest contributor to return was United States Treasury (T 3 05/15/42), adding 0.13% to the return of the Fund, gaining 11.91% with an average weighting of 0.67%. The third largest contributor to return was United States Treasury (T 6 02/15/26), adding 0.12% to the return of the Fund, gaining 2.59% with an average weighting of 3.05%.

 

5

 

 

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

 

LetterS to Shareholders
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

For the period, the largest negative contributor to return was Ginnie Mae (G2SF 5.5 10/23), detracting 0.04% from the return of the Fund, declining 3.45% with an average weighting of 0.21%. The second largest negative contributor was Ginnie Mae (G2SF 6 10/23), detracting 0.04% from the return of the Fund, and declining 2.59% with an average weighting of 0.27%. The third largest negative contributor was United States Treasury (T 1 ¼ 05/15/50), detracting 0.03% from the return of the Fund, and declining 15.40% with an average weight of 0.07%.

 

For the period, the best performing security in the Fund was M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. (MDC 6 01/15/43), gaining 18.67% and contributing 0.06% to the return of the Fund. The second-best performing security for the period was Sempra (SRE 4 ⅛ 04/01/52), gaining 16.01% and contributing 0.05% to the return of the Fund. The third-best performing security was Enstar Finance LLC (ESGR 5 ½ 01/15/42), gaining 16.00% for the period and contributing 0.05% to the return of the Fund.

 

For the period, the worst performing security in the Fund was United States Treasury (T 1 ¼ 05/15/50), declining 15.40% and reducing the return of the Fund by 0.03%. The second-worst performing security in the Fund was FMC Corporation (FMC 6 ⅜ 05/18/53), declining 11.24% and reducing the return of the Fund by 0.03%. The third-worst performing security in the Fund was WarnerMedia Holdings, Inc. (WBD 5.391 03/15/62), declining 5.95% and reducing the return of the Fund by 0.02%.

 

Sincerely,

 

Vince Birley
Chief Executive Officer, Vident Asset Management

 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

Opinions expressed are subject to change, are not guaranteed and should not be considered investment advice or recommendations to buy or sell any security. Fund holdings are subject to change and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security. For more complete information regarding performance and holdings, please refer to the schedules of investments on pages 11-37.

 

Investments involve risk. Principal loss is possible. The Funds have the same risks as the underlying securities traded on the exchange throughout the day at market price. Redemptions are limited and often commissions are charged on each trade. Investments in foreign securities involve political, economic and currency risks, greater volatility and differences in accounting methods. These risks are greater for investments in emerging markets. A fund that concentrates its investments in the securities of a particular industry or geographic area may be more volatile than a fund that invests in a broader range of industries. VIDI and VBND may invest in illiquid or thinly traded securities which involve additional risks such as limited liquidity and greater volatility. VBND may make investments in debt securities. The Fund’s investments in high yield securities expose it to a substantial degree of credit risk. These investments are considered speculative under traditional investment standards. Debt issuers and other counterparties may not honor their obligations or may have their debt downgraded by ratings agencies. An increase in interest rates may cause the value of fixed-income securities held by the Fund to decline. During periods of rising interest rates, certain debt obligations will be paid off substantially more slowly than originally anticipated and the value of those securities may fall sharply, resulting in a decline in the Fund’s income and potentially in the value of the Fund’s investments. VBND may also invest in asset backed and mortgage backed securities which include additional risks that investors

 

6

 

 

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

 

LetterS to Shareholders
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

should be aware of such as credit risk, prepayment risk, possible illiquidity and default, as well as increased susceptibility to adverse economic developments. The performance of the Funds may diverge from that of the Indices. Because the Funds employ a representative sampling strategy and may also invest up to 20% of their assets in securities that are not included in the Indices, the Funds may experience tracking error to a greater extent than a fund that seeks to replicate an index. The Funds are not actively managed and may be affected by a general decline in market segments related to the Indices. The Funds invest in securities included in, or representative of securities included in, the Indices, regardless of their investment merits. Small and medium-capitalization companies tend to have more limited liquidity and greater price volatility than large-capitalization companies. Unlike mutual funds, ETFs may trade at a premium or discount to their net asset value.

 

The Vident Core International Equity Index™ (Bloomberg Symbol: VIEQX) is a strategy seeking to balance risk across developed and emerging countries and emphasize those with favorable conditions for growth. The Vident U.S. Quality Index™ (Bloomberg Symbol: VQUSX) is a strategy which seeks to seeks to maximize exposure to a proprietary “Quality Composite Score” in a diversified manner across three separate market capitalization segments: giant, large, and small- and mid-capitalization. The Vident Core U.S. Bond Index™ (Bloomberg Symbol: VUBDX) is a strategy which seeks to diversify and improve interest rate and credit risks of traditional U.S. core bonds.

 

The Morningstar Global ex-US Large-Mid Index measures the performance of Global Markets Ex-US equity markets targeting the top 90% of stocks by market capitalization. This Index does not incorporate Environmental, Social, or Governance (ESG) criteria.

 

The Morningstar Global Markets ex-US Index measures the performance of the stocks located in the developed and emerging countries across the world (excluding the United States) as defined by Morningstar. Stocks in the index are weighted by their float capital, which removes corporate cross ownership, government holdings and other locked-in shares. This Index does not incorporate Environmental, Social, or Governance (ESG) criteria.

 

The S&P 500 Index measures the performance of 500 widely held stocks in US equity market. Standard and Poor’s chooses member companies for the index based on market size, liquidity and industry group representation. Included are the stocks of industrial, financial, utility, and transportation companies. Since mid-1989, this composition has been more flexible and the number of issues in each sector has varied. It is market capitalization-weighted.

 

The Morningstar U.S. Market Total Return Index measures the performance of US securities and targets 97% market capitalization coverage of the investable universe. It is a diversified broad market index. This Index does not incorporate Environmental, Social, or Governance (ESG) criteria.

 

The FTSE Broad Investment Grade Bond Index measures the performance of US Dollar-denominated bonds issued in the US investment-grade bond market. Introduced in 1985, the index covers US Treasury, government sponsored, collateralized, and corporate debt providing a reliable representation of the US investment-grade bond market. Subindexes are available in any combination of asset class, maturity, and rating.

 

It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

 

Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market.

 

Must be preceded or accompanied by a Prospectus.

 

7

 

 

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

Portfolio Allocations
As of February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

Country

Percentage of
Net Assets

Republic of Korea

8.0%

Taiwan

7.6

Singapore

6.7

Hong Kong

6.1

Canada

6.0

China

5.2

Germany

5.1

Norway

4.8

Switzerland

4.6

United Kingdom

4.1

Sweden

3.8

Brazil

3.7

Israel

3.7

Australia

3.5

Denmark

3.0

Poland

2.7

Netherlands

2.7

Indonesia

2.6

Mexico

2.3

Malaysia

2.3

Chile

1.9

France

1.7

Spain

1.2

South Africa

1.1

Finland

1.0

Japan

0.8

Italy

0.7

Belgium

0.5

Thailand

0.5

Portugal

0.5

Ireland

0.3

Austria

0.2

Russian Federation

0.0

Short-Term Investments

0.5

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities

0.6

Total

100.0%

 

8

 

 

Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

Portfolio Allocations
As of February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Sector

Percentage of
Net Assets

Information Technology (a)

26.4%

Financials

13.9

Consumer Discretionary

12.4

Industrials

11.4

Health Care

11.1

Communication Services

7.8

Consumer Staples

6.9

Energy

4.7

Materials

2.2

Real Estate

1.7

Utilities

1.2

Short-Term Investments

0.2

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities

0.1

Total

100.0%

 

(a)

To the extent that the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors of the economy, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. See Note 7 in Notes to Financial Statements.

 

9

 

 

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

 

Portfolio Allocations
As of February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Asset Type

Percentage of
Net Assets

U.S. Government Notes/Bonds

61.5%

Corporate Bonds

24.6

Mortgage Backed Securities - U.S. Government Agency

9.9

U.S. Government Agency Issues

3.0

Short-Term Investments

7.6

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets

(6.6)

Total

100.0%

 

10

 

 

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

Schedules of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 97.5%

       
       

Australia — 3.5%

       
    119,908  

BlueScope Steel, Ltd.

  $ 1,783,309  
    96,562  

Fortescue, Ltd.

    1,630,388  
    48,702  

JB Hi-Fi, Ltd.

    1,952,215  
    327,202  

New Hope Corporation, Ltd.

    1,001,374  
    510,478  

Qantas Airways, Ltd. (a)

    1,705,205  
    43,981  

Sonic Healthcare, Ltd.

    854,854  
    100,077  

Super Retail Group, Ltd.

    1,062,846  
    949,392  

Tabcorp Holdings, Ltd.

    463,649  
    343,666  

Whitehaven Coal, Ltd.

    1,548,549  
    371,538  

Yancoal Australia, Ltd.

    1,439,470  
              13,441,859  
       

Austria — 0.2%

       
    3,962  

OMV AG

    174,671  
    19,919  

voestalpine AG

    544,055  
              718,726  
       

Belgium — 0.5%

       
    50,493  

Proximus SADP

    422,482  
    66,404  

Solvay SA - Class A

    1,688,682  
              2,111,164  
       

Brazil — 2.9%

       
    408,124  

Cia de Saneamento de Minas Gerais Copasa MG

    1,701,937  
    673,159  

Marfrig Global Foods SA (a)

    1,325,007  
    140,126  

Pagseguro Digital, Ltd. - Class A (a)

    1,950,554  
    178,619  

Telefonica Brasil SA

    1,962,107  
    521,272  

TIM SA

    1,901,009  
    388,395  

Vibra Energia SA

    2,005,038  
              10,845,652  
       

Canada — 6.0%

       
    45,505  

Air Canada (a)

    607,919  
    17,766  

Alimentation Couche-Tard, Inc.

    1,102,491  
    46,251  

Celestica, Inc. (a)

    1,966,865  
    60,431  

Empire Company, Ltd. - Class A

    1,532,217  
    1,860  

Fairfax Financial Holdings, Ltd.

    1,986,491  
    14,341  

George Weston, Ltd.

    1,879,497  
    31,726  

Great-West Lifeco, Inc.

    977,732  

 

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

 

11

 

 

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

Schedules of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 97.5% (Continued)

       

Canada — 6.0% (Continued)

    27,069  

iA Financial Corporation, Inc.

  $ 1,679,601  
    18,527  

Loblaw Companies, Ltd.

    1,975,703  
    28,690  

Magna International, Inc.

    1,581,773  
    84,179  

Manulife Financial Corporation

    1,999,046  
    56,181  

Parex Resources, Inc.

    907,114  
    20,650  

Stelco Holdings, Inc.

    614,316  
    35,231  

Sun Life Financial, Inc.

    1,872,268  
    57,118  

Suncor Energy, Inc.

    1,963,662  
              22,646,695  
       

Chile — 1.4%

       
    1,065,595  

Cencosud SA

    1,911,870  
    13,637,528  

Enel Americas SA

    1,389,117  
    150,521,181  

Latam Airlines Group SA (a)

    1,891,214  
              5,192,201  
       

China — 5.2%

       
    2,379,000  

3SBio, Inc. (c)

    1,571,049  
    710,500  

AAC Technologies Holdings, Inc.

    1,766,085  
    1,679,000  

China Coal Energy Company, Ltd. - H Shares

    1,812,225  
    2,856,000  

China Resources Pharmaceutical Group, Ltd. (c)

    1,933,476  
    1,717,500  

COSCO SHIPPING Holdings Company, Ltd. - H-Shares

    1,851,587  
    1,404,000  

Lenovo Group, Ltd.

    1,554,859  
    5,124,000  

People’s Insurance Company Group of China, Ltd. - H-Shares

    1,708,262  
    1,448,000  

PICC Property & Casualty Company, Ltd. - H-Shares

    1,982,751  
    591,200  

Sinopharm Group Company, Ltd. - H-Shares

    1,657,577  
    1,047,600  

Xiaomi Corporation - Class B (a)(c)

    1,769,016  
    1,487,400  

Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Holdings, Ltd.

    1,935,855  
              19,542,742  
       

Denmark — 3.0%

       
    965  

AP Moller - Maersk AS - Class B

    1,365,343  
    37,237  

Bavarian Nordic AS (a)

    844,391  
    34,436  

D/S Norden AS

    1,548,753  
    35,276  

Demant AS (a)

    1,767,308  
    363,108  

H Lundbeck AS (a)

    1,759,584  

 

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

 

12

 

 

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

Schedules of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 97.5% (Continued)

       

Denmark — 3.0% (Continued)

    26,053  

NKT AS (a)

  $ 1,959,185  
    12,622  

Pandora AS

    2,039,442  
              11,284,006  
       

Finland — 1.0%

       
    134,757  

Fortum OYJ

    1,684,298  
    95,781  

Nokia OYJ

    337,844  
    179,911  

Outokumpu OYJ

    796,866  
    25,178  

UPM-Kymmene OYJ

    842,727  
              3,661,735  
       

France — 1.7%

       
    18,439  

Bouygues SA

    729,706  
    26,797  

Cie de Saint-Gobain SA

    2,064,676  
    54,590  

Cie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA

    2,019,752  
    34,819  

STMicroelectronics NV

    1,572,166  
              6,386,300  
       

Germany — 5.0%

       
    6,963  

Aurubis AG

    441,399  
    18,144  

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG

    2,144,475  
    140,725  

Deutsche Bank AG

    1,882,547  
    218,672  

Deutsche Lufthansa AG (a)

    1,700,932  
    73,132  

Deutsche Telekom AG

    1,739,881  
    113,031  

E.ON SE

    1,444,552  
    28,541  

Freenet AG

    770,285  
    35,430  

Fresenius Medical Care AG & Company KGaA

    1,356,484  
    63,908  

Fresenius SE & Company KGaA

    1,789,803  
    20,320  

Heidelberg Materials AG

    1,972,431  
    100,475  

K+S AG

    1,402,599  
    12,575  

Mercedes-Benz Group AG

    1,002,092  
    21,968  

Suedzucker AG

    310,945  
    15,335  

Talanx AG

    1,095,251  
              19,053,676  
       

Hong Kong — 6.1%

       
    3,056,000  

Bosideng International Holdings, Ltd.

    1,541,897  
    1,217,400  

China Taiping Insurance Holdings Company, Ltd.

    1,062,084  
    3,884,000  

China Traditional Chinese Medicine Holdings Company, Ltd.

    2,143,225  

 

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

 

13

 

 

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

Schedules of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 97.5% (Continued)

       

Hong Kong — 6.1% (Continued)

    13,453,000  

GCL Technology Holdings, Ltd.

  $ 1,873,055  
    1,812,000  

Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd.

    1,981,239  
    942,000  

Kingboard Holdings, Ltd.

    1,850,598  
    2,058,000  

Kunlun Energy Company, Ltd.

    1,758,637  
    121,500  

Orient Overseas International, Ltd.

    1,888,738  
    5,900,000  

Pacific Basin Shipping, Ltd.

    1,725,807  
    4,896,000  

Sino Biopharmaceutical Ltd.

    1,957,449  
    1,478,000  

Sino Land Company, Ltd.

    1,595,276  
    1,153,000  

SITC International Holdings Company, Ltd.

    1,896,924  
    2,968,500  

WH Group, Ltd. (c)

    1,789,715  
              23,064,644  
       

Indonesia — 2.6%

       
    12,346,500  

Adaro Energy Indonesia Tbk PT

    1,901,275  
    5,769,800  

Astra International Tbk PT

    1,918,371  
    4,643,400  

Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk PT

    2,068,330  
    5,396,000  

Bank Negara Indonesia Persero Tbk PT

    2,060,197  
    1,260,000  

United Tractors Tbk PT

    1,886,191  
              9,834,364  
       

Ireland — 0.3%

       
    2,440  

CRH plc (a)

    205,716  
    14,124  

DCC plc

    1,003,357  
              1,209,073  
       

Israel — 3.7%

       
    97,766  

Bank Hapoalim BM

    935,615  
    1,234,940  

Bezeq The Israeli Telecommunication Corporation, Ltd.

    1,667,632  
    15,032  

Delek Group, Ltd.

    2,026,517  
    281,766  

ICL Group, Ltd.

    1,490,245  
    42,407  

Inmode, Ltd. (a)

    932,954  
    400,163  

Israel Discount Bank, Ltd. - Class A

    2,086,190  
    37,302  

Perion Network, Ltd. (a)

    856,081  
    14,476  

Plus500, Ltd.

    311,292  
    156,571  

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. (a)

    2,059,937  
    133,425  

ZIM Integrated Shipping Services, Ltd.

    1,589,092  
              13,955,555  

 

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

 

14

 

 

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

Schedules of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 97.5% (Continued)

       

Italy — 0.7%

    377,094  

A2A SpA

  $ 685,559  
    93,675  

Iveco Group NV

    1,153,590  
    27,745  

Leonardo SpA

    593,127  
    92,234  

UnipolSai Assicurazioni SpA

    265,696  
              2,697,972  
       

Japan — 0.8%

       
    157,800  

Mazda Motor Corporation

    1,853,494  
    46,400  

Suzuken Company Ltd.

    1,382,048  
              3,235,542  
       

Malaysia — 2.3%

       
    1,423,600  

CIMB Group Holdings Bhd

    1,937,932  
    877,700  

Malayan Banking Bhd

    1,762,613  
    630,700  

MISC Bhd

    1,010,077  
    1,231,700  

Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd

    1,816,858  
    3,675,900  

YTL Corporation Bhd

    2,068,202  
              8,595,682  
       

Mexico — 2.3%

       
    173,095  

Arca Continental SAB de CV

    1,863,562  
    2,269,993  

Cemex SAB de CV (a)

    1,734,433  
    136,272  

Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV

    1,694,527  
    138,500  

Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV - Class O

    1,430,730  
    187,202  

Qualitas Controladora SAB de CV

    2,100,559  
              8,823,811  
       

Netherlands — 2.7%

       
    306,190  

Aegon, Ltd.

    1,837,624  
    11,537  

ING Groep NV

    158,431  
    65,902  

Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV

    1,962,604  
    45,102  

NN Group NV

    2,013,774  
    32,628  

Randstad NV

    1,798,602  
    87,528  

Stellantis NV

    2,286,020  
              10,057,055  
       

Norway — 4.8%

       
    69,333  

Aker BP ASA

    1,685,696  
    1,618,979  

DNO ASA

    1,380,048  
    64,473  

Equinor ASA

    1,591,562  

 

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

 

15

 

 

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

Schedules of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 97.5% (Continued)

       

Norway — 4.8% (Continued)

    260,509  

Leroy Seafood Group ASA

  $ 1,152,711  
    103,452  

Mowi ASA

    1,999,888  
    311,172  

Norsk Hydro ASA

    1,601,181  
    232,646  

Orkla ASA

    1,669,463  
    190,309  

Storebrand ASA

    1,701,411  
    158,779  

Telenor ASA

    1,740,700  
    613,771  

Var Energi ASA

    1,876,767  
    55,913  

Yara International ASA

    1,740,811  
              18,140,238  
       

Poland — 2.7%

       
    50,739  

Bank Polska Kasa Opieki SA

    2,201,120  
    14,560  

KGHM Polska Miedz SA

    393,583  
    386  

LPP SA

    1,736,463  
    122,881  

ORLEN SA

    1,909,818  
    152,424  

Powszechna Kasa Oszczednosci Bank Polski SA

    2,123,593  
    159,800  

Powszechny Zaklad Ubezpieczen SA

    1,967,898  
              10,332,475  
       

Portugal — 0.5%

       
    6,277,555  

Banco Comercial Portugues SA - Class R (a)

    1,813,792  
    3,790  

Galp Energia SGPS SA

    59,756  
              1,873,548  
       

Republic of Korea — 8.0%

       
    27,664  

CJ Corporation

    2,013,098  
    30,513  

DB Insurance Company, Ltd.

    2,263,956  
    35,035  

Doosan Bobcat, Inc.

    1,235,276  
    49,734  

Hankook Tire & Technology Company, Ltd.

    2,024,319  
    14,407  

Hyundai Glovis Company, Ltd.

    2,061,080  
    80,634  

Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Company, Ltd.

    1,907,458  
    11,739  

Hyundai Mobis Company, Ltd.

    2,137,810  
    34,350  

Hyundai Wia Corporation

    1,550,342  
    26,445  

Kia Corporation

    2,472,516  
    71,910  

KT Corporation

    2,111,506  
    246,674  

LG Uplus Corporation

    1,911,742  
    6,060  

NongShim Company, Ltd.

    1,583,719  
    24,917  

OCI Holdings Company, Ltd.

    1,758,935  

 

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

 

16

 

 

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

Schedules of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 97.5% (Continued)

       

Republic of Korea — 8.0% (Continued)

    20,545  

Samsung C&T Corporation

  $ 2,417,694  
    9,446  

Samsung SDS Company, Ltd.

    1,134,995  
    49,784  

SK Telecom Company, Ltd.

    1,970,274  
              30,554,720  
       

Russian Federation — 0.0%

       
    24,074  

Severstal PAO - GDR (a)(b)(d)

    0  
                 
       

Singapore — 6.7%

       
    986,000  

ComfortDelGro Corporation, Ltd.

    989,960  
    77,300  

DBS Group Holdings, Ltd.

    1,916,116  
    2,532,400  

Genting Singapore, Ltd.

    1,713,881  
    246,235  

Hafnia, Ltd.

    1,814,369  
    64,500  

Jardine Cycle & Carriage, Ltd.

    1,220,828  
    357,800  

Keppel, Ltd.

    1,926,574  
    1,503,600  

Keppel REIT

    967,287  
    807,400  

NetLink NBN Trust (d)

    504,400  
    191,400  

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation, Ltd.

    1,847,666  
    381,900  

Sembcorp Industries, Ltd.

    1,448,527  
    371,800  

Singapore Airlines, Ltd.

    1,789,042  
    327,100  

Singapore Technologies Engineering, Ltd.

    968,212  
    1,028,700  

Singapore Telecommunications, Ltd.

    1,797,892  
    87,619  

United Overseas Bank, Ltd.

    1,821,323  
    353,900  

UOL Group, Ltd.

    1,550,254  
    118,100  

Venture Corporation, Ltd.

    1,229,659  
    743,600  

Wilmar International, Ltd.

    1,836,049  
              25,342,039  
       

South Africa — 1.1%

       
    84,930  

Aspen Pharmacare Holdings, Ltd.

    867,684  
    7,139  

Harmony Gold Mining Company, Ltd.

    41,876  
    2,507,184  

Old Mutual, Ltd.

    1,560,476  
    476,878  

Sanlam, Ltd.

    1,828,338  
              4,298,374  
       

Spain — 1.2%

       
    210,132  

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA

    2,088,836  
    87,967  

Mapfre SA

    186,483  

 

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

 

17

 

 

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

Schedules of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 97.5% (Continued)

       

Spain — 1.2% (Continued)

    17,715  

Repsol SA

  $ 282,281  
    447,947  

Telefonica SA

    1,838,634  
              4,396,234  
       

Sweden — 3.8%

       
    17,772  

Autoliv, Inc.

    2,062,085  
    86,330  

Getinge AB - Class B

    1,712,008  
    95,742  

SKF AB - Class B

    2,089,263  
    260,770  

SSAB AB - Class B

    2,043,328  
    316,775  

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson - B Shares

    1,721,415  
    60,466  

Trelleborg AB - Class B

    2,197,765  
    718,773  

Volvo Car AB - Class B (a)

    2,622,952  
              14,448,816  
       

Switzerland — 4.6%

       
    8,435  

Bunge Global SA

    796,011  
    7,634  

Chubb, Ltd.

    1,921,249  
    348,366  

Glencore plc

    1,653,147  
    6,311  

Helvetia Holding AG

    895,172  
    24,878  

Holcim AG

    2,037,027  
    26,414  

Julius Baer Group, Ltd.

    1,418,266  
    5,509  

Kuehne + Nagel International AG

    1,861,880  
    17,231  

Novartis AG

    1,751,181  
    55,548  

Sandoz Group AG (a)

    1,732,267  
    6,539  

Swatch Group AG

    1,549,072  
    16,169  

Swiss Re AG

    1,957,430  
    119  

Swisscom AG

    68,301  
              17,641,003  
       

Taiwan — 7.6%

       
    1,160,000  

Acer, Inc.

    1,656,907  
    44,000  

Arcadyan Technology Corporation

    256,126  
    421,000  

ASE Technology Holding Company, Ltd.

    1,851,310  
    343,000  

Chicony Electronics Company, Ltd.

    2,034,594  
    1,550,000  

Compal Electronics, Inc.

    1,789,810  
    826,000  

Compeq Manufacturing Company, Ltd.

    1,988,598  
    380,000  

Evergreen Marine Corporation Taiwan, Ltd.

    1,989,592  
    513,000  

Hon Hai Precision Industry Company, Ltd.

    1,671,618  

 

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

 

18

 

 

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

Schedules of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 97.5% (Continued)

       

Taiwan — 7.6% (Continued)

    358,000  

L&K Engineering Company, Ltd.

  $ 1,908,382  
    685,000  

Pegatron Corporation

    1,852,845  
    397,000  

Powertech Technology, Inc.

    1,959,284  
    415,000  

Radiant Opto-Electronics Corporation

    1,936,522  
    142,000  

Simplo Technology Company, Ltd.

    1,915,975  
    665,000  

Tong Yang Industry Company, Ltd.

    2,080,656  
    322,000  

Tripod Technology Corporation

    2,118,857  
    1,103,000  

United Microelectronics Corporation

    1,704,600  
              28,715,676  
       

Thailand — 0.5%

       
    36,539,600  

TMBThanachart Bank pcl

    1,874,609  
                 
       

United Kingdom — 4.1%

       
    236,935  

Barratt Developments plc

    1,398,143  
    110,253  

BT Group plc

    145,670  
    1,005,011  

Centrica plc

    1,599,907  
    197,920  

easyJet plc

    1,361,443  
    104,281  

International Distributions Services plc (a)

    319,484  
    339,386  

J Sainsbury plc

    1,071,542  
    62,982  

Janus Henderson Group plc

    1,962,519  
    397,239  

Kingfisher plc

    1,178,326  
    551,526  

Marks & Spencer Group plc

    1,652,032  
    833,731  

Taylor Wimpey plc

    1,453,796  
    485,170  

Tesco plc

    1,711,029  
    2,128,193  

Vodafone Group plc

    1,860,739  
              15,714,630  
       

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $355,999,709)

    369,690,816  
                 
       

PREFERRED STOCKS — 1.4%

       
       

Brazil — 0.8%

       
    458,161  

Cia Energetica de Minas Gerais

    1,100,069  
    572,322  

Metalurgica Gerdau SA

    1,163,385  
    116,554  

Petroleo Brasileiro SA

    939,723  
              3,203,177  

 

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

 

19

 

 

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

Schedules of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

PREFERRED STOCKS — 1.4% (Continued)

       

Chile — 0.5%

       
    755,996  

Embotelladora Andina SA - Class B

  $ 1,905,987  
                 
       

Germany — 0.1%

       
    32,191  

Schaeffler AG

    234,268  
       

TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS (Cost $4,793,574)

    5,343,432  
 


Principal
Amount

           
       

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.5%

       
       

Money Market Deposit Account — 0.5%

       
  $ 2,024,629  

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 4.21% (e)

    2,024,629  
       

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $2,024,629)

    2,024,629  
       

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 99.4% (Cost $362,817,912)

    377,058,877  
       

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.6%

    2,154,627  
       

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

  $ 379,213,504  

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

(a)

Non-income producing security.

(b)

Value determined using significant unobservable inputs. Classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

(c)

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144(a) and Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933. At February 29, 2024, the value of these securities amounted to $7,063,256 or 1.9% of net assets.

(d)

Security exempt from registration under Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933. At February 29, 2024, the value of these securities amounted to $504,400 or 0.1% of net assets.

(e)

The Money Market Deposit Account (the “MMDA”) is a short-term investment vehicle in which the Fund holds cash balances. The MMDA will bear interest at a variable rate that is determined based on conditions and may change daily and by any amount. The rate shown is as of February 29, 2024.

 

GDR — Global Depositary Receipt.

 

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

 

20

 

 

Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

Schedules of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 99.7%

       
       

Communication Services — 7.8%

       
    334,688  

AT&T, Inc.

  $ 5,666,268  
    147,410  

Cargurus, Inc. (a)

    3,263,657  
    13,590  

Comcast Corporation - Class A

    582,331  
    19,718  

Electronic Arts, Inc.

    2,750,267  
    99,271  

Iridium Communications, Inc.

    2,873,895  
    7,471  

Meta Platforms, Inc. - Class A

    3,661,761  
    7,197  

Netflix, Inc. (a)

    4,339,215  
    73,419  

New York Times Company - Class A

    3,250,993  
    25,863  

Pinterest, Inc. - Class A (a)

    949,172  
    143,758  

Sirius XM Holdings, Inc.

    635,410  
    193,556  

TEGNA, Inc.

    2,711,720  
    10,829  

T-Mobile US, Inc.

    1,768,376  
    26,500  

Trade Desk, Inc. - Class A (a)

    2,263,895  
    52,187  

The Walt Disney Company

    5,823,025  
    97,727  

Yelp, Inc. (a)

    3,756,626  
              44,296,611  
       

Consumer Discretionary — 12.4%

       
    66,555  

Amazon.com, Inc. (a)

    11,764,262  
    2,006  

Booking Holdings, Inc. (a)

    6,958,473  
    2,655  

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (a)

    7,138,684  
    30,231  

Home Depot, Inc.

    11,506,221  
    18,886  

McDonalds Corporation

    5,520,000  
    39,755  

NIKE, Inc. - Class B

    4,131,737  
    5,316  

O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. (a)

    5,780,725  
    58,804  

Starbucks Corporation

    5,580,500  
    30,240  

Tesla, Inc. (a)

    6,104,851  
    56,577  

TJX Companies, Inc.

    5,609,044  
              70,094,497  
       

Consumer Staples — 6.9%

       
    136,712  

Altria Group, Inc.

    5,592,888  
    183,752  

Coca-Cola Company

    11,028,795  
    3,770  

Costco Wholesale Corporation

    2,804,465  
    66,302  

PepsiCo, Inc.

    10,962,373  
    54,865  

Procter & Gamble Company

    8,720,243  
              39,108,764  

 

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

 

21

 

 

Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

Schedules of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 99.7% (Continued)

       

Energy — 4.7%

       
    72,708  

Chevron Corporation

  $ 11,052,343  
    38,568  

EOG Resources, Inc.

    4,414,493  
    108,298  

Exxon Mobil Corporation

    11,319,307  
              26,786,143  
       

Financials — 13.9%

       
    19,783  

American Financial Group, Inc.

    2,525,696  
    6,904  

Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

    2,812,413  
    56,952  

Bancorp, Inc. (a)

    2,542,337  
    17,825  

Cboe Global Markets, Inc.

    3,422,400  
    55,081  

Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc. (a)

    3,556,029  
    81,066  

Equitable Holdings, Inc.

    2,775,700  
    3,645  

Erie Indemnity Company - Class A

    1,483,078  
    79,799  

Federated Hermes, Inc.

    2,811,319  
    89,966  

First Financial Bankshares, Inc.

    2,783,548  
    54,252  

International Bancshares Corporation

    2,815,136  
    61,119  

JPMorgan Chase & Company

    11,371,801  
    23,754  

Mastercard, Inc. - Class A

    11,277,449  
    182,269  

MGIC Investment Corporation

    3,625,330  
    7,380  

MSCI, Inc.

    4,139,959  
    19,174  

RLI Corporation

    2,808,032  
    21,638  

SEI Investments Company

    1,455,156  
    39,660  

Visa, Inc. - Class A

    11,209,502  
    1,588  

White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. - ADR

    2,803,519  
    72,031  

Zions Bancorporation

    2,840,182  
              79,058,586  
       

Health Care — 11.1%

       
    22,551  

AbbVie, Inc.

    3,970,104  
    8,343  

Align Technology, Inc. (a)

    2,523,090  
    108,848  

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

    5,524,036  
    156,534  

Corcept Therapeutics, Inc. (a)

    3,678,549  
    24,188  

Doximity, Inc. - Class A (a)

    682,827  
    7,287  

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (a)

    4,191,701  
    69,489  

Johnson & Johnson

    11,214,135  
    8,484  

Lantheus Holdings, Inc. (a)

    554,684  
    2,305  

Medpace Holdings, Inc. (a)

    916,284  

 

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

 

22

 

 

Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

Schedules of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 99.7% (Continued)

       

Health Care — 11.1% (Continued)

    86,870  

Merck & Company, Inc.

  $ 11,045,521  
    21,329  

UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    10,527,994  
    7,651  

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

    2,741,812  
    28,421  

Zoetis, Inc.

    5,636,737  
              63,207,474  
       

Industrials — 11.4%

       
    17,040  

A.O. Smith Corporation

    1,412,616  
    23,176  

Atkore, Inc. (a)

    3,926,014  
    48,623  

Brady Corporation - Class A

    2,833,748  
    17,360  

Caterpillar, Inc.

    5,797,546  
    5,032  

Cintas Corporation

    3,163,166  
    3,104  

Encore Wire Corporation

    748,064  
    77,691  

ExlService Holdings, Inc. (a)

    2,417,744  
    38,950  

Fastenal Company

    2,843,739  
    35,383  

Graco, Inc.

    3,229,053  
    16,142  

Illinois Tool Works, Inc.

    4,231,625  
    27,963  

ITT, Inc.

    3,527,253  
    14,405  

Landstar System, Inc.

    2,739,831  
    7,983  

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

    3,532,318  
    45,111  

Paychex, Inc.

    5,531,511  
    37,459  

Trex Company, Inc. (a)

    3,437,238  
    71,674  

Uber Technologies, Inc. (a)

    5,698,083  
    14,354  

Verisk Analytics, Inc.

    3,472,233  
    92,616  

Wabash National Corporation

    2,526,564  
    3,665  

WW Grainger, Inc.

    3,567,731  
              64,636,077  
       

Information Technology — 26.4% (b)

       
    25,399  

Adobe, Inc. (a)

    14,230,552  
    61,622  

Apple, Inc.

    11,138,176  
    35,660  

Applied Materials, Inc.

    7,189,769  
    7,377  

Arista Networks, Inc. (a)

    2,047,413  
    8,983  

Broadcom, Inc.

    11,682,302  
    23,163  

Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (a)

    7,050,354  
    115,095  

Cisco Systems, Inc.

    5,567,145  
    7,941  

Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc. - Class A (a)

    2,574,075  

 

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

 

23

 

 

Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

Schedules of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 99.7% (Continued)

       

Information Technology — 26.4% (b) (Continued)

    63,949  

Dynatrace, Inc. (a)

  $ 3,168,673  
    2,494  

Fair Isaac Corporation (a)

    3,167,156  
    83,128  

Fortinet, Inc. (a)

    5,744,976  
    7,629  

Gartner, Inc. (a)

    3,551,757  
    8,392  

KLA Corporation

    5,725,862  
    4,843  

Lam Research Corporation

    4,543,945  
    37,612  

Lattice Semiconductor Corporation (a)

    2,881,455  
    87,124  

LiveRamp Holdings, Inc. (a)

    3,047,598  
    12,846  

Manhattan Associates, Inc. (a)

    3,254,277  
    84,874  

Microchip Technology, Inc.

    7,141,298  
    27,408  

Microsoft Corporation

    11,337,045  
    5,388  

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

    1,780,141  
    8,661  

NVIDIA Corporation

    6,851,890  
    5,744  

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (a)

    1,783,799  
    114,151  

Photronics, Inc. (a)

    3,286,407  
    19,559  

Qualys, Inc. (a)

    3,361,410  
    57,164  

Rambus, Inc. (a)

    3,386,395  
    23,080  

Salesforce, Inc. (a)

    7,127,566  
    12,223  

Synopsys, Inc. (a)

    7,012,702  
              149,634,138  
       

Materials — 2.2%

       
    8,200  

Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc.

    3,093,450  
    5,619  

Nucor Corporation

    1,080,534  
    1,735  

Reliance, Inc.

    557,317  
    13,015  

Southern Copper Corporation

    1,052,393  
    22,135  

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

    2,962,106  
    60,747  

Warrior Met Coal, Inc.

    3,460,757  
              12,206,557  
       

Real Estate — 1.7%

       
    34,602  

Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.

    556,746  
    76,401  

DigitalBridge Group, Inc.

    1,403,486  
    228,860  

eXp World Holdings, Inc.

    2,998,066  
    96,058  

Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

    1,992,243  
    253,050  

Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.

    2,831,630  
              9,782,171  

 

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

 

24

 

 

Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

Schedules of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Shares

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

COMMON STOCKS — 99.7% (Continued)

       

Utilities — 1.2%

       
    57,408  

National Fuel Gas Company

  $ 2,798,066  
    16,882  

Otter Tail Corporation

    1,527,146  
    43,823  

Vistra Corporation

    2,390,106  
              6,715,318  
       

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $494,900,364)

    565,526,336  
 


Principal
Amount

           
       

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.2%

       
       

Money Market Deposit Account — 0.2%

       
    1,268,307  

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 4.21% (c)

    1,268,307  
       

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $1,268,307)

    1,268,307  
       

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 99.9% (Cost $496,168,671)

    566,794,643  
       

Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.1%

    687,838  
       

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

  $ 567,482,481  

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

(a)

Non-income producing security.

(b)

To the extent that the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors of the economy, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. See Note 7 in Notes to Financial Statements.

(c)

The Money Market Deposit Account (the “MMDA”) is a short-term investment vehicle in which the Fund holds cash balances. The MMDA will bear interest at a variable rate that is determined based on conditions and may change daily and by any amount. The rate shown is as of February 29, 2024.

 

The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®) was developed by and/or is the exclusive property of MSCI, Inc. (“MSCI”) and Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). GICS® is a service mark of MSCI and S&P and has been licensed for use by the Fund’s Administrator, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC.

 

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

 

25

 

 

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

 

Schedules of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

CORPORATE BONDS — 24.6%

       
       

Consumer Discretionary — 1.8%

       
       

AutoNation, Inc.

       
    1,400,000  

03/01/2032, 3.850%

  $ 1,222,483  
       

Brunswick Corporation

       
    1,530,000  

08/18/2031, 2.400%

    1,204,921  
       

Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.

       
    1,715,000  

01/15/2052, 4.100%

    1,212,379  
       

General Motors Company

       
    1,125,000  

04/01/2046, 6.750%

    1,190,448  
       

Lear Corporation

       
    1,320,000  

05/15/2049, 5.250%

    1,188,522  
       

Tapestry, Inc.

       
    1,570,000  

03/15/2032, 3.050%

    1,272,431  
              7,291,184  
       

Consumer Staples — 0.9%

       
       

Altria Group, Inc.

       
    1,600,000  

05/06/2050, 4.450%

    1,262,444  
       

Kraft Heinz Foods Company

       
    105,000  

01/26/2039, 6.875%

    118,137  
    990,000  

02/09/2040, 6.500%

    1,074,868  
       

Philip Morris International, Inc.

       
    1,370,000  

11/15/2043, 4.875%

    1,236,152  
              3,691,601  
       

Energy — 3.8%

       
       

Apache Corporation

       
    1,450,000  

09/01/2040, 5.100%

    1,214,303  
       

Continental Resources, Inc.

       
    1,510,000  

06/01/2044, 4.900%

    1,227,771  
       

Devon Energy Corporation

       
    1,075,000  

09/30/2031, 7.875%

    1,221,564  
       

Enterprise Products Operating LLC

       
    1,350,000  

02/15/2078, 5.375% (a)

    1,252,004  
       

EQT Corporation

       
    1,120,000  

02/01/2030, 7.000%

    1,187,071  

 

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

 

26

 

 

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

 

Schedules of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

CORPORATE BONDS — 24.6% (Continued)

       

Energy — 3.8% (Continued)

       

Halliburton Company

       
    375,000  

09/15/2039, 7.450%

  $ 450,309  
       

Hess Corporation

       
    950,000  

01/15/2040, 6.000%

    996,702  
       

Marathon Oil Corporation

       
    945,000  

10/01/2037, 6.600%

    985,463  
    265,000  

06/01/2045, 5.200%

    230,158  
       

Marathon Petroleum Corporation

       
    1,045,000  

03/01/2041, 6.500%

    1,109,690  
       

NOV, Inc.

       
    1,570,000  

12/01/2042, 3.950%

    1,173,114  
       

ONEOK Partners LP

       
    1,145,000  

02/01/2041, 6.125%

    1,165,357  
       

Ovintiv, Inc.

       
    1,000,000  

11/01/2031, 7.375%

    1,089,897  
       

Valero Energy Corporation

       
    1,100,000  

06/15/2037, 6.625%

    1,181,129  
       

Western Midstream Operating LP

       
    1,350,000  

02/01/2050, 5.250%

    1,195,125  
              15,679,657  
       

Financials — 9.3%

       
       

Ally Financial, Inc.

       
    1,190,000  

02/14/2033, 6.700%

    1,172,824  
       

American Assets Trust LP

       
    1,570,000  

02/01/2031, 3.375%

    1,261,368  
       

Ares Capital Corporation

       
    1,490,000  

11/15/2031, 3.200%

    1,215,720  
       

Athene Holding, Ltd.

       
    1,700,000  

05/25/2051, 3.950%

    1,249,600  
       

Blackstone Secured Lending Fund

       
    1,430,000  

09/30/2028, 2.850%

    1,244,873  
       

Blue Owl Capital Corporation

       
    1,300,000  

07/15/2026, 3.400%

    1,210,807  

 

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

 

27

 

 

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

 

Schedules of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

CORPORATE BONDS — 24.6% (Continued)

       

Financials — 9.3% (Continued)

       

Brighthouse Financial, Inc.

       
    1,490,000  

06/22/2047, 4.700%

  $ 1,152,596  
       

Capital One Financial Corporation

       
    1,695,000  

07/29/2032, 2.359% (a)

    1,281,378  
       

Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

       
    1,360,000  

07/27/2026, 2.850%

    1,267,969  
       

Comerica Bank

       
    1,285,000  

08/25/2033, 5.332% (a)

    1,147,430  
       

Corebridge Financial, Inc.

       
    1,245,000  

12/15/2052, 6.875% (a)

    1,243,617  
       

Discover Financial Services

       
    1,200,000  

11/29/2032, 6.700%

    1,255,086  
       

Enstar Finance LLC

       
    1,400,000  

01/15/2042, 5.500% (a)

    1,263,971  
       

Fifth Third Bancorp

       
    810,000  

03/01/2038, 8.250%

    960,655  
       

Fifth Third Bank

       
    280,000  

Series BKNT, 03/15/2026, 3.850%

    269,708  
       

GLP Capital LP / GLP Financing II, Inc.

       
    1,205,000  

06/01/2028, 5.750%

    1,196,629  
       

Huntington Bancshares, Inc.

       
    1,655,000  

08/15/2036, 2.487% (a)

    1,252,137  
       

KeyBank NA

       
    1,325,000  

Series BKNT, 08/08/2032, 4.900%

    1,162,448  
       

Kilroy Realty LP

       
    1,440,000  

02/15/2030, 3.050%

    1,207,694  
       

Legg Mason, Inc.

       
    1,000,000  

01/15/2044, 5.625%

    1,004,098  
       

Lincoln National Corporation

       
    1,070,000  

06/15/2040, 7.000%

    1,167,751  
       

Manufacturers & Traders Trust Company

       
    1,320,000  

Series BKNT, 08/17/2027, 3.400%

    1,204,872  

 

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

 

28

 

 

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

 

Schedules of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

CORPORATE BONDS — 24.6% (Continued)

       

Financials — 9.3% (Continued)

       

Markel Group, Inc.

       
    1,100,000  

04/05/2046, 5.000%

  $ 977,958  
       

MetLife, Inc.

       
    900,000  

08/01/2039, 10.750% (a)

    1,212,146  
       

MGIC Investment Corporation

       
    1,190,000  

08/15/2028, 5.250%

    1,150,437  
       

Prudential Financial, Inc.

       
    1,375,000  

09/15/2047, 4.500% (a)

    1,285,231  
       

Regions Bank

       
    1,208,000  

Series BKNT, 06/26/2037, 6.450%

    1,226,600  
       

Synchrony Financial

       
    1,200,000  

08/04/2026, 3.700%

    1,132,726  
       

Synovus Bank

       
    1,250,000  

02/15/2028, 5.625%

    1,207,526  
       

Truist Financial Corporation

       
    1,390,000  

Series MTN, 07/28/2033, 4.916% (a)

    1,278,346  
       

Unum Group

       
    1,290,000  

08/15/2042, 5.750%

    1,253,481  
       

US Bancorp

       
    1,635,000  

11/03/2036, 2.491% (a)

    1,264,457  
       

Zions Bancorp

       
    1,480,000  

10/29/2029, 3.250%

    1,201,291  
              38,583,430  
       

Health Care — 1.0%

       
       

Cardinal Health, Inc.

       
    900,000  

06/15/2047, 4.368%

    741,056  
       

Centene Corporation

       
    1,250,000  

12/15/2029, 4.625%

    1,185,631  
       

HCA, Inc.

       
    1,000,000  

06/15/2047, 5.500%

    932,206  
       

Viatris, Inc.

       
    1,640,000  

06/22/2040, 3.850%

    1,213,108  
              4,072,001  

 

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

 

29

 

 

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

 

Schedules of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

CORPORATE BONDS — 24.6% (Continued)

       

Industrials — 1.3%

       
       

BNSF Funding Trust I

       
    1,210,000  

12/15/2055, 6.613% (a)

  $ 1,205,795  
       

Concentrix Corporation

       
    1,200,000  

08/02/2033, 6.850%

    1,174,213  
       

FedEx Corporation

       
    1,105,000  

01/15/2044, 5.100%

    1,025,015  
       

Flowserve Corporation

       
    1,410,000  

10/01/2030, 3.500%

    1,239,523  
       

Owens Corning

       
    1,160,000  

07/15/2047, 4.300%

    951,358  
              5,595,904  
       

Information Technology — 1.5%

       
       

Corning, Inc.

       
    685,000  

11/15/2079, 5.450%

    634,267  
       

HP, Inc.

       
    1,095,000  

09/15/2041, 6.000%

    1,122,882  
       

Kyndryl Holdings, Inc.

       
    1,600,000  

10/15/2041, 4.100%

    1,196,607  
       

Qorvo, Inc.

       
    1,015,000  

10/15/2029, 4.375%

    946,445  
       

Vontier Corporation

       
    1,510,000  

04/01/2031, 2.950%

    1,244,809  
       

Warnermedia Holdings, Inc.

       
    1,400,000  

03/15/2062, 5.391%

    1,127,105  
              6,272,115  
       

Materials — 0.7%

       
       

Dow Chemical Company

       
    650,000  

05/15/2039, 9.400%

    867,589  
       

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

       
    1,180,000  

03/15/2043, 5.450%

    1,096,628  
       

Mosaic Company

       
    1,050,000  

11/15/2043, 5.625%

    1,003,821  
              2,968,038  

 

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

 

30

 

 

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

 

Schedules of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

CORPORATE BONDS — 24.6% (Continued)

       

Real Estate — 1.6%

       
       

Brixmor Operating Partnership LP

       
    1,285,000  

07/01/2030, 4.050%

  $ 1,182,298  
       

COPT Defense Properties LP

       
    1,510,000  

04/15/2031, 2.750%

    1,219,196  
       

EPR Properties

       
    1,345,000  

08/15/2029, 3.750%

    1,174,795  
       

Sabra Health Care LP

       
    1,530,000  

12/01/2031, 3.200%

    1,240,775  
       

Simon Property Group LP

       
    850,000  

02/01/2040, 6.750%

    934,208  
       

VICI Properties LP

       
    750,000  

05/15/2052, 5.625%

    679,860  
              6,431,132  
       

Utilities — 2.7%

       
       

American Electric Power Company, Inc.

       
    1,430,000  

02/15/2062, 3.875% (a)

    1,279,158  
       

CMS Energy Corporation

       
    1,420,000  

06/01/2050, 4.750% (a)

    1,303,179  
       

Duke Energy Corporation

       
    1,590,000  

01/15/2082, 3.250% (a)

    1,348,539  
       

Edison International

       
    1,250,000  

06/15/2053, 8.125% (a)

    1,286,048  
       

National Fuel Gas Company

       
    1,130,000  

01/15/2026, 5.500%

    1,128,677  
       

NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc.

       
    1,140,000  

12/01/2077, 4.800% (a)

    1,038,861  
    180,000  

03/15/2082, 3.800% (a)

    160,400  
       

Phillips 66 Company

       
    1,030,000  

10/01/2046, 4.900%

    920,052  
       

Sempra

       
    1,415,000  

04/01/2052, 4.125% (a)

    1,305,295  

 

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

 

31

 

 

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

 

Schedules of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

CORPORATE BONDS — 24.6% (Continued)

       

Utilities — 2.7% (Continued)

       

Southern Company

       
    1,355,000  

Series 21-A, 09/15/2051, 3.750% (a)

  $ 1,273,470  
              11,043,679  
       

TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS (Cost $103,851,200)

    101,628,741  
                 
       

MORTGAGE BACKED SECURITIES - U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY — 9.9%

       
       

Federal National Mortgage Association

       
    2,130,000  

03/15/2038, 7.000% (b)

    2,186,660  
    760,000  

03/01/2040, 4.500% (b)

    718,691  
    1,420,000  

03/15/2041, 5.000% (b)

    1,376,652  
    4,075,000  

03/15/2041, 6.000% (b)

    4,092,246  
    380,000  

03/15/2043, 3.000% (b)

    325,135  
    700,000  

03/15/2047, 2.500% (b)

    575,094  
    1,120,000  

05/25/2050, 2.000% (b)

    879,854  
    2,787,996  

04/01/2052, 4.000%

    2,566,717  
    3,532,656  

05/01/2052, 4.000%

    3,253,276  
    3,605,058  

06/01/2052, 4.000%

    3,319,944  
    4,590,000  

03/15/2053, 6.500% (b)

    4,671,050  
    2,985,000  

03/25/2053, 5.500% (b)

    2,951,631  
              26,916,950  
       

Government National Mortgage Association

       
    3,570,000  

03/15/2040, 6.000% (b)

    3,587,003  
    690,000  

03/15/2041, 4.500% (b)

    659,058  
    770,000  

03/15/2041, 5.000% (b)

    751,830  
    310,000  

03/15/2043, 3.000% (b)

    271,974  
    700,000  

03/20/2050, 2.500% (b)

    593,031  
    870,000  

04/20/2050, 2.000% (b)

    708,470  
    2,440,000  

10/20/2052, 5.500% (b)

    2,424,017  
    4,880,000  

08/20/2053, 6.500% (b)

    4,947,449  
              13,942,832  
       

TOTAL MORTGAGE BACKED SECURITIES - U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY (Cost $42,699,904)

    40,859,782  

 

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

 

32

 

 

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

 

Schedules of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY ISSUES — 3.0%

       
       

Financials — 1.4%

       
       

Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corporation

       
    700,000  

06/23/2026, 4.375%

  $ 697,720  
    445,000  

08/14/2026, 4.500%

    444,769  
       

Federal Home Loan Banks

       
    430,000  

09/04/2025, 0.375%

    402,304  
    190,000  

11/17/2026, 4.625%

    190,772  
    190,000  

12/21/2026, 1.250%

    173,936  
    100,000  

07/15/2036, 5.500%

    109,537  
       

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation

       
    400,000  

Series USD, 07/21/2025, 0.375%

    376,577  
    740,000  

09/23/2025, 0.375%

    691,129  
    300,000  

03/15/2031, 6.750%

    343,659  
    350,000  

11/15/2038, 5.600% (c)

    170,808  
       

Federal National Mortgage Association

       
    270,000  

06/17/2025, 0.500%

    255,491  
    465,000  

08/25/2025, 0.375%

    435,640  
    290,000  

11/07/2025, 0.500%

    270,338  
    750,000  

04/24/2026, 2.125%

    713,225  
    235,000  

09/24/2026, 1.875%

    220,236  
    100,000  

01/15/2030, 7.125%

    114,231  
    100,000  

05/15/2030, 7.250%

    115,707  
    100,000  

11/15/2030, 6.625%

    112,837  
    100,000  

07/15/2037, 5.625%

    110,040  
              5,948,956  
       

Utilities — 1.6%

       
       

Tennessee Valley Authority

       
    530,000  

Series E, 11/01/2025, 6.750%

    545,281  
    250,000  

Series A, 02/01/2027, 2.875%

    238,492  
    370,000  

03/15/2028, 3.875%

    364,310  
    300,000  

05/01/2030, 7.125%

    343,918  
    505,000  

04/01/2036, 5.880%

    560,990  
    785,000  

01/15/2038, 6.150%

    903,968  

 

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

 

33

 

 

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

 

Schedules of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY ISSUES — 3.0% (Continued)

       

Utilities — 1.6% (Continued)

    1,300,000  

09/15/2039, 5.250%

  $ 1,346,507  
    955,000  

12/15/2042, 3.500%

    790,023  
    590,000  

04/01/2056, 5.375%

    627,374  
    420,000  

09/15/2060, 4.625%

    393,591  
    310,000  

09/15/2065, 4.250%

    269,196  
              6,383,650  
       

TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY ISSUES (Cost $11,680,276)

    12,332,606  
                 
       

U.S. GOVERNMENT NOTES/BONDS — 61.5%

       
       

U.S. Treasury Bonds — 24.6%

       
       

United States Treasury Bonds

       
    16,979,000  

02/15/2026, 6.000%

    17,425,362  
    655,000  

11/15/2040, 4.250%

    640,263  
    1,580,000  

05/15/2041, 2.250%

    1,153,122  
    1,135,000  

05/15/2041, 4.375%

    1,122,874  
    4,275,000  

08/15/2041, 1.750%

    2,846,549  
    1,660,000  

08/15/2041, 3.750%

    1,514,361  
    3,000,000  

11/15/2041, 2.000%

    2,076,738  
    3,085,000  

11/15/2041, 3.125%

    2,567,660  
    1,960,000  

02/15/2042, 2.375%

    1,440,179  
    3,425,000  

02/15/2042, 3.125%

    2,839,940  
    4,050,000  

05/15/2042, 3.000%

    3,282,240  
    3,390,000  

05/15/2042, 3.250%

    2,850,381  
    4,535,000  

08/15/2042, 2.750%

    3,527,114  
    3,040,000  

08/15/2042, 3.375%

    2,599,022  
    4,335,000  

11/15/2042, 2.750%

    3,357,762  
    3,095,000  

11/15/2042, 4.000%

    2,888,082  
    4,850,000  

02/15/2043, 3.125%

    3,978,895  
    2,410,000  

02/15/2043, 3.875%

    2,205,432  
    4,110,000  

05/15/2043, 2.875%

    3,233,735  
    2,745,000  

05/15/2043, 3.875%

    2,509,262  
    4,325,000  

08/15/2043, 3.625%

    3,811,237  
    360,000  

08/15/2043, 4.375%

    352,350  

 

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

 

34

 

 

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

 

Schedules of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

U.S. GOVERNMENT NOTES/BONDS — 61.5% (Continued)

       

U.S. Treasury Bonds — 24.6% (Continued)

    4,010,000  

11/15/2043, 3.750%

  $ 3,593,336  
    3,985,000  

02/15/2044, 3.625%

    3,502,052  
    4,445,000  

05/15/2044, 3.375%

    3,756,546  
    4,335,000  

08/15/2044, 3.125%

    3,515,583  
    4,130,000  

11/15/2044, 3.000%

    3,274,316  
    3,705,000  

02/15/2045, 2.500%

    2,684,822  
    3,975,000  

05/15/2045, 3.000%

    3,142,036  
    1,115,000  

08/15/2045, 2.875%

    860,793  
    1,815,000  

11/15/2045, 3.000%

    1,429,596  
    3,745,000  

02/15/2046, 2.500%

    2,686,745  
    3,611,000  

05/15/2046, 2.500%

    2,583,417  
    3,470,000  

08/15/2046, 2.250%

    2,355,534  
              101,607,336  
       

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bonds — 5.4%

       
       

United States Treasury Inflation Indexed Bonds

       
    1,657,966  

01/15/2027, 2.375%

    1,673,383  
    1,508,136  

01/15/2028, 1.750%

    1,495,899  
    1,545,680  

04/15/2028, 3.625%

    1,644,889  
    657,211  

01/15/2029, 2.500%

    675,421  
    1,240,843  

04/15/2029, 3.875%

    1,358,116  
    3,091,018  

02/15/2040, 2.125%

    3,129,225  
    2,458,264  

02/15/2041, 2.125%

    2,489,803  
    2,409,598  

02/15/2042, 0.750%

    1,922,691  
    2,234,768  

02/15/2043, 0.625%

    1,712,078  
    2,198,004  

02/15/2044, 1.375%

    1,922,698  
    1,576,182  

02/15/2045, 0.750%

    1,206,990  
    1,559,981  

02/15/2046, 1.000%

    1,246,907  
    1,181,788  

02/15/2047, 0.875%

    910,855  
    814,768  

02/15/2048, 1.000%

    640,666  
    207,232  

02/15/2049, 1.000%

    162,381  
              22,192,002  
       

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Notes — 4.6%

       
       

United States Treasury Inflation Indexed Notes

       
    3,649,370  

04/15/2026, 0.125%

    3,496,406  

 

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

 

35

 

 

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

 

Schedules of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

U.S. GOVERNMENT NOTES/BONDS — 61.5% (Continued)

       

U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Notes — 4.6% (Continued)

    435,098  

07/15/2026, 0.125%

  $ 416,880  
    836,300  

10/15/2026, 0.125%

    797,860  
    1,866,694  

01/15/2027, 0.375%

    1,780,888  
    2,026,173  

04/15/2027, 0.125%

    1,909,466  
    1,330,620  

01/15/2028, 0.500%

    1,258,412  
    1,278,325  

04/15/2028, 1.250%

    1,241,353  
    498,076  

01/15/2029, 0.875%

    474,137  
    1,186,289  

01/15/2030, 0.125%

    1,069,315  
    245,262  

07/15/2030, 0.125%

    220,124  
    1,319,763  

01/15/2031, 0.125%

    1,169,544  
    721,029  

07/15/2031, 0.125%

    635,927  
    1,394,291  

01/15/2032, 0.125%

    1,213,994  
    897,388  

07/15/2032, 0.625%

    811,562  
    1,678,541  

01/15/2033, 1.125%

    1,570,519  
    999,900  

07/15/2033, 1.375%

    957,364  
              19,023,751  
       

U.S. Treasury Notes — 26.9%

       
       

United States Treasury Notes

       
    18,705,000  

05/31/2025, 0.250%

    17,657,228  
    16,287,000  

06/15/2025, 2.875%

    15,876,962  
    2,331,000  

06/30/2025, 2.750%

    2,268,536  
    17,976,000  

08/31/2025, 0.250%

    16,801,942  
    15,912,000  

09/15/2025, 3.500%

    15,605,570  
    13,509,000  

09/30/2025, 3.000%

    13,145,946  
    3,180,000  

10/15/2025, 4.250%

    3,154,038  
    2,365,000  

10/31/2025, 3.000%

    2,299,131  
    280,000  

11/30/2025, 0.375%

    259,749  
    590,000  

12/31/2025, 2.625%

    568,820  
    4,090,000  

02/28/2026, 0.500%

    3,770,389  
    4,000,000  

02/28/2026, 2.500%

    3,839,063  
    3,255,000  

03/15/2026, 4.625%

    3,254,746  
    1,190,000  

03/31/2026, 0.750%

    1,100,146  

 

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

 

36

 

 

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

 

Schedules of Investments
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Security Description

 

Value

 
       

U.S. GOVERNMENT NOTES/BONDS — 61.5% (Continued)

       

U.S. Treasury Notes — 26.9% (Continued)

    2,285,000  

03/31/2026, 2.250%

  $ 2,179,051  
    2,280,000  

04/15/2026, 3.750%

    2,240,813  
    1,675,000  

04/30/2026, 0.750%

    1,543,944  
    1,255,000  

04/30/2026, 2.375%

    1,198,329  
    1,310,000  

05/15/2026, 1.625%

    1,229,507  
    1,130,000  

05/15/2026, 3.625%

    1,107,577  
    835,000  

05/31/2026, 0.750%

    767,515  
    485,000  

05/31/2026, 2.125%

    459,897  
    595,000  

06/15/2026, 4.125%

    589,399  
              110,918,298  
       

TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT NOTES/BONDS (Cost $255,222,606)

    253,741,387  
                 
       

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 7.6%

       
       

Money Market Deposit Account — 7.6%

       
    31,512,050  

U.S. Bank Money Market Deposit Account, 4.21% (d)(e)

    31,512,050  
       

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $31,512,050)

    31,512,050  
       

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 106.6% (Cost $444,966,036)

    440,074,566  
       

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (6.6)%

    (27,298,683 )
       

NET ASSETS — 100.0%

  $ 412,775,883  

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

(a)

Variable or Floating Rate Security based on a reference index and spread. Certain securities are fixed to variable and currently in the fixed phase. Rate shown is the rate in effect as of February 29, 2024.

(b)

Security purchased on a forward-commitment basis (“TBA commitment”). On February 29, 2024, the total value of TBA commitments was $31,719,845 or 7.68% of net assets.

(c)

Zero coupon bond, rate shown is the effective yield as of February 29, 2024.

(d)

The Money Market Deposit Account (the “MMDA”) is a short-term investment vehicle in which the Fund holds cash balances. The MMDA will bear interest at a variable rate that is determined based on conditions and may change daily and by any amount. The rate shown is as of February 29, 2024.

(e)

All or a portion of this security has been pledged as collateral in connection with TBA commitments. At February 29, 2024, the value of securities pledged amounted to $31,512,050. In addition, the Fund held cash collateral in the amount of $1,710,000.

 

The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®) was developed by and/or is the exclusive property of MSCI, Inc. (“MSCI”) and Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). GICS® is a service mark of MSCI and S&P and has been licensed for use by the Fund’s Administrator, U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC.

 

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

 

37

 

 

Vident ETFs

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

   

Vident
International
Equity
Strategy ETF
TM

   

Vident
U.S. Equity
Strategy ETF
TM

   

Vident
U.S. Bond
Strategy ETF
TM

 

ASSETS

                       

Investments in securities, at value*

  $ 377,058,877     $ 566,794,643     $ 440,074,566  

Cash held as collateral for TBA commitments

                1,710,000  

Dividend tax reclaim receivable

    1,450,646              

Dividends and interest receivable

    885,106       724,589       3,063,965  

Receivable for capital shares sold

          82,559,423        

Receivable for securities sold

          233,043,339       453,306  

Transaction fees receivable

                575  

Total assets

    379,394,629       883,121,994       445,302,412  
                         

LIABILITIES

                       

Payable for securities purchased

          236,626,850       32,393,787  

Payable for capital shares redeemed

          78,792,140        

Management fees payable

    181,125       220,523       132,742  

Total liabilities

    181,125       315,639,513       32,526,529  
                         

NET ASSETS

  $ 379,213,504     $ 567,482,481     $ 412,775,883  
                         

NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:

                       

Paid-in capital

  $ 521,185,961     $ 496,577,114     $ 471,301,543  

Total distributable earnings (accumulated deficit)

    (141,972,457 )     70,905,367       (58,525,660 )

Net assets

  $ 379,213,504     $ 567,482,481     $ 412,775,883  

 

 

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

 

38

 

 

Vident ETFs

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

   

Vident
International
Equity
Strategy ETF
TM

   

Vident
U.S. Equity
Strategy ETF
TM

   

Vident
U.S. Bond
Strategy ETF
TM

 

Net Asset Value:

                       

Net assets

  $ 379,213,504     $ 567,482,481     $ 412,775,883  

Shares outstanding ^

    15,600,000       10,625,000       9,500,000  

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share

  $ 24.31     $ 53.41     $ 43.45  
                         

* Identified Cost:

                       

Investments in Securities

  $ 362,817,912     $ 496,168,671     $ 444,966,036  

 

^

No par value, unlimited number of shares authorized.

 

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

 

39

 

 

Vident ETFs

 

Statements of Operations
For the Six-Months Ended February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

   

Vident
International
Equity
Strategy ETF
TM

   

Vident
U.S. Equity
Strategy ETF
TM

   

Vident
U.S. Bond
Strategy ETF
TM

 

INCOME

                       

Dividends^

    4,042,344       4,157,597        

Interest

    24,786       23,857       9,131,808  

Total investment income

    4,067,130       4,181,454       9,131,808  
                         

EXPENSES

                       

Management fees

    1,104,612       1,328,860       806,528  

Total expenses

    1,104,612       1,328,860       806,528  

Net investment income (loss)

    2,962,518       2,852,594       8,325,280  
                         

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS

                       

Net realized gain (loss) on:

                       

Investments in securities

    2,025,908       (553,200 )     (5,003,750 )

In-kind redemptions

    125,006       30,000,930       259,494  

Foreign currency

    (49,407 )            

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

                       

Investments in securities

    19,818,000       23,274,461       11,845,632  

Foreign currency and translation of other assets and liabilities in foreign currency

    (12,666 )            

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

    21,906,841       52,722,191       7,101,376  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 24,869,359     $ 55,574,785     $ 15,426,656  

 

^ Net of foreign withholding taxes

  $ 601,717     $     $  

 

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

 

40

 

 

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

Six-Months
Ended
February 29,
2024
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
August 31,
2023

 

OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 2,962,518     $ 15,869,287  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency

    2,101,507       (3,728,583 )

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and foreign currency

    19,805,334       23,251,345  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    24,869,359       35,392,049  
                 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

               

Net distributions to shareholders

    (7,769,045 )     (17,386,128 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (7,769,045 )     (17,386,128 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    2,407,150       8,298,210  

Payments for shares redeemed

    (4,340,100 )     (2,341,060 )

Transaction fees (Note 6)

    4,732       4,558  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions (a)

    (1,928,218 )     5,961,708  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

  $ 15,172,096     $ 23,967,629  
                 

NET ASSETS

               

Beginning of period/year

  $ 364,041,408     $ 340,073,779  

End of period/year

  $ 379,213,504     $ 364,041,408  

 

(a)

A summary of capital share transactions is as follows:

 

   

Shares

   

Shares

 

Shares sold

    100,000       400,000  

Shares redeemed

    (200,000 )     (100,000 )

Net increase (decrease)

    (100,000 )     300,000  

 

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

 

41

 

 

Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

Six-Months
Ended
February 29,
2024
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
August 31,
2023

 

OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 2,852,594     $ 7,654,271  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    29,447,730       60,147,327  

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    23,274,461       24,646,842  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    55,574,785       92,448,440  
                 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

               

Net distributions to shareholders

    (3,402,065 )     (7,553,684 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (3,402,065 )     (7,553,684 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    82,559,423       134,334,320  

Payments for shares redeemed

    (106,431,395 )     (143,815,850 )

Transaction fees (Note 6)

          136  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions (a)

    (23,871,972 )     (9,481,394 )

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

  $ 28,300,748     $ 75,413,362  
                 

NET ASSETS

               

Beginning of period/year

  $ 539,181,733     $ 463,768,371  

End of period/year

  $ 567,482,481     $ 539,181,733  

 

(a)

A summary of capital share transactions is as follows:

 

   

Shares

   

Shares

 

Shares sold

    1,550,000       3,000,000  

Shares redeemed

    (2,025,000 )     (3,200,000 )

Net increase (decrease)

    (475,000 )     (200,000 )

 

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

 

42

 

 

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   

Six-Months
Ended
February 29,
2024
(Unaudited)

   

Year Ended
August 31,
2023

 

OPERATIONS

               

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 8,325,280     $ 13,767,108  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments

    (4,744,256 )     (19,981,658 )

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

    11,845,632       4,366,175  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    15,426,656       (1,848,375 )
                 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

               

Net distributions to shareholders

    (8,282,856 )     (13,499,504 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (8,282,856 )     (13,499,504 )
                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

               

Proceeds from shares sold

    34,581,850       30,272,960  

Payments for shares redeemed

    (17,208,730 )     (4,345,510 )

Transaction fees (Note 6)

    3,403       756  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions (a)

    17,376,523       25,928,206  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

  $ 24,520,323     $ 10,580,327  
                 

NET ASSETS

               

Beginning of period/year

  $ 388,255,560     $ 377,675,233  

End of period/year

  $ 412,775,883     $ 388,255,560  

 

(a)

A summary of capital share transactions is as follows:

 

   

Shares

   

Shares

 

Shares sold

    800,000       700,000  

Shares redeemed

    (400,000 )     (100,000 )

Net increase (decrease)

    400,000       600,000  

 

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

 

43

 

 

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

Financial Highlights

For a capital share outstanding throughout the 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

  $ 23.19     $ 22.08     $ 27.80     $ 21.54     $ 22.59     $ 25.19  
                                                 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

                                               

Net investment income (loss) (1)

    0.19       1.01       1.34       0.78       0.51       0.74  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (4)

    1.43       1.20       (5.60 )     6.34       (0.93 )     (2.64 )

Total from investment operations

    1.62       2.21       (4.26 )     7.12       (0.42 )     (1.90 )
                                                 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

                                               

Distributions from:

                                               

Net investment income

    (0.50 )     (1.10 )     (1.46 )     (0.86 )     (0.64 )     (0.70 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.50 )     (1.10 )     (1.46 )     (0.86 )     (0.64 )     (0.70 )
                                                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

                                               

Transaction fees (Note 6)

    0.00 (2)      0.00 (2)      0.00 (2)      0.00 (2)      0.01       0.00 (2) 
                                                 

Net asset value, end of period/year

  $ 24.31     $ 23.19     $ 22.08     $ 27.80     $ 21.54     $ 22.59  
                                                 

Total return

    7.04 %(5)     10.31 %     -15.77 %     33.22 %     -1.98 %     -7.61 %
                                                 

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

                                               

Net assets at end of period/year (000’s)

  $ 379,214     $ 364,041     $ 340,074     $ 486,453     $ 437,301     $ 569,345  
                                                 

 

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

 

44

 

 

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

Financial Highlights
For a capital share outstanding throughout the period/year (Continued)

 

   

Six-Months
Ended
February 29,
2024

   

Year Ended August 31,

 
   

(Unaudited)

   

2023

   

2022

   

2021

   

2020

   

2019

 

RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:

                                               

Expenses to average net assets (before management fees waived)

    0.61 %(6)     0.61 %     0.61 %     0.61 %     0.61 %     0.61 %

Expenses to average net assets (after management fees waived)

    0.61 %(6)     0.61 %     0.60 %     0.59 %     0.60 %     0.61 %

Net investment income (loss) to average net assets (before management fees waived)

    1.64 %(6)     4.53 %     5.22 %     3.02 %     2.29 %     3.09 %

Net investment income (loss) to average net assets (after management fees waived)

    1.64 %(6)     4.53 %     5.23 %     3.04 %     2.30 %     3.09 %

Portfolio turnover rate (3)

    31 %(5)     82 %     70 %     74 %     79 %     76 %

 

(1)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period/year.

(2)

Less than $0.005.

(3)

Excludes the impact of in-kind transactions.

(4)

Realized and unrealized gains and losses per share in this caption are balancing amounts necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per share for the period, and may not reconcile with the aggregate gains and losses in the Statement of Operations due to share transactions for the period.

(5)

Not annualized.

(6)

Annualized.

 

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

 

45

 

 

Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

Financial Highlights

For a capital share outstanding throughout the 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

  $ 48.57     $ 41.04     $ 44.58     $ 30.03     $ 29.72     $ 35.33  
                                                 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

                                               

Net investment income (loss) (1)

    0.26       0.67       0.62       0.46       0.45       0.49  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (4)

    4.89       7.53       (3.56 )     14.56       0.33       (5.60 )

Total from investment operations

    5.15       8.20       (2.94 )     15.02       0.78       (5.11 )
                                                 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

                                               

Distributions from:

                                               

Net investment income

    (0.31 )     (0.67 )     (0.60 )     (0.47 )     (0.47 )     (0.50 )

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.31 )     (0.67 )     (0.60 )     (0.47 )     (0.47 )     (0.50 )
                                                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

                                               

Transaction fees (Note 6)

          0.00 (2)      0.00 (2)                  0.00 (2) 
                                                 

Net asset value, end of period/year

  $ 53.41     $ 48.57     $ 41.04     $ 44.58     $ 30.03     $ 29.72  
                                                 

Total return

    10.63 %(5)     20.24 %     -6.66 %     50.29 %     2.70 %     -14.49 %
                                                 

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

                                               

Net assets at end of period/year (000’s)

  $ 567,482     $ 539,182     $ 463,768     $ 427,974     $ 330,357     $ 478,413  
                                                 

 

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

 

46

 

 

Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

Financial Highlights

For a capital share outstanding throughout the period/year (Continued)

 

   

Six-Months
Ended
February 29,
2024

   

Year Ended August 31,

 
   

(Unaudited)

   

2023

   

2022

   

2021

   

2020

   

2019

 

RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:

                                               

Expenses to average net assets (before management fees waived)

    0.50 %(6)     0.50 %     0.50 %     0.50 %     0.50 %     0.50 %

Expenses to average net assets (after management fees waived)

    0.50 %(6)     0.50 %     0.49 %     0.48 %     0.49 %     0.50 %

Net investment income (loss) to average net assets (before management fees waived)

    1.07 %(6)     1.54 %     1.41 %     1.17 %     1.53 %     1.56 %

Net investment income (loss) to average net assets (after management fees waived)

    1.07 %(6)     1.54 %     1.42 %     1.19 %     1.54 %     1.56 %

Portfolio turnover rate (3)

    29 %(5)     167 %     63 %     65 %     66 %     71 %

 

(1)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period/year.

(2)

Less than $0.005.

(3)

Excludes the impact of in-kind transactions.

(4)

Realized and unrealized gains and losses per share in this caption are balancing amounts necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per share for the period, and may not reconcile with the aggregate gains and losses in the Statement of Operations due to share transactions for the period.

(5)

Not annualized.

(6)

Annualized.

 

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

 

47

 

 

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

 

Financial Highlights

For a capital share outstanding throughout the 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

  $ 42.67     $ 44.43     $ 51.96     $ 52.01     $ 51.22     $ 47.93  
                                                 

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

                                               

Net investment income (loss) (1)

    0.90       1.60       0.85       0.80       1.23       1.50  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (4)

    0.77       (1.80 )     (7.23 )     (0.05 )     0.88       3.34  

Total from investment operations

    1.67       (0.20 )     (6.38 )     0.75       2.11       4.84  
                                                 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

                                               

Distributions from:

                                               

Net investment income

    (0.89 )     (1.56 )     (1.05 )     (0.80 )     (1.33 )     (1.56 )

From realized gains

                (0.10 )                  

Total distributions to shareholders

    (0.89 )     (1.56 )     (1.15 )     (0.80 )     (1.33 )     (1.56 )
                                                 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

                                               

Transaction fees (Note 6)

    0.00 (2)      0.00 (2)      0.00 (2)      0.00 (2)      0.01       0.01  
                                                 

Net asset value, end of period/year

  $ 43.45     $ 42.67     $ 44.43     $ 51.96     $ 52.01     $ 51.22  
                                                 

Total return

    3.99 %(5)     -0.45 %     -12.41 %     1.46 %     4.26 %     10.37 %
                                                 

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

                                               

Net assets at end of period/year (000’s)

  $ 412,776     $ 388,256     $ 377,675     $ 415,673     $ 400,494     $ 486,612  
                                                 

 

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

 

48

 

 

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

 

Financial Highlights

For a capital share outstanding throughout the period/year (Continued)

 

   

Six-Months
Ended
February 29,
2024

   

Year Ended August 31,

 
   

(Unaudited)

   

2023

   

2022

   

2021

   

2020

   

2019

 

RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:

                                               

Expenses to average net assets (before management fees waived)

    0.41 %(6)     0.41 %     0.41 %     0.41 %     0.41 %     0.41 %

Expenses to average net assets (after management fees waived)

    0.41 %(6)     0.41 %     0.40 %     0.39 %     0.40 %     0.41 %

Net investment income (loss) to average net assets (before management fees waived)

    4.23 %(6)     3.69 %     1.76 %     1.53 %     2.42 %     3.11 %

Net investment income (loss) to average net assets (after management fees waived)

    4.23 %(6)     3.69 %     1.77 %     1.55 %     2.43 %     3.11 %

Portfolio turnover rate (3)

    101 %(5)     185 %     247 %     238 %     247 %     384 %

 

(1)

Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period/year.

(2)

Less than $0.005.

(3)

Excludes the impact of in-kind transactions.

(4)

Realized and unrealized gains and losses per share in this caption are balancing amounts necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per share for the period, and may not reconcile with the aggregate gains and losses in the Statement of Operations due to share transactions for the period.

(5)

Not annualized.

(6)

Annualized.

 

 

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

 

49

 

 

Vident ETFs

 

Notes to Financial Statements

February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION

 

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM, Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM and Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM (individually each a “Fund” or collectively the “Funds”) are diversified series of ETF Series Solutions (“ESS” or the “Trust”), an open-end management investment company consisting of multiple investment series, organized as a Delaware statutory trust on February 9, 2012. The Trust is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company and the offering of the Funds’ shares is registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The investment objectives of the Funds are to seek to track the performance, before fees and expenses, of the Vident Core International Equity IndexTM, the Vident U.S. Quality IndexTM and the Vident Core U.S. Bond IndexTM, respectively. Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM commenced operations on October 29, 2013; Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM commenced operations on January 21, 2014; and Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM commenced operations on October 15, 2014.

 

The end of the reporting period for the Funds is February 29, 2024, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the six-month period from September 1, 2023 to February 29, 2024 (the “current fiscal period”).

 

NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The Funds are investment companies and accordingly follow the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946 Financial Services – Investment Companies.

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds. These policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

 

 

A.

Security Valuation. All equity securities, including domestic and foreign common stocks, preferred stocks, and exchange traded funds that are traded on a national securities exchange, except those listed on the Nasdaq Global Market®, Nasdaq Global SelectMarket® and Nasdaq Capital Market® exchanges (collectively “Nasdaq”), are valued at the last reported sale price on the exchange on which the security is principally traded. Securities traded on Nasdaq will be valued at the Nasdaq Official Closing Price (“NOCP”). If, on a particular day, an exchange traded or Nasdaq security does not trade, then the mean between the most recent quoted bid and asked prices will be used. All equity securities 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

 

50

 

 

Vident ETFs

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

security does not trade on a particular day, then the mean between the last quoted closing bid and asked price will be used. Prices denominated in foreign currencies are converted to U.S. dollar equivalents at the current exchange rate, which approximates fair value.

 

Investments in mutual funds, including money market funds, are valued at their net asset value (“NAV”) per share.

 

Debt securities, including short-term debt instruments, are valued in accordance with prices provided by a pricing service. Pricing services may use various valuation methodologies such as the mean between the bid and asked prices, matrix pricing and other analytical pricing models as well as market transactions and dealer quotations.

 

Deposit accounts are valued at acquisition cost, which approximates fair value.

 

Securities for which quotations are not readily available are valued at their respective fair values in accordance with pricing procedures adopted by the Funds’ Board of Trustees (the “Board”). When a security is “fair valued,” consideration is given to the facts and circumstances relevant to the particular situation, including a review of various factors set forth in the pricing procedures adopted by the Board. The use of fair value pricing by the Funds may cause the NAV of the shares to differ significantly from the NAV that would be calculated without regard to such considerations.

 

As described above, the Funds utilize various methods to measure the fair value of their investments on a recurring basis. U.S. GAAP establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuations 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 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.

 

51

 

 

Vident ETFs

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

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

 

The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety, is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of the end of the current fiscal period:

 

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

Assets^

 

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 369,690,816     $     $ 0     $ 369,690,816  

Preferred Stocks

    5,343,432                   5,343,432  

Short-Term Investments

    2,024,629                   2,024,629  

Total Investments in Securities

  $ 377,058,877     $     $ 0     $ 377,058,877  

 

^

See Schedule of Investments for breakout of investments by country.

 

Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

Assets^

 

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Common Stocks

  $ 565,526,336     $     $     $ 565,526,336  

Short-Term Investments

    1,268,307                   1,268,307  

Total Investments in Securities

  $ 566,794,643     $     $     $ 566,794,643  

 

^

See Schedule of Investments for breakout of investments by sector classification.

 

52

 

 

Vident ETFs

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

 

Description^

 

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

 

Corporate Bonds

  $     $ 101,628,741     $     $ 101,628,741  

Mortgage Backed Securities - U.S. Government Agency

          40,859,782             40,859,782  

U.S. Government Agency Issues

          12,332,606             12,332,606  

U.S. Government Notes/Bonds

          253,741,387             253,741,387  

Short-Term Investments

    31,512,050                   31,512,050  

Total Investments in Securities

  $ 31,512,050     $ 408,562,516     $     $ 440,074,566  

 

^

See Schedule of Investments for further disaggregation of investment categories.

 

During the current fiscal period, the Funds did not recognize any transfers into or out of Level 3.

 

 

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 Funds do not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments and currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions 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 Funds report 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 foreign currency transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Funds’ 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 values of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities at fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.

 

53

 

 

Vident ETFs

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

C.

Securities Purchased or Sold on a Forward-Commitment Basis. Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM may enter into TBA commitments, Mortgage Dollar Roll Transactions or other purchase and sale transactions that specify forward delivery of a financial security. TBA commitments are forward agreements for the purchase or sale of mortgage-backed pass-through securities for a fixed price, with payment and delivery on an agreed upon future settlement date. Most commitments in mortgage-backed pass-through securities occur for future delivery in which the exact mortgage pools to be delivered are not specified until a few days prior to settlement. The specific securities to be delivered are not identified at the trade date. However, delivered securities must follow general trade parameters, including issuer, rate and mortgage terms. When entering into TBA commitments, the Fund may take possession of or deliver the underlying mortgage-backed pass-through securities but can extend the settlement or roll the transaction. In order to better define contractual rights and to secure rights that will help the Fund mitigate counterparty risk, TBA commitments may be entered into by a Fund under Master Securities Forward Transaction Agreements (each, an “MSFTA”). An MSFTA typically contains, among other things, collateral posting terms and netting provisions in the event of default and/or termination event. The collateral requirements are typically calculated by netting the mark-to-market amount for each transaction under such agreement and comparing that amount to the value of the collateral currently pledged by a Fund and the counterparty. Cash collateral that has been pledged to cover the obligations of the Trust or cash collateral received from the counterparty, if any, is reported separately on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as cash held as collateral for TBA commitments or cash received as collateral for TBA commitments, respectively. Noncash collateral pledged by the Fund, if any, is noted in the Schedule of Investments. In connection with this ability, the Fund may enter into mortgage “dollar rolls” in which a Fund sells TBA mortgage-backed securities and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar (i.e., same type, coupon and maturity) securities on a specific future date at an agreed upon price. During the period between the sale and repurchase, a Fund is not entitled to receive interest and principal payments on the securities sold. Mortgage dollar roll transactions are treated as purchases and sales and the Fund realizes gains and losses on these transactions.

 

The value of TBA commitments on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities for the Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM as of the end of the current fiscal period is as follows:

 

54

 

 

Vident ETFs

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities - Values of TBA Commitments as of the end of the current fiscal period

 

 

Asset

 

Location

 

Value

 

TBA Commitments - Credit/interest rate risk

Investments in securities, at value

  $ 31,719,845  

 

 

Liabilities

 

Location

 

Value

 

TBA Commitments - Credit/interest rate risk

Payable for Securities Purchased

  $ 31,839,696  

 

The effect of TBA Commitments on the Statement of Operations for the current fiscal period

 

Amount of Realized Gain
(Loss) on TBA
Commitments Recognized
in Income

       

Change in Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation) Recognized
in Income

 

 

Investments
in Securities

             

Investments
in Securities

 

TBA Commitments

    ($156,103 )        

TBA Commitments

  $ (100,604 )

 

The average monthly value of TBA Commitments during the current fiscal period was $29,893,452.

 

OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

The Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM is subject to various MSFTAs, which govern the terms of certain transactions with select counterparties. The MSFTAs allow the Fund to close out and net its total exposure to a counterparty in the event of a default with respect to all the transactions governed under a single agreement with a counterparty. The MSFTAs also specify collateral posting arrangements at prearranged exposure levels. Under the MSFTAs, collateral is routinely transferred if the total net exposure to certain transactions (net of existing collateral already in place) governed under the relevant MSFTAs with a counterparty in a given account exceeds a specified threshold depending on the counterparty and type of MSFTAs.

 

55

 

 

Vident ETFs

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

The following is a summary of the Assets and Liabilities subject to offsetting in the Fund as of the end of the current fiscal period.

 

OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

Liabilities

                       

Description/Counterparty

 

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities

   

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement
of Assets
and
Liabilities

   

Net
Amounts
Presented
in the
Statement
of Assets
and
Liabilities

 

TBA Commitments

                       

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

  $ 11,608,107     $     $ 11,608,107  

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC

    20,231,589             20,231,589  
    $ 31,839,696     $     $ 31,839,696  

 

   

Gross Amounts not
offset in the Statement
of Assets and Liabilities

         

Description/Counterparty

 

Financial
Instruments

   

Collateral
Pledged

   

Net Amount

 

TBA Commitments

                       

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

  $ (10,698,107 )   $ (910,000 )   $  

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC

    (19,431,589 )     (800,000 )      
    $ (30,129,696 )   $ (1,710,000 )   $  

 

In some instances, the collateral amounts disclosed in the tables were adjusted due to the requirement to limit the collateral amounts to avoid the effect of overcollateralization. Actual collateral received/pledged may be more than the amounts disclosed herein.

 

Federal Income Taxes. The Funds’ policy is to comply with the provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of their net investment income and net capital gains to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. Each Fund plans to file U.S. Federal and various state and local tax returns.

 

56

 

 

Vident ETFs

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Each Fund recognizes the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only when the position is more likely than not to be sustained. Management has analyzed each Fund’s uncertain tax positions and concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax positions. Management is not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next 12 months. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits on uncertain tax positions as income tax expenses in the Statements of Operations. During the current fiscal period, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties.

 

 

D.

Security Transactions and Investment Income. Investment securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Gains and losses realized from sales of securities are determined on a specific identification basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Non-cash dividends included in dividend income or separately disclosed, if any, are recorded at fair value of the security received. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends and foreign taxes on capital gains have been provided for in accordance with the Funds’ understanding of the applicable tax rules and regulations. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Discounts and premiums on securities purchased are accreted and amortized using the effective yield method. Paydown gains and losses on mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities are recorded as components of interest income on the Statements of Operations.

 

Distributions received from the Funds’ investments in real estate investment trusts (“REIT”) may be characterized as ordinary income, net capital gain, or a return of capital. The proper characterization of REIT distributions is generally not known until after the end of each calendar year. As such, the Funds must use estimates in reporting the character of their income and distributions received during the current calendar year for financial statement purposes. The actual character of distributions to the Funds’ shareholders will be reflected on the Form 1099 received by shareholders after the end of the calendar year. Due to the nature of REIT investments, a portion of the distributions received by a Fund’s shareholders may represent a return of capital.

 

57

 

 

Vident ETFs

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

E.

Distributions to Shareholders. Distributions to shareholders from net investment income for the Funds are declared and paid at least on a quarterly basis and distributions from net realized gains on securities are normally 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 and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the current fiscal period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

 

G.

Share Valuation. The NAV per share of each Fund is calculated by dividing the sum of the value of the securities held by the Fund, plus cash and other assets, minus all liabilities (including estimated accrued expenses) by the total number of shares outstanding for the Fund, rounded to the nearest cent. The Funds’ shares will not be priced on the days on which the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (“NYSE”) is closed for trading. The offering and redemption price per share for each Fund is equal to the Fund’s NAV per share.

 

 

H.

Guarantees and Indemnifications. In the normal course of business, the Funds enter 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 the Funds that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Funds expect the risk of loss to be remote.

 

 

I.

Reclassification of Capital Accounts. U.S. GAAP requires that certain components of net assets relating to permanent differences be reclassified between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV per share. The permanent differences are primarily due to differing book and tax treatments for in-kind transactions. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 the following table shows the reclassifications made:

 

   

Distributable
Earnings
(Accumulated
Deficit)

   

Paid-In Capital

 

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM

  $ (290,792 )   $ 290,792  

Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM

    (56,264,687 )     56,264,687  

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

    4,577       (4,577 )

 

58

 

 

Vident ETFs

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

 

J.

Subsequent Events. In preparing these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the financial statements were issued. There were no events or transactions that occurred during the period subsequent to the end of the current fiscal period that materially impacted the amounts or disclosures in the Funds’ Financial Statements.

 

NOTE 3 – COMMITMENTS AND OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Vident Advisory, LLC, doing business as Vident Asset Management (the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser and index provider to the Funds. Pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement (“Advisory Agreement”) between the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and the Adviser, the Adviser provides investment advice to the Funds and oversees the day-to-day operations of the Funds, subject to the direction and control of the Board and the officers of the Trust. Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser has agreed to pay all expenses incurred by the Funds except for the fee paid to the Adviser pursuant to this Agreement, interest charges on any borrowings, dividends and other expenses on securities sold short, taxes, brokerage commissions and other expenses incurred in placing orders for the purchase and sale of securities and other investment instruments, acquired fund fees and expenses, accrued deferred tax liability, extraordinary expenses, and distribution fees and expenses paid by the Trust under any distribution plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (collectively, “Excluded Expenses”). For services provided to the Funds, Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM pays the Adviser 0.61%, Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM pays the Adviser 0.50%, and Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM pays the Adviser 0.41% at an annual rate based on each Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services” or “Administrator”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, acts as the Funds’ Administrator and, in that capacity, performs various administrative and accounting services for the Funds. The Administrator prepares various federal and state regulatory filings, reports and returns for the Funds, including regulatory compliance monitoring and financial reporting; prepares reports and materials to be supplied to the Board; monitors the activities of the Funds’ Custodian, transfer agent and accountants. Fund Services also serves as the transfer agent and fund accountant to the Funds. U.S. Bank N.A. (the “Custodian”), an affiliate of Fund Services, serves as the Funds’ Custodian.

 

ALPS Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”) acts as the Funds’ principal underwriter in a continuous public offering of the Funds’ shares.

 

All officers of the Trust are affiliated with the Administrator and Custodian.

 

59

 

 

Vident ETFs

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

NOTE 4 – PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

During the current fiscal period, purchases and sales of securities by the Funds, excluding short-term securities and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

   

Purchases

   

Sales

 

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM

  $ 113,071,225     $ 118,492,179  

Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM

  $ 154,191,252     $ 155,315,376  

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

  $ 397,539,484     $ 397,250,295  

 

During the current fiscal period, in-kind transactions associated with creations and redemptions were as follows:

 

   

In-Kind Purchases

   

In-Kind Sales

 

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM

  $ 1,573,911     $ 3,248,888  

Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM

  $ 82,435,598     $ 106,857,646  

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

  $ 30,534,636     $ 15,290,842  

 

There were no purchases or sales of U.S. Government securities in Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM or Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM during the current fiscal period. Included in the amounts for Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM there were $218,834,077 of purchases and $206,982,759 of sales of U.S. Government securities during the current fiscal period.

 

NOTE 5 – INCOME TAX INFORMATION

 

The amount and tax character of tax basis distributions and composition of net assets, including distributable earnings (accumulated deficit) are finalized at fiscal year-end; accordingly, tax basis balances have not been determined for the current fiscal period.

 

60

 

 

Vident ETFs

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

The components of distributable earnings (accumulated deficit) and cost basis of investments and net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for federal income tax purposes as of August 31, 2023, were as follows:

 

   

Vident
International
Equity
Strategy ETF
TM

   

Vident
U.S. Equity
Strategy ETF
TM

   

Vident
U.S. Bond
Strategy ETF
TM

 

Tax cost of Investments

  $ 370,245,335     $ 492,515,169     $ 429,933,833  

Gross tax unrealized appreciation

  $ 29,001,249     $ 51,376,843     $ 1,264,348  

Gross tax unrealized depreciation

    (37,861,469 )     (4,236,048 )     (18,618,810 )

Net tax unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)

    (8,860,220 )     47,140,795       (17,354,462 )

Undistributed ordinary income

    4,174,098       1,318,947       770,110  

Undistributed long-term capital gain

                 

Other accumulated gain (loss)

    (154,386,649 )     (29,727,095 )     (49,085,108 )

Distributable earnings/(accumulated deficit)

  $ (159,072,771 )   $ 18,732,647     $ (65,669,460 )

 

The differences between book and tax-basis cost are attributable to the realization for tax purposes of unrealized gains on investments in passive foreign investment companies and wash sales. A regulated investment company may elect for any taxable year to treat any portion of any qualified late year loss as arising on the first day of the next taxable year. Qualified late year losses are certain capital and ordinary losses which occur during the portion of the Funds’ taxable year subsequent to October 31 and December 31, respectively. For the taxable year ended August 31, 2023, the Funds did not elect to defer any post- October capital losses or late-year ordinary losses.

 

As of August 31, 2023, the Funds had the following capital loss carryforwards available for federal income tax purposes, with an indefinite expiration:

 

   

Short-Term

   

Long-Term

 

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM

  $ (134,849,453 )   $ (19,523,526 )

Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM

  $ (29,727,095 )   $  

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

  $ (28,633,806 )   $ (20,451,302 )

 

61

 

 

Vident ETFs

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, the Funds utilized the following capital loss carryforwards that were available as of August 31, 2022:

 

   

Short-Term

   

Long-Term

 

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM

  $     $  

Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM

  $ 2,775,996     $  

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

  $     $  

 

The tax character of distributions paid by the Funds during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, was as follows:

 

   

Ordinary Income

   

Capital Gains

 

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM

  $ 17,386,128     $  

Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM

  $ 7,553,684     $  

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

  $ 13,499,504     $  

 

The tax character of distributions paid by the Funds during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022, was as follows:

 

   

Ordinary Income

   

Capital Gains

 

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM

  $ 23,767,573     $  

Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM

  $ 6,205,670     $  

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

  $ 8,604,885     $ 800,974  

 

NOTE 6 – SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

Shares of the Funds are listed and traded on New York Stock Exchange Arca, Inc. (“NYSE Arca”). Market prices for the shares may be different from their NAV. The Funds issue and redeem shares on a continuous basis at NAV generally in large blocks called “Creation Units.” Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities included in a specified universe. Once created, shares generally trade in the secondary market at market prices that change throughout the day. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, shares are not redeemable securities of a Fund. Creation Units of a Fund may only be purchased or redeemed by certain financial institutions (“Authorized Participants”). An Authorized Participant is either (i) a broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation or (ii) a Depository Trust Company participant and, in each case, must have executed a Participant Agreement with the Distributor. Most retail investors do not qualify as Authorized Participants nor have the resources to buy and sell whole Creation Units.

 

62

 

 

Vident ETFs

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Therefore, they are unable to purchase or redeem the shares directly from a Fund. Rather, most retail investors may purchase shares in the secondary market with the assistance of a broker and are subject to customary brokerage commissions or fees.

 

The Funds each currently offer one class of shares, which have no front-end sales loads, no deferred sales charges, and no redemption fees. A fixed transaction fee is imposed for the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the purchase or sale of Creation Units. Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM charges $5,000; Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM and Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM each charge $750 for the standard fixed transaction fee, payable to the Custodian. The fixed transaction fee may be waived on transaction orders if the Funds’ Custodian has determined to waive some or all of the costs associated with the order, or another party, such as the Adviser, has agreed to pay such fee. In addition, a variable fee payable to each Fund may be charged on all cash transactions or substitutes for Creation Units of up to a maximum of 2% in Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM and Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM and up to a maximum of 3% in Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM as a percentage of the value of the Creation Units subject to the transaction.

 

Variable fees are imposed to compensate the Funds for the transaction costs associated with the cash transactions fees. Variable fees received by each Fund, if any, are displayed in the Capital Share Transactions sections of the Statements of Changes in Net Assets. Each Fund may issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, with no par value. Shares of each Fund have equal rights and privileges.

 

NOTE 7 – RISKS

 

Sector Risk. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors of the economy, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors.

 

Russia/Ukraine Conflict Risk (Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM Only). On February 24, 2022, Russia commenced a military attack on Ukraine. The outbreak of hostilities between the two countries could result in more widespread conflict and could have a severe adverse effect on the region and the markets. In addition, sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States and other countries, and any sanctions imposed in the future could have a significant adverse impact on the Russian economy and related markets. The price and liquidity of investments may fluctuate widely as a result of the conflict and related events. How long such conflict and related events will last and whether it will escalate further cannot be predicted, nor its effect on the Fund.

 

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Vident ETFs

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

NOTE 8 – BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

 

The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of 25% or more of the voting securities of a fund creates a presumption of control of a fund, under section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act. As of the end of the current fiscal period, Blue Trust, Inc., as a beneficial shareholder, owned greater than 25% of the outstanding shares of each Fund.

 

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Vident ETFs

 

Expense Examples

For the Six-Months Ended February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)

 

As a shareholder of the Funds, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of Fund shares, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire six-month period as indicated in the following Expense Example tables.

 

Actual Expenses

 

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

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

The second line of the table provides information about hypothetical account values based on a hypothetical return and hypothetical expenses based on the Funds’ actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Funds’ actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Funds and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as brokerage commissions paid on purchases and sales of Fund shares. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. If these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

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Vident ETFs

 

Expense Examples

For the Six-Months Ended February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
September 1,
2023

Ending
Account Value
February 29, 2024

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
(1)

Actual

$ 1,000.00

$ 1070.40

$3.14

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,021.83

$3.07

 

Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
September 1,
2023

Ending
Account Value
February 29, 2024

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
(2)

Actual

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,106.30

$2.62

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,022.38

$2.51

 

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

 

 

Beginning
Account Value
September 1,
2023

Ending
Account Value
February 29, 2024

Expenses
Paid During
the Period
(3)

Actual

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,039.90

$2.08

Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)

$ 1,000.00

$ 1,022.82

$2.06

 

(1)

The dollar amounts shown as expenses paid during the period are equal to the annualized expense ratio, 0.61%, multiplied by the average account value during the six-month period, multiplied by 182/366, to reflect the one-half year period.

(2)

The dollar amounts shown as expenses paid during the period are equal to the annualized expense ratio, 0.50%, multiplied by the average account value during the six-month period, multiplied by 182/366, to reflect the one-half year period.

(3)

The dollar amounts shown as expenses paid during the period are equal to the annualized expense ratio, 0.41%, multiplied by the average account value during the six-month period, multiplied by 182/366, to reflect the one-half year period.

 

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Review of Liquidity Risk Management Program

(Unaudited)

 

Pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Trust, on behalf of the series of the Trust covered by this shareholder report (the “Series”), has adopted a liquidity risk management program to govern the Trust’s approach to managing liquidity risk. Rule 22e-4 seeks to promote effective liquidity risk management, thereby reducing the risk that a fund will be unable to meet its redemption obligations and mitigating dilution of the interests of fund shareholders. The Trust’s liquidity risk management program is tailored to reflect the Series’ particular risks, but not to eliminate all adverse impacts of liquidity risk, which would be incompatible with the nature of such Series.

 

The investment adviser to the Series has adopted and implemented its own written liquidity risk management program (the “Program”) tailored specifically to assess and manage the liquidity risk of the Series.

 

At a recent meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, the Trustees received a report pertaining to the operation, adequacy, and effectiveness of implementation of the Program for the period ended December 31, 2023. The report concluded that the Program is reasonably designed to assess and manage the Series’ liquidity risk and has operated adequately and effectively to manage such risk. The report reflected that there were no liquidity events that impacted the Series’ ability to timely meet redemptions without dilution to existing shareholders. The report further noted that no material changes have been made to the Program since its implementation.

 

There can be no assurance that the Program will achieve its objectives in the future. Please refer to the prospectus for more information regarding the Series’ exposure to liquidity risk and other principal risks to which an investment in the Series may be subject.

 

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Vident ETFs

 

Federal Tax Information

(Unaudited)

 

QUALIFIED DIVIDEND INCOME

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, certain dividends paid by the Funds may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 23.8%, as provided for by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. The percentage of dividends declared from ordinary income designated as qualified dividend income was as follows:

 

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM

69.99%

Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM

100.00%

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

0%

 

DIVIDENDS RECEIVED DEDUCTION

For corporate shareholders, the percent of ordinary income distributions qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023 was as follows:

 

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM

0.02%

Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM

100.00%

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

0.00%

 

SHORT-TERM CAPITAL GAIN

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023, the percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions that are designated as short-term capital gain distributions under Internal Revenue Section 871(k)(2)(C) for each Fund were as follows:

 

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM

0.00%

Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM

0.00%

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

0.00%

 

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Vident ETFs

 

Federal Tax Information

(Unaudited) (Continued)

 

FOREIGN TAX CREDIT PASS THROUGH

Pursuant to Section 853 of the Internal Revenue code, the Funds designated the following amounts as foreign taxes paid for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2023. Foreign taxes paid for purposes of Section 853 may be less than actual foreign taxes paid for financial statement purposes.

 

 

Creditable
Foreign Taxes
Paid

Per Share
Amount

Portion of
Ordinary
Income
Distribution
Derived
from Foreign
Sourced
Income

Vident International Equity Strategy ETFTM

$2,523,506

$0.16073288

100.00%

Vident U.S. Equity Strategy ETFTM

Vident U.S. Bond Strategy ETFTM

 

Foreign taxes paid or withheld should be included in taxable income with an offsetting deduction from gross income or as a credit for taxes paid to foreign governments.

 

Above figures may differ from those cited elsewhere in this report due to difference in the calculation of income and gains under GAAP purposes and Internal Revenue Service purposes.

 

Shareholders are strongly advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investments in the Funds.

 

Information About Portfolio Holdings
(Unaudited)

 

The Funds file their complete schedules of portfolio holdings for their first and third fiscal quarters with the SEC on Part F of Form N-PORT. The Funds’ Part F of Form N-PORT is available without charge, upon request, by calling toll-free at (800) 617-0004. Furthermore, you may obtain the Part F of Form N-PORT on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Each Fund’s portfolio holdings are posted on their website at www.videntam.com daily.

 

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Vident ETFs

 

Information About Proxy Voting

(Unaudited)

 

A description of the policies and procedures the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is provided in the Statement of Additonal Information (“SAI”). The SAI is available without charge, upon request, by calling toll-free at (800) 617-0004, by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by accessing the website at www.videntam.com.

 

Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the period ending June 30 is available by calling toll-free at (800) 617-0004 or by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

Information About the Funds’ Trustees
(Unaudited)

 

The SAI includes additional Information about the Funds’ Trustees and is available without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 617-0004 or by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by accessing the Funds’ website at www.videntam.com.

 

Frequency Distribution of Premiums and Discounts
(Unaudited)

 

Information regarding how often shares of the Funds trade on the exchange at a price above (i.e., at a premium) or below (i.e., at a discount) the NAV of the Funds is available, without charge, on the Funds’ website at www.videntam.com.

 

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Adviser/Index Provider

Vident Asset Management
1125 Sanctuary Parkway, Suite 515
Alpharetta, Georgia 30009

 

Distributor

ALPS Distributors, Inc.
1290 Broadway, Suite 1000
Denver, Colorado 80203

 

Custodian

U.S. Bank National Association
1555 North Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212

 

Transfer Agent

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Cohen & Company, Ltd.
342 North Water Street, Suite 830
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

 

Legal Counsel

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
1111 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20004-2541

 

Vident International
Equity Strategy ETF
TM

Symbol – VIDI
CUSIP – 26922A404

Vident U.S. Equity
Strategy ETF
TM

Symbol – VUSE
CUSIP – 26922A503

Vident U.S. Bond
Strategy ETF
TM

Symbol – VBND
CUSIP – 26922A602