N-CSRS 1 easeries-roc_ncsrs.htm N-CSRS

 

 

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-CSR

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

Investment Company Act file number 811-22961

 

EA Series Trust
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

19 E. Eagle Road

Havertown, PA 19083
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

19 E. Eagle Road

Havertown, PA 19083

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

215-882-9983

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

 

Date of fiscal year end: January 31, 2023

 

Date of reporting period: July 31, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ROC ETF

 

 

Semi-Annual Report

 

July 31, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ROC ETF

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    Page
Sector Allocation   1
Schedule of Investments   2 – 6
Statement of Assets and Liabilities   7
Statement of Operations   8
Statement of Changes in Net Assets   9
Financial Highlights   10
Notes to Financial Statements   11 – 19
Expense Example   20
Liquidity Risk Management Program   21
Federal Tax Information   22
Management of the Fund   23 – 24
Information About Portfolio Holdings   25
Information About Proxy Voting   25
Privacy Policy   25

 

 

 

 

ROC ETF

 

Tabular Presentation of Schedule of Investments

As of July 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Sector1  % Net
Assets
 
Information Technology   28.4 %2 
Financials   15.9 %
Consumer Discretionary   12.3 %
Health Care   10.1 %
Industrials   9.9 %
Real Estate   3.3 %
Consumer Staples   8.3 %
Utilities   0.6 %
Materials   0.6 %
Energy   2.7 %
Communication Services   7.5 %
Other3   0.4 %
Total   100.0 %

 

1. Sector designations may be different than the sector designations presented in other Fund materials. The sector designations may represent the investment adviser’s internal sector classifications.
2. For purposes of the Fund’s compliance with its concentration limits, the Fund uses various sub-classifications and none of the Fund’s holdings in the sub-classifications exceed 25% of the Fund’s total assets.
3. Cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and other assets less liabilities.

 

1

 

 

ROC ETF
Schedule of Investments
July 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Shares       Value  
COMMON STOCKS - 96.9%        
Aerospace & Defense - 1.5%        
 405   Axon Enterprise, Inc. (a)   $ 75,302  
 634   Mercury Systems, Inc. (a)     24,079  
           99,381  
Air Freight & Logistics - 1.0%        
 341   United Parcel Service, Inc. - Class B     63,811  
              
Apparel, Accessories & Luxury Goods - 0.5%        
 264   Ralph Lauren Corp.     34,671  
              
Application Software - 4.3%        
 430   Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (a)     100,624  
 282   Intuit, Inc.     144,299  
 184   Salesforce, Inc. (a)     41,402  
           286,325  
Asset Management & Custody Banks - 1.8%        
 1,126   Franklin Resources, Inc.     32,924  
 1,455   KKR & Co., Inc.     86,398  
           119,322  
Automotive Retail - 1.4%        
 24   AutoZone, Inc. (a)     59,561  
 428   CarMax, Inc. (a)     35,357  
           94,918  
Biotechnology - 2.0%        
 446   Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)     87,148  
 437   Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (a)     44,526  
           131,674  
Broadline Retail - 4.2%        
 2,071   Amazon.com, Inc. (a)     276,851  
              
Building Products - 0.1%        
 112   Trex Co., Inc. (a)     7,744  
              
Cable & Satellite - 1.5%        
 2,019   Comcast Corp. - Class A     91,380  
 324   Liberty Media Corp. - Liberty SiriusXM - Class A (a)     10,271  
           101,651  
Cargo Ground Transportation - 2.1%        
 531   JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc.     108,292  
 337   RXO, Inc. (a)     7,431  
 351   XPO, Inc. (a)     24,303  
           140,026  
Consumer Staples Merchandise Retail - 5.3%        
 178   Costco Wholesale Corp.     99,799  
 656   Target Corp.     89,524  
 1,021   Walmart, Inc.     163,217  
           352,540  

 

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

 

2

 

 

ROC ETF
Schedule of Investments (Continued)
July 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Shares       Value  
Diversified Banks - 2.4%        
 980   JPMorgan Chase & Co.   $ 154,801  
                 
Diversified Support Services - 2.0%        
 1,494   Copart, Inc. (a)     132,055  
              
Electrical Components & Equipment - 0.2%        
 429   Vertiv Holdings Co.     11,158  
              
Electronic Components - 0.9%        
 642   Amphenol Corp. - Class A     56,695  
              
Electronic Equipment & Instruments - 0.5%        
 209   Keysight Technologies, Inc. (a)     33,666  
              
Footwear - 0.8%        
 476   Nike, Inc. - Class B     52,546  
              
Health Care Equipment - 0.4%        
 266   QuidelOrtho Corp. (a)     23,238  
              
Health Care Technology - 0.4%        
 896   Teladoc Health, Inc. (a)     26,674  
              
Home Improvement Retail - 2.8%        
 559   Home Depot, Inc.     186,617  
              
Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines - 1.4%        
 455   Marriott International, Inc. - Class A     91,824  
              
Human Resource & Employment Services - 0.3%        
 93   Ceridian HCM Holding, Inc. (a)     6,585  
 63   Paylocity Holding Corp. (a)     14,292  
           20,877  
Industrial Machinery & Supplies & Components - 1.3%        
 317   Illinois Tool Works, Inc.     83,472  
              
Insurance Brokers - 0.8%        
 753   Brown & Brown, Inc.     53,049  
              
Integrated Telecommunication Services - 1.4%        
 2,782   Verizon Communications, Inc.     94,811  
              
Internet Services & Infrastructure - 1.6%        
 419   Okta, Inc. (a)     32,204  
 303   Snowflake, Inc. - Class A (a)     53,846  
 277   Twilio, Inc. - Class A (a)     18,290  
           104,340  
Investment Banking & Brokerage - 2.0%        
 2,033   Charles Schwab Corp.     134,381  

 

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

 

3

 

 

ROC ETF
Schedule of Investments (Continued)
July 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Shares       Value  
Leisure Products - 0.5%        
 352   Brunswick Corp.   $ 30,381  
              
Life & Health Insurance - 0.7%        
 926   Sun Life Financial, Inc. ADR (b)     48,717  
              
Managed Health Care - 2.2%        
 283   UnitedHealth Group, Inc.     143,303  
              
Metal, Glass & Plastic Containers - 0.1%        
 118   Silgan Holdings, Inc.     5,174  
              
Movies & Entertainment - 2.1%        
 1,544   Walt Disney Co. (a)     137,246  
              
Multi-Sector Holdings - 4.1%        
 773   Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. - Class B (a)     272,065  
              
Multi-Utilities - 0.6%        
 460   WEC Energy Group, Inc.     41,336  
              
Oil & Gas Storage & Transportation - 2.7%        
 901   ONEOK, Inc.     60,403  
 3,489   Williams Cos., Inc.     120,196  
           180,599  
Packaged Foods & Meats - 3.0%        
 598   Campbell Soup Co.     27,400  
 397   Hershey Co.     91,830  
 1,027   Mondelez International, Inc. - Class A     76,132  
 1   Seaboard Corp.     3,605  
           198,967  
Paper & Plastic Packaging Products & Materials - 0.5%        
 1,232   Graphic Packaging Holding Co.     29,814  
              
Pharmaceuticals - 5.1%        
 317   Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC ADR (a)(b)     41,343  
 4,173   Pfizer, Inc.     150,478  
 771   Zoetis, Inc.     145,017  
           336,838  
Real Estate Services - 0.6%        
 461   CBRE Group, Inc. - Class A (a)     38,406  
              
Regional Banks - 2.0%        
 55   Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.     5,972  
 837   Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc.     63,528  
 1,914   Truist Financial Corp.     63,583  
           133,083  
Restaurants - 0.7%        
 742   Yum China Holdings, Inc.     45,277  

 

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

 

4

 

 

ROC ETF
Schedule of Investments (Continued)
July 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Shares       Value  
Semiconductor Materials & Equipment - 0.2%        
 109   MKS Instruments, Inc.   $ 11,900  
         
Semiconductors - 7.1%        
 410   Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (a)     46,904  
 1,399   Intel Corp.     50,042  
 443   NVIDIA Corp.     207,010  
 777   Qualcomm, Inc.     102,696  
 87   Skyworks Solutions, Inc.     9,950  
 214   Texas Instruments, Inc.     38,520  
 88   Universal Display Corp.     12,837  
           467,959  
Systems Software - 5.9%        
 998   Microsoft Corp.     335,248  
 3,081   UiPath, Inc. - Class A (a)     55,705  
           390,953  
Technology Distributors - 0.2%        
 54   CDW Corp.     10,102  
              
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals - 7.7%        
 2,158   Apple, Inc.     423,939  
 2,555   HP, Inc.     83,881  
           507,820  
Trading Companies & Distributors - 1.4%        
 614   Fastenal Co.     35,987  
 127   United Rentals, Inc.     59,014  
           95,001  
Transaction & Payment Processing Services - 2.1%        
 580   Visa, Inc. - Class A     137,883  
              
Wireless Telecommunication Services - 2.5%        
 1,175   T-Mobile US, Inc. (a)     161,880  
     TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $6,128,451)     6,393,822  
              
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS - 2.7%        
Health Care REITs - 0.7%        
 4,414   Medical Properties Trust, Inc.     44,537  
              
Industrial REITs - 1.4%        
 737   Prologis, Inc.     91,941  
              
Office REITs - 0.1%        
 256   SL Green Realty Corp.     9,654  
              
Retail REITs - 0.5%        
 309   Federal Realty Investment Trust     31,370  
     TOTAL REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (Cost $210,477)     177,502  

 

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

 

5

 

 

ROC ETF
Schedule of Investments (Continued)
July 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

Shares       Value  
MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 0.4%        
 24,448   First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 5.14% (c)   $ 24,448  
     TOTAL MONEY MARKET FUNDS (Cost $24,448)     24,448  
              
     TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $6,363,376) - 100.0%   $ 6,595,772  
     Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities - 0.0% (d)     2,722  
     TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.0%   $ 6,598,494  

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

 

ADR - American Depositary Receipt

PLC - Public Limited Company

 

(a) Non-income producing security.
(b) Foreign issued security.
(c) Rate shown is the 7-day effective yield.
(d) Represents less than 0.05% of net assets.

 

The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®) was developed by and/or is the exclusive property of MSCI, Inc. and Standard & Poor 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.

 

6

 

 

ROC ETF

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
July 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

   ROC ETF 
Assets:     
Investments in securities, at value  $6,595,772 
Dividends and interest receivable   4,935 
Receivable for return of capital   465 
Total assets   6,601,172 
      
Liabilities:     
Accrued investment advisory fees   2,678 
Total liabilities   2,678 
Net Assets  $6,598,494 
      
Net Assets Consist of:     
Paid-in capital   6,489,591 
Total distributable earnings (accumulated deficit)   108,903 
Net Assets:  $6,598,494 
      
Calculation of Net Asset Value Per Share:     
Net Assets  $6,598,494 
Shares Outstanding (unlimited shares of beneficial interest authorized, no par value)   260,000 
Net Asset Value per Share  $25.38 
      
Cost of Investments in Securities  $6,363,376 

 

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

 

7

 

 

ROC ETF

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Period Ended July 31, 2023 (Unaudited)

 

 

   ROC ETF 
Investment Income:     
Dividend income  $51,165 
Interest income   549 
Securities lending income   19 
Total investment income   51,733 
      
Expenses:     
Investment advisory fees   15,384 
Net expenses   15,384 
      
Net Investment Income   36,349 
      
Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments:     
Net realized loss on:     
Investments   (68,435)
    (68,435)
Net change in unrealized appreciation on:     
Investments   566,572 
    566,572 
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments:   498,137 
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations  $534,486 

 

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

 

8

 

 

ROC ETF

 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

   ROC ETF 
   For the
Period Ended
July 31,
2023
(Unaudited)
  

For the
Period Ended

January 31,
2023(1)

 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from:          
Operations:          
Net investment income  $36,349   $50,385 
Net realized loss on investments   (68,435)   (77,021)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments   566,572    (334,175)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations   534,486    (360,811)
           
Distributions to Shareholders:          
Distributable earnings   -    (4,468)
Total distributions to shareholders   -    (4,468)
           
Capital Share Transactions:          
Proceeds from shares sold   -    8,207,914 
Payments for shares redeemed   (898,408)   (880,220)
Transaction fees (See Note 1)   -    1 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets derived from net change in capital share transactions   (898,408)   7,327,695 
           
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets   (363,922)   6,962,416 
           
Net Assets:          
Beginning of period   6,962,416    - 
End of period  $6,598,494   $6,962,416 
           
Changes in Shares Outstanding:          
Shares outstanding, beginning of period   300,000    - 
Shares sold   -    340,000 
Shares repurchased   (40,000)   (40,000)
Shares outstanding, end of period   260,000    300,000 

 

(1) The Fund commenced operations on March 24, 2022.

 

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

 

9

 

 

ROC ETF

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
For the Period Ended July 31, 2023

 

 

   Net
Asset
Value, Beginning
of Period
  Net
Investment Income(1)
  Net
Realized
and
Unrealized Gain on Investments
  Net
Increase in
Net Asset
Value Resulting
from Operations
  Distributions from Net Investment Income  Total Distributions  Net
Asset
Value,
End of
Period
  Total
Return(2)
 

Net
Assets,
End of
Period

(000’s)

  Net Expenses(3)(4)  Net
Investment Income(3)
  Portfolio Turnover Rate(5)(7)  
ROC ETF                                      
Six Months Ended July 31, 2023 (Unaudited)  $23.21  0.13  2.04  2.17  -  -  $25.38  9.35%  $6,598  0.49%  1.16%  29%  
March 24, 2022(6) to January 31, 2023  $25.00  0.19  (1.96)  (1.77)  (0.02)  (0.02)  $23.21  (7.09%)  $6,962  0.49%  1.01%  16%  

 

(1) Net investment income per share represents net investment income divided by the daily average shares of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the period.
(2) All returns reflect reinvested dividends, if any, but do not reflect the impact of taxes. Total return for a period of less than one year is not annualized.
(3) For periods of less than one year, these ratios are annualized.
(4) Net expenses include effects of any reimbursement or recoupment.
(5) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and is calculated without regard to short-term securities having a maturity of less than one year.
(6) Commencement of operations.
(7) Excludes the impact of in-kind transactions.

 

The accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements are an integral part of these Financial Statements.

 

10

 

 

ROC ETF

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

JULY 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

 

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION

 

ROC ETF (the “Fund”) is a series of the EA Series Trust (the “Trust”), which was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on October 11, 2013. 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 Fund’s shares (“Shares”) is registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Fund is considered diversified under the 1940 Act. The Fund commenced operations on March 24, 2022. The Fund qualifies as an investment company as defined in the Financial Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946-Financial Services- Investment Companies. The Fund’s investment objective is to seek capital appreciation.

 

The Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (“ETF”). The Fund will invest its assets in U.S.-listed equity securities of companies that, in the assessment of ROC Investments, LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”), are led by high-character Chief Executive Officers.

 

Shares of the ROC ETF are listed and traded on the Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (“Cboe”). Market prices for the shares may be different from their net asset value (“NAV”). The Fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis at NAV only in blocks of 10,000 shares, called “Creation Units.” Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities included in a specified universe. Once created, shares generally trade in the secondary market at market prices that change throughout the day in share amounts less than a Creation Unit. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund. Shares of the Fund may only be purchased or redeemed by certain financial institutions (“Authorized Participants”). An Authorized Participant is either (i) a broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation or (ii) a DTC participant and, in each case, must have executed a Participant Agreement with the Distributor. Most retail investors do not qualify as Authorized Participants nor have the resources to buy and sell whole Creation Units. Therefore, they are unable to purchase or redeem the shares directly from the Fund. Rather, most retail investors may purchase shares in the secondary market with the assistance of a broker and are subject to customary brokerage commissions or fees.

 

Authorized Participants may be required to pay a transaction fee to compensate the Trust or its custodian for costs incurred in connection with creation and redemption transactions. The standard transaction fee, which is payable to the Trust’s custodian, typically applies to in-kind purchases of the Fund effected through the clearing process on any business day, regardless of the number of Creation Units purchased or redeemed that day (“Standard Transaction Fees”). Variable fees are imposed to compensate the Fund for the transaction costs associated with the cash transactions fees. Certain fund deposits consisting of cash-in-lieu or cash value may be subject to a variable charge (“Variable Transaction Fees”), which is payable to the Fund, of up to 2.00% of the value of the order in addition to the Standard Transaction Fees. Variable Transaction Fees received by the Fund, if any, are displayed in the Capital Share Transactions sections of the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.

 

Because, among other things, the Fund imposes transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of Shares to cover the custodial and other costs incurred by the Fund in effecting trades, the Board determined that it is not necessary to adopt policies and procedures to detect and deter market timing of the Fund’s Shares.

 

11

 

 

ROC ETF

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

JULY 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

 

NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

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

 

A. Security Valuation. Equity securities that are traded on a national securities exchange, except those listed on the NASDAQ Global Market® (“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 most recent quoted bid for exchange-traded or the mean between the most recent quoted bid and ask price for NASDAQ securities will be used. Equity securities that are not traded on a listed exchange are generally 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. Redeemable securities issued by open-end investment companies are valued at the investment company’s applicable net asset value, with the exception of exchange-traded open-end investment companies which are priced as equity securities.

 

Subject to its oversight, the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has delegated primary responsibility for determining or causing to be determined the value of the Fund’s investments to Empowered Funds, LLC d/b/a EA Advisers (the “Adviser”), pursuant to the Trust’s valuation policy and procedures, which have been adopted by the Trust and approved by the Board. Effective September 8, 2022, and in accordance with Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board designated the Adviser as the “valuation designee” of the Fund. If the Adviser, as valuation designee, determines that reliable market quotations are not readily available for an investment, the investment is valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Adviser in accordance with the Trust’s fair valuation policy and procedures. The Adviser will provide the Board with periodic reports, no less frequently than quarterly, that discuss the functioning of the valuation process, if applicable, and that identify issues and valuation problems that have arisen, if any. As appropriate, the Adviser and the Board will review any securities valued by the Adviser in accordance with the Trust’s valuation policies during these periodic reports. The use of fair value pricing by the Fund may cause the net asset value of its shares to differ significantly from the net asset value that would be calculated without regard to such considerations. As of July 31, 2023, the Fund did not hold any securities valued by an investment committee.

 

As described above, the Fund may use various methods to measure the fair value of their investments on a recurring basis. GAAP establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods. The three levels of inputs are:

 

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access.

 

Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument on an inactive market, prices for similar instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, default rates and similar data.

 

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available; representing the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability and would be based on the best information available.

 

The availability of observable inputs can vary from security to security and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of security, whether the security is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets, and other characteristics particular to the security. To the extent

 

12

 

 

ROC ETF

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

JULY 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

 

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 fair value classification of the Fund’s investments as of July 31, 2023:

 

  DESCRIPTION  LEVEL 1   LEVEL 2   LEVEL 3   TOTAL 
  ROC ETF                    
  Assets*                    
  Common Stocks  $6,393,822   $-   $-   $6,393,822 
  Real Estate Invesment Trusts   177,502    -    -    177,502 
  Money Market Funds   24,448    -    -    24,448 
  Total Investments in Securities  $6,595,772   $-   $-   $6,595,772 

 

  * For further detail on each asset class, see the Schedule of Investments

 

During the fiscal period ended July 31, 2023, the Fund did not invest in any Level 3 investments and recognized no transfers to/from Level 3. Transfers between levels are recognized at the end of the reporting period.

 

B. Foreign Currency. Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts using the spot rate of exchange at the date of valuation. Purchases and sales of investment securities and income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts on the respective dates of such transactions.

 

The Fund isolates the portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. That portion of gains (losses) attributable to the changes in market prices and the portion of gains (losses) attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates are included on the “Statement of Operations” under “Net realized gain (loss) – Foreign currency” and “Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) – Foreign Currency,” respectively.

 

The Fund reports net realized foreign exchange gains or losses that arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities at fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.

 

C.

Federal Income Taxes. The Fund intends to continue to comply with the requirements of subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, as necessary to qualify as a regulated investment company and distribute substantially all net taxable investment income and net realized gains to shareholders in a manner which results in no tax cost to the Fund. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. As of and during the fiscal period ended July 31, 2023, the Fund did not have any tax positions that did not meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. As of and during the fiscal period ended July 31, 2023, the Fund did not have liabilities for any unrecognized tax benefits. The Fund would/will recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits

 

13

 

 

ROC ETF

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

JULY 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

 

on uncertain tax positions as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. During the fiscal period ended July 31, 2023, the Fund did not incur any interest or penalties. The Fund is subject to examination by U.S. taxing authorities for the tax periods since the Fund’s commencement of operations.

 

The Fund may be subject to taxes imposed on realized and unrealized gains on securities of certain foreign countries in which the Fund invests. The foreign tax expense, if any, was recorded on an accrual basis and is included in “Net realized gain (loss) on investments” and “Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments” on the accompanying Statements of Operations. The amount of foreign tax owed, if any, is included in “Payable for foreign taxes” on the accompanying Statements of Assets and Liabilities and is comprised of withholding taxes on foreign dividends and taxes on unrealized gains.

 

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, net of any foreign taxes withheld at source. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the Fund’s understanding of the applicable tax rules and regulations.

 

Distributions to shareholders from net investment income for the Fund and distributions to shareholders from net realized gains on securities normally are declared and paid on an annual basis. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The Fund may distribute more frequently, if necessary, for tax purposes.

 

E. Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

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

 

G. Guarantees and Indemnifications. In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. Additionally, as is customary, the Trust’s organizational documents permit the Trust to indemnify its officers and trustees against certain liabilities under certain circumstances. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be against the Fund that have not yet occurred. As of the date of this Report, no claim has been made for indemnification pursuant to any such agreement of the Fund.

 

H. Reclassification of Capital Accounts. 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 net asset value per share. No reclassifications were made for the fiscal period ended July 31, 2023.

 

For the fiscal period ended January 31, 2023 the following table shows the reclassifications made:

 

     Distributable
Earnings
   Paid in
Capital
 
  ROC ETF  $(60,304)  $60,304 

 

14

 

 

ROC ETF

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

JULY 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

 

NOTE 3 – RISKS

 

Markets may perform poorly and the returns from the securities in which the Fund invests may underperform returns from the general securities markets. Securities markets may experience periods of high volatility and reduced liquidity in response to governmental actions or intervention, economic or market developments, or other external factors. The value of a company’s securities may rise or fall in response to company, market, economic or other news.

 

Foreign securities may underperform U.S. securities and may be more volatile than U.S. securities. Risks relating to investments in foreign securities (including, but not limited to, depositary receipts and participation certificates) and to securities of issuers with significant exposure to foreign markets include: currency exchange rate fluctuation; less available public information about the issuers of securities; less stringent regulatory standards; lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards; and country risks including less liquidity, high inflation rates, unfavorable economic practices, political instability and expropriation and nationalization risks.

 

The risks of foreign securities typically are greater in emerging and less developed markets. For example, in addition to the risks associated with investments in any foreign country, political, legal and economic structures in these less developed countries may be new and changing rapidly, which may cause instability and greater risk of loss. These securities markets may be less developed and securities in those markets are generally more volatile and less liquid than those in developed markets. Investing in emerging market countries may involve substantial risk due to, among other reasons, limited information; higher brokerage costs; different accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards; less developed legal systems and thinner trading markets as compared to those in developed countries; different clearing and settlement procedures and custodial services; and currency blockages or transfer restrictions. Emerging market countries also are more likely to experience high levels of inflation, deflation or currency devaluations, which could hurt their economies and securities markets. Certain emerging markets also may face other significant internal or external risks, including a heightened risk of war and ethnic, religious and racial conflicts. In addition, governments in many emerging market countries participate to a significant degree in their economies and securities markets, which may impair investment and economic growth of companies in those markets. Such markets may also be heavily reliant on foreign capital and, therefore, vulnerable to capital flight.

 

Models and Data Risk. The Sub-Adviser relies heavily on a proprietary statistical selection model as well as data and information supplied by third parties that are utilized by such model. To the extent the model does not perform as designed or as intended, the Fund’s strategy may not be successfully implemented and the Fund may lose value. If the model or data are incorrect or incomplete, any decisions made in reliance thereon may lead to the inclusion or exclusion of securities that would have been excluded or included had the model or data been correct and complete. Similarly, if data is unavailable (such as a third-party behavioral interview) may lead to the inclusion or exclusion of securities that would have been excluded or included had the data been available.

 

The effectiveness of the Sub-Adviser’s integrity model could be compromised due to a variety of factors. For example, CEOs that receive language coaching or use outsourced communications could cause the model to score a particular CEO more highly that it otherwise would, which may lead to suboptimal results, and negatively impact the Fund’s performance. In addition, the model has not been validated with respect to non-standard language patterns, such as non-native English speakers or cultural language differences.

 

Linguistic Analysis Risk. The Sub-Adviser relies upon linguistic analytics to inform its investment decisions. The application of linguistic analytics in finance is in a nascent stage of development. There is a risk that Sub-Adviser’s conclusions from its analysis of the data may be incorrect. In that case, the Fund’s portfolio may include companies with CEOs that lack the traits the Sub-Adviser seeks to capture or exclude companies with high-integrity CEOs. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be adversely affected.

 

Character Scoring Consideration Risk. Applying character scores to the investment process may exclude securities of certain issuers for non-investment reasons and therefore the Fund may forgo some market opportunities available to funds that do not use these criteria. As a result, at times, the Fund may underperform funds that are not subject to similar investment considerations. In addition, firms led by high character CEOs can perform poorly and corporate misconduct by the firm’s management team and employees can occur.

 

15

 

 

ROC ETF

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

JULY 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

 

Behavioral Assessment Access Risk. The Sub-Adviser can provide behavioral assessment scoring only if individuals with reasonable work or personal relationships with a CEO make themselves available for a behavioral assessment interview. Due to the Sub-Adviser’s limited personnel resources and the limited availability of individuals with reasonable work or personal relationships with a CEO, behavioral assessments will be conducted only for a small fraction of the CEOs in the universe. As a result, the potential benefits of behavioral assessment scoring on the Fund’s portfolio will be limited.

 

Management Risk. The Fund is actively managed and may not meet its investment objective based on the Adviser’s or Sub-Adviser’s success or failure to implement investment strategies for the Fund. In addition, the Fund’s investment strategy is based on the Sub-Adviser’s belief that companies with high-character CEOs will have higher stock prices over the long term than other companies. That thesis is relatively new and untested (against corporate scandals, returns, or otherwise), and may underperform other investment strategies.

 

See the Fund’s Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information regarding the risks of investing in shares of the Fund.

 

NOTE 4 – COMMITMENTS AND OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS.

 

Empowered Funds, LLC d/b/a EA Advisers (the “Adviser”) serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) between the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Adviser, the Adviser provides investment advice to the Fund and oversees the day-to-day operations of the Fund, subject to the direction and control of the Board and the officers of the Trust. Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser is also responsible for arranging transfer agency, custody, fund administration and accounting, and other non-distribution related services necessary for the Fund to operate. The Adviser administers the Fund’s business affairs, provides office facilities and equipment and certain clerical, bookkeeping and administrative services. The Adviser agrees to pay all expenses incurred by the Fund except for the fee paid to the Adviser pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, payments under any distribution plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1, brokerage expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes (including tax-related services), interest (including borrowing costs), litigation expense (including class action-related services) and other non-routine or extraordinary expenses.

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“Fund Services” or “Administrator”), doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, acts as the Funds’ Administrator and, in that capacity, performs various administrative and accounting services for the Funds. The Administrator prepares various federal and state regulatory filings, reports and returns for the Funds, including regulatory compliance monitoring and financial reporting; prepares reports and materials to be supplied to the trustees; 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 the Administrator, serves as the Funds’ Custodian.

 

The Custodian acts as the securities lending agent (the “Securities Lending Agent”) for the Fund.

 

ROC Investments, LLC, serves as a non-discretionary investment sub-adviser to the Fund. Pursuant to an investment sub-advisory agreement (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement”) among the Trust, the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser, the Sub-Adviser is responsible for determining the investment exposures for the Fund, subject to the overall supervision and oversight of the Adviser and the Board.

 

At a Board meeting held on March 18, 2022, the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Trustees”) including each Trustee who is not an “interested person” of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act, approved the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement. Per the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays an annual rate of 0.49% to the Adviser monthly based on average daily net assets.

 

16

 

 

ROC ETF

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

JULY 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

 

NOTE 5 – SECURITIES LENDING

 

The Fund may lend up to 33⅓% of the value of the securities in its portfolio 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 Fund receives compensation in the form of fees and earns 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 Fund continues to receive interest payments or dividends on the securities loaned during the borrowing period. Gain or loss on the value of securities loaned that may occur during the term of the loan will be for the account of the Fund. The Fund has the right under the terms of the securities lending agreement 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 Fund and the Securities Lending Agent.

 

As of the end of the current fiscal period, the Fund had not 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 Fund could also experience delays in recovering its securities and possible loss of income or value if the borrower fails to return the borrowed securities, although the Fund is indemnified from this risk by contract with the Securities Lending Agent.

 

As of the end of the current fiscal period, the Fund did not have any securities on loan.

 

The interest income earned by the Fund on the investment of cash collateral received from borrowers for the securities loaned to them (“Securities Lending Income, Net”) is reflected in the Fund’s Statement of Operations. Net securities lending income earned on collateral investments and recognized by the Fund during the current fiscal year, was as follows:

 

ROC ETF  $19 

 

The Fund is not subject to a master netting agreement with respect to the Fund’s participation in securities lending; therefore, no additional disclosures regarding netting arrangements are required.

 

17

 

 

ROC ETF

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

JULY 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

 

NOTE 6 – PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

For the fiscal period ended July 31, 2023, purchases and sales of securities for the Fund, excluding short-term securities and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

   Purchases   Sales 
ROC ETF  $1,833,519   $1,825,453 

 

For the fiscal period ended July 31, 2023, in-kind transactions associated with creations and redemptions were as follows:

 

   Purchases   Sales 
ROC ETF  $-  $869,731 

 

For the fiscal period ended July 31, 2023, short-term and long-term gains on in-kind transactions were as follows:

 

   Short Term   Long Term 
ROC ETF  $85,182   $- 

 

There were no purchases or sales of U.S. Government securities during the fiscal period.

 

NOTE 7 – TAX INFORMATION

 

The components of tax basis cost of investments and net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for federal income tax purposes at January 31, 2023 were as follows:

 

   ROC ETF 
Tax cost of Investments  $7,320,345 
Gross tax unrealized appreciation   401,475 
Gross tax unrealized depreciation   (762,299)
Net tax unrealized appreciation (depreciation)  $(360,824)
Undistributed ordinary income   45,917 
Undistributed long-term gain   - 
Total distributable earnings   45,917 
Other accumulated gain (loss)   (110,676)
Total accumulated gain (loss)  $(425,583)

 

Under tax law, certain capital and foreign currency losses realized after October 31 and within the taxable year are deemed to arise on the first business day of the Fund’s next taxable year.

 

For the fiscal period ended January 31, 2023, the Fund did not defer any qualified late year losses.

 

At January 31, 2023, the Fund had the following capital loss carryforwards:

 

   Unlimited
Short-Term
   Unlimited
Long-Term
 
ROC ETF  $(110,676)  $- 

 

18

 

 

ROC ETF

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

JULY 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

 

NOTE 8 – DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

 

There were no distributions paid by the Fund during the fiscal period ended July 31, 2023. The Fund paid the following distributions during the fiscal period ended January 31, 2023:

 

   Ordinary
Income
 
ROC ETF   4,468 

 

NOTE 9 – CHANGE IN INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

On June 9, 2023, the Board of Trustees (“Board”) of the EA Series Trust (the “Trust”), including a majority of the Independent Trustees, upon the recommendation and approval of the Audit Committee of the Board, appointed Tait Weller, LLP (“Tait”) to serve as the Fund’s independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2024. Tait was approved as the auditor for all funds in the Trust. Tait replaces Spicer Jefferies, LLP (“Spicer”) in this role. Spicer did not resign and did not decline to stand for re-election.

 

The audit reports of Spicer on the financial statements of the Fund for the most recent fiscal period ended January 31, 2023, did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor was the report qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.

 

During the most recent fiscal period ended January 31, 2023, there were no disagreements (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and related instructions) with Spicer on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Spicer, would have caused it to make a reference in connection with its opinion to the subject matter of the disagreement.

 

During the most recent fiscal period ended January 31, 2023, neither the Fund, nor anyone on their behalf, consulted with Spicer with respect to: (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might have been rendered on the Fund’s financial statements, and no written report or oral advice was provided that Spicer concluded was an important factor considered by the Fund in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or (ii) any matter that was either the subject of a “disagreement” (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and related instructions) or a “reportable event” (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).

 

NOTE 10 – OTHER

 

Effective July 13, 2023, Wesley Gray, Ph.d., and John Vogel, Ph.d., resigned as Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer of the Trust, respectively. Patrick Cleary and Sean Hegarty, CPA., were named their replacements as Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer of the Trust. Dr. Gray continues to serve as a Trustee and Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

 

NOTE 11 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

In preparing these financial statements, management of the Fund has evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the financial statements were issued. There were no transactions that occurred during the period subsequent to July 31, 2023, that materially impacted the amounts or disclosures in the Fund’s financial statements.

 

19

 

 

ROC ETF

 

EXPENSE EXAMPLE

JULY 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)

 

 

As a shareholder of ROC ETF, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including brokerage commissions on purchases and sales of Fund shares, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the most recent six-month period and held the entire period (February 1, 2023 to July 31, 2023).

 

Actual Expenses

 

The first line of the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During the Period February 1, 2023 to July 31, 2023” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

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

 

   Annualized
Expense
Ratio
   Beginning
Account Value
February 1,
2023
   Ending
Account Value
July 31,
2023
   Expenses Paid
During Period
February 1,
2023 to
July 31,
2023
 
ROC ETF1                   
Actual  0.49%   $1,000.00   $1,093.50   $2.54 
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)  0.49%    1,000.00    1,022.36    2.46 

 

1. The dollar amounts shown as expenses paid during the period are equal to the annualized six-month expense ratio multiplied by the average account value during the period, multiplied by 181/365, to reflect the one-half year period.

 

20

 

 

ROC ETF

 

REVIEW OF LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (UNAUDITED)

 

 

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

 

The Trust’s Board of Trustees has designated the Chief Operating Officer of the Adviser as the Program Administrator, responsible for administering the Program and its policies and procedures.

 

At the June 9, 2023, meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, the Program Administrator provided the Trustees with a report pertaining to the operation, adequacy, and effectiveness of implementation of the Program for the period ended March 31, 2023. The report concluded that the Program appeared effectively tailored to identify potential illiquid scenarios and to enable the Fund to deliver appropriate reporting. In addition, the report concluded that the Program is adequately operating, and its implementation has been effective. The report reflected that there were no liquidity events that impacted the Fund’s ability to timely meet redemptions without dilution to existing shareholders. The report further described material changes that were made to the Program since its implementation.

 

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

 

21

 

 

ROC ETF

 

FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 

 

For the fiscal period ended January 31, 2023, certain dividends paid by the Funds may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 23.8%, as provided for by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The percentage of dividends declared from ordinary income designated as qualified dividend income was as follows:

 

ROC ETF   100.00%

 

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

 

ROC ETF   100.00%

 

SHORT TERM CAPITAL GAIN

 

The percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions that are designated as short-term capital gain distributions under the Internal Revenue Section 871 (k)(2)(C) for the Fund was 0.00% (unaudited).

 

22

 

 

ROC ETF

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND

 

 

The table below sets forth certain information about each of the Trust’s executive officers as well as its affiliated and independent Trustees.

 

Name,
Address, and
Year of Birth
Position(s)
Held with
Trust
Term of
Office and
Length of
Time
Served
Principal Occupation
During Past 5 Years
Number of
Funds in
Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Trustee
Other
Directorships
Held by
Trustee
During Past
5 Years
Independent Trustees

Daniel Dorn

Born: 1975

Trustee Since 2014 Associate Professor of Finance, Drexel University, LeBow College of Business (2003 – present). 42 None

Michael S. Pagano, Ph.D., CFA

Born: 1962

Trustee Since 2014 The Robert J. and Mary Ellen Darretta Endowed Chair in Finance, Villanova University (1999 – present); Co-Editor of The Financial Review (2023 – present); Founder, Michael S. Pagano, LLC (business consulting firm) (2008 – present). 42 Citadel Federal Credit Union (pro-bono service for non-profit)

Chukwuemeka (Emeka) O. Oguh

Born: 1983

Trustee Since 2018 Co-founder and CEO, PeopleJoy (2016 – present). 42 None
Interested Trustee*

Wesley R. Gray, Ph.D.

Born: 1980

Trustee and President Since 2014 Founder and Executive Managing Member, EA Advisers (2013 – present); Founder and Executive Managing Member, Empirical Finance, LLC d/b/a Alpha Architect (2010 – present). 42 None

 

* Dr. Gray is an “interested person,” as defined by the Investment Company Act, because of his employment with and ownership interest in the Adviser.

 

Additional information about the Affiliated Trustee and Independent Trustees is available in the Statement of Additional Information (SAI).

 

23

 

 

ROC ETF

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND (CONTINUED)

 

 

Officers

 

Name,
Address, and
Year of Birth
Position(s)
Held with
Trust
Term of
Office and
Length of
Time
Served
Principal Occupation
During Past 5 Years

Patrick R. Cleary

Born: 1982

President and Chief Executive Officer; Secretary Since 2023; Since 2015 Chief Operating Officer (2014 – 2022) and Managing Member (2014 – present), Alpha Architect, LLC; Chief Executive Officer of EA Advisers (2021 – present).

Sean Hegarty

Born: 1993

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Since 2023; 2022 – 2023 Chief Operating Officer, EA Advisers (2022 – present); Assistant Vice President – Fund Administration, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (2018 – 2022); Staff Accountant, Cohen & Company (2015 – 2018).

Jessica D. Leighty

Born: 1981

Chief Compliance Officer Since 2022 Chief Compliance Officer, Alpha Architect (2021 – Present), Chief Compliance Officer, Snow Capital (2015 – 2021).

Brian P. Massaro

Born: 1997

Assistant Treasurer Since 2023 Chief Data Officer, EA Advisers (2023 – present); Assistant Operating Officer, EA Advisers (2022 – 2023); Mutual Funds Administrator, U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (2019 – 2022).

 

24

 

 

ROC ETF

 

INFORMATION ABOUT PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS (UNAUDITED)

 

 

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings for its first and third fiscal quarters with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on Part F of Form N-PORT. The Fund’s Form N-PORT is available without charge, upon request, by calling (215) 882-9983. Furthermore, you may obtain the Form N-PORT on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s portfolio holdings are posted on its website at https://www.ROCETF.com.

 

INFORMATION ABOUT PROXY VOTING (UNAUDITED)

 

 

A description of the policies and procedures the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is provided in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). The SAI is available without charge upon request by calling (215) 882-9983, by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by accessing the Fund’s website at https://www.ROCETF.com.

 

When available, information regarding how the Fund’s voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the twelve months ending June 30 is (1) available by calling (215) 882-9983 and (2) the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS (UNAUDITED)

 

 

Information regarding how often shares of the Fund trades on an exchange at a price above (i.e., at premium) or below (i.e., at a discount) the NAV of the Fund is available, without charge, on the Fund’s website at https://www.ROCETF.com.

 

PRIVACY POLICY (UNAUDITED)

 

 

EA Series Trust (the “Trust”) is strongly committed to preserving and safeguarding the personal financial information of any customers of the Trust. Confidentiality is extremely important to us.

 

Regulation S-P requires, among others, each investment company to “adopt written policies and procedures that address administrative, technical, and physical safeguards for the protection of customer records and information.” However, Pursuant to Regulation S-P’s definition of “customer,” the Trust currently does not have, nor does it anticipate having in the future, any customers. In addition, the Trust does not collect any non-public personal information from any consumers.

 

Nonetheless, the Trust has instituted certain technical, administrative and physical safeguards through which the Trust would seek to protect personal financial information about any customers from unauthorized use and access. First, technical procedures are used in order to limit the accessibility and exposure of Trust-maintained information contained in electronic form. If customer information were obtained by the Trust, such technical procedures would cover such information.

 

Second, administrative procedures that are in place, would be used to control the number and type of employees, affiliated and nonaffiliated persons, to whom customer information (if the Trust were to obtain any) would be accessible.

 

Third, physical safeguards have been established, which if customer information were obtained by the Trust, to prevent access to such information contained in hard-copy form.

 

As these procedures illustrate, the Trust realizes the importance of information confidentiality and security and emphasizes practices which are aimed at achieving those goals.

 

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Adviser

Empowered Funds, LLC d/b/a EA Advisers
19 East Eagle Road

Havertown, Pennsylvania 19083

 

Sub-Adviser

ROC Investments, LLC

930 Sierra Vista Drive

Redding, California 96001

 

Distributor

Quasar Distributors, LLC

111 East Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 2200

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

 

Custodian and Securities Lending Agent

U.S. Bank National Association
Custody Operations

1555 North River Center Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212

 

Transfer Agent

U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Tait, Weller & Baker LLP

Two Liberty Place

50 South 16th Street, Suite 2900
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102

 

Legal Counsel

Practus, LLP

11300 Tomahawk Creek Parkway, Suite 310

Leawood, Kansas 66211

 

ROC ETF

Symbol – ROCI

CUSIP – 02072L821

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

Item 6. Investments.

 

Schedule of Investments is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.

 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

 

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of trustees.

 

 

 

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

(a) The Registrant’s Principal Executive Officer and Treasurer have reviewed the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”)) as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report, as required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Act and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based on their review, such officers have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in this report is appropriately recorded, processed, summarized and reported and made known to them by others within the Registrant and by the Registrant’s service provider.

 

(b) There were no changes in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act) that occurred during the fiscal period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

(a) (1) Any code of ethics or amendment thereto, that is the subject of the disclosure required by Item 2, to the extent that the registrant intends to satisfy Item 2 requirements through filing an exhibit. Not applicable.

 

(2) A separate certification for each principal executive and principal financial officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.

 

(3) Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 under the Act sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more persons. Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

(4) Change in the registrant’s independent public accountant. Filed herewith.

 

(b) Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Furnished herewith.

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

(Registrant) EA Series Trust  
   
By (Signature and Title) /s/ Patrick Cleary  
  Patrick Cleary, President, Chief Executive Officer  
   
Date: October 5, 2023  

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By (Signature and Title) /s/ Patrick Cleary  
  Patrick Cleary, President, Chief Executive Officer  
     
Date: October 5, 2023  
     
By (Signature and Title) /s/ Sean Hegarty  
  Sean Hegarty, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer  
     
Date: October 5, 2023