Semi-Annual Report
June
30, 2023
Defiance Quantum ETF
Ticker: QTUM
Defiance Next Gen Connectivity ETF
Ticker: FIVG
Defiance Next Gen H2 ETF
Ticker: HDRO
Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF
Ticker: CRUZ
Defiance Pure Electric Vehicle ETF
Ticker: EVXX
Defiance ETFs
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | |
Letters to Shareholders |
1 |
Portfolio Allocations |
11 |
Schedules of Investments |
14 |
Schedule of Total Return Swaps |
22 |
Statements of Assets and Liabilities |
23 |
Statements of Operations |
24 |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets |
25 |
Financial Highlights |
30 |
Notes to Financial Statements |
35 |
Expense Examples |
47 |
Review of Liquidity Risk Management Program |
49 |
Approval of Advisory & Sub-Advisory Agreements and Board Considerations |
50 |
Federal Tax Information |
58 |
Information About Portfolio Holdings |
58 |
Information About Proxy Voting |
59 |
Information About the Funds’ Trustees |
59 |
Frequency Distribution of Premiums and Discounts |
59 |
Defiance Quantum ETF
Letters
to Shareholders
(Unaudited)
Dear Shareholders,
On behalf of the entire team, we want to express our appreciation for the confidence you have placed in the Defiance Quantum ETF (“QTUM” or the “Fund”). The following information pertains to the fiscal period of January 1, 2023 through June 30, 2023 (the “current fiscal period”).
The Fund seeks to track the total return performance, before fees and expenses, of the BlueStar Quantum Computing and Machine Learning Index® (the “Index”). The Index is a rules-based index that tracks the performance of a group of globally-listed stocks of companies involved in a range of industries, collectively defined, by BlueStar Indexes, as quantum computing and machine learning companies. Index components are reviewed semi-annually for eligibility, and the weights are re-set accordingly.
The Fund had positive performance during the current fiscal period. The market price for QTUM increased 29.72% and the Net Asset Value (“NAV”) increased 29.25%, while the S&P 500®, a broad market index, increased 16.89% over the same period. The Fund’s Index increased 29.64%. Meanwhile, outstanding shares ended the period at 3,350,000.
For the current fiscal period, the largest positive contributor to return was IonQ, Inc., adding 2.72% to the return of the Fund, gaining 292.17% with an average weighting of 1.79%. The second largest contributor to return was NVIDIA Corporation, adding 2.57% to the return of the Fund, gaining 189.54% with an average weighting of 2.06%. The third largest contributor to return was Alchip Technologies, Ltd., adding 1.70% to the return of the Fund, gaining 124.71% with an average weighting of 1.75%.
For the current fiscal period, the largest negative contributor to return was Northrop Grumman Corporation, detracting -0.27% from the return of the Fund, declining -15.80% with an average weight of 1.12%. The security contributing second-most negatively was Tower Semiconductor, Ltd., detracting -0.23% from the return of the Fund, and declining -13.15% with an average weighting of 1.23%. The third largest negative contributor to return was Alteryx, Inc. – Class A, detracting -0.23% from the return of the Fund, declining -10.50% with an average weighting of 1.46%.
We look forward to keeping you well informed as things progress.
Sincerely,
Sylvia
Jablonski, Chief Executive Officer
Defiance ETFs LLC, Adviser to the Fund
Sylvia Jablonski is registered with Foreside Fund Services, LLC which is not affiliated with Defiance ETFs, LLC or its affiliates.
Important Disclosures:
Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change at any time and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security.
The Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the investment company. Please read it carefully before investing. A hard copy of the prospectus can be requested by calling 833.333.9383 or at defianceetfs.com.
Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. As an ETF, the Fund may trade at a premium or discount to NAV. Shares of any ETF are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the Fund. The Fund is not actively managed and would not sell a security due to current or projected under performance unless that security is removed from the Index or is required upon a reconstitution of the Index. A portfolio concentrated in a single industry or country, may be subject to a higher degree of risk. The value of stocks of information technology companies are particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition. Investments in foreign securities involve certain risks including risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability. This risk is magnified in emerging markets. Small and mid-cap companies are subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than securities of large-cap companies.
The possible applications of quantum computing are only in the exploration stages, and the possibility of returns is uncertain and may not be realized in the near future.
1
Defiance Quantum ETF
Letters
to Shareholders
(Unaudited)
(Continued)
The “BlueStar Quantum Computing and Machine Learning Index™”, “BQTUM™ Index” (collectively “Quantum Computing and Machine Learning Index”), is the exclusive property and a trademark of BlueStar Global Investors LLC d/b/a BlueStar Indexes® and has been licensed for use for certain purposes by Defiance ETFs LLC. Products based on the Quantum Computing and Machine Learning Index are not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by BlueStar Global Investors, LLC or BlueStar Indexes®, and BlueStar Global Investors, LLC and BlueStar Indexes® makes no representation regarding the advisability of trading in such product(s). It is not possible to invest directly in an index.
Total return represents changes to the NAV and accounts for distributions from the Fund.
Median 30-Day Spread is a calculation of Fund’s median bid-ask spread, expressed as a percentage rounded to the nearest hundredth, computed by: identifying the Fund’s national best bid and national best offer as of the end of each 10 second interval during each trading day of the last 30 calendar days; dividing the difference between each such bid and offer by the midpoint of the national best bid and national best offer; and identifying the median of those values.
Diversification does not ensure a profit nor protect against loss in a declining market.
Commissions may be charged on trades.
Go to defianceetfs.com/QTUM to read more about QTUM including current performance and holdings information. Fund holdings are subject to change and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any securities.
QTUM is distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC.
2
Defiance Next Gen Connectivity ETF
Letters
to Shareholders
(Unaudited)
(Continued)
Dear Shareholders,
On behalf of the entire team, we want to express our appreciation for the confidence you have placed in the Defiance Next Gen Connectivity ETF (“FIVG” or the “Fund”). The following information pertains to the fiscal period of January 1, 2023 through June 30, 2023 (the “current fiscal period”).
The Fund seeks to track the total return performance, before fees and expenses, of the BlueStar 5G Communications IndexTM (the “Index”). The Index is a rules-based index that tracks the performance of a group of U.S.-listed stocks, of global companies that are involved in the development of, or are otherwise instrumental in the rollout of 5G networks. Index components are reviewed semi-annually for eligibility, and the weights are re-set accordingly.
The Fund had positive performance during the current fiscal period. The market price for FIVG increased 13.59% and the Net Asset Value (“NAV”) increased 13.56%, while the S&P 500®, a broad market index, increased 16.89% over the same period. The Fund’s Index increased 13.79%. Meanwhile, outstanding shares ended the period at 19,400,000.
For the current fiscal period, the largest positive contributor to return was Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., adding 3.92% to the return of the Fund, gaining 75.87% with an average weighting of 6.23%. The second largest contributor to return was Marvell Technologies, Inc., adding 2.50% to the return of the Fund, gaining 61.91% with an average weighting of 4.44%. The third largest contributor to return was NVIDIA Corporation, adding 1.85% to the return of the Fund, gaining 189.54% with an average weighting of 1.56%.
For the current fiscal period, the largest negative contributor to return was Nokia Corporation - ADR, detracting -0.43% from the return of the Fund, declining -9.23% with an average weighting of 3.97%. The security contributing second-most negatively was DZS, Inc., detracting -0.42% from the return of the Fund, and declining -68.69% with an average weighting of 0.40%. The third largest negative contributor to return was GDS Holdings, Ltd. - ADR, detracting -0.31% from the return of the Fund, and declining -46.70% with an average weight of 0.49%.
We look forward to keeping you well informed as things progress.
Sincerely,
Sylvia
Jablonski, Chief Executive Officer
Defiance ETFs LLC, Adviser to the Fund
Sylvia Jablonski is registered with Foreside Fund Services, LLC which is not affiliated with Defiance ETFs, LLC or its affiliates.
Important Disclosures:
Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change at any time and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security.
The Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the investment company. Please read carefully before investing. A hard copy of the prospectuses can be requested by calling 833.333.9383 or at defianceetfs.com.
Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. As an ETF, the Fund may trade at a premium or discount to NAV. Shares of any ETF are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the Fund. The Fund is not actively managed and would not sell a security due to current or projected under performance unless that security is removed from the Index or is required upon a reconstitution of the Index. A portfolio concentrated in a single industry or country, may be subject to a higher degree of risk. The value of stocks of information technology companies are particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition. Investments in foreign securities involve certain risks including risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability. This risk is magnified in emerging markets. Small and mid-cap companies are subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than securities of large-cap companies.
The possible applications of 5G technologies are only in the exploration stages, and the possibility of returns is uncertain and may not be realized in the near future.
3
Defiance Next Gen Connectivity ETF
Letters
to Shareholders
(Unaudited)
(Continued)
The “BlueStar 5G Communications Index™”, “BFIVGTR™ Index” (collectively “5G Communications Index”), is the exclusive property and a trademark of BlueStar Global Investors LLC d/b/a BlueStar Indexes® and has been licensed for use for certain purposes by Defiance ETFs LLC. Products based on the Global 5G Communications Index* are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by BlueStar Global Investors, LLC or BlueStar Indexes®, and BlueStar Global Investors, LLC and BlueStar Indexes® makes no representation regarding the advisability of trading in such product(s). It is not possible to invest directly in an index.
The Defiance Next Gen Connectivity ETF is the first ETF to emphasize securities whose products and services are predominantly tied to the development of 5G networking and communication technologies. The Fund does this by tracking The BlueStar 5G Communications Index. The Fund attempts to invest all, or substantially all, of its assets in the component securities that make up the Index.
Total return represents changes to the NAV and accounts for distributions from the Fund.
Median 30-Day Spread is a calculation of Fund’s median bid-ask spread, expressed as a percentage rounded to the nearest hundredth, computed by: identifying the Fund’s national best bid and national best offer as of the end of each 10 second interval during each trading day of the last 30 calendar days; dividing the difference between each such bid and offer by the midpoint of the national best bid and national best offer; and identifying the median of those values.
Diversification does not ensure a profit nor protect against loss in a declining market.
Commissions may be charged on trades.
Go to defianceetfs.com/FIVG to read more about FIVG including current performance and holdings information. Fund holdings are subject to change and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any securities.
FIVG is distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC.
4
Defiance Next Gen H2 ETF
Letters
to Shareholders
(Unaudited)
(Continued)
Dear Shareholders,
On behalf of the entire team, we want to express our appreciation for the confidence you have placed in the Defiance Next Gen H2 ETF (“HDRO” or the “Fund”). The following information pertains to the fiscal period of January 1, 2023 through June 30, 2023 (the “current fiscal period”).
The Fund seeks to track the total return performance, before fees and expenses, of the BlueStar Hydrogen & Next Gen Fuel Cell Index (the “Index”). The index is a rules-based index that tracks the performance of a group of globally listed equities and of companies involved in the development of hydrogen-based energy sources and fuel cell technologies. Index components are reviewed quarterly for eligibility, and the weights are re-set accordingly.
The Fund had negative performance during the current fiscal period. The market price for HDRO decreased -11.50% and the Net Asset Value (“NAV”) decreased -10.89%, while the S&P 500®, a broad market index, increased 16.89% over the same period. The Fund’s Index decreased -9.73%. Meanwhile, outstanding shares ended the period at 4,150,000.
For the current fiscal period, the largest positive contributor to return was SOL SpA, adding 1.23% to the return of the Fund, gaining 53.27% with an average weighting of 2.64%. The second largest contributor to return was Nippon Sanso Holdings Corporation, adding 0.46% to the return of the Fund, gaining 48.22% with an average weighting of 1.20%. The third largest contributor to return was Air Liquide SA, adding 0.99% to the return of the Fund, gaining 26.77% with an average weighting of 4.56%.
For the current fiscal period, the largest negative contributor to return was Green Hydrogen Systems AS, detracting -1.23% from the return of the Fund, declining -75.52% with an average weight of 0.07%. The security contributing second-most negatively was Advent Technologies Holdings, Inc., detracting -1.88% from the return of the Fund, and declining -65.19% with an average weighting of 2.06%. The third largest negative contributor to return was Cell Impact AB, detracting -0.30% from the return of the Fund, and declining -62.53% with an average weighting of 0.37%.
Sincerely,
Sylvia
Jablonski, Chief Executive Officer
Defiance ETFs LLC, Adviser to the Fund
Sylvia Jablonski is registered with Foreside Fund Services, LLC which is not affiliated with Defiance ETFs, LLC or its affiliates.
Important Disclosures:
Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change at any time and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security.
The Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the investment company. Please read carefully before investing. A hard copy of the prospectuses can be requested by calling 833.333.9383 or at defianceetfs.com.
Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. As an ETF, the Fund may trade at a premium or discount to NAV. Shares of any ETF are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the Fund. The Fund is not actively managed and would not sell a security due to current or projected under performance unless that security is removed from the Index or is required upon a reconstitution of the Index. A portfolio concentrated in a single industry or country, may be subject to a higher degree of risk. Specifically, the Index (and as a result, the Fund) is expected to be concentrated in hydrogen and fuel cell companies. Such companies may depend largely on the availability of hydrogen gas, certain third-party key suppliers for components in their products, and a small number of customers for a significant portion of their business. The Fund is considered to be non-diversified, so it may invest more of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers. Investments in foreign securities involve certain risks including risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability. This risk is magnified in emerging markets. Small and mid-cap companies are subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than securities of large-cap companies.
5
Defiance Next Gen H2 ETF
Letters
to Shareholders
(Unaudited)
(Continued)
The BlueStar Hydrogen & Next Gen Fuel Cell Index is the exclusive property and a trademark of BlueStar Global Investors LLC d/b/a BlueStar Indexes® and has been licensed for use for certain purposes by Defiance ETFs LLC. Products based on the BlueStar Hydrogen & Next Gen Fuel Cell Index are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by BlueStar Global Investors, LLC or BlueStar Indexes®, and BlueStar Global Investors, LLC and BlueStar Indexes® makes no representation regarding the advisability of trading in such product(s).
Total return represents changes to the NAV and accounts for distributions from the Fund.
Median 30-Day Spread is a calculation of Fund’s median bid-ask spread, expressed as a percentage rounded to the nearest hundredth, computed by: identifying the Fund’s national best bid and national best offer as of the end of each 10 second interval during each trading day of the last 30 calendar days; dividing the difference between each such bid and offer by the midpoint of the national best bid and national best offer; and identifying the median of those values.
Commissions may be charged on trades.
Go to defianceetfs.com/HDRO to read more about HDRO including current performance and holdings information. Fund holdings are subject to change and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any securities.
HDRO is distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC
6
Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF
Letters
to Shareholders
(Unaudited)
(Continued)
Dear Shareholders,
On behalf of the entire team, we want to express our appreciation for the confidence you have placed in the Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF (“CRUZ” or the “Fund”). The following information pertains to the fiscal period of January 1, 2023 through June 30, 2023 (the “current fiscal period”).
The Fund seeks to track the total return performance, before fees and expenses, of the BlueStar Global Hotels, Airlines, and Cruises Index (the “Index”). The Index is a rules-based weighted index of companies primarily engaged in the passenger airline, hotel and cruise industries. The Index is reconstituted on a semi-annual basis and rebalanced quarterly.
The Fund had positive performance during the current fiscal period. The market price for CRUZ increased 34.18% and the Net Asset Value (“NAV”) increased 32.95%, while the S&P 500®, a broad market index, increased 16.89% over the same period. The Fund’s Index increased 33.33%. Meanwhile, outstanding shares ended the period at 2,325,000.
For the current fiscal period, the largest positive contributor to return was Carnival Corporation, adding 6.25% to the return of the Fund, gaining 133.62% with an average weighting of 5.96%. The second largest contributor to return was Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., adding 5.63% to the return of the Fund, gaining 109.87% with an average weighting of 6.53%. The third largest contributor to return was Delta Air Lines, Inc., adding 2.93% to the return of the Fund, gaining 44.67% with an average weighting of 6.42%.
For the current fiscal period, the largest negative contributor to return was Atour Lifestyle Holdings, Ltd. - ADR, detracting -0.27% from the return of the Fund, declining -31.94% with an average weighting of 0.36%. The security contributing second-most negatively was H World Group, Ltd. - ADR, detracting -0.23% from the return of the Fund, and declining -8.58% with an average weighting of 2.87%. The third largest negative contributor to return was Air China, Ltd. – H-Shares, detracting -0.16% from the return of the Fund, and declining -20.01% with an average weight of 0.69%.
We look forward to keeping you well informed as things progress.
Sincerely,
Sylvia
Jablonski, Chief Executive Officer
Defiance ETFs LLC, Adviser to the Fund
Sylvia Jablonski is registered with Foreside Fund Services, LLC which is not affiliated with Defiance ETFs, LLC or its affiliates.
Important Disclosures:
Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change at any time and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security.
The Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the investment company. Please read it carefully before investing. A hard copy of the prospectus can be requested by calling 833.333.9383 or at defianceetfs.com.
Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. As an ETF, the Fund may trade at a premium or discount to NAV. Shares of any ETF are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the Fund. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns. The Fund is not actively managed and would not sell a security due to current or projected under performance unless that security is removed from the Index or is required upon a reconstitution of the Index.
A portfolio concentrated in a single industry or country, may be subject to a higher degree of risk. Specifically, the Index (and as a result, the Fund) is expected to be concentrated in passenger airline, hotel and resort, and cruise industries (“Travel Companies”). Travel Company revenues are heavily influenced by the condition of the U.S. and foreign economies and may be adversely affected by a downturn in economic conditions that can result in decreased demand for leisure and business travel. Travel Companies may be significantly affected by uncertainty in travel, including guest safety, security and privacy, changes in labor relations and insurance costs, issues affecting equipment reliability and longevity, changes in fuel prices, and shortages of experienced personnel.
7
Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF
Letters
to Shareholders
(Unaudited)
(Continued)
Beginning in the first quarter of 2020, financial markets in the United States and around the world experienced extreme volatility and severe losses due to the global pandemic caused by COVID-19, a novel coronavirus. The pandemic has resulted in a wide range of social and economic disruptions, including closed borders and reduced or prohibited domestic or international travel. Some sectors of the economy and individual issuers, including Travel Companies, have experienced particularly large losses. Such disruptions may continue for an extended period of time or reoccur in the future to a similar or greater extent.
The Fund is considered to be non-diversified, so it may invest more of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers. To the extent the Fund is invested in companies of a single country or region, local political and economic conditions and changes in regulatory, tax, or economic policy could significantly affect the market in that country and in surrounding or related countries and have a negative impact on the Fund’s performance. Investments in foreign securities involve certain risks including risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability, and these risks are magnified in emerging markets. Small and mid-cap companies are subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than securities of large-cap companies.
The BlueStar Global Hotels, Airlines, and Cruises Index (the “Index”) is a rules-based index that consists of globally-listed stocks of companies that derive at least 50% of their revenues from the passenger airline, hotel and resort, or cruise industries (“Travel Companies”) as determined by MV Index Solutions. The Index is a registered trademark of MV Index Solutions and is protected through various intellectual property rights and unfair competition and misappropriation laws and has been licensed for use for certain purposes by Defiance ETFs LLC. Products based on the Index are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MV Index Solutions, no representation is made regarding the advisability of trading in such product(s). It is not possible to invest directly in an index.
Total return represents changes to the NAV and accounts for distributions from the Fund.
Median 30-Day Spread is a calculation of Fund’s median bid-ask spread, expressed as a percentage rounded to the nearest hundredth, computed by: identifying the Fund’s national best bid and national best offer as of the end of each 10 second interval during each trading day of the last 30 calendar days; dividing the difference between each such bid and offer by the midpoint of the national best bid and national best offer; and identifying the median of those values.
Commissions may be charged on trades.
Go to defianceetfs.com/CRUZ to read more about CRUZ including current performance and holdings information. Fund holdings are subject to change and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any securities.
CRUZ is distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC
8
Defiance Pure Electric Vehicle ETF
Letters
to Shareholders
(Unaudited)
(Continued)
Dear Shareholders,
We are pleased to have launched the Defiance Pure Electric Vehicle ETF (“EVXX” or the “Fund”) during this transformative phase in the electric vehicle market. In 2022, electric vehicle sales surged to 10 million units, constituting 14% of total auto sales—an impressive leap from the previous year’s 5%. This upward trajectory is expected to reach 18% by the close of 2023. The following information pertains to the period from inception on June 12, 2023 through June 30, 2023 (the “current fiscal period”).
Notably, China led the global electric vehicle adoption with 50% of total vehicle sales, closely followed by the Nordics at over 88%. This positive momentum persists, as evidenced by Q1 2023’s 2.3 million EV sales—a 25% increase compared to the prior year. The year’s projection anticipates sales of 14 million EV units, showcasing a remarkable 35% YoY growth (Source: IEA).
Forecasts predict that the electric vehicle industry will surpass $1.3 trillion by 2028, with a robust CAGR of 24.3%, as per the International Energy Agency (“IEA”). Various sources anticipate substantial growth in EV adoption, potentially accounting for 40-50% of US passenger car sales by 2030. China, Europe, and the US remain key players in EV sales, driven by market expansion and stringent emission regulations. Leading automakers are transitioning towards EVs and making significant investments in battery production.
The Fund had positive performance during the current fiscal period. The market price for EVXX increased 16.60% and the Net Asset Value (“NAV”) increased 16.10%, while the S&P 500®, a broad market index, increased 2.65% over the same period. Meanwhile, outstanding shares ended the period at 30,000.
Our Pure Electric Vehicle ETF, EVXX, provides a strategic avenue to engage in these promising trends.
Your continued support is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Sylvia
Jablonski, Chief Executive Officer
Defiance ETFs LLC, Adviser to the Fund
Sylvia Jablonski is registered with Foreside Fund Services, LLC which is not affiliated with Defiance ETFs, LLC or its affiliates.
Important Disclosures:
Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change at any time and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security.
The Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the investment company. Please read carefully before investing. A hard copy of the prospectus can be requested by calling 833.333.9383 or at defianceetfs.com.
Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. As an ETF, the fund may trade at a premium or discount to NAV. Shares of any ETF are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the Fund. The Fund is considered to be non-diversified. Investments in foreign securities involve certain risks including risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability. This risk is magnified in emerging markets. Small and mid-cap companies are subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than securities of large-cap companies.
EVXX an actively-managed exchange-traded fund (“ETF”). The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by providing investment exposure to the performance of the common shares of the five electronic vehicle manufacturers through one or more swap agreements with limited counterparties that are primarily major global financial institutions. The Fund’s swap agreements with such counterparties may have a term ranging from a day to more than one year. Under normal market circumstances, the Fund will maintain at least 80% exposure to financial instruments that provide exposure to the performance of the specified car manufacturers. The Fund is a highly concentrated fund and therefore is subject to greater price volatility than a more diversified investment product. Please see the prospectus for details.
9
Defiance Pure Electric Vehicle ETF
Letters
to Shareholders
(Unaudited)
(Continued)
The fund intends to track the performance of a basket of common shares, which are equally-weighted on a quarterly basis, of the five largest (by market capitalization) electric vehicle manufacturers included in the Solactive Pure US Electric Vehicle Index (the “Pure EV Index”). Stocks must be listed on one of the NASDAQ or NYSE exchanges with a minimum average daily value traded of $1m for one and 6 months preceding the Index’s quarterly reconstitution and rebalancing. Companies must be classified as “Alternative Energy Car Manufacturers” under the FactSet Revere Business Industry Classification System, derive at least 50% of their annual revenue or operating activity from the development or manufacturing of electric vehicles, and have identified track records of high trading volume and liquidity.
EVXX is new with a limited operating history.
Commissions may be charged on trades.
Go to defianceetfs.com/EVXX to read more about EVXX including current performance and holdings Information. Fund holdings are subject to change and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any securities.
EVXX is distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC.
10
Defiance ETFs
Portfolio Allocations
As of June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
Defiance Quantum ETF
Country |
Percentage
of |
United States |
56.4% |
Japan |
12.5 |
Taiwan |
6.6 |
Netherlands |
4.3 |
Switzerland |
2.9 |
France |
2.8 |
China |
2.7 |
Canada |
1.5 |
Germany |
1.4 |
Finland |
1.4 |
Italy |
1.4 |
Ireland |
1.4 |
Israel |
1.3 |
India |
1.3 |
United Kingdom |
1.1 |
Short-Term Investments and Other Assets and Liabilities |
1.0 |
Total |
100.0% |
Defiance Next Gen Connectivity ETF
Sector |
Percentage
of |
Information Technology (a) |
71.3% |
Communication Services |
17.5 |
Real Estate |
9.1 |
Consumer Discretionary |
1.0 |
Short-Term Investments and Other Assets and Liabilities |
0.6 |
Industrials |
0.5 |
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 9 in Notes to Financial Statements. |
11
Defiance ETFs
Portfolio Allocations
As of June 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)
Defiance Next Gen H2 ETF
Country |
Percentage
of |
United States |
28.5% |
Republic of Korea |
21.1 |
United Kingdom |
10.2 |
Norway |
9.5 |
Canada |
8.4 |
France |
6.2 |
Sweden |
4.4 |
Ireland |
4.2 |
Germany |
3.0 |
Japan |
1.7 |
Denmark |
1.0 |
Short-Term Investments and Other Assets and Liabilities |
0.9 |
Italy |
0.9 |
Total |
100.0% |
Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF
Country |
Percentage
of |
United States |
65.3% |
United Kingdom |
6.9 |
Japan |
4.0 |
Ireland |
3.8 |
China |
3.6 |
France |
2.7 |
Taiwan |
2.0 |
Germany |
1.9 |
Singapore |
1.8 |
Republic of Korea |
1.5 |
Australia |
1.2 |
Thailand |
1.1 |
Canada |
1.1 |
Hong Kong |
0.9 |
Switzerland |
0.6 |
Short-Term Investments and Other Assets and Liabilities |
0.6 |
Panama |
0.5 |
Mexico |
0.5 |
Total |
100.0% |
12
Defiance ETFs
Portfolio Allocations
As of June 30, 2023 (Unaudited) (Continued)
Defiance Pure Electric Vehicle ETF
Investment Type* |
Percentage
of |
Short-Term Investments |
91.6% |
Other Assets and Liabilities |
8.4 |
Total |
100.0% |
* |
Portfolio allocation chart does not reflect derivative exposure. |
13
Defiance Quantum ETF
Schedule
of Investments
June 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Shares |
Security Description |
Value |
||||||
COMMON STOCKS — 99.0% |
||||||||
Communication Services — 6.9% |
||||||||
18,843 |
Alphabet, Inc. - Class A (a) |
$ | 2,255,507 | |||||
17,386 |
Baidu, Inc. - ADR (a) |
2,380,317 | ||||||
683,420 |
Koninklijke KPN NV |
2,437,404 | ||||||
1,955,000 |
Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corporation |
2,306,206 | ||||||
201,108 |
Orange SA - ADR |
2,340,897 | ||||||
11,720,331 | ||||||||
Consumer Discretionary — 1.3% |
||||||||
27,073 |
Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd. - ADR (a) |
2,256,535 | ||||||
Industrials — 13.9% |
||||||||
61,457 |
ABB, Ltd. |
2,416,651 | ||||||
17,052 |
Airbus SE |
2,462,391 | ||||||
22,344 |
Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation |
2,493,590 | ||||||
37,900 |
Hitachi, Ltd. |
2,332,711 | ||||||
11,643 |
Honeywell International, Inc. |
2,415,923 | ||||||
4,999 |
Lockheed Martin Corporation |
2,301,440 | ||||||
164,300 |
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation |
2,304,190 | ||||||
5,096 |
Northrop Grumman Corporation |
2,322,757 | ||||||
23,422 |
Raytheon Technologies Corporation |
2,294,419 | ||||||
71,600 |
Toshiba Corporation |
2,237,639 | ||||||
23,581,711 | ||||||||
Information Technology — 75.2% (c) |
||||||||
7,421 |
Accenture plc - Class A |
2,289,972 | ||||||
19,592 |
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (a) |
2,231,725 | ||||||
40,000 |
Alchip Technologies, Ltd. |
2,305,383 | ||||||
28,701 |
Ambarella, Inc. (a) |
2,401,413 | ||||||
12,802 |
Analog Devices, Inc. |
2,493,958 | ||||||
17,100 |
Applied Materials, Inc. |
2,471,634 | ||||||
1,581,316 |
Arqit Quantum, Inc. (a)(b) |
1,913,392 | ||||||
3,251 |
ASML Holding NV - NY |
2,356,162 | ||||||
225,000 |
Asustek Computer, Inc. |
2,272,070 | ||||||
445,700 |
BlackBerry, Ltd. (a)(b) |
2,464,721 | ||||||
10,381 |
Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (a) |
2,434,552 | ||||||
29,860 |
Cirrus Logic, Inc. (a) |
2,418,959 | ||||||
59,081 |
Coherent Corporation (a)(b) |
3,011,949 | ||||||
34,155 |
Elastic NV (a) |
2,190,019 | ||||||
16,700 |
Fujitsu, Ltd. |
2,148,521 | ||||||
45,000 |
Global Unichip Corporation |
2,319,029 | ||||||
146,497 |
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (b) |
2,461,150 | ||||||
58,926 |
Infineon Technologies AG |
2,429,133 | ||||||
73,812 |
Intel Corporation |
2,468,273 | ||||||
17,180 |
International Business Machines Corporation |
2,298,856 | ||||||
COMMON STOCKS — 99.0% (Continued) | ||||||||
Information Technology — 75.2% (c) (Continued) | ||||||||
244,311 |
IonQ, Inc. (a)(b) |
$ | 3,305,528 | |||||
76,828 |
Juniper Networks, Inc. |
2,407,021 | ||||||
4,977 |
KLA Corporation |
2,413,944 | ||||||
3,782 |
Lam Research Corporation |
2,431,296 | ||||||
28,413 |
Lattice Semiconductor Corporation (a)(b) |
2,729,637 | ||||||
38,914 |
Marvell Technology, Inc. |
2,326,279 | ||||||
91,000 |
MediaTek, Inc. |
2,010,243 | ||||||
28,510 |
Microchip Technology, Inc. |
2,554,211 | ||||||
34,425 |
Micron Technology, Inc. |
2,172,562 | ||||||
7,137 |
Microsoft Corporation |
2,430,434 | ||||||
23,049 |
MKS Instruments, Inc. (b) |
2,491,597 | ||||||
40,044 |
National Instruments Corporation |
2,298,526 | ||||||
46,900 |
NEC Corporation |
2,260,065 | ||||||
574,314 |
Nokia Corporation - ADR (b) |
2,389,146 | ||||||
158,600 |
NTT Data Corporation |
2,202,305 | ||||||
24,299 |
NVE Corporation (b) |
2,367,695 | ||||||
6,161 |
NVIDIA Corporation |
2,606,226 | ||||||
12,385 |
NXP Semiconductors NV |
2,534,962 | ||||||
25,870 |
ON Semiconductor Corporation (a) |
2,446,785 | ||||||
20,733 |
Onto Innovation, Inc. (a) |
2,414,772 | ||||||
20,044 |
QUALCOMM, Inc. |
2,386,038 | ||||||
135,900 |
Renesas Electronics Corporation (a) |
2,540,103 | ||||||
20,759 |
Reply SpA |
2,357,665 | ||||||
1,944,343 |
Rigetti Computing, Inc. (a)(b) |
2,284,603 | ||||||
23,463 |
Splunk, Inc. (a) |
2,489,190 | ||||||
50,453 |
STMicroelectronics NV - NY (b) |
2,522,145 | ||||||
5,302 |
Synopsys, Inc. (a) |
2,308,544 | ||||||
23,024 |
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd. - ADR |
2,323,582 | ||||||
48,392 |
Teradata Corporation (a) |
2,584,617 | ||||||
22,155 |
Teradyne, Inc. (b) |
2,466,516 | ||||||
13,421 |
Texas Instruments, Inc. |
2,416,048 | ||||||
60,015 |
Tower Semiconductor, Ltd. (a) |
2,251,763 | ||||||
476,026 |
Wipro, Ltd. - ADR (b) |
2,246,843 | ||||||
127,351,762 | ||||||||
Materials — 1.7% |
||||||||
97,700 |
JSR Corporation |
2,778,199 | ||||||
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $153,454,637) |
167,688,538 | |||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
14
Defiance Quantum ETF
Schedule
of Investments
June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
(Continued)
Shares |
Security Description |
Value |
||||||
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.8% |
||||||||
1,417,121 |
First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 5.01% (d) |
$ | 1,417,121 | |||||
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $1,417,121) |
1,417,121 | |||||||
Units |
||||||||
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING — 15.8% | ||||||||
26,665,026 |
Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 5.28% (d)(e) |
26,665,026 | ||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING (Cost $26,665,026) |
26,665,026 | |||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 115.6% (Cost $181,536,784) |
195,770,685 | |||||||
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (15.6)% |
(26,462,647 | ) | ||||||
NET ASSETS — 100.0% |
$ | 169,308,038 |
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets. | |
ADR |
American Depositary Receipt. |
NY |
New York Registry Shares. |
(a) |
Non-income producing security. |
(b) |
All or part of this security is on loan as of June 30, 2023. The total value of securities on loan is $26,408,369. |
(c) |
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 8 in Notes to Financial Statements. |
(d) |
Rate shown is the annualized seven-day yield as of June 30, 2023. |
(e) |
Privately offered liquidity fund. See Note 4 in Notes to Financial Statements. |
The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®) was developed by and/or is the exclusive property of MSCI, Inc. (“MSCI”) and Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). GICS® is a service mark of MSCI and S&P and has been licensed for use by U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
15
Defiance Next Gen Connectivity ETF
Schedule
of Investments
June 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Shares |
Security Description |
Value |
||||||
COMMON STOCKS — 99.4% |
||||||||
Communication Services — 17.5% |
||||||||
1,161,508 |
AT&T, Inc. |
$ | 18,526,052 | |||||
232,257 |
BCE, Inc. (b) |
10,588,597 | ||||||
22,107 |
Charter Communications, Inc. - Class A (a)(b) |
8,121,448 | ||||||
128,682 |
Chunghwa Telecom Company, Ltd. - ADR |
4,798,552 | ||||||
265,480 |
KT Corporation - ADR (b) |
2,999,924 | ||||||
1,693,865 |
Lumen Technologies, Inc. (b) |
3,828,135 | ||||||
522,014 |
Orange SA - ADR |
6,076,243 | ||||||
97,625 |
Rogers Communications, Inc. - Class B (b) |
4,455,605 | ||||||
146,739 |
SK Telecom Company, Ltd. - ADR (b) |
2,862,878 | ||||||
1,628,410 |
Telefonica SA - ADR |
6,562,492 | ||||||
147,772 |
T-Mobile US, Inc. (a) |
20,525,531 | ||||||
530,356 |
Verizon Communications, Inc. |
19,723,940 | ||||||
569,749 |
Vodafone Group plc - ADR |
5,384,128 | ||||||
114,453,525 | ||||||||
Consumer Discretionary — 1.0% |
||||||||
51,419 |
Amazon.com, Inc. (a) |
6,702,981 | ||||||
Industrials — 0.5% |
||||||||
61,596 |
CSG Systems International, Inc. |
3,248,573 | ||||||
Information Technology — 71.3% (c) |
||||||||
214,799 |
A10 Networks, Inc. |
3,133,917 | ||||||
332,274 |
ADTRAN Holdings, Inc. |
3,498,845 | ||||||
264,509 |
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. |
30,130,220 | ||||||
200,038 |
Akamai Technologies, Inc. (a) |
17,977,415 | ||||||
900,784 |
Akoustis Technologies, Inc. (a)(b) |
2,864,493 | ||||||
153,161 |
Amdocs, Ltd. |
15,139,965 | ||||||
172,797 |
Analog Devices, Inc. |
33,662,584 | ||||||
35,055 |
Apple, Inc. |
6,799,618 | ||||||
40,063 |
Arista Networks, Inc. (a) |
6,492,610 | ||||||
7,863 |
Broadcom, Inc. |
6,820,602 | ||||||
122,803 |
Calix, Inc. (a) |
6,129,098 | ||||||
179,329 |
Cambium Networks Corporation (a) |
2,729,387 | ||||||
249,839 |
CEVA, Inc. (a) |
6,383,386 | ||||||
183,010 |
Ciena Corporation (a)(b) |
7,776,095 | ||||||
125,223 |
Cisco Systems, Inc. |
6,479,038 | ||||||
69,371 |
Clearfield, Inc. (a)(b) |
3,284,717 | ||||||
79,754 |
Coherent Corporation (a)(b) |
4,065,859 | ||||||
667,390 |
CommScope Holding Company, Inc. (a) |
3,757,406 | ||||||
268,683 |
Comtech Telecommunications Corporation |
2,455,763 | ||||||
176,920 |
Corning, Inc. (b) |
6,199,277 | ||||||
65,951 |
CTS Corporation |
2,811,491 | ||||||
COMMON STOCKS — 99.4% (Continued) | ||||||||
Information Technology — 71.3% (c) (Continued) | ||||||||
130,791 |
Dell Technologies, Inc. - Class C |
$ | 7,077,101 | |||||
853,894 |
DZS, Inc. (a) |
3,389,959 | ||||||
1,141,836 |
Edgio, Inc. (a) |
769,597 | ||||||
163,888 |
Extreme Networks, Inc. (a) |
4,269,282 | ||||||
53,898 |
F5, Inc. (a) |
7,883,122 | ||||||
454,742 |
Focus Universal, Inc. (a)(b) |
695,755 | ||||||
270,314 |
GDS Holdings, Ltd. - ADR (a)(b) |
2,970,751 | ||||||
395,524 |
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (b) |
6,644,803 | ||||||
660,322 |
Infinera Corporation (a)(b) |
3,189,355 | ||||||
199,281 |
Intel Corporation |
6,663,957 | ||||||
71,880 |
InterDigital, Inc. (b) |
6,940,014 | ||||||
27,558 |
IPG Photonics Corporation (a) |
3,742,928 | ||||||
207,437 |
Juniper Networks, Inc. |
6,499,001 | ||||||
115,812 |
Keysight Technologies, Inc. (a) |
19,392,719 | ||||||
149,009 |
Lattice Semiconductor Corporation (a)(b) |
14,315,295 | ||||||
61,354 |
Lumentum Holdings, Inc. (a)(b) |
3,480,612 | ||||||
51,620 |
MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc. (a)(b) |
3,382,659 | ||||||
495,110 |
Marvell Technology, Inc. |
29,597,676 | ||||||
107,621 |
MaxLinear, Inc. (a)(b) |
3,396,519 | ||||||
189,304 |
National Instruments Corporation |
10,866,050 | ||||||
101,558 |
NetScout Systems, Inc. (a) |
3,143,220 | ||||||
5,344,749 |
Nokia Corporation - ADR (b) |
22,234,156 | ||||||
16,634 |
NVIDIA Corporation |
7,036,515 | ||||||
165,067 |
NXP Semiconductors NV |
33,785,914 | ||||||
119,867 |
Qorvo, Inc. (a) |
12,230,030 | ||||||
54,121 |
QUALCOMM, Inc. |
6,442,564 | ||||||
155,216 |
Radware, Ltd. (a) |
3,009,638 | ||||||
1,105,218 |
Ribbon Communications, Inc. (a) |
3,083,558 | ||||||
38,652 |
Silicom, Ltd. |
1,424,713 | ||||||
154,349 |
Skyworks Solutions, Inc. |
17,084,891 | ||||||
3,453,981 |
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson - ADR (b) |
18,824,196 | ||||||
18,296 |
Ubiquiti, Inc. (b) |
3,215,522 | ||||||
313,872 |
Viavi Solutions, Inc. (a)(b) |
3,556,170 | ||||||
47,112 |
VMware, Inc. - Class A (a) |
6,769,523 | ||||||
465,599,551 | ||||||||
Real Estate — 9.1% |
||||||||
97,945 |
American Tower Corporation |
18,995,453 | ||||||
86,288 |
Crown Castle, Inc. |
9,831,655 | ||||||
48,416 |
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. |
5,513,130 | ||||||
218,413 |
DigitalBridge Group, Inc. (b) |
3,212,855 | ||||||
16,701 |
Equinix, Inc. |
13,092,582 | ||||||
23,228 |
SBA Communications Corporation |
5,383,321 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
16
Defiance Next Gen Connectivity ETF
Schedule
of Investments
June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
(Continued)
Shares |
Security Description |
Value |
||||||
COMMON STOCKS — 99.4% (Continued) | ||||||||
Real Estate — 9.1% (Continued) | ||||||||
718,137 |
Uniti Group, Inc. (b) |
$ | 3,317,793 | |||||
59,346,789 | ||||||||
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $682,460,296) |
649,351,419 | |||||||
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.4% |
||||||||
2,561,269 |
First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 5.01% (d) |
2,561,269 | ||||||
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $2,561,269) |
2,561,269 | |||||||
Units |
||||||||
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING — 13.5% | ||||||||
88,139,598 |
Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 5.28% (d)(e) |
88,139,598 | ||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING (Cost $88,139,598) |
88,139,598 | |||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 113.3% (Cost $773,161,163) |
740,052,286 | |||||||
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (13.3)% |
(86,978,240 | ) | ||||||
NET ASSETS — 100.0% |
$ | 653,074,046 |
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets. | |
ADR |
American Depositary Receipt. |
(a) |
Non-income producing security. |
(b) |
All or part of this security is on loan as of June 30, 2023. The total value of securities on loan is $87,296,135. |
(c) |
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 8 in Notes to Financial Statements. |
(d) |
Rate shown is the annualized seven-day yield as of June 30, 2023. |
(e) |
Privately offered liquidity fund. See Note 4 in Notes to Financial Statements. |
The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®) was developed by and/or is the exclusive property of MSCI, Inc. (“MSCI”) and Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). GICS® is a service mark of MSCI and S&P and has been licensed for use by U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
17
Defiance Next Gen H2 ETF
Schedule
of Investments
June 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Shares |
Security Description |
Value |
||||||
COMMON STOCKS — 99.1% |
||||||||
Consumer Discretionary — 3.5% |
||||||||
49,414 |
Iljin Hysolus Company, Ltd. (a) |
$ | 1,239,428 | |||||
Consumer Staples — 3.9% |
||||||||
131,214 |
Pungkuk Ethanol Company, Ltd. |
1,337,384 | ||||||
Industrials — 76.4% (b) |
||||||||
2,193,973 |
AFC Energy plc (a) |
352,566 | ||||||
668,720 |
Ballard Power Systems, Inc. (a)(c) |
2,915,619 | ||||||
197,303 |
Bloom Energy Corporation - Class A (a)(c) |
3,225,904 | ||||||
66,628 |
Bumhan Fuel Cell Company, Ltd. (a) |
1,438,596 | ||||||
436,801 |
Ceres Power Holdings plc (a) |
1,685,963 | ||||||
124,190 |
Doosan Fuel Cell Company, Ltd. (a) |
2,705,007 | ||||||
652,701 |
FuelCell Energy, Inc. (a)(c) |
1,409,834 | ||||||
246,620 |
Green Hydrogen Systems AS (a) |
348,347 | ||||||
225,414 |
Hexagon Purus ASA (a) |
428,166 | ||||||
10,555 |
Hydrogen Refueling Solutions (a) |
246,432 | ||||||
1,621,951 |
ITM Power plc (a) |
1,490,454 | ||||||
48,441 |
McPhy Energy SA (a)(c) |
442,876 | ||||||
2,424,438 |
NEL ASA (a) |
2,849,072 | ||||||
361,473 |
Plug Power, Inc. (a)(c) |
3,755,705 | ||||||
196,390 |
PowerCell Sweden AB (a) |
1,526,203 | ||||||
41,904 |
SFC Energy AG (a) |
1,040,068 | ||||||
40,759 |
S-Fuelcell Company, Ltd. |
575,665 | ||||||
1,244,898 |
Xebec Adsorption, Inc. (a)(d)(e)(f) |
0 | ||||||
26,436,477 | ||||||||
Materials — 15.3% |
||||||||
8,220 |
Air Liquide SA |
1,472,549 | ||||||
4,890 |
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. |
1,464,702 | ||||||
3,813 |
Linde plc |
1,453,058 | ||||||
51,900 |
Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation |
309,960 | ||||||
13,400 |
Nippon Sanso Holdings Corporation |
288,517 | ||||||
10,292 |
SOL SpA |
296,996 | ||||||
5,285,782 | ||||||||
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $50,747,644) |
34,299,071 | |||||||
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.7% |
||||||||
262,035 |
First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 5.01% (g) |
$ | 262,035 | |||||
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $262,035) |
262,035 | |||||||
Units |
||||||||
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING — 23.2% | ||||||||
8,018,147 |
Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 5.28% (g)(h) |
8,018,147 | ||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING (Cost $8,018,147) |
8,018,147 | |||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 123.0% (Cost $59,027,826) |
42,579,253 | |||||||
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (23.0)% |
(7,962,707 | ) | ||||||
NET ASSETS — 100.0% |
$ | 34,616,546 |
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 8 in Notes to Financial Statements. |
(c) |
All or part of this security is on loan as of June 30, 2023. The total value of securities on loan is $7,802,077. |
(d) |
Represents less than 0.05% of net assets. |
(e) |
Value determined using significant unobservable inputs. Classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. |
(f) |
This security has been deemed illiquid according to the Fund’s liquidity guidelines. The value of this security is $0, which represents 0.00% of net assets. |
(g) |
Rate shown is the annualized seven-day yield as of June 30, 2023. |
(h) |
Privately offered liquidity fund. See Note 4 in Notes to Financial Statements. |
The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®) was developed by and/or is the exclusive property of MSCI, Inc. (“MSCI”) and Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). GICS® is a service mark of MSCI and S&P and has been licensed for use by U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
18
Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF
Schedule
of Investments
June 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Shares |
Security Description |
Value |
||||||
COMMON STOCKS — 99.4% |
||||||||
Consumer Discretionary — 47.2% (a) |
||||||||
24,629 |
Accor SA |
$ | 914,126 | |||||
14,988 |
Atour Lifestyle Holdings, Ltd. - ADR (b) |
243,405 | ||||||
204,822 |
Carnival Corporation (b)(c) |
3,856,798 | ||||||
4,476 |
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (c) |
526,020 | ||||||
28,480 |
H World Group, Ltd. - ADR |
1,104,454 | ||||||
25,488 |
Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc. |
3,709,778 | ||||||
4,352 |
Hyatt Hotels Corporation - Class A |
498,652 | ||||||
16,363 |
InterContinental Hotels Group plc - ADR (c) |
1,152,773 | ||||||
20,509 |
Marriott International, Inc. - Class A |
3,767,298 | ||||||
587,700 |
Minor International pcl - NVDR |
567,726 | ||||||
77,801 |
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Ltd. (b)(c) |
1,693,728 | ||||||
15,800 |
Resorttrust, Inc. |
233,226 | ||||||
31,021 |
Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. (b) |
3,218,119 | ||||||
298,000 |
Shangri-La Asia, Ltd. (b) |
227,780 | ||||||
25,732 |
Whitbread plc |
1,107,703 | ||||||
9,562 |
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (c) |
655,666 | ||||||
23,477,252 | ||||||||
Industrials — 44.4% (a) |
||||||||
28,416 |
Air Canada (b) |
536,645 | ||||||
360,000 |
Air China, Ltd. - H-Shares |
256,336 | ||||||
218,663 |
Air France-KLM (b) |
411,041 | ||||||
15,706 |
Alaska Air Group, Inc. (b)(c) |
835,245 | ||||||
1,812 |
Allegiant Travel Company (b)(c) |
228,819 | ||||||
78,679 |
American Airlines Group, Inc. (b) |
1,411,501 | ||||||
26,600 |
ANA Holdings, Inc. (b) |
630,516 | ||||||
206,000 |
Cathay Pacific Airways, Ltd. (b) |
210,558 | ||||||
505,000 |
China Airlines, Ltd. |
424,826 | ||||||
354,000 |
China Southern Airlines Company, Ltd. - H-Shares (b) |
199,663 | ||||||
17,273 |
Controladora Vuela Cia de Aviacion SAB de CV - ADR (b) |
240,958 | ||||||
2,387 |
Copa Holdings SA - Class A |
263,954 | ||||||
79,755 |
Delta Air Lines, Inc. |
3,791,553 | ||||||
92,141 |
Deutsche Lufthansa AG |
942,832 | ||||||
65,708 |
easyJet plc |
403,151 | ||||||
428,000 |
Eva Airways Corporation |
546,947 | ||||||
5,386 |
Hanjin Kal Corporation |
191,503 | ||||||
COMMON STOCKS — 99.4% (Continued) | ||||||||
Industrials — 44.4% (a) (Continued) |
||||||||
385,090 |
International Consolidated Airlines Group SA |
$ | 792,792 | |||||
24,700 |
Japan Airlines Company, Ltd. |
533,186 | ||||||
47,742 |
JetBlue Airways Corporation (b) |
422,994 | ||||||
30,560 |
Korean Air Lines Company, Ltd. |
564,745 | ||||||
145,069 |
Qantas Airways, Ltd. (b) |
598,705 | ||||||
16,928 |
Ryanair Holdings plc - ADR (b) |
1,872,237 | ||||||
172,900 |
Singapore Airlines, Ltd. |
913,463 | ||||||
5,203 |
SkyWest, Inc. (b) |
211,866 | ||||||
56,052 |
Southwest Airlines Company |
2,029,643 | ||||||
16,418 |
Spirit Airlines, Inc. |
281,733 | ||||||
37,624 |
United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (b) |
2,064,429 | ||||||
8,752 |
Wizz Air Holdings plc (b)(d) |
304,318 | ||||||
22,116,159 | ||||||||
Real Estate — 7.8% |
||||||||
25,252 |
Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. |
381,558 | ||||||
21,316 |
DiamondRock Hospitality Company (c) |
170,741 | ||||||
62,784 |
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (c) |
1,056,655 | ||||||
816 |
Invincible Investment Corporation |
322,933 | ||||||
536 |
Japan Hotel REIT Investment Corporation |
272,571 | ||||||
24,316 |
Park Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (c) |
311,731 | ||||||
12,823 |
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (c) |
178,753 | ||||||
19,168 |
RLJ Lodging Trust (c) |
196,855 | ||||||
6,483 |
Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. |
602,400 | ||||||
20,201 |
Service Properties Trust |
175,547 | ||||||
22,266 |
Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. (c) |
225,332 | ||||||
3,895,076 | ||||||||
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $47,577,620) |
49,488,487 | |||||||
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 0.3% |
||||||||
151,314 |
First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 5.01% (e) |
151,314 | ||||||
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $151,314) |
151,314 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
19
Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF
Schedule
of Investments
June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
(Continued)
Units |
Security Description |
Value |
||||||
INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING — 18.3% | ||||||||
9,127,074 |
Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 5.28% (e)(f) |
$ | 9,127,074 | |||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS PURCHASED WITH PROCEEDS FROM SECURITIES LENDING (Cost $9,127,074) |
9,127,074 | |||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 118.0% (Cost $56,856,008) |
58,766,875 | |||||||
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets — (18.0)% |
(8,986,053 | ) | ||||||
NET ASSETS — 100.0% |
$ | 49,780,822 |
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets. | |
ADR |
American Depositary Receipt. |
NVDR |
Non-voting Depositary Receipt. |
(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 8 in Notes to Financial Statements. |
(b) |
Non-income producing security. |
(c) |
All or part of this security is on loan as of June 30, 2023. The total value of securities on loan is $9,220,013. |
(d) |
Security exempt from registration under Rule 144(a) and Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933. Such securities are treated as liquid securities according to the Fund’s liquidity guidelines. At June 30, 2023, the market value of these securities total $304,318, which represents 0.6% of total net assets. |
(e) |
Rate shown is the annualized seven-day yield as of June 30, 2023. |
(f) |
Privately offered liquidity fund. See Note 4 in Notes to Financial Statements. |
The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®) was developed by and/or is the exclusive property of MSCI, Inc. (“MSCI”) and Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). GICS® is a service mark of MSCI and S&P and has been licensed for use by U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
20
Defiance Pure Electric Vehicle ETF
Schedule
of Investments
June 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Shares |
Security Description |
Value |
||||||
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 91.6% | ||||||||
634,425 |
First American Government Obligations Fund — Class X, 5.01% (a) |
$ | 634,425 | |||||
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $634,425) |
634,425 | |||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 91.6% (Cost $634,425) |
634,425 | |||||||
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 8.4% |
58,008 | |||||||
NET ASSETS — 100.0% |
$ | 692,433 |
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets. | |
(a) |
Rate shown is the annualized seven-day yield as of June 30, 2023. |
The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®) was developed by and/or is the exclusive property of MSCI, Inc. (“MSCI”) and Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). GICS® is a service mark of MSCI and S&P and has been licensed for use by U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
21
Defiance Pure Electric Vehicle ETF
Schedule
of Total Return Swaps
June 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Reference Entity |
Counterparty |
Long/Short |
Expiration
|
Financing
|
Payment
|
Notional
|
Value/ |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Solactive Pure US Electric Vehicle Index |
BNP Paribas |
Long |
07/16/2024 | 5.07 | % | Monthly | $ | 691,855 | $ | — |
(a) |
Floating rate based on the overnight bank rate and spread of 100 basis points and is reset monthly. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
22
Defiance ETFs
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
Defiance
|
Defiance
|
Defiance
|
Defiance
|
Defiance
|
||||||||||||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||||||||||||||
Investments in securities, at value * + (Note 2) |
$ | 195,770,685 | $ | 740,052,286 | $ | 42,579,253 | $ | 58,766,875 | $ | 634,425 | ||||||||||
Foreign currency, at value* |
— | — | 381,604 | 55,228 | — | |||||||||||||||
Dividends and interest receivable |
220,505 | 1,168,775 | 10,601 | 63,740 | 1,250 | |||||||||||||||
Reclaims receivable |
20,341 | 133,219 | 12,227 | 4,795 | — | |||||||||||||||
Securities lending income receivable |
11,802 | 18,347 | 13,064 | 3,082 | — | |||||||||||||||
Transaction fees receivable |
12 | — | — | 6,300 | — | |||||||||||||||
Receivable for open swap contracts |
— | — | — | — | 56,913 | |||||||||||||||
Receivable for capital shares sold |
— | — | — | 1,070,555 | — | |||||||||||||||
Total assets |
196,023,345 | 741,372,627 | 42,996,749 | 59,970,575 | 692,588 | |||||||||||||||
LIABILITIES |
||||||||||||||||||||
Collateral received for securities loaned (Note 4) |
26,665,026 | 88,139,598 | 8,018,147 | 9,127,074 | — | |||||||||||||||
Management fees payable |
50,281 | 158,983 | 8,763 | 20,578 | 155 | |||||||||||||||
Payable for securities purchased |
— | — | 353,293 | 1,042,101 | — | |||||||||||||||
Total liabilities |
26,715,307 | 88,298,581 | 8,380,203 | 10,189,753 | 155 | |||||||||||||||
NET ASSETS |
$ | 169,308,038 | $ | 653,074,046 | $ | 34,616,546 | $ | 49,780,822 | $ | 692,433 | ||||||||||
Net Assets Consist of: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Paid-in capital |
$ | 165,497,983 | $ | 735,478,504 | $ | 91,859,341 | $ | 49,430,264 | 608,825 | |||||||||||
Total distributable earnings (accumulated deficit) |
3,810,055 | (82,404,458 | ) | (57,242,795 | ) | 350,558 | 83,608 | |||||||||||||
Net assets |
$ | 169,308,038 | $ | 653,074,046 | $ | 34,616,546 | $ | 49,780,822 | $ | 692,433 | ||||||||||
Net Asset Value: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets |
$ | 169,308,038 | $ | 653,074,046 | $ | 34,616,546 | $ | 49,780,822 | $ | 692,433 | ||||||||||
Shares outstanding ^ |
3,350,000 | 19,400,000 | 4,150,000 | 2,325,000 | 30,000 | |||||||||||||||
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share |
$ | 50.54 | $ | 33.66 | $ | 8.34 | $ | 21.41 | $ | 23.08 | ||||||||||
* Identified cost: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Investments in securities |
$ | 181,536,784 | $ | 773,161,163 | $ | 59,027,826 | $ | 56,856,008 | $ | 634,425 | ||||||||||
Foreign currency |
— | — | 382,530 | 55,254 | $ | — | ||||||||||||||
+ Includes loaned securities with a value of |
$ | 26,408,369 | $ | 87,296,135 | $ | 7,802,077 | $ | 9,220,013 | $ | — |
^ |
No par value, unlimited number of shares authorized. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
23
Defiance ETFs
Statements of Operations
For the Six-Months/Period Ended June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
Defiance
|
Defiance
|
Defiance
|
Defiance
|
Defiance
|
||||||||||||||||
INCOME |
||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends* |
$ | 880,194 | $ | 6,386,373 | $ | 63,083 | $ | 271,917 | $ | — | ||||||||||
Securities lending income, net (Note 4) |
36,789 | 149,916 | 69,143 | 17,101 | — | |||||||||||||||
Interest |
14,305 | 61,207 | 5,383 | 6,724 | 1,250 | |||||||||||||||
Total investment income |
931,288 | 6,597,496 | 137,609 | 295,742 | 1,250 | |||||||||||||||
EXPENSES |
||||||||||||||||||||
Management fees |
239,078 | 1,016,356 | 57,403 | 121,299 | 155 | |||||||||||||||
Total expenses |
239,078 | 1,016,356 | 57,403 | 121,299 | 155 | |||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) |
692,210 | 5,581,140 | 80,206 | 174,443 | 1,095 | |||||||||||||||
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net realized gain (loss) on: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Investments |
(1,490,422 | ) | (5,672,153 | ) | (7,184,083 | ) | (1,057,850 | ) | — | |||||||||||
In-kind redemptions |
1,042,542 | 16,012,942 | 178,423 | 3,348,016 | — | |||||||||||||||
Foreign currency |
(20,775 | ) | (327 | ) | (29,238 | ) | (2,178 | ) | — | |||||||||||
Swaps |
— | — | — | — | 82,513 | |||||||||||||||
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Investments |
30,446,179 | 69,668,547 | 2,656,464 | 12,327,033 | — | |||||||||||||||
Foreign currency |
(3,024 | ) | (1,092 | ) | (5,879 | ) | 224 | — | ||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments |
29,974,500 | 80,007,917 | (4,384,313 | ) | 14,615,245 | 82,513 | ||||||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations |
$ | 30,666,710 | $ | 85,589,057 | $ | (4,304,107 | ) | $ | 14,789,688 | $ | 83,608 | |||||||||
* Net of foreign taxes withheld of: |
$ | 95,575 | $ | 413,430 | $ | 5,080 | $ | 13,251 | $ | — |
(1) |
The Fund commenced operations on June 12, 2023. The information presented is for the period from June 12, 2023 to June 30, 2023. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
24
Defiance
Quantum ETF
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Six-Months
|
Year
|
|||||||
OPERATIONS |
||||||||
Net investment income (loss) |
$ | 692,210 | $ | 1,639,280 | ||||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency |
(468,655 | ) | (3,694,437 | ) | ||||
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and foreign currency |
30,443,155 | (46,652,473 | ) | |||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations |
30,666,710 | (48,707,630 | ) | |||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS |
||||||||
Net distributions to shareholders |
(626,804 | ) | (1,612,524 | ) | ||||
Total distributions to shareholders |
(626,804 | ) | (1,612,524 | ) | ||||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS |
||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold |
43,456,790 | 6,663,645 | ||||||
Payments for shares redeemed |
(6,301,780 | ) | (32,664,740 | ) | ||||
Transaction fees (Note 8) |
5,131 | 10,869 | ||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions (a) |
37,160,141 | (25,990,226 | ) | |||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets |
$ | 67,200,047 | $ | (76,310,380 | ) | |||
NET ASSETS |
||||||||
Beginning of period/year |
$ | 102,107,991 | $ | 178,418,371 | ||||
End of period/year |
$ | 169,308,038 | $ | 102,107,991 |
(a) |
A summary of capital share transactions is as follows: |
Shares |
Shares |
|||||||
Shares sold |
900,000 | 150,000 | ||||||
Shares redeemed |
(150,000 | ) | (750,000 | ) | ||||
Net increase (decrease) |
750,000 | (600,000 | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
25
Defiance
Next Gen Connectivity ETF
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Six-Months
|
Year
|
|||||||
OPERATIONS |
||||||||
Net investment income (loss) |
$ | 5,581,140 | $ | 13,010,462 | ||||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency |
10,340,462 | 14,936,877 | ||||||
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and foreign currency |
69,667,455 | (366,995,316 | ) | |||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations |
85,589,057 | (339,047,977 | ) | |||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS |
||||||||
Net distributions to shareholders |
(5,148,027 | ) | (13,051,189 | ) | ||||
Total distributions to shareholders |
(5,148,027 | ) | (13,051,189 | ) | ||||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS |
||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold |
6,171,280 | 13,902,540 | ||||||
Payments for shares redeemed |
(123,715,970 | ) | (355,360,330 | ) | ||||
Transaction fees (Note 8) |
— | 18 | ||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions (a) |
(117,544,690 | ) | (341,457,772 | ) | ||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets |
$ | (37,103,660 | ) | $ | (693,556,938 | ) | ||
NET ASSETS |
||||||||
Beginning of period/year |
$ | 690,177,706 | $ | 1,383,734,644 | ||||
End of period/year |
$ | 653,074,046 | $ | 690,177,706 |
(a) |
A summary of capital share transactions is as follows: |
Shares |
Shares |
|||||||
Shares sold |
200,000 | 400,000 | ||||||
Shares redeemed |
(3,900,000 | ) | (10,500,000 | ) | ||||
Net increase (decrease) |
(3,700,000 | ) | (10,100,000 | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
26
Defiance
Next Gen H2 ETF
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Six-Months
|
Year
|
|||||||
OPERATIONS |
||||||||
Net investment income (loss) |
$ | 80,206 | $ | (24,522 | ) | |||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency |
(7,034,898 | ) | (27,486,403 | ) | ||||
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and foreign currency |
2,650,585 | (9,930,947 | ) | |||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations |
(4,304,107 | ) | (37,441,872 | ) | ||||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS |
||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold |
3,548,750 | 15,932,298 | ||||||
Payments for shares redeemed |
(2,545,729 | ) | (6,490,913 | ) | ||||
Transaction fees (Note 8) |
8,196 | 27,115 | ||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions (a) |
1,011,217 | 9,468,500 | ||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets |
$ | (3,292,890 | ) | $ | (27,973,372 | ) | ||
NET ASSETS |
||||||||
Beginning of period/year |
$ | 37,909,436 | $ | 65,882,808 | ||||
End of period/year |
$ | 34,616,546 | $ | 37,909,436 |
(a) |
A summary of capital share transactions is as follows: |
Shares |
Shares |
|||||||
Shares sold |
350,000 | 1,175,000 | ||||||
Shares redeemed |
(250,000 | ) | (575,000 | ) | ||||
Net increase (decrease) |
100,000 | 600,000 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
27
Defiance
Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Six-Months
|
Year
|
|||||||
OPERATIONS |
||||||||
Net investment income (loss) |
$ | 174,443 | $ | 38,635 | ||||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency |
2,287,988 | (4,806,062 | ) | |||||
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and foreign currency |
12,327,257 | (9,863,772 | ) | |||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations |
14,789,688 | (14,631,199 | ) | |||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS |
||||||||
Net distributions to shareholders |
— | (63,540 | ) | |||||
Total distributions to shareholders |
— | (63,540 | ) | |||||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS |
||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold |
8,738,530 | 54,684,580 | ||||||
Payments for shares redeemed |
(23,277,928 | ) | (13,225,180 | ) | ||||
Transaction fees (Note 8) |
7,229 | 7,742 | ||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions (a) |
(14,532,169 | ) | 41,467,142 | |||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets |
$ | 257,519 | $ | 26,772,403 | ||||
NET ASSETS |
||||||||
Beginning of period/year |
$ | 49,523,303 | $ | 22,750,900 | ||||
End of period/year |
$ | 49,780,822 | $ | 49,523,303 |
(a) |
A summary of capital share transactions is as follows: |
Shares |
Shares |
|||||||
Shares sold |
425,000 | 2,800,000 | ||||||
Shares redeemed |
(1,175,000 | ) | (800,000 | ) | ||||
Net increase (decrease) |
(750,000 | ) | 2,000,000 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
28
Defiance
Pure Electric Vehicle ETF
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
Period
|
||||
OPERATIONS |
||||
Net investment income (loss) |
$ | 1,095 | ||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and swaps |
82,513 | |||
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and swaps |
— | |||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations |
83,608 | |||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS |
||||
Proceeds from shares sold |
608,783 | |||
Payments for shares redeemed |
— | |||
Transaction fees (Note 8) |
42 | |||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions (a) |
608,825 | |||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets |
$ | 692,433 | ||
NET ASSETS |
||||
Beginning of period |
$ | — | ||
End of period |
$ | 692,433 |
(a) |
A summary of capital share transactions is as follows: |
Shares |
||||
Shares sold |
30,000 | |||
Shares redeemed |
— | |||
Net increase (decrease) |
30,000 |
(1) |
The Fund commenced operations on June 12, 2023. The information shown is for the period from June 12, 2023 to June 30, 2023. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
29
Defiance Quantum ETF
Financial Highlights
For a capital share outstanding throughout the period/year
Six-Months
|
Year Ended December 31, |
Period
Ended |
||||||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
2018(1) |
|||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period/year |
$ | 39.27 | $ | 55.76 | $ | 41.44 | $ | 29.37 | $ | 19.96 | $ | 25.00 | ||||||||||||
INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) (2) |
0.26 | 0.56 | 0.31 | 0.22 | 0.22 | 0.05 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (3) |
11.22 | (16.48 | ) | 14.26 | 12.06 | 9.36 | (5.05 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Total from investment operations |
11.48 | (15.92 | ) | 14.57 | 12.28 | 9.58 | (5.00 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions from: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income |
(0.21 | ) | (0.57 | ) | (0.24 | ) | (0.19 | ) | (0.18 | ) | (0.03 | ) | ||||||||||||
Realized gains |
— | — | (0.03 | ) | (0.02 | ) | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Tax return of capital to shareholders |
— | — | — | — | — | (0.01 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Total distributions to shareholders |
(0.21 | ) | (0.57 | ) | (0.27 | ) | (0.21 | ) | (0.18 | ) | (0.04 | ) | ||||||||||||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Transaction fees (Note 8) |
0.00 | (4) | 0.00 | (4) | 0.02 | 0.00 | (4) | 0.01 | 0.00 | (4) | ||||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of period/year |
$ | 50.54 | $ | 39.27 | $ | 55.76 | $ | 41.44 | $ | 29.37 | $ | 19.96 | ||||||||||||
Total return |
29.25 | %(5) | -28.56 | % | 35.27 | % | 42.01 | % | 48.20 | % | -20.01 | %(5) | ||||||||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets at end of period/year (000’s) |
$ | 169,308 | $ | 102,108 | $ | 178,418 | $ | 55,941 | $ | 20,558 | $ | 2,993 | ||||||||||||
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Expenses to average net assets |
0.40 | %(7) | 0.40 | % | 0.40 | % | 0.40 | % | 0.40 | %(6) | 0.65 | %(7) | ||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) to average net assets |
1.16 | %(7) | 1.25 | % | 0.61 | % | 0.71 | % | 0.87 | % | 0.70 | %(7) | ||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate (8) |
17 | %(5) | 24 | % | 35 | % | 40 | % | 45 | % | 22 | %(5) |
(1) |
Commencement of operations on September 4, 2018. |
(2) |
Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period/year. |
(3) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 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. |
(4) |
Less than $0.005. |
(5) |
Not annualized. |
(6) |
Effective January 14, 2019, the Adviser reduced its management fee from 0.65% to 0.40%. |
(7) |
Annualized. |
(8) |
Excludes the impact of in-kind transactions. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
30
Defiance Next Gen Connectivity ETF
Financial
Highlights
For a capital share outstanding
throughout the period/year
Six-Months
|
Year Ended December 31, |
Period
|
||||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 (1) |
||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period/year |
$ | 29.88 | $ | 41.68 | $33.60 | $26.20 | $ | 25.00 | ||||||||||||
INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) (2) |
0.26 | 0.46 | 0.48 | 0.38 | 0.25 | |||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (3) |
3.77 | (11.77 | ) | 8.09 | 7.35 | 1.15 | ||||||||||||||
Total from investment operations |
4.03 | (11.31 | ) | 8.57 | 7.73 | 1.40 | ||||||||||||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Distributions from: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income |
(0.25 | ) | (0.49 | ) | (0.47 | ) | (0.31 | ) | (0.20 | ) | ||||||||||
Tax return of capital to shareholders |
— | — | (0.02 | ) | (0.02 | ) | — | |||||||||||||
Total distributions to shareholders |
(0.25 | ) | (0.49 | ) | (0.49 | ) | (0.33 | ) | (0.20 | ) | ||||||||||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS |
||||||||||||||||||||
Transaction fees (Note 8) |
— | 0.00 | (4) | — | 0.00 | (4) | — | |||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of period/year |
$ | 33.66 | $ | 29.88 | $ | 41.68 | $ | 33.60 | $ | 26.20 | ||||||||||
Total return |
13.56 | %(5) | -27.20 | % | 25.63 | % | 29.77 | % | 5.64 | %(5) | ||||||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets at end of period/year (000’s) |
$ | 653,074 | $ | 690,178 | $ | 1,383,735 | $ | 890,292 | $ | 162,461 | ||||||||||
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Expenses to average net assets |
0.30 | %(6) | 0.30 | % | 0.30 | % | 0.30 | % | 0.30 | %(6) | ||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) to average net assets |
1.65 | %(6) | 1.36 | % | 1.29 | % | 1.35 | % | 1.22 | %(6) | ||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate (7) |
11 | %(5) | 25 | % | 24 | % | 28 | % | 54 | %(5) |
(1) |
Commencement of operations on March 4, 2019. |
(2) |
Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period/year. |
(3) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 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. |
(4) |
Less than $0.005. |
(5) |
Not annualized. |
(6) |
Annualized. |
(7) |
Excludes the impact of in-kind transactions. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
31
Defiance Next Gen H2 ETF
Financial
Highlights
For a capital share outstanding
throughout the period/year
Six-Months
|
Year |
Period |
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period/year |
$ | 9.36 | $ | 19.10 | $ | 27.16 | ||||||
INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: |
||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) (2) |
0.02 | (0.01 | ) | (0.03 | ) | |||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (3) |
(1.04 | ) | (9.74 | ) | (8.04 | ) | ||||||
Total from investment operations |
(1.02 | ) | (9.75 | ) | (8.07 | ) | ||||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: |
||||||||||||
Distributions from: |
||||||||||||
Net investment income |
— | (0.00 | )(4) | — | ||||||||
Tax return of capital to shareholders |
— | — | (0.00 | )(4) | ||||||||
Total distributions to shareholders |
— | (0.00 | )(4) | (0.00 | )(4) | |||||||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS |
||||||||||||
Transaction fees (Note 8) |
0.00 | (4) | 0.01 | 0.01 | ||||||||
Net asset value, end of period/year |
$ | 8.34 | $ | 9.36 | $ | 19.10 | ||||||
Total return |
-10.89 | %(5) | -50.98 | % | -29.68 | %(5) | ||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: |
||||||||||||
Net assets at end of period/year (000’s) |
$ | 34,617 | $ | 37,909 | $ | 65,883 | ||||||
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS: |
||||||||||||
Expenses to average net assets |
0.30 | %(6) | 0.30 | % | 0.30 | %(6) | ||||||
Net investment income (loss) to average net assets |
0.42 | %(6) | -0.05 | % | -0.15 | %(6) | ||||||
Portfolio turnover rate (7) |
29 | %(5) | 81 | % | 69 | %(5) |
(1) |
Commencement of operations on March 9, 2021. |
(2) |
Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period/year. |
(3) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 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. |
(4) |
Less than $0.005. |
(5) |
Not annualized. |
(6) |
Annualized. |
(7) |
Excludes the impact of in-kind transactions. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
32
Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF
Financial
Highlights
For a capital share outstanding
throughout the period/year
Six-Months
|
Year |
Period
|
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period/year |
$ | 16.11 | $ | 21.16 | $ | 24.36 | ||||||
INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: |
||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) (2) |
0.06 | 0.02 | (0.05 | ) | ||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (3) |
5.24 | (5.05 | ) | (3.15 | ) | |||||||
Total from investment operations |
5.30 | (5.03 | ) | (3.20 | ) | |||||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: |
||||||||||||
Distributions from: |
||||||||||||
Net investment income |
— | (0.02 | ) | — | ||||||||
Total distributions to shareholders |
— | (0.02 | ) | — | ||||||||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS |
||||||||||||
Transaction fees (Note 8) |
0.00 | (4) | 0.00 | (4) | 0.00 | (4) | ||||||
Net asset value, end of period/year |
$ | 21.41 | $ | 16.11 | $ | 21.16 | ||||||
Total return |
32.95 | %(5) | -23.80 | % | -13.12 | %(5) | ||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: |
||||||||||||
Net assets at end of period/year (000’s) |
$ | 49,781 | $ | 49,523 | $ | 22,751 | ||||||
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS: |
||||||||||||
Expenses to average net assets |
0.45 | %(6) | 0.45 | % | 0.45 | %(6) | ||||||
Net investment income (loss) to average net assets |
0.65 | %(6) | 0.10 | % | -0.37 | %(6) | ||||||
Portfolio turnover rate (7) |
8 | %(5) | 32 | % | 26 | %(5) |
(1) |
Commencement of operations on June 3, 2021. |
(2) |
Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period/year. |
(3) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 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. |
(4) |
Less than $0.005. |
(5) |
Not annualized. |
(6) |
Annualized. |
(7) |
Excludes the impact of in-kind transactions. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
33
Defiance Pure Electric Vehicle ETF
Financial
Highlights
For a capital share outstanding
throughout the period
Period
|
||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ | 19.88 | ||
INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: |
||||
Net investment income (loss) (2) |
0.05 | |||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and swaps (3) |
3.15 | |||
Total from investment operations |
3.20 | |||
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS |
||||
Transaction fees (Note 8) |
0.00 | (4) | ||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ | 23.08 | ||
Total return |
16.10 | %(5) | ||
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: |
||||
Net assets at end of period (000’s) |
$ | 692 | ||
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS: |
||||
Expenses to average net assets |
0.68 | %(6) | ||
Net investment income (loss) to average net assets |
4.81 | %(6) | ||
Portfolio turnover rate (7) |
0 | %(5) |
(1) |
Commencement of operations on June 12, 2023. |
(2) |
Calculated based on average shares outstanding during the period. |
(3) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 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. |
(4) |
Less than $0.005. |
(5) |
Not annualized. |
(6) |
Annualized. |
(7) |
Excludes the impact of in-kind transactions. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
34
Defiance ETFs
Notes to Financial Statements
June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION
Defiance Quantum ETF and Defiance Next Gen Connectivity ETF are each a diversified series and Defiance Next Gen H2 ETF, Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF, and Defiance Pure Electric Vehicle ETF are each a non-diversified series (individually each a “Fund” or collectively the “Funds”) of ETF Series Solutions (“ESS” or the “Trust”). The Trust is 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 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 objective of Defiance Quantum ETF is to track the total return performance, before fees and expenses, of the BlueStar Quantum Computing and Machine Learning Index®. The investment objective of Defiance Next Gen Connectivity ETF is to track the total return performance, before fees and expenses, of the BlueStar 5G Communications Index™. The investment objective of Defiance Next Gen H2 ETF is to track the total return performance, before fees and expenses, of the BlueStar Hydrogen & NextGen Fuel Cell Index. The investment objective of Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF is to track the total return performance, before fees and expenses, of the BlueStar Global Hotels, Airlines, and Cruises Index. The investment objective of Defiance Pure Electric Vehicle ETF is to seek to provide investment results, before fees and expenses, that track the performance of a basket of common shares, which are equally-weighted on a quarterly basis, of the five largest (by market capitalization) electric vehicle manufacturers (the “Underlying Securities”) included in the Solactive Pure US Electric Vehicle Index (the “Pure EV Index”). The table below shows the date each fund commenced operations:
Fund |
Date of Commencement |
|||
Defiance Quantum ETF |
September 4, 2018 | |||
Defiance Next Gen Connectivity ETF |
March 4, 2019 | |||
Defiance Next Gen H2 ETF |
March 9, 2021 | |||
Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF |
June 3, 2021 | |||
Defiance Pure Electric Vehicle ETF |
June 12, 2023 |
The end of the reporting period for the Funds is June 30, 2023, and the period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements is the period from January 1, 2023 through June 30, 2023 (the “current fiscal period”) for all Funds except Defiance Pure Electric Vehicle ETF. The period covered by these Notes to Financial Statements for Defiance Pure Electric Vehicle ETF is the period from June 12, 2023 through June 30, 2023 (“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 Select Market® and the 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 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.
35
Defiance ETFs
Notes
to Financial Statements
June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
(Continued)
Swaps are priced by an approved pricing service based on the closing price of the underlying benchmark that the contract is tracking.
Units of Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC are not traded on an exchange and are valued at the investment company’s NAV per share as provided by the underlying fund’s administrator. These shares are generally classified as Level 2 Investments.
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 their 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 observable inputs are not available; representing the Funds’ own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability and would be based on the best information available. |
The availability of observable inputs can vary from security to security and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of security, whether the security is new and not yet 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:
Defiance Quantum ETF
Assets^ |
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
Total |
||||||||||||
Common Stocks |
$ | 167,688,538 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 167,688,538 | ||||||||
Short-Term Investments |
1,417,121 | — | — | 1,417,121 | ||||||||||||
Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending |
— | 26,665,026 | — | 26,665,026 | ||||||||||||
Total Investments in Securities, at value |
$ | 169,105,659 | $ | 26,665,026 | $ | — | $ | 195,770,685 |
Defiance Next Gen Connectivity ETF
Assets^ |
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
Total |
||||||||||||
Common Stocks |
$ | 649,351,419 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 649,351,419 | ||||||||
Short-Term Investments |
2,561,269 | — | — | 2,561,269 | ||||||||||||
Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending |
— | 88,139,598 | — | 88,139,598 | ||||||||||||
Total Investments in Securities, at value |
$ | 651,912,688 | $ | 88,139,598 | $ | — | $ | 740,052,286 |
36
Defiance ETFs
Notes
to Financial Statements
June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
(Continued)
Defiance Next Gen H2 ETF
Assets^ |
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
Total |
||||||||||||
Common Stocks |
$ | 34,299,071 | $ | — | $ | 0 | (1) | $ | 34,299,071 | |||||||
Short-Term Investments |
262,035 | — | — | 262,035 | ||||||||||||
Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending |
— | 8,018,147 | — | 8,018,147 | ||||||||||||
Total Investments in Securities, at value |
$ | 34,561,106 | $ | 8,018,147 | $ | 0 | (1) | $ | 42,579,253 |
Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF
Assets^ |
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
Total |
||||||||||||
Common Stocks |
$ | 49,488,487 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 49,488,487 | ||||||||
Short-Term Investments |
151,314 | — | — | 151,314 | ||||||||||||
Investments Purchased with Proceeds from Securities Lending |
— | 9,127,074 | — | 9,127,074 | ||||||||||||
Total Investments in Securities, at value |
$ | 49,639,801 | $ | 9,127,074 | $ | — | $ | 58,766,875 |
Defiance Pure Electric Vehicle ETF
Assets^ |
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
Total |
||||||||||||
Short-Term Investments |
$ | 634,425 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 634,425 | ||||||||
Total Investments in Securities, at value |
$ | 634,425 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 634,425 |
Other Financial Instruments (2)
Assets |
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
Total |
||||||||||||
Total Return Swaps |
$ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — |
^ |
See Schedule of Investments for further disaggregation of investment categories. |
(1) |
Represents less than $0.50. |
(2) |
Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in the Schedule of Investments, such as total return swap agreements, which are reflected at value. |
B. |
Federal Income Taxes. The Funds’ policy is to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all net taxable investment income and net capital gains to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. The Funds plan to file U.S. Federal and various state and local tax returns. |
The Funds recognize the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only when the position is more likely than not to be sustained. Management has analyzed the Funds’ 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 expense in the Statements of Operations. During the current fiscal period, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties. |
C. |
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 trade and settle dates on security transactions from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included |
37
Defiance ETFs
Notes
to Financial Statements
June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
(Continued)
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 fair values of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities at fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.
D. |
Security Transactions and Investment Income. Investment securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Gains and losses realized on sales of securities are determined on a specific identification basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Non-cash dividends included in dividend income or separately disclosed, if any, are recorded at the fair value of the security received. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends, if any, have been provided for in accordance with the Funds’ understanding of the applicable tax rules and regulations. |
Distributions received from the Funds’ investments in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) 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 the Funds’ shareholders may represent a return of capital. |
E. |
Distributions to Shareholders. Distributions to shareholders from net investment income and net realized gains on securities for the Funds are declared and paid at least annually by each Fund. 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 each Fund, plus cash and other assets, minus all liabilities (including estimated accrued expenses) by the total number of shares outstanding for each Fund, rounded to the nearest cent. The Funds’ shares will not be priced on the days on which the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is closed for trading. The offering and redemption price per share for creation units of each Fund is equal to each 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. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be 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 and are primarily due to differing book and tax treatments for in-kind transactions and net operating losses. For the fiscal period ended December 31, 2022, the following table shows the reclassifications made: |
Distributable
|
Paid-In
|
|||||||
Defiance Quantum ETF |
$ | (5,604,221 | ) | $ | 5,604,221 | |||
Defiance Next Gen Connectivity ETF |
(62,464,031 | ) | 62,464,031 | |||||
Defiance Next Gen H2 ETF |
1,580,526 | (1,580,526 | ) | |||||
Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF |
1,141,120 | (1,141,120 | ) | |||||
Defiance Pure Electric Vehicle ETF |
N/A | N/A |
38
Defiance ETFs
Notes
to Financial Statements
June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
(Continued)
During the fiscal period ended December 31, 2022, the Funds realized the following net capital gains (losses) resulting from in-kind redemptions, in which shareholders exchanged Fund shares for securities held by the Funds rather than for cash. Because such gains (losses) are not taxable to the Funds, and gains are not distributed to shareholders, they have been reclassified from distributable earnings (accumulated deficit) to paid-in capital.
Defiance Quantum ETF |
$ | 5,604,221 | ||
Defiance Next Gen Connectivity ETF |
62,509,199 | |||
Defiance Next Gen H2 ETF |
(1,474,014 | ) | ||
Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF |
(1,141,120 | ) | ||
Defiance Pure Electric Vehicle ETF |
N/A |
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
Defiance ETFs, LLC (the “Adviser”), serves as the investment adviser 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 is responsible for arranging, in consultation with each Fund’s respective sub-adviser: transfer agency, custody, fund administration and accounting, and all other related services necessary for the Funds to operate. Penserra Capital Management LLC serves as the sub-adviser for Defiance Quantum ETF, Defiance Next Gen Connectivity ETF, Defiance Next Gen H2 ETF, and Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF and Vident Investment Advisory, LLC serves as the sub-adviser for Defiance Pure Electric Vehicle ETF (each, respectively, the “Sub-Adviser”).
Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser has agreed to pay all expenses of the Funds except for: the fee paid to the Adviser pursuant to the Advisory 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 (12b-1) fees and expenses.
The Funds pay the Adviser a unified management fee, calculated daily and paid monthly, at the following annual rate based on each Fund’s average daily net assets:
Defiance Quantum ETF |
0.40 | % | ||
Defiance Next Gen Connectivity ETF |
0.30 | % | ||
Defiance Next Gen H2 ETF |
0.30 | % | ||
Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF |
0.45 | % | ||
Defiance Pure Electric Vehicle ETF |
0.68 | % |
The Adviser is responsible for paying the Sub-Adviser.
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Fund Services” or “Administrator”), 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 and monitors the activities of the Funds’ Custodian, transfer agent and fund accountant. 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.
39
Defiance ETFs
Notes
to Financial Statements
June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
(Continued)
The Custodian acts as the securities lending agent (the “Securities Lending Agent”) for Defiance Quantum ETF, Defiance Next Gen Connectivity ETF, Defiance Next Gen H2 ETF, and Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF.
All officers of the Trust are affiliated with the Administrator and Custodian.
NOTE 4 – SECURITIES LENDING
Defiance Quantum ETF, Defiance Next Gen Connectivity ETF, Defiance Next Gen H2 ETF, and Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF may lend up to 33⅓ percent of the value of the securities in their portfolios to brokers, dealers and financial institutions (but not individuals) under terms of participation in a securities lending program administered by the Securities Lending Agent. The securities lending agreement requires that loans are collateralized at all times in an amount equal to at least 102% of the value of any domestic loaned securities at the time of the loan plus accrued interest. The use of loans of foreign securities, which are denominated and payable in U.S. dollars, shall be collateralized in an amount equal to 105% of the value of any loaned securities at the time of the loan plus accrued interest. The Funds receive compensation in the form of fees and earn interest on the cash collateral. The amount of fees depends on a number of factors including the type of security and length of the loan. The Funds continue to receive interest payments or dividends on the securities loaned during the borrowing period. Gain or loss in the value of securities loaned that may occur during the term of the loan will be for the account of the Funds. The Funds have the right under the terms of the securities lending agreements to recall the securities from the borrower on demand.
The securities lending agreement provides that, in the event of a borrower’s material default, the Securities Lending Agent shall take all actions the Securities Lending Agent deems appropriate to liquidate the collateral, purchase replacement securities at the Securities Lending Agent’s expense, or pay the Fund an amount equal to the market value of the loaned securities, subject to certain limitations which are set forth in detail in the securities lending agreement between the Funds and the Securities Lending Agent.
As of the end of the current fiscal period, the Funds had loaned securities and received cash collateral for the loans. The cash collateral is invested by the Securities Lending Agent in accordance with the Trust approved investment guidelines. Those guidelines require the cash collateral to be invested in readily marketable, high quality, short-term obligations; however, such investments are subject to risk of payment delays or default on the part of the issuer or counterparty or otherwise may not generate sufficient interest to support the costs associated with securities lending. The Funds could also experience delays in recovering their securities and possible loss of income or value if the borrower fails to return the borrowed securities, although the Funds are indemnified from this risk by contract with the Securities Lending Agent.
As of the end of the current fiscal period, the values of the securities on loan and payable for collateral due to broker were as follows:
Fund |
Value
of |
Payable
for |
||||||
Defiance Quantum ETF |
$ | 26,408,369 | $ | 26,665,026 | ||||
Defiance Next Gen Connectivity ETF |
87,296,135 | 88,139,598 | ||||||
Defiance Next Gen H2 ETF |
7,802,077 | 8,018,147 | ||||||
Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF |
9,220,013 | 9,127,074 |
* |
The cash collateral received was invested in Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC as shown on the Schedules of Investments, a short-term investment portfolio with an overnight and continuous maturity. The investment objective is to seek to maximize current income to the extent consistent with the preservation of capital and liquidity and maintain a stable NAV of $1.00 per unit. |
40