UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSRS
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act File Number 811-3578
AQUILA FUNDS TRUST
(formerly, Aquila Three Peaks High Income Fund)
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in charter)
120 West 45th Street, Suite 3600
New York, New York 10036
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Joseph P. DiMaggio
120 West 45th Street, Suite 3600
New York, New York 10036
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (212) 697-6666
Date of fiscal year end: 12/31/22
Date of reporting period: 06/30/23
FORM N-CSRS
ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.
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Semi-Annual Report June 30, 2023 |
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| Keeping a Long-Term Perspective
with a Disciplined Approach | |
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August, 2023
Dear Fellow Shareholders,
As we reflect back on the first six months of 2023, most would agree that the financial markets were eventful. Ongoing market volatility and economic uncertainty, along with concerns about the banking industry, seemed to dominate the headlines. At the heart of market-related activity was the Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) and its current monetary policy, as the central bank continued to try and balance the direction of interest rates with levels of economic growth. And with it was a delicate balancing act, attempting to control inflation without tipping the economy into a possible recession.
Through it all, high-yield corporate bonds and mid-cap stocks managed to post what we believe to be impressive returns. As of June 30, 2023, the S&P 500® Index gained 15.91% year-to-date. Mid-cap stock performance, as measured by the CRSP® U.S. Mid Cap Index, was up 8.80% for the same period. And high-yield corporate bonds, as measured by the Bloomberg® Corporate High Yield Index*, rose 5.38% for the 6-month period.
So, where are we now, and what might this mean for the remainder of 2023 and beyond? Let’s take a look at some important factors driving financial markets.
Key Market Drivers
As noted above, the Fed is exerting its influence on financial markets. Through efforts to keep inflation in check, the Fed has raised interest rates in the form of the federal funds rate (the rate that banks charge each other to borrow or lend excess reserves overnight) 11 times, totaling 5.25% (as of the date of this letter), since March of 2022. After announcing interest rate increases at 10 consecutive Federal Open Market Committee meetings since that time, the Fed pushed “pause” at its June meeting. However, the Fed resumed its rate hike strategy yet again in late-July by raising rates an additional quarter percentage point, bringing the federal funds rate to a target range of 5.25%-5.5% — the highest level since 2001. Fed Chair Jerome Powell commented that future decisions will be made on a “meeting-by-meeting” basis, but acknowledged that additional hikes are possible if the Fed believes they are warranted by economic data.
There are many questions and unknowns at the present time. Will the Fed’s monetary policy ultimately be enough to successfully guide the economy to a so-called “safe landing?” Or might it not find the precise formula to do so and possibly risk the economy falling into a recession? Understandably, this has created uncertainty and concern for many investors.
NOT A PART OF THE SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
The federal government injected an unprecedented greater than $3 trillion of liquidity into the financial markets during the pandemic. Despite rhetoric that it would pull back some of the liquidity, the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Treasury actually increased liquidity in the system. Liquidity rose $60 billion, or 1%, to $5.95 trillion in the 12 months ended June 30, 2023. Impressively, the Fed was able to add this liquidity while shrinking its balance sheet by more than $790 billion. These are some of the key components of the Fed’s strategic focus that could significantly impact financial markets.
Looking ahead, investors will likely also keep a watchful eye on leading economic indicators, such as consumer prices, unemployment, and corporate earnings, among others. And it’s not only about how the U.S. economy fares. Especially in today’s growing global economy, events related to macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions around the world can have powerful and broad-reaching influence.
Market Overviews
High-Yield Corporate Bonds
Throughout a volatile first half of the year, the high-yield corporate bond market generally demonstrated impressive resiliency. In particular, lower-rated issues led the pack for the most part during periods of market turbulence. The resiliency of the asset class was apparent within most market sectors, with the exception of Banking and Financials, which felt the effects of the banking crisis caused by several bank failures, beginning in March of 2023. Some sectors, such as Industrials and Consumer Cyclicals, benefitted by healthy consumer spending, as well as stronger-than-expected economic growth.
Certain areas of the high-yield market did, however, experience relative weakness in underlying credit fundamentals. While credit fundamentals for issuers in the high-yield universe remain fairly stable overall, some lower-rated companies with outstanding floating rate debt are feeling the effects of higher interest expense — a product of the rising interest rate environment. In addition, stickier inflation is keeping business costs higher in many sectors, which has led to concerns about profit margins in coming quarters. It’s also important to note that the positive returns for the asset class in the first six months of the year were somewhat offset by default rates, which continued to trend higher.
As was the case in the first quarter of 2023, high-yield issuers continued their efforts to be opportunistic when it came to managing debt and bond maturities. Yield levels and relatively strong demand led to the highest refinancing activity since 2021, according to J.P. Morgan Credit Research. Year-to-date high-yield bond issuance thru mid-August 2023 totaled $110.8 billion, which compares to $77.8 billion through the same period in 2022. With an estimated $350 billion in high-yield bonds and leveraged loans maturing through 2025, issuers may continue to be active during the remainder of 2023.
NOT A PART OF THE SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
As volatility lingers, and concerns related to certain macroeconomic and geopolitical issues persist, your investment management team continues to employ an actively-managed approach. With a goal to help mitigate risk, while seeking to provide a stable and consistent level of income, the team continues to rely on its in-depth credit research, as well as comprehensive portfolio analysis and construction. Since yields are generally expected to move slightly higher during the rest of the year, your investment team is focused on managing portfolio duration with a lower bias, while opportunistically moving up in credit quality to mitigate potentially-widening credit spreads due to a possible economic downturn.
Equities
Equity markets posted positive returns across all capitalization ranges during the first half of 2023.
Looking ahead, your investment management team anticipates that the Federal Reserve will continue to raise interest rates through the second half of 2023 and leave rates elevated into 2024 — generally viewed as a “higher for longer” sentiment by many market participants. If this proves to be the case, it will likely continue to impact the interest rate-sensitive portion of the economy. Some market participants are concerned that this, in turn, may lead to an economic recession, with higher unemployment during late-2023 or early-2024. As a result, the team thinks future corporate profits may be materially lower than the markets are currently expecting.
So, while there are a number of positives that investors can point to, your investment management team remains cautiously optimistic about the equity markets for the course of the fiscal period ahead. Their cautious optimism — in particular, for mid-cap stocks — is driven by several factors, including what they believe to be attractive valuations, current high employment rates, continued strong demand for goods and services, and the considerable monetary and fiscal policy stimulus by the U.S. government.
Tempering these positive developments are volatile energy prices, fueled in part by years of under-investment in energy infrastructure, and the energy shock caused by the Russia/Ukraine conflict. Also, American and allied countries’ sanctions against Russia, persistent inflation, and a continuation of the Federal Reserve’s monetary-tightening cycle. In addition, the recent failures of several banks may lead to tighter lending standards at regional and medium-sized banks, as these banks rebuild capital and adjust their lending standards. The Fed is likely to continue to significantly reduce the absolute size of its balance sheet. As a result, your investment team anticipates that investors will continue to be intensely focused on both inflation data and the actions of the Federal Reserve in the coming year.
NOT A PART OF THE SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
Looking Ahead
One thing that is certain in the financial markets is uncertainty. That’s why we believe that investors should maintain a long-term perspective, and we encourage investors to consult with a financial professional, who can help them develop an asset allocation model and diversified portfolio. Although market volatility and changing economic conditions may trigger uncertainty or fear, we caution investors to try to avoid making emotionally-based, reactive decisions. Rather, we feel it’s critically important to keep in mind your personal investment objectives and long-term financial goals.
Your investment management team continually seeks to apply a disciplined investment and research process to its equity and high-yield strategies. The team remains committed to its disciplined investment and research process that not only includes detailed analysis of companies owned in the high-yield and equity strategies, but also seeks to uncover new opportunities within their respective markets.
With more than 100 years of combined experience, our seasoned investment professionals actively manage each portfolio with a goal to identify opportunities, continually seeking to maximize return potential while, at the same time, mitigating market risks. They painstakingly look for what the team believes to be fiscally-responsible corporate management teams that are committed to growing operations prudently, and who recognize they can potentially improve their credit profile by focusing on company-specific measures. Despite ever-changing market and economic conditions, your investment team’s efforts remain focused on its investment selection process and risk management principles.
As always, thank you for continued trust and confidence in Aquila Group of Funds.
| | Sincerely, | |
| | | |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
Pedro V. Marcal
Lead Portfolio Manager
Aquila Opportunity Growth Fund | Diana P. Herrmann
President | David M. Schiffman
Lead Portfolio Manager
Aquila High Income Fund |
NOT A PART OF THE SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
| * | Source: Bloomberg Index Services Limited. BLOOMBERG® is a trademark and service mark of Bloomberg Finance L.P. and its affiliates (collectively “Bloomberg”). Bloomberg or Bloomberg’s licensors own all proprietary rights in the Bloomberg Indices. Bloomberg does not approve or endorse this material or guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information therein, nor does Bloomberg make any warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained therefrom, and, to the maximum extent allowed by the law, Bloomberg shall not have any liability or responsibility for any injury or damages arising in connection therewith. |
Mutual fund investing involves risk and loss of principal is possible. The market value of each Fund’s securities may rise or decline due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic, political or regulatory conditions, recessions, inflation, changes in interest rates, lack of liquidity in the markets, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, armed conflict including Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, sanctions against Russia, other nations or individuals or companies and possible countermeasures, market disruptions caused by tariffs, trade disputes or other factors, or adverse investor sentiment. When market prices fall, the value of your investment may go down. In the past several years, financial markets have experienced increased volatility, decreased liquidity and heightened uncertainty. These conditions may continue, recur, worsen or spread. Investing in foreign and/or emerging markets securities involves risks relating to interest rates, currency exchange rates, economic, and political conditions.
Inflation and interest rates have increased and may rise further. These circumstances could adversely affect the value and liquidity of a Fund's investments, impair the Fund's ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund's performance. The global pandemic of the novel coronavirus respiratory disease designated COVID-19 has resulted in major disruption to economies and markets around the world, including the United States. Global financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and severe losses, and trading in many instruments has been disrupted. Liquidity for many instruments has been greatly reduced for periods of time. Some sectors of the economy and individual issuers have experienced particularly large losses. These circumstances may continue to affect adversely the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Russian securities have lost all, or nearly all, their market value. Other securities or markets could be similarly affected by past or future geopolitical or other events or conditions. Governments and central banks, including the U.S. Federal Reserve, have taken extraordinary and unprecedented actions to support local and global economies and the financial markets. These actions have resulted in significant expansion of public debt, including in the U.S. The consequences of high public debt, including its future impact on the economy and securities markets, may not be known for some time.
The U.S. and other countries are periodically involved in disputes over trade and other matters, which may result in tariffs, investment restrictions and adverse impacts on affected companies and securities. For example, the U.S. has imposed tariffs and other trade barriers on Chinese exports, has restricted sales of certain categories of goods to China, and has established barriers to investments in China. Trade disputes may adversely affect the economies of the U.S. and its trading partners, as well as companies directly or indirectly affected and financial markets generally. If the political climate between the U.S. and China does not improve or continues to deteriorate, if China were to attempt unification of Taiwan by force, or if other geopolitical conflicts develop or get worse, economies, markets and individual securities may be severely affected both regionally and globally, and the value of a Fund's assets may go down.
Money market instruments or short-term debt securities held by a Fund for cash management or defensive purposes can fluctuate in value. Like other fixed income securities, they are subject to risk, including market, interest rate and credit risk. If a Fund holds cash uninvested, it will be subject to the credit risk of the depository institution holding the cash. In addition, the Fund will not earn income on the cash and the Fund’s yield will go down. If a significant amount of a Fund’s assets is used for cash management or defensive investing purposes, it will be more difficult for the Fund to achieve its investment objectives.
NOT A PART OF THE SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
Aquila High Income Fund
The value of your investment will generally go down when interest rates rise. A rise in interest rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or longer duration securities. In recent years, interest rates and credit spreads in the U.S. have been at historic lows. The U.S. Federal Reserve has raised certain interest rates, and interest rates may continue to go up. A general rise in interest rates may cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale, which could adversely affect the price and liquidity of fixed income securities and could also result in increased redemptions from the Fund. The Fund’s portfolio will typically include a high proportion, perhaps 100%, of high-yield / high-risk securities rated below investment grade and sometimes called “junk bonds”. In the event of a real or perceived decline in credit quality of an issuer, borrower, counterparty, or collateral, the value of your investment will typically decline. Junk bonds are considered speculative, have a higher risk of default, tend to be less liquid and are more difficult to value than higher grade securities. Junk bonds tend to be volatile and more susceptible to adverse events and negative sentiments. When interest rates fall, an issuer may exercise its right to prepay its securities, and the Fund could be forced to reinvest prepayment proceeds at a time when yields on securities available in the market are lower than the yield on the prepaid security.
Aquila Opportunity Growth Fund
The market prices of the Fund’s securities will be impacted by the risks associated with the financial condition and profitability of the underlying company, or by a default or downgrade of an issuer, obligor or counterparty to a financial contract with the Fund. Small and midsized companies are comparatively less well known and may have less trading in their shares than larger companies, may be more sensitive to changes in earnings results and investor expectations, may have more limited product lines and capital resources, experience sharper swings in market values, have limited liquidity, be harder to value or to sell at the times and prices the Fund’s portfolio managers think appropriate, and offer greater potential for gain and loss. The Fund has exposure to highly leveraged companies. Leverage can magnify equity performance in both positive and negative stock markets.
Any information in this Shareholder Letter regarding market or economic trends or the factors influencing the Funds’ historical or future performance are statements of opinion as of the date of this report. These statements should not be relied upon for any other purposes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and there is no guarantee that any market forecasts discussed will be realized.
NOT A PART OF THE SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
AQUILA HIGH INCOME FUND SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS JUNE 30, 2023 (unaudited) |
Principal
Amount | | Corporate Bonds (94.7%) | | Value |
| | | Banking (1.5%) | | |
| | | Comerica, Inc. | | |
| $1,000,000 | | 3.700%, 07/31/23 | | $996,440 |
| | | The Huntington National Bank | | |
| 500,000 | | 3.550%, 10/06/23 | | 495,942 |
| | | | | 1,492,382 |
| | | Basic Industry (0.9%) | | |
| | | Mercer International, Inc. | | |
| 975,000 | | 5.500%, 01/15/26 | | 912,498 |
| | | | | |
| | | Brokerage/Asset Managers/Exchanges (2.2%) | | |
| | | LPL Holdings, Inc. | | |
| 2,375,000 | | 4.625%, 11/15/27 144A | | 2,227,019 |
| | | | | |
| | | Capital Goods (7.8%) | | |
| | | Aerospace/Defense (1.0%) | | |
| | | TransDigm, Inc. | | |
| 1,000,000 | | 6.375%, 06/15/26 | | 987,007 |
| | | | | |
| | | Building Materials (3.0%) | | |
| | | Builders FirstSource, Inc. | | |
| 1,253,000 | | 5.000%, 03/01/30 144A | | 1,171,573 |
| | | PGT Innovations, Inc. | | |
| 1,866,000 | | 4.375%, 10/01/29 144A | | 1,740,612 |
| | | | | 2,912,185 |
| | | Diversified Manufacturing (2.8%) | | |
| | | WESCO Distribution, Inc. | | |
| 2,750,000 | | 7.250%, 06/15/28 144A | | 2,805,154 |
| | | | | |
| | | Packaging (1.0%) | | |
| | | Berry Global, Inc. | | |
| 1,000,000 | | 5.625%, 07/15/27 144A | | 978,750 |
| | | Total Capital Goods | | 7,683,096 |
| | | | | |
| | | Communications (4.9%) | | |
| | | Cable Satellite (2.3%) | | |
| | | Viasat, Inc. | | |
| 2,300,000 | | 5.625%, 09/15/25 144A | | 2,228,677 |
1 | Aquila Funds Trust
AQUILA HIGH INCOME FUND SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) JUNE 30, 2023 (unaudited) |
Principal
Amount | | Corporate Bonds (continued) | | Value |
| | | Communications (continued) | | |
| | | Media Entertainment (2.6%) | | |
| | | Nexstar Media, Inc. | | |
| $2,800,000 | | 5.625%, 07/15/27 144A | | $2,609,857 |
| | | Total Communications | | 4,838,534 |
| | | | | |
| | | Consumer Cyclical (26.1%) | | |
| | | Automotive (3.4%) | | |
| | | Ford Holdings LLC | | |
| 1,000,000 | | 9.300%, 03/01/30 | | 1,122,500 |
| | | Ford Motor Company | | |
| 500,000 | | 6.100%, 08/19/32 | | 484,578 |
| | | Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC | | |
| 500,000 | | 5.584%, 03/18/24 | | 496,473 |
| | | JB Poindexter & Co., Inc. | | |
| 1,350,000 | | 7.125%, 04/15/26 144A | | 1,319,935 |
| | | | | 3,423,486 |
| | | Consumer Cyclical Services (5.1%) | | |
| | | ASGN, Inc. | | |
| 1,575,000 | | 4.625%, 05/15/28 144A | | 1,424,871 |
| | | Cars.com, Inc. | | |
| 1,850,000 | | 6.375%, 11/01/28 144A | | 1,703,480 |
| | | Cushman & Wakefield US Borrower LLC | | |
| 2,100,000 | | 6.750%, 05/15/28 144A | | 1,900,500 |
| | | | | 5,028,851 |
| | | Gaming (5.8%) | | |
| | | Caesars Entertainment, Inc. | | |
| 1,000,000 | | 6.250%, 07/01/25 144A | | 995,369 |
| | | Churchill Downs, Inc. | | |
| 600,000 | | 5.500%, 04/01/27 144A | | 576,859 |
| 2,000,000 | | 4.750%, 01/15/28 144A | | 1,854,802 |
| | | Penn Entertainment, Inc. | | |
| 500,000 | | 5.625%, 01/15/27 144A | | 467,544 |
| | | Scientific Games International, Inc. | | |
| 900,000 | | 8.625%, 07/01/25 144A | | 919,124 |
| | | VICI Properties LP/VICI Note Co., Inc. | | |
| 1,000,000 | | 4.625%, 12/01/29 144A | | 907,870 |
| | | | | 5,721,568 |
2 | Aquila Funds Trust
AQUILA HIGH INCOME FUND SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) JUNE 30, 2023 (unaudited) |
Principal
Amount | | Corporate Bonds (continued) | | Value |
| | | Consumer Cyclical (continued) | | |
| | | Home Construction (1.7%) | | |
| | | Century Communities, Inc. | | |
| $1,675,000 | | 6.750%, 06/01/27 | | $1,677,518 |
| | | | | |
| | | Leisure (4.0%) | | |
| | | Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. | | |
| 1,475,000 | | 4.875%, 11/01/24 144A | | 1,452,096 |
| 1,550,000 | | 4.750%, 10/15/27 144A | | 1,445,375 |
| | | Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. | | |
| 1,000,000 | | 8.250%, 01/15/29 144A | | 1,049,854 |
| | | | | 3,947,325 |
| | | Lodging (1.3%) | | |
| | | Marriott Ownership Resorts, Inc. | | |
| 1,450,000 | | 4.750%, 01/15/28 | | 1,305,000 |
| | | | | |
| | | Restaurants (0.9%) | | |
| | | Dave & Buster's, Inc. | | |
| 880,000 | | 7.625%, 11/01/25 144A | | 892,100 |
| | | | | |
| | | Retailers (3.9%) | | |
| | | Academy Ltd. | | |
| 2,050,000 | | 6.000%, 11/15/27 144A | | 1,968,000 |
| | | Bath & Body Works, Inc. | | |
| 870,000 | | 6.694%, 01/15/27 | | 874,623 |
| 1,000,000 | | 7.500%, 06/15/29 | | 1,013,320 |
| | | | | 3,855,943 |
| | | Total Consumer Cyclical | | 25,851,791 |
| | | | | |
| | | Consumer Non-Cyclical (10.6%) | | |
| | | Food and Beverage (3.2%) | | |
| | | Performance Food Group, Inc. | | |
| 1,075,000 | | 6.875%, 05/01/25 144A | | 1,075,903 |
| | | United Natural Foods, Inc. | | |
| 925,000 | | 6.750%, 10/15/28 144A | | 766,714 |
| | | US Foods, Inc. | | |
| 1,500,000 | | 4.750%, 02/15/29 144A | | 1,373,324 |
| | | | | 3,215,941 |
3 | Aquila Funds Trust
AQUILA HIGH INCOME FUND SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) JUNE 30, 2023 (unaudited) |
Principal
Amount | | Corporate Bonds (continued) | | Value |
| | | Consumer Non-Cyclical (continued) | | |
| | | Healthcare (3.1%) | | |
| | | Avantor Funding, Inc. | | |
| $1,000,000 | | 4.625%, 07/15/28 144A | | $926,923 |
| | | IQVIA, Inc. | | |
| 1,150,000 | | 5.000%, 10/15/26 144A | | 1,110,408 |
| | | Teleflex, Inc. | | |
| 1,100,000 | | 4.250%, 06/01/28 144A | | 1,005,119 |
| | | | | 3,042,450 |
| | | Supermarkets (4.3%) | | |
| | | Albertsons Cos Inc/Safeway, Inc./New Albertsons LP/Albertsons LLC | | |
| 1,325,000 | | 4.625%, 01/15/27 144A | | 1,255,443 |
| 1,300,000 | | 5.875%, 02/15/28 144A | | 1,263,262 |
| | | SEG Holding LLC/ SEG Finance Corp. | | |
| 1,875,000 | | 5.625%, 10/15/28 144A | | 1,772,605 |
| | | | | 4,291,310 |
| | | Total Consumer Non-Cyclical | | 10,549,701 |
| | | | | |
| | | Energy (14.2%) | | |
| | | Independent (3.8%) | | |
| | | Occidental Petroleum Corp. | | |
| 2,000,000 | | 8.500%, 07/15/27 | | 2,160,420 |
| 1,000,000 | | 7.500%, 05/01/31 | | 1,091,840 |
| | | PDC Energy, Inc. | | |
| 500,000 | | 6.125%, 09/15/24 | | 499,747 |
| | | | | 3,752,007 |
| | | Midstream (7.9%) | | |
| | | Buckeye Partners LP | | |
| 1,500,000 | | 4.150%, 07/01/23 | | 1,500,000 |
| | | Crestwood Midstream Partners LP/Crestwood Midstream Finance Corp. | | |
| 1,100,000 | | 5.750%, 04/01/25 | | 1,080,757 |
| 1,000,000 | | 8.000%, 04/01/29 144A | | 1,012,412 |
| | | Global Partners LP/GLP Finance Corp. | | |
| 1,175,000 | | 7.000%, 08/01/27 | | 1,140,139 |
| | | New Fortress Energy, Inc. | | |
| 3,300,000 | | 6.750%, 09/15/25 144A | | 3,095,515 |
| | | | | 7,828,823 |
4 | Aquila Funds Trust
AQUILA HIGH INCOME FUND SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) JUNE 30, 2023 (unaudited) |
Principal
Amount | | Corporate Bonds (continued) | | Value |
| | | Energy (continued) | | |
| | | Oil Field Services (2.5%) | | |
| | | Transocean Titan Financing Ltd. | | |
| $1,250,000 | | 8.375%, 02/01/28 144A | | $1,276,563 |
| | | USA Compression Partners LP/USA Compression Finance Corp. | | |
| 1,200,000 | | 6.875%, 04/01/26 | | 1,175,513 |
| | | | | 2,452,076 |
| | | Total Energy | | 14,032,906 |
| | | | | |
| | | Finance Companies (4.8%) | | |
| | | Fortress Transportation and Infrastructure Investors LLC | | |
| 1,492,000 | | 6.500%, 10/01/25 144A | | 1,469,864 |
| 2,250,000 | | 9.750%, 08/01/27 144A | | 2,323,735 |
| | | OneMain Finance Corp. | | |
| 1,000,000 | | 6.125%, 03/15/24 | | 996,589 |
| | | | | 4,790,188 |
| | | Other Financial (0.7%) | | |
| | | The Howard Hughes Corp. | | |
| 730,000 | | 5.375%, 08/01/28 144A | | 649,755 |
| | | | | |
| | | Other Industrial (2.1%) | | |
| | | Tutor Perini Corp. | | |
| 2,500,000 | | 6.875%, 05/01/25 144A | | 2,073,210 |
| | | | | |
| | | REITs (4.5%) | | |
| | | Other REITs (4.5%) | | |
| | | RHP Hotel Properties LP/RHP Finance Corp. | | |
| 1,000,000 | | 4.750%, 10/15/27 | | 931,000 |
| | | Rithm Capital Corp. | | |
| 1,875,000 | | 6.250%, 10/15/25 144A | | 1,757,812 |
| | | XHR LP | | |
| 1,800,000 | | 6.375%, 08/15/25 144A | | 1,766,844 |
| | | | | 4,455,656 |
5 | Aquila Funds Trust
AQUILA HIGH INCOME FUND SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) JUNE 30, 2023 (unaudited) |
Principal
Amount | | Corporate Bonds (continued) | | Value |
| | | Technology (9.0%) | | |
| | | Black Knight InfoServ LLC | | |
| $750,000 | | 3.625%, 09/01/28 144A | | $673,890 |
| | | Camelot Finance SA | | |
| 500,000 | | 4.500%, 11/01/26 144A | | 471,020 |
| | | Coherent Corp. | | |
| 1,500,000 | | 5.000%, 12/15/29 144A | | 1,353,915 |
| | | Elastic NV | | |
| 1,000,000 | | 4.125%, 07/15/29 144A | | 862,674 |
| | | Entegris, Inc. | | |
| 1,000,000 | | 4.375%, 04/15/28 144A | | 904,980 |
| | | Iron Mountain, Inc. | | |
| 925,000 | | 4.875%, 09/15/27 144A | | 873,760 |
| 875,000 | | 5.250%, 03/15/28 144A | | 818,088 |
| | | Shift4 Payments LLC/Shift4 Payments Finance Sub, Inc. | | |
| 875,000 | | 4.625%, 11/01/26 144A | | 820,549 |
| | | SS&C Technologies, Inc. | | |
| 1,825,000 | | 5.500%, 09/30/27 144A | | 1,747,123 |
| | | Zoominfo Technologies LLC/Zoominfo Finance Corp. | | |
| 500,000 | | 3.875%, 02/01/29 144A | | 430,046 |
| | | | | 8,956,045 |
| | | Transportation (5.4%) | | |
| | | Airlines (2.0%) | | |
| | | American Airlines, Inc./AAdvantage Loyalty IP Ltd. | | |
| 2,000,000 | | 5.500%, 04/20/26 144A | | 1,981,379 |
| | | | | |
| | | Railroads (2.0%) | | |
| | | Watco Cos. LLC / Watco Finance Corp. | | |
| 2,050,000 | | 6.500%, 06/15/27 144A | | 1,948,112 |
| | | | | |
| | | Transportation Services (1.4%) | | |
| | | Cargo Aircraft Management, Inc. | | |
| 1,650,000 | | 4.750%, 02/01/28 144A | | 1,445,515 |
| | | Total Transportation | | 5,375,006 |
| | | Total Corporate Bonds
(cost $99,636,908) | | 93,887,787 |
6 | Aquila Funds Trust
AQUILA HIGH INCOME FUND SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) JUNE 30, 2023 (unaudited) |
| Shares | | Short-Term Investment (3.8%) | | | | Value |
| 3,782,514 | | Dreyfus Treasury Obligations Cash Management -
Institutional Shares, 5.00%* (cost $3,782,514) | | | | $ 3,782,514 |
| | | | | | | |
| | | Total Investments
(cost $103,419,422 - note 4) | | 98.5% | | 97,670,301 |
| | | Other assets less liabilities | | 1.5 | | 1,440,603 |
| | | Net Assets | | 100.0% | | $ 99,110,904 |
| | | * The rate is an annualized seven-day yield at period end. | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | Note: 144A – Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At June 30, 2023, these securities amounted to a value of $72,945,883 or 73.6% of net assets. | | | | |
7 | Aquila Funds Trust
AQUILA HIGH INCOME FUND SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) JUNE 30, 2023 (unaudited) |
| Portfolio Distribution | Percent of
Investments | |
| Aerospace/Defense | 1.1 | % |
| Airlines | 2.1 | |
| Automotive | 3.6 | |
| Banking | 1.6 | |
| Brokerage/Asset Managers/ Exchanges | 2.4 | |
| Building Materials | 3.1 | |
| Cable Satellite | 2.4 | |
| Consumer Cyclical Services | 5.4 | |
| Diversified Manufacturing | 3.0 | |
| Finance Companies | 5.1 | |
| Food and Beverage | 3.4 | |
| Gaming | 6.1 | |
| Healthcare | 3.2 | |
| Home Construction | 1.8 | |
| Independent | 4.0 | |
| Leisure | 4.2 | |
| Lodging | 1.4 | |
| Media Entertainment | 2.8 | |
| Midstream | 8.3 | |
| Oil Field Services | 2.6 | |
| Other Financial | 0.7 | |
| Other Industrial | 2.2 | |
| Other REITs | 4.7 | |
| Packaging | 1.0 | |
| Paper | 1.0 | |
| Railroads | 2.1 | |
| Restaurants | 1.0 | |
| Retailers | 4.1 | |
| Supermarkets | 4.6 | |
| Technology | 9.5 | |
| Transportation Services | 1.5 | |
| | 100.0 | % |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
8 | Aquila Funds Trust
AQUILA OPPORTUNITY GROWTH FUND SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS JUNE 30, 2023 (unaudited) |
| Shares | | Common Stocks (95.6%) | | Market
Value |
| | | Communication Services (3.9%) | | |
| | | Entertainment (1.7%) | | |
| 15,000 | | Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.+ | | $2,207,400 |
| | | | | |
| | | Interactive Media & Services (2.2%) | | |
| 50,000 | | Snap, Inc.+ | | 592,000 |
| 88,000 | | ZoomInfo Technologies, Inc.+ | | 2,234,320 |
| | | | | 2,826,320 |
| | | Total Communication Services | | 5,033,720 |
| | | | | |
| | | Consumer Discretionary (6.9%) | | |
| | | Automobiles (1.2%) | | |
| 104,000 | | Ford Motor Co. | | 1,573,520 |
| | | | | |
| | | Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure (2.7%) | | |
| 42,000 | | Caesars Entertainment, Inc.+ | | 2,140,740 |
| 12,000 | | Expedia Group, Inc.+ | | 1,312,680 |
| | | | | 3,453,420 |
| | | Household Durables (0.7%) | | |
| 12,000 | | Century Communities, Inc. | | 919,440 |
| | | | | |
| | | Leisure Products (1.2%) | | |
| 80,000 | | Mattel, Inc.+ | | 1,563,200 |
| | | | | |
| | | Specialty Retail (1.1%) | | |
| 10,000 | | Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc. | | 1,321,900 |
| | | Total Consumer Discretionary | | 8,831,480 |
| | | | | |
| | | Consumer Staples (5.5%) | | |
| | | Food & Staples Retailing (1.4%) | | |
| 38,000 | | Kroger Co. | | 1,786,000 |
| | | | | |
| | | Food Products (4.1%) | | |
| 24,000 | | Campbell Soup Co. | | 1,097,040 |
| 34,000 | | Kellogg Co. | | 2,291,600 |
| 52,000 | | The Kraft Heinz Co. | | 1,846,000 |
| | | | | 5,234,640 |
| | | Total Consumer Staples | | 7,020,640 |
| | | | | |
9 | Aquila Funds Trust
AQUILA OPPORTUNITY GROWTH FUND SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) JUNE 30, 2023 (unaudited) |
| Shares | | Common Stocks (continued) | | Market
Value |
| | | Energy (7.8%) | | |
| | | Energy Equipment & Services (0.5%) | | |
| 18,000 | | Halliburton Co. | | $593,820 |
| | | | | |
| | | Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels (7.3%) | | |
| 6,000 | | Cheniere Energy, Inc. | | 914,160 |
| 5,000 | | Hess Corp. | | 679,750 |
| 24,000 | | Occidental Petroleum Corp. | | 1,411,200 |
| 10,000 | | Phillips 66 | | 953,800 |
| 17,000 | | Pioneer Natural Resources Co. | | 3,522,060 |
| 16,000 | | Valero Energy Corp. | | 1,876,800 |
| | | | | 9,357,770 |
| | | Total Energy | | 9,951,590 |
| | | | | |
| | | Financials (8.0%) | | |
| | | Banks (1.9%) | | |
| 64,000 | | Huntington Bancshares, Inc. | | 689,920 |
| 6,000 | | M&T Bank Corp. | | 742,560 |
| 14,000 | | Webster Financial Corp. | | 528,500 |
| 17,000 | | Zions Bancorp NA | | 456,620 |
| | | | | 2,417,600 |
| | | Capital Markets (2.7%) | | |
| 20,000 | | The Bank of New York Mellon Corp. | | 890,400 |
| 6,000 | | LPL Financial Holdings, Inc. | | 1,304,580 |
| 11,000 | | State Street Corp. | | 804,980 |
| 4,000 | | T Rowe Price Group, Inc. | | 448,080 |
| | | | | 3,448,040 |
| | | Insurance (3.4%) | | |
| 60,000 | | MetLife, Inc. | | 3,391,800 |
| 21,000 | | Unum Group | | 1,001,700 |
| | | | | 4,393,500 |
| | | Total Financials | | 10,259,140 |
| | | | | |
10 | Aquila Funds Trust
AQUILA OPPORTUNITY GROWTH FUND SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) JUNE 30, 2023 (unaudited) |
| Shares | | Common Stocks (continued) | | Market
Value |
| | | Health Care (11.2%) | | |
| | | Biotechnology (2.5%) | | |
| 2,000 | | Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.+ | | $379,880 |
| 3,000 | | Biogen, Inc.+ | | 854,550 |
| 8,000 | | BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc.+ | | 693,440 |
| 7,000 | | Seagen, Inc.+ | | 1,347,220 |
| | | | | 3,275,090 |
| | | Health Care Equipment & Supplies (2.2%) | | |
| 5,000 | | DexCom, Inc.+ | | 642,550 |
| 2,000 | | IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.+ | | 1,004,460 |
| 8,000 | | Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. | | 1,164,800 |
| | | | | 2,811,810 |
| | | Health Care Providers & Services (3.4%) | | |
| 10,000 | | Centene Corp.+ | | 674,500 |
| 15,000 | | Guardant Health, Inc.+ | | 537,000 |
| 3,000 | | McKesson Corp. | | 1,281,930 |
| 13,000 | | Quest Diagnostics, Inc. | | 1,827,280 |
| | | | | 4,320,710 |
| | | Life Sciences Tools & Services (3.1%) | | |
| 28,000 | | Avantor, Inc.+ | | 575,120 |
| 11,000 | | Illumina, Inc.+ | | 2,062,390 |
| 6,000 | | IQVIA Holdings, Inc.+ | | 1,348,620 |
| | | | | 3,986,130 |
| | | Total Healthcare | | 14,393,740 |
| | | | | |
| | | Industrials (13.4%) | | |
| | | Aerospace & Defense (3.0%) | | |
| 24,000 | | AeroVironment, Inc.+ | | 2,454,720 |
| 3,000 | | Northrop Grumman Corp. | | 1,367,400 |
| | | | | 3,822,120 |
| | | Commercial Services & Supplies (1.4%) | | |
| 12,000 | | Republic Services, Inc. | | 1,838,040 |
| | | | | |
| | | Construction & Engineering (0.6%) | | |
| 4,000 | | Quanta Services, Inc. | | 785,800 |
| | | | | |
11 | Aquila Funds Trust
AQUILA OPPORTUNITY GROWTH FUND SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) JUNE 30, 2023 (unaudited) |
| Shares | | Common Stocks (continued) | | Market
Value |
| | | Industrials (continued) | | |
| | | Electrical Equipment (2.7%) | | |
| 6,000 | | Encore Wire Corp. | | $1,115,580 |
| 4,000 | | Rockwell Automation, Inc. | | 1,317,800 |
| 40,000 | | Shoals Technologies Group, Inc.+ | | 1,022,400 |
| | | | | 3,455,780 |
| | | Machinery (2.7%) | | |
| 45,000 | | Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. | | 2,540,700 |
| 8,000 | | Xylem, Inc. | | 900,960 |
| | | | | 3,441,660 |
| | | Professional Services (1.3%) | | |
| 4,000 | | Jacobs Solutions, Inc. | | 475,560 |
| 5,000 | | Verisk Analytics, Inc. | | 1,130,150 |
| | | | | 1,605,710 |
| | | Trading Companies & Distributors (1.7%) | | |
| 12,000 | | WESCO International, Inc. | | 2,148,720 |
| | | Total Industrials | | 17,097,830 |
| | | | | |
| | | Information Technology (18.0%) | | |
| | | Communications Equipment (2.9%) | | |
| 8,000 | | Arista Networks, Inc.+ | | 1,296,480 |
| 60,000 | | Viasat, Inc.+ | | 2,475,600 |
| | | | | 3,772,080 |
| | | Electronic Equipment/Instrument (1.0%) | | |
| 25,000 | | Coherent Corp.+ | | 1,274,500 |
| | | | | |
| | | Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment (6.0%) | | |
| 25,000 | | Ambarella, Inc.+ | | 2,091,750 |
| 10,000 | | Enphase Energy, Inc.+ | | 1,674,800 |
| 10,000 | | Impinj, Inc.+ | | 896,500 |
| 27,000 | | Micron Technology, Inc. | | 1,703,970 |
| 29,000 | | PDF Solutions, Inc.+ | | 1,307,900 |
| | | | | 7,674,920 |
12 | Aquila Funds Trust
AQUILA OPPORTUNITY GROWTH FUND SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) JUNE 30, 2023 (unaudited) |
| Shares | | Common Stocks (continued) | | Market
Value |
| | | Information Technology (continued) | | |
| | | Software (8.1%) | | |
| 7,000 | | Cadence Design Systems, Inc.+ | | $1,641,640 |
| 11,000 | | CommVault Systems, Inc.+ | | 798,820 |
| 18,000 | | Elastic NV+ | | 1,154,160 |
| 14,000 | | Splunk, Inc.+ | | 1,485,260 |
| 3,000 | | Synopsys, Inc.+ | | 1,306,230 |
| 11,000 | | Workday, Inc.+ | | 2,484,790 |
| 10,000 | | Zscaler, Inc.+ | | 1,463,000 |
| | | | | 10,333,900 |
| | | Total Information Technology | | 23,055,400 |
| | | | | |
| | | Materials (7.1%) | | |
| | | Chemicals (0.5%) | | |
| 11,000 | | Corteva, Inc. | | 630,300 |
| | | | | |
| | | Construction Materials (1.5%) | | |
| 4,000 | | Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. | | 1,846,760 |
| | | | | |
| | | Containers & Packaging (0.7%) | | |
| 15,000 | | Ball Corp. | | 873,150 |
| | | | | |
| | | Metals & Mining (4.4%) | | |
| 80,000 | | Barrick Gold Corp. | | 1,354,400 |
| 108,000 | | Lithium Americas Corp.+ | | 2,182,680 |
| 40,000 | | Newmont Corp. | | 1,706,400 |
| 4,000 | | Steel Dynamics, Inc. | | 435,720 |
| | | | | 5,679,200 |
| | | Total Materials | | 9,029,410 |
| | | | | |
| | | Real Estate (6.4%) | | |
| | | Equity Real Estate Investment (5.5%) | | |
| 7,000 | | AvalonBay Communities, Inc. | | 1,324,890 |
| 25,000 | | Crown Castle, Inc. | | 2,848,500 |
| 90,000 | | VICI Properties, Inc. | | 2,828,700 |
| | | | | 7,002,090 |
13 | Aquila Funds Trust
AQUILA OPPORTUNITY GROWTH FUND SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) JUNE 30, 2023 (unaudited) |
| Shares | | Common Stocks (continued) | | Market
Value |
| | | Real Estate (continued) | | |
| | | Office REITS (0.9%) | | |
| 10,000 | | Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. | | $1,134,900 |
| | | Total Real Estate | | 8,136,990 |
| | | | | |
| | | Utilities (7.4%) | | |
| | | Electric Utilities (3.8%) | | |
| 24,000 | | Entergy Corp. | | 2,336,880 |
| 65,000 | | FirstEnergy Corp. | | 2,527,200 |
| | | | | 4,864,080 |
| | | Multi-Utilities (3.6%) | | |
| 35,000 | | CMS Energy Corp. | | 2,056,250 |
| 29,000 | | WEC Energy Group, Inc. | | 2,558,960 |
| | | | | 4,615,210 |
| | | Total Utilities | | 9,479,290 |
| | | Total Common Stocks
(cost $107,186,813) | | 122,289,230 |
| | | Short-Term Investment (4.6%) | | | | |
| 5,901,985 | | Dreyfus Treasury Obligations Cash Management - Institutional Shares, 5.00%* (cost $5,901,985) | | | | $ 5,901,985 |
| | | | | | | |
| | | Total Investments
(cost $113,088,798 - note 4) | | 100.2% | | 128,191,215 |
| | | Other assets less liabilities | | (0.2) | | (272,456) |
| | | Net Assets | | 100.0% | | $ 127,918,759 |
| | | + Non-income producing security. | | | | |
| | | * The rate is an annualized seven-day yield at period end. | | | | |
14 | Aquila Funds Trust
AQUILA OPPORTUNITY GROWTH FUND SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (continued) JUNE 30, 2023 (unaudited) |
| Portfolio Distribution | Percent of
Common
Stocks | |
| Aerospace & Defense | 3.1 | % |
| Automobiles | 1.3 | |
| Banks | 2.0 | |
| Biotechnology | 2.7 | |
| Capital Markets | 2.8 | |
| Chemicals | 0.5 | |
| Commercial Services & Supplies | 1.5 | |
| Communications Equipment | 3.1 | |
| Construction & Engineering | 0.6 | |
| Construction Materials | 1.5 | |
| Containers & Packaging | 0.7 | |
| Electric Utilities | 4.0 | |
| Electrical Equipment | 2.8 | |
| Electronic Equipment/Instrument | 1.0 | |
| Energy Equipment & Services | 0.5 | |
| Entertainment | 1.8 | |
| Equity Real Estate Investment | 5.7 | |
| Food & Staples Retailing | 1.5 | |
| Food Products | 4.3 | |
| Health Care Equipment & Supplies | 2.3 | |
| Health Care Providers & Services | 3.5 | |
| Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure | 2.8 | |
| Household Durables | 0.8 | |
| Insurance | 3.6 | |
| Interactive Media & Services | 2.3 | |
| Leisure Products | 1.3 | |
| Life Sciences Tools & Services | 3.3 | |
| Machinery | 2.8 | |
| Metals & Mining | 4.6 | |
| Multi-Utilities | 3.8 | |
| Office REITS | 0.9 | |
| Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels | 7.7 | |
| Professional Services | 1.3 | |
| Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment | 6.3 | |
| Software | 8.4 | |
| Specialty Retail | 1.1 | |
| Trading Companies & Distributors | 1.8 | |
| | 100.0 | % |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
15 | Aquila Funds Trust
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES JUNE 30, 2023 (unaudited) |
| | AQUILA
HIGH
INCOME FUND | | AQUILA
OPPORTUNITY
GROWTH FUND |
| ASSETS | | | | | |
| Investments at value (cost $103,419,422 and $113,088,798 respectively) | $ | 97,670,301 | | $ | 128,191,215 |
| Receivable for interest and dividends | | 1,624,600 | | | 115,144 |
| Receivable for Fund shares sold | | 143,647 | | | 25,747 |
| Other assets | | 22,969 | | | 11,842 |
| Total assets | | 99,461,517 | | | 128,343,948 |
| LIABILITIES | | | | | |
| Payable for Fund shares redeemed | | 160,514 | | | 202,809 |
| Transfer and shareholder servicing fees | | 71,676 | | | 86,280 |
| Dividends payable | | 46,350 | | | — |
| Management fees payable | | 39,338 | | | 92,523 |
| Distribution and service fees payable | | 151 | | | 346 |
| Accrued expenses | | 32,584 | | | 43,231 |
| Total liabilities | | 350,613 | | | 425,189 |
| NET ASSETS | $ | 99,110,904 | | $ | 127,918,759 |
| Capital Stock - Authorized an unlimited number of shares, par value $0.01 per share | $ | 125,505 | | $ | 31,765 |
| Additional paid-in capital | | 111,239,389 | | | 106,091,640 |
| Total distributable earnings (losses) | | (12,253,990) | | | 21,795,354 |
| | $ | 99,110,104 | | $ | 127,918,759 |
| CLASS A | | | | | |
| Net Assets | $ | 33,649,436 | | $ | 64,866,109 |
| Capital shares outstanding | | 4,263,418 | | | 1,689,499 |
| Net asset value and redemption price per share | $ | 7.89 | | $ | 38.39 |
Maximum offering price per share (100/96 of $7.89 and 100/95.75 of $38.39, respectively,
adjusted to the nearest cent) | $ | 8.22 | | $ | 40.09 |
| CLASS C | | | | | |
| Net Assets | $ | 1,161,654 | | $ | 3,351,606 |
| Capital shares outstanding | | 147,156 | | | 140,243 |
| Net asset value and redemption price per share | $ | 7.89 | | $ | 23.90 |
| CLASS I | | | | | |
| Net Assets | $ | 622,738 | | $ | 1,012,367 |
| Capital shares outstanding | | 79,019 | | | 24,582 |
| Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share | $ | 7.88 | | $ | 41.18 |
| CLASS Y | | | | | |
| Net Assets | $ | 63,677,076 | | $ | 58,688,677 |
| Capital shares outstanding | | 8,060,857 | | | 1,322,148 |
| Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share | $ | 7.90 | | $ | 44.39 |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
16 | Aquila Funds Trust
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2023 (unaudited) |
| | | AQUILA
HIGH
INCOME FUND | | AQUILA
OPPORTUNITY
GROWTH FUND |
| Investment Income | | | | | | |
| Interest income | | $ | 2,610,180 | | $ | 115,532 |
| Dividend income | | | | | | |
| (net of foreign tax withheld of $0 and $5,100, respectively) | | | — | | | 960,760 |
| Total investment income | | | 2,610,180 | | | 1,076,292 |
| | | | | | | |
| Expenses | | | | | | |
| Management fees (note 3) | | | 321,124 | | | 566,743 |
| Distribution and service fees (note 3) | | | 40,643 | | | 116,441 |
| Transfer and shareholder servicing agent fees (note 3) | | | 69,560 | | | 83,574 |
| Trustees’ fees and expenses | | | 61,815 | | | 78,291 |
| Legal fees | | | 39,282 | | | 70,174 |
| Registration fees and dues | | | 30,344 | | | 33,609 |
| Fund accounting fees | | | 18,927 | | | 12,053 |
| Auditing and tax fees | | | 10,365 | | | 14,084 |
| Shareholders’ reports | | | 7,286 | | | 12,556 |
| Compliance services (note 3) | | | 5,097 | | | 5,092 |
| Insurance | | | 2,686 | | | 3,462 |
| Custodian fees | | | 2,514 | | | 5,417 |
| Line of credit commitment fee (note 9) | | | 2,250 | | | 2,880 |
| Miscellaneous | | | 9,530 | | | 18,259 |
| Total expenses | | | 621,423 | | | 1,022,635 |
| Management fee waived and/or reimbursed expenses (note 3) | | | (86,076) | | | — |
| Net expenses | | | 535,347 | | | 1,022,635 |
| | | | | | | |
| Net investment income (loss) | | | 2,074,833 | | | 53,657 |
| | | | | | | |
| Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments: | | | | | | |
| Net realized gain (loss) from securities transactions | | | (1,214,008) | | | 6,639,280 |
| Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | | 2,449,116 | | | 804,085 |
| | | | | | | |
| Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | | | 1,235,108 | | | 7,443,365 |
| Net change in net assets resulting from operations | | $ | 3,309,941 | | $ | 7,497,022 |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
17 | Aquila Funds Trust
AQUILA HIGH INCOME FUND
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
| | | Six Months Ended
June 30, 2023
(unaudited) | | Year Ended
December 31, 2022 |
| OPERATIONS | | | | | | |
| Net investment income | | $ | 2,074,833 | | $ | 4,718,642 |
| Net realized gain (loss) from securities transactions | | | (1,214,008) | | | (3,981,947) |
| Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | | 2,449,116 | | | (9,404,415) |
| Change in net assets resulting from operations | | | 3,309,941 | | | (8,667,720) |
| | | | | | | |
| DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: | | | | | | |
| Class A Shares | | | (749,345) | | | (1,476,719) |
| | | | | | | |
| Class C Shares | | | (21,581) | | | (65,108) |
| | | | | | | |
| Class I Shares | | | (15,404) | | | (34,187) |
| | | | | | | |
| Class Y Shares | | | (1,433,977) | | | (3,636,101) |
| | | | | | | |
| Change in net assets from distributions | | | (2,220,307) | | | (5,212,115) |
| | | | | | | |
| CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (note 6): | | | | | | |
| Proceeds from shares sold | | | 9,755,727 | | | 22,282,106 |
| Reinvested dividends and distributions | | | 1,917,813 | | | 4,547,680 |
| Cost of shares redeemed | | | (15,032,841) | | | (74,667,288) |
| Net decrease in net assets from capital share transactions | | | (3,359,301) | | | (47,837,502) |
| Change in net assets | | | (2,269,667) | | | (61,717,337) |
| | | | | | | |
| NET ASSETS: | | | | | | |
| Beginning of period | | | 101,380,571 | | | 163,097,908 |
| End of period | | $ | 99,110,904 | | $ | 101,380,571 |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
18 | Aquila Funds Trust
AQUILA OPPORTUNITY GROWTH FUND
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
| | | Six Months Ended
June 30, 2023
(unaudited) | | Year Ended
December 31, 2022 |
| OPERATIONS | | | | | | |
| Net investment income (loss) | | $ | 53,657 | | $ | (157,141) |
| Net realized gain (loss) from securities transactions | | | 6,639,280 | | | 6,419,400 |
| Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | | 804,085 | | | (35,898,369) |
| Change in net assets resulting from operations | | | 7,497,022 | | | (29,636,110) |
| | | | | | | |
| DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: | | | | | | |
| Class A Shares | | | — | | | (6,332,075) |
| | | | | | | |
| Class C Shares | | | — | | | (702,275) |
| | | | | | | |
| Class I Shares | | | — | | | (117,667) |
| | | | | | | |
| Class Y Shares | | | — | | | (5,154,912) |
| | | | | | | |
| Change in net assets from distributions | | | — | | | (12,306,929) |
| | | | | | | |
| CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (note 6): | | | | | | |
| Proceeds from shares sold | | | 4,742,460 | | | 17,041,796 |
| Reinvested dividends and distributions | | | — | | | 11,449,562 |
| Cost of shares redeemed | | | (14,944,916) | | | (65,214,348) |
| Net decrease in net assets from capital share transactions | | | (10,202,456) | | | (36,722,990) |
| Change in net assets | | | (2,705,434) | | | (78,666,029) |
| | | | | | | |
| NET ASSETS: | | | | | | |
| Beginning of period | | | 130,624,193 | | | 209,290,222 |
| End of period | | $ | 127,918,759 | | $ | 130,624,193 |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
19 | Aquila Funds Trust
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2023 (unaudited) |
1. Organization
Aquila Funds Trust (the “Trust”), a Massachusetts business trust, is comprised of two series: Aquila High Income Fund and Aquila Opportunity Growth Fund (each, a “Fund”). Each Fund is an open-end diversified investment company. Aquila High Income Fund’s objective is to obtain high current income. Capital appreciation is a secondary objective when consistent with its primary objective. Aquila Opportunity Growth Fund seeks capital appreciation whereby it invests primarily in the equity securities of companies located throughout the United States.
Both Funds are authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares and offer four classes of shares: Class A, Class C, Class I and Class Y Shares. Class A Shares are sold at net asset value plus a sales charge of varying size (depending upon a variety of factors) paid at the time of purchase and bear a distribution fee. Shareholders who purchase $1 million or more of Class A Shares do not pay an initial sales charge but may pay a contingent deferred sales charge of up to 1% for redemption within 18 months of purchase. Class C Shares are sold at net asset value with no sales charge payable at the time of purchase but with a level charge for service and distribution fees for six years thereafter. Class C Shares automatically convert to Class A Shares after six years. If you redeem Class C Shares before you have held them for 12 months from the date of purchase you will pay a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”); this charge is 1%, calculated on the net asset value of the Class C Shares at the time of purchase or at redemption, whichever is less. Class I Shares are offered and sold only through financial intermediaries and are not offered directly to retail customers. Class I Shares are sold at net asset value with no sales charge and no redemption fee or CDSC, although a financial intermediary may charge a fee for effecting a purchase or other transaction on behalf of its customers. Class I Shares carry a distribution and a service fee. Class Y Shares are sold only through authorized financial institutions acting for investors in a fiduciary, advisory, agency, custodial or similar capacity, and are not offered directly to retail customers. Class Y Shares are sold at net asset value with no sales charge, no redemption fee, no CDSC and no distribution fee. While each Fund registered Class F Shares effective April 3, 2017, there were no Class F Shares outstanding as of June 30, 2023.
All classes of shares represent interests in the same portfolio of investments and are identical as to rights and privileges but differ with respect to the effect of sales charges, the distribution and/or service fees borne by each class, expenses specific to each class, voting rights on matters affecting a single class and the exchange privileges of each class.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by both Funds in the preparation of their financial statements. The policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for investment companies.
20 | Aquila Funds Trust
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
JUNE 30, 2023 (unaudited) |
| a) | Portfolio valuation: Securities listed on a national securities exchange or designated as national market system securities are valued at the last sale price on such exchanges or market system. Securities listed only on NASDAQ are valued in accordance with the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. All other securities are valued each business day based upon information provided by a nationally prominent independent pricing service and periodically verified through other pricing services. With respect to Aquila High Income Fund, in the case of securities for which market quotations are readily available, securities are valued at the bid price. For purposes of the 1940 Act, a market quotation is readily available only when that quotation is a quoted price (unadjusted) in active markets for identical investments that the Fund can access at the measurement date, provided that a quotation will not be readily available if it is not reliable. |
Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act provides that in the event that market quotations are not readily available, such securities must be valued at their fair value as determined in good faith by each Fund’s Board of Trustees. Rule 2a-5 further provides that the Board may choose to designate a “valuation designee” to perform the fair value determination. The Aquila Funds Trust Board has designated Aquila Investment Management LLC as the valuation designee (the “Valuation Designee”) to determine the fair value of Fund securities in good faith. Aquila Investment Management LLC, as Valuation Designee, selects an appropriate methodology or methodologies for determining and calculating the fair value of Fund investments and applies such methodology or methodologies in a consistent manner, including specifying the key inputs and assumptions specific to each asset class or portfolio holding.
| b) | Fair value measurements: Both Funds follow a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and the Fund’s own market assumptions (unobservable inputs). These inputs are used in determining the value of the respective Fund’s investments and are summarized in the following fair value hierarchy: |
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, based on the best information available.
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
21 | Aquila Funds Trust
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
JUNE 30, 2023 (unaudited) |
The following is a summary of the valuation inputs, representing 100% of each Fund’s investments, used to value the respective Fund’s net assets as of June 30, 2023:
| Valuation Inputs | | AQUILA
HIGH
INCOME FUND | | AQUILA
OPPORTUNITY
GROWTH FUND |
| | | Investments in Securities* |
Level 1 – Quoted Prices — Common Stocks, Mutual Funds,
and Short-Term Investments | | $ | 3,782,514 | | $ | 128,191,215 |
| Level 2 – Other Significant Observable Inputs | | | 93,887,787 | | | — |
| Level 3 – Significant Unobservable Inputs | | | — | | | — |
| Total | | $ | 97,670,301 | | $ | 128,191,215 |
| * See schedule of investments for a detailed listing of securities. | | | | | | |
| c) | Subsequent events: In preparing these financial statements, events and transactions have been evaluated for potential recognition or disclosure through the date these financial statements were issued. |
| d) | Securities transactions and related investment income: Securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recorded daily on an accrual basis. Discounts on debt securities are accreted or amortized to interest income over the lives of the respective securities using the effective interest method. Premiums for callable debt securities are amortized to the earliest call date, if the call price was less than the purchase price. If the call price was not at par and the security was not called, the security is amortized to the next call price and date. |
| e) | Federal income taxes: It is the policy of each Fund to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company by complying with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to certain investment companies. Each Fund intends to make distributions of income and securities profits sufficient to relieve it from all, or substantially all, Federal income and excise taxes. |
Management has reviewed the tax position for each of the open tax years (2019-2021) or expected to be taken in the Funds’ 2022 tax returns and has concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements.
| f) | Multiple class allocations: All income, expenses (other than class-specific expenses), and realized and unrealized gains or losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based on the relative net assets of each class. Class-specific expenses, which include distribution and service fees and any other items that are specifically attributed to a particular class, are also charged directly to such class on a daily basis. |
| g) | Use of estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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 |
22 | Aquila Funds Trust
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
JUNE 30, 2023 (unaudited) |
and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
| h) | Reclassification of capital accounts: Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that certain components of net assets relating to permanent differences be reclassified between financial and tax reporting. On December 31, 2022, Aquila Opportunity Growth Fund increased paid-in capital by $6,057,246 and decreased distributable earnings by $6,057,246. This reclassification had no effect on net assets or net asset value per share. |
| i) | Each Fund is an investment company and accordingly follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standard Codification Topic 946 "Financial Services-Investment Companies". |
3. Fees and Related Party Transactions
| a) | Management Arrangements: |
Aquila Investment Management LLC (the “Manager”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aquila Management Corporation, the Fund’s founder and sponsor, serves as the Manager for each Fund under an Advisory and Administration Agreement with the Fund. Under each Advisory and Administrative Agreement, the Manager provides all portfolio management and administrative services to the respective Fund. The Manager’s services include providing the offices of the Funds and all related services and overseeing all the various support organizations to the Funds such as the transfer and shareholder servicing agent, custodian, legal counsel, fund accounting agent, pricing agent, auditors and distributor.
For its services to Aquila High Income Fund, the Manager was entitled to receive a fee which is payable monthly and computed as of the close of business each day at the annual rate of 0.65% of the Fund’s net assets. The Manager had contractually undertaken to waive its fees so that management fees were equivalent to 0.65 of 1% of such net asset value on the net assets of the Fund up to $400,000,000 and 0.60 of 1% of the Fund's net assets above $400,000,000 through April 30, 2024.
Effective July 1, 2022, the Manager has contractually undertaken to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of Aquila High Income Fund so that total Fund expenses will not exceed 1.20% for Class A shares, 2.00% for Class C shares, 0.93% for Class F Shares, 1.30% for Class I Shares and 1.00% for Class Y Shares. These expense limitations are in effect until April 30, 2024 and the arrangement may not be terminated without the approval of the Board of Trustees. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Fund incurred management fees of $321,124 of which $86,076 was waived. If total annual Fund operating expenses of any class in a fiscal year are less than the respective expense caps described above, as well as below the expense cap which was in place at the time of the reimbursed expenses or waived fees, the Manager may recover the difference between the total annual Fund operating expenses of the class and the respective expense cap, up to, but not more than, the amount, if any, by which reimbursed expenses and waived fees over the preceding rolling three year period have not been paid by the Fund to the Manager.
23 | Aquila Funds Trust
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
JUNE 30, 2023 (unaudited) |
For its services to Aquila Opportunity Growth Fund, the Manager was entitled to receive a fee which is payable monthly and computed as of the close of business each day at the annual rate of 0.90% on the Fund’s net assets up to $100 million, 0.85% on such assets above $100 million up to $250 million, and 0.80% on assets above $250 million.
Under a Compliance Agreement with the Manager, the Manager is compensated by the Funds for compliance related services provided to enable the Funds to comply with Rule 38a-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Specific details as to the nature and extent of the services provided by the Manager are more fully defined in the Funds' Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.
| b) | Distribution and Service Fees: |
The Funds have adopted Distribution Plans (each a “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (the “Rule”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Under one part of the Plans, with respect to Class A Shares, the Funds are authorized to make distribution fee payments to broker-dealers or others (“Qualified Recipients”) selected by Aquila Distributors LLC (the “Distributor”), including, but not limited to, any principal underwriter of the respective Fund, with which the Distributor has entered into written agreements contemplated by the Rule and which have rendered assistance in the distribution and/or retention of the Fund’s shares or servicing of shareholder accounts.
For the six months ended June 30, 2023, these payments were as follows:
| | | Annual
Distribution Fee
Rate on Class A | | Distribution
Fees on
Class A | | Amount
Retained by
Distributor |
| Aquila High Income Fund | | 0.20% | $ | 34,167 | $ | 1,616 |
| Aquila Opportunity Growth Fund | | 0.30% | $ | 96,589 | $ | 3,868 |
Under another part of the Plan, the Funds are authorized to make payments with respect to Class C Shares to Qualified Recipients which have rendered assistance in the distribution and/or retention of the Fund’s Class C shares or servicing of shareholder accounts. These payments are made at the annual rate of 0.75% of the respective Fund’s average net assets represented by Class C Shares. In addition, under a Shareholder Services Plan, the Funds are authorized to make service fee payments with respect to Class C Shares to Qualified Recipients for providing personal services and/or maintenance of shareholder accounts. These payments are made at the annual rate of 0.25% of the respective Fund’s average net assets represented by Class C Shares.
For the six months ended June 30, 2023, these payments were as follows:
| | | Qualified
Recipients Fees
on Class C | | Shareholder
Services Fee
on Class C | | Amount
Retained by
Distributor |
| Aquila High Income Fund | $ | 4,534 | $ | 1,511 | $ | 1,527 |
| Aquila Opportunity Growth Fund | $ | 14,416 | $ | 4,806 | $ | 4,780 |
24 | Aquila Funds Trust
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
JUNE 30, 2023 (unaudited) |
Under another part of the Plan, the Funds are authorized to make payments with respect to Class I Shares to Qualified Recipients. Class I payments, under the Plan, may not exceed, for any fiscal year of the respective Fund a rate of more than 0.25% of the average annual net assets represented by the Class I Shares. In addition, the Funds have a Shareholder Services Plan under which each Fund may pay service fees of not more than 0.25% of the average annual net assets of the respective Fund represented by Class I Shares. That is, the total payments under both plans will not exceed 0.50% of such net assets.
With respect to Aquila High Income Fund, for the six months ended June 30, 2023, these payments were made at the average annual rate of 0.37% (0.12% under the Distribution Plan and 0.25% under the Shareholder Services Plan) of such net assets and amounted to $1,329 of which $431 related to the Plan and $898 related to the Shareholder Services Plan.
With respect to Aquila Opportunity Growth Fund, for the six months ended June 30, 2023, these payments were made at the average annual rate of 0.36% (0.11% under the Distribution Plan and 0.25% under the Shareholder Services Plan) of such net assets and amounted to $2,062 of which $630 related to the Plan and $1,432 related to the Shareholder Services Plan.
Specific details about the Plans are more fully defined in the Funds' Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.
Under Distribution Agreements, the Distributor serves as the exclusive distributor of the Funds' shares. Through agreements between the Distributor and various broker-dealers or other financial intermediaries (such as a bank or financial advisor), Fund shares are sold primarily through the facilities of these financial intermediaries with the bulk of any sales commissions inuring to such financial intermediaries. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, Aquila High Income Fund's total commissions on sales of Class A Shares amounted to $5,666 of which the Distributor received $1,077. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, Aquila Opportunity Growth Fund's total commissions on sales of Class A Shares amounted to $11,038 of which the Distributor received $1,139.
| c) | Transfer and shareholder servicing fees: |
The Fund compensates certain financial intermediaries in connection with sub-transfer agency related services provided by such entities in connection with their respective Fund shareholders so long as the fees are deemed by the Board of Trustees to be reasonable in relation to (i) the value of the services and the benefits received by the respective Fund and certain shareholders; and (ii) the payments that the respective Fund would make to another entity to perform the same ongoing services to existing shareholders.
4. Purchases and Sales of Securities
Aquila High Income Fund
During the six months ended June 30, 2023, purchases of securities and proceeds from the sales of securities (excluding short-term investments) aggregated $8,937,313 and $15,241,767, respectively.
25 | Aquila Funds Trust
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
JUNE 30, 2023 (unaudited) |
At June 30, 2023, the aggregate tax cost for all securities was $104,110,952. At June 30, 2023, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all securities in which there is an excess of market value over tax cost amounted to $42,242 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all securities in which there is an excess of tax cost over market value amounted to $6,482,893 for a net unrealized depreciation of $6,440,651.
Aquila Opportunity Growth Fund
During the six months ended June 30, 2023, purchases of securities and proceeds from the sales of securities (excluding short-term investments) aggregated $60,137,967 and $74,136,737, respectively.
At June 30, 2023, the aggregate tax cost for all securities was $113,963,647. At June 30, 2023, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all securities in which there is an excess of market value over tax cost amounted to $17,630,003 and aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all securities in which there is an excess of tax cost over market value amounted to $3,402,435 for a net unrealized appreciation of $14,227,568.
5. Portfolio Orientation
Aquila High Income Fund may invest up to 100% in high-yield/high-risk bonds, also known as “junk bonds”. High-yield/high-risk bonds may be especially sensitive to economic changes, political changes, or adverse developments specific to the company that issued the bond. Because of these factors, the performance and net asset value of the Fund may vary significantly, depending upon its holdings of high-yield/high-risk bonds.
Aquila Opportunity Growth Fund may invest no less than 70% of its net assets in equity securities believed to have the potential for capital appreciation. The Fund may invest in a range of stock market capitalizations that could include small-cap, mid-cap, and large cap. Thus the Fund may invest in common stocks without regard to whether they could be described as “growth” or “value”.
26 | Aquila Funds Trust
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
JUNE 30, 2023 (unaudited) |
6. Capital Share Transactions
Transactions in Capital Shares of the Funds were as follows:
Aquila High Income Fund
| | | Six Months Ended
June 30, 2023
(unaudited) | | Year Ended
December 31, 2022 |
| | | Shares | | Amount | | Shares | | Amount |
| Class A Shares | | | | | | | | | | |
| Proceeds from shares sold | | 197,239 | | $ | 1,558,668 | | 888,585 | | $ | 7,096,566 |
| Reinvested distributions | | 85,435 | | | 674,152 | | 163,731 | | | 1,300,924 |
| Cost of shares redeemed | | (554,707) | | | (4,379,600) | | (1,054,609) | | | (8,378,152) |
| Net change | | (272,033) | | | (2,146,780) | | (2,293) | | | 19,338 |
| Class C Shares | | | | | | | | | | |
| Proceeds from shares sold | | 8,955 | | | 70,826 | | 29,838 | | | 247,912 |
| Reinvested distributions | | 2,645 | | | 20,871 | | 7,522 | | | 60,124 |
| Cost of shares redeemed | | (34,552) | | | (271,152) | | (212,068) | | | (1,697,824) |
| Net change | | (22,952) | | | (179,455) | | (174,708) | | | (1,389,788) |
| Class I Shares | | | | | | | | | | |
| Proceeds from shares sold | | 734 | | | 5,784 | | 13,493 | | | 113,040 |
| Reinvested distributions | | 1,553 | | | 12,241 | | 3,428 | | | 27,244 |
| Cost of shares redeemed | | (24,250) | | | (191,695) | | (23,468) | | | (187,476) |
| Net change | | (21,963) | | | (173,670) | | (6,547) | | | (47,192) |
| Class Y Shares | | | | | | | | | | |
| Proceeds from shares sold | | 1,027,310 | | | 8,120,449 | | 1,846,342 | | | 14,824,588 |
| Reinvested distributions | | 153,252 | | | 1,210,549 | | 395,267 | | | 3,159,388 |
| Cost of shares redeemed | | (1,291,319) | | | (10,190,394) | | (8,023,504) | | | (64,403,836) |
| Net change | | (110,757) | | | (859,396) | | (5,781,895) | | | (46,419,860) |
| Total transactions in Fund shares | | (427,705) | | $ | (3,359,301) | | (5,965,443) | | $ | (47,837,502) |
27 | Aquila Funds Trust
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
JUNE 30, 2023 (unaudited) |
Aquila Opportunity Growth Fund
| | | Six Months Ended
June 30, 2023
(unaudited) | | Year Ended
December 31, 2022 |
| | | Shares | | Amount | | Shares | | Amount |
| Class A Shares | | | | | | | | | | |
| Proceeds from shares sold | | 42,833 | | $ | 1,590,614 | | 196,847 | | $ | 8,178,957 |
| Reinvested distributions | | — | | | — | | 155,616 | | | 5,820,053 |
| Cost of shares redeemed | | (164,902) | | | (6,096,536) | | (379,180) | | | (15,422,225) |
| Net change | | (122,069) | | | (4,505,922) | | (26,717) | | | (1,423,215) |
| Class C Shares | | | | | | | | | | |
| Proceeds from shares sold | | 843 | | | 19,349 | | 13,071 | | | 345,907 |
| Reinvested distributions | | — | | | — | | 28,957 | | | 676,732 |
| Cost of shares redeemed | | (61,229) | | | (1,421,081) | | (301,075) | | | (8,243,066) |
| Net change | | (60,386) | | | (1,401,732) | | (259,047) | | | (7,220,427) |
| Class I Shares | | | | | | | | | | |
| Proceeds from shares sold | | 261 | | | 10,461 | | 1,110 | | | 49,393 |
| Reinvested distributions | | — | | | — | | 2,801 | | | 112,338 |
| Cost of shares redeemed | | (8,967) | | | (362,424) | | (31,543) | | | (1,364,832) |
| Net change | | (8,706) | | | (351,963) | | (27,632) | | | (1,203,101) |
| Class Y Shares | | | | | | | | | | |
| Proceeds from shares sold | | 73,381 | | | 3,122,036 | | 176,940 | | | 8,467,539 |
| Reinvested distributions | | — | | | — | | 112,125 | | | 4,840,439 |
| Cost of shares redeemed | | (166,297) | | | (7,064,875) | | (849,957) | | | (40,184,225) |
| Net change | | (92,916) | | | (3,942,839) | | (560,892) | | | (26,876,247) |
| Total transactions in Fund shares | | (284,077) | | $ | (10,202,456) | | (874,288) | | $ | (36,722,990) |
7. Income Tax Information and Distributions
Aquila High Income Fund declares dividends daily from net investment income and makes payments monthly. Net realized capital gains, if any, are distributed annually and are taxable. Aquila Opportunity Growth Fund declares distributions to shareholders from net investment income, if any, and from net realized capital gains, if any, on at least an annual basis. Distributions are recorded by the Fund on the ex-dividend date and paid in additional shares at the net asset value per share, or in cash, at the shareholder’s option. Dividends from net investment income and distributions from realized gains from investment transactions are determined in accordance with Federal income tax regulations, which may differ from investment income and realized gains determined under generally accepted accounting principles. These book/tax differences are either considered temporary
28 | Aquila Funds Trust
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
JUNE 30, 2023 (unaudited) |
or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their Federal tax-basis treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification. To the extent dividends exceed net investment income and net realized capital gains for tax purposes, they are reported as distributions from paid-in capital.
At December 31, 2022, Aquila High Income Fund had capital loss carryover of $3,936,466 of which $1,156,437 retains its character of long-term and $2,780,029 retains its character of short-term; both have no expiration.
The tax character of distributions:
| | | Aquila High
Income Fund | | Aquila Opportunity
Growth Fund |
| | | Year Ended December 31, | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Ordinary Income | | $ | 5,212,115 | | $ | 8,453,747 | | $ | 1,547,859 | | $ | 2,683,756 |
| Long term capital gain | | | — | | | — | | | 10,759,069 | | | 54,434,891 |
| | | $ | 5,212,115 | | $ | 8,453,747 | | $ | 12,306,928 | | $ | 57,118,647 |
As of December 31, 2022, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | Aquila High
Income Fund | | Aquila Opportunity
Growth Fund |
| Ordinary Income | | $ | 2,551 | | $ | — |
| Accumulated net realized gain (loss) | | | (3,936,466) | | | — |
| Post-October losses | | | (527,333) | | | — |
| Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | (8,882,376) | | | 14,141,765 |
| | | $ | (13,343,624) | | $ | 14,141,765 |
For both Funds, the difference between cost and unrealized appreciation for financial statements and federal income tax purposes is due primarily to timing differences in recognizing certain gains and losses in security transactions. As of December 31, 2022, Aquila High Income Fund incurred post-October losses of $527,333 and elected to defer such capital losses. Capital losses incurred after October 31st within the fiscal year are deemed to arise on the first business day of the following year for tax purposes.
8. Securities Traded on a When-Issued Basis
Aquila High Income Fund may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued basis. When-issued transactions arise when securities are purchased or sold by a Fund with payment and delivery taking place in the future in order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price and yield to the Fund at the time of entering into the transaction. These transactions are subject to market fluctuations and their current value is determined in the same manner as for the other securities.
29 | Aquila Funds Trust
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
JUNE 30, 2023 (unaudited) |
9. Credit Facility
Since August 30, 2017, Bank of New York Mellon and the Aquila Group of Funds (comprised of nine funds) have been parties to a $40 million credit agreement, which currently terminates on August 23, 2023 (per the August 24, 2024 amendment). In accordance with the Aquila Group of Funds Guidelines for Allocation of Committed Line of Credit, each fund is responsible for payment of its proportionate share of
| a) | a 0.17% per annum commitment fee; and, |
| b) | interest on amounts borrowed for temporary or emergency purposes by the fund (at the applicable per annum rate selected by the Aquila Group of Funds at the time of the borrowing of either (i) the adjusted daily simple Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus 1% or (ii) the sum of the higher of (a) the Prime Rate, (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate, or (c) the adjusted daily simple Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus 1%). |
There were no borrowings under the credit agreement during the six months ended June 30, 2023.
10. Risks
Mutual fund investing involves risk and loss of principal is possible.
The market prices of the Funds’ securities may rise or decline in value due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic, political or regulatory conditions, recessions, inflation, changes in interest rates, lack of liquidity in the bond markets, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, armed conflict including Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, sanctions against Russia, other nations or individuals or companies and possible countermeasures, market disruptions caused by tariffs, trade disputes or other factors, or adverse investor sentiment. When market prices fall, the value of your investment may go down. In the past several years, financial markets have experienced increased volatility, depressed valuations, decreased liquidity and heightened uncertainty. These conditions may continue, recur, worsen or spread.
Inflation and interest rates have increased and may rise further. These circumstances could adversely affect the value and liquidity of a Fund's investments, impair the Fund's ability to satisfy redemption requests, and negatively impact the Fund's performance.
The global pandemic of the novel coronavirus respiratory disease designated COVID-19 has resulted in major disruption to economies and markets around the world, including the United States. Global financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and severe losses, and trading in many instruments has been disrupted. Liquidity for many instruments has been greatly reduced for periods of time. Some sectors of the economy and individual issuers have experienced particularly large losses. These circumstances may continue to affect adversely the value and liquidity of the Funds’ investments. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Russian securities have lost all, or nearly all, their market value. Other securities or markets could be similarly
30 | Aquila Funds Trust
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
JUNE 30, 2023 (unaudited) |
affected by past or future geopolitical or other events or conditions. Governments and central banks, including the U.S. Federal Reserve, have taken extraordinary and unprecedented actions to support local and global economies and the financial markets. These actions have resulted in significant expansion of public debt, including in the U.S. The consequences of high public debt, including its future impact on the economy and securities markets, may not be known for some time.
The U.S. and other countries are periodically involved in disputes over trade and other matters, which may result in tariffs, investment restrictions and adverse impacts on affected companies and securities. For example, the U.S. has imposed tariffs and other trade barriers on Chinese exports, has restricted sales of certain categories of goods to China, and has established barriers to investments in China. Trade disputes may adversely affect the economies of the U.S. and its trading partners, as well as companies directly or indirectly affected and financial markets generally. If the political climate between the U.S. and China does not improve or continues to deteriorate, if China were to attempt unification of Taiwan by force, or if other geopolitical conflicts develop or get worse, economies, markets and individual securities may be severely affected both regionally and globally, and the value of a Fund’s assets may go down.
The value of your fixed income investments will generally go down when interest rates rise. A rise in interest rates tends to have a greater impact on the prices of longer term or longer duration securities. In recent years, interest rates and credit spreads in the U.S. have been at historic lows. The U.S. Federal Reserve has raised certain interest rates, and interest rates may continue to go up. A general rise in interest rates may cause investors to move out of fixed income securities on a large scale and could also result in increased redemptions from fixed income funds.
Investments in the Funds are subject to possible loss due to the financial failure of the issuers of underlying securities and their inability to meet their debt obligations. Securities fluctuate in price based on changes in a company’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions. The market price of an individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile than the market as a whole and can perform differently from the value of the market as a whole.
Companies having market capitalization of middle to smaller size are comparatively less well known and may have less trading in their shares than larger companies. Compared to large companies, small-and mid-size companies, and the market for their equity securities, may be more sensitive to changes in earnings results and investor expectations, have more limited product lines and capital resources, experience sharper swings in market values, have limited liquidity, be harder to value or to sell at the times and prices the Fund’s Manager thinks appropriate, and offer greater potential for gain and loss. The Funds may invest in companies that are highly leveraged. Leverage can magnify the impact of adverse economic, political, regulatory and other developments on a company’s operations and market value.
These risks may result in share price volatility.
31 | Aquila Funds Trust
AQUILA HIGH INCOME FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
For a share outstanding throughout each period
| | | Class A |
| | | Six | | |
| | | Months | | |
| | | Ended | | |
| | | 6/30/23 | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | | (unaudited) | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Net asset value, beginning of period | | $7.81 | | $8.61 | | $8.69 | | $8.39 | | $8.12 | | $8.55 |
| Income (loss) from investment operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net investment income(1) | | 0.16 | | 0.30 | | 0.30 | | 0.30 | | 0.27 | | 0.32 |
Net gain (loss) on securities
(both realized and unrealized) | | 0.09 | | (0.77) | | — | | 0.33 | | 0.31 | | (0.43) |
| Total from investment operations | | 0.25 | | (0.47) | | 0.30 | | 0.63 | | 0.58 | | (0.11) |
| Less distributions (note 7): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Dividends from net investment income | | (0.17) | | (0.33) | | (0.34) | | (0.33) | | (0.31) | | (0.32) |
| Distributions from capital gains | | — | | — | | (0.04) | | — | | — | | — |
| Total distributions | | (0.17) | | (0.33) | | (0.38) | | (0.33) | | (0.31) | | (0.32) |
| Net asset value, end of period | | $7.89 | | $7.81 | | $8.61 | | $8.69 | | $8.39 | | $8.12 |
| Total return (not reflecting sales charge) | | 3.24%(2) | | (5.49)% | | 3.57% | | 7.74% | | 7.16% | | (1.29)% |
| Ratios/supplemental data | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $33,649 | | $35,419 | | $39,082 | | $39,982 | | $41,876 | | $42,640 |
| Ratio of expenses to average net assets | | 1.20%(3) | | 1.19% | | 1.18% | | 1.21% | | 1.20% | | 1.14% |
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets | | 4.09%(3) | | 3.69% | | 3.51% | | 3.60% | | 3.24% | | 3.87% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | | 10%(2) | | 9% | | 118% | | 347% | | 124% | | 118% |
Expense and net investment income ratios without the effect of the contractual fee waiver, as well as, additional voluntary fee waivers and/or reimbursed expenses were (note 3):
| Ratio of expenses to average net assets | | 1.38%(3) | | 1.40% | | 1.18% | | 1.21% | | 1.20% | | 1.14% |
Ratio of investment income to average
net assets | | 3.91%(3) | | 3.48% | | 3.51% | | 3.60% | | 3.24% | | 3.87% |
(1) Per share amounts have been calculated using the daily average shares method.
(2) Not annualized.
(3) Annualized.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
32 | Aquila Funds Trust
AQUILA HIGH INCOME FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
For a share outstanding throughout each period
| | | Class C |
| | | Six | | |
| | | Months | | |
| | | Ended | | |
| | | 6/30/23 | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | | (unaudited) | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Net asset value, beginning of period | | $7.81 | | $8.61 | | $8.70 | | $8.39 | | $8.12 | | $8.55 |
| Income (loss) from investment operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net investment income(1) | | 0.13 | | 0.23 | | 0.24 | | 0.23 | | 0.20 | | 0.26 |
Net gain (loss) on securities
(both realized and unrealized) | | 0.09 | | (0.77) | | (0.01) | | 0.34 | | 0.31 | | (0.44) |
| Total from investment operations | | 0.22 | | (0.54) | | 0.23 | | 0.57 | | 0.51 | | (0.18) |
| Less distributions (note 7): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Dividends from net investment income | | (0.14) | | (0.26) | | (0.28) | | (0.26) | | (0.24) | | (0.25) |
| Distributions from capital gains | | — | | — | | (0.04) | | — | | — | | — |
| Total distributions | | (0.14) | | (0.26) | | (0.32) | | (0.26) | | (0.24) | | (0.25) |
| Net asset value, end of period | | $7.89 | | $7.81 | | $8.61 | | $8.70 | | $8.39 | | $8.12 |
| Total return (not reflecting CDSC) | | 2.83%(2) | | (6.24)% | | 2.62% | | 7.00% | | 6.31% | | (2.08)% |
| Ratios/supplemental data | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $1,162 | | $1,329 | | $2,970 | | $4,256 | | $4,833 | | $7,091 |
| Ratio of expenses to average net assets | | 2.00%(3) | | 2.00% | | 1.98% | | 2.01% | | 1.99% | | 1.94% |
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets | | 3.28%(3) | | 2.83% | | 2.72% | | 2.79% | | 2.44% | | 3.08% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | | 10%(2) | | 9% | | 118% | | 347% | | 124% | | 118% |
Expense and net investment income ratios without the effect of the contractual fee waiver, as well as, additional voluntary fee waivers and/or reimbursed expenses were (note 3):
| Ratio of expenses to average net assets | | 2.17%(3) | | 2.17% | | 1.98% | | 2.01% | | 1.99% | | 1.94% |
Ratio of investment income to average
net assets | | 3.10%(3) | | 2.66% | | 2.72% | | 2.79% | | 2.44% | | 3.08% |
(1) Per share amounts have been calculated using the daily average shares method.
(2) Not annualized.
(3) Annualized.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
33 | Aquila Funds Trust
AQUILA HIGH INCOME FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
For a share outstanding throughout each period
| | | Class I |
| | | Six | | |
| | | Months | | |
| | | Ended | | |
| | | 6/30/23 | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | | (unaudited) | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Net asset value, beginning of period | | $7.80 | | $8.61 | | $8.70 | | $8.39 | | $8.12 | | $8.55 |
| Income (loss) from investment operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net investment income(1) | | 0.16 | | 0.29 | | 0.30 | | 0.30 | | 0.26 | | 0.32 |
Net gain (loss) on securities
(both realized and unrealized) | | 0.09 | | (0.78) | | (0.01) | | 0.34 | | 0.31 | | (0.43) |
| Total from investment operations | | 0.25 | | (0.49) | | 0.29 | | 0.64 | | 0.57 | | (0.11) |
| Less distributions (note 7): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Dividends from net investment income | | (0.17) | | (0.32) | | (0.34) | | (0.33) | | (0.30) | | (0.32) |
| Distributions from capital gains | | — | | — | | (0.04) | | — | | — | | –– |
| Total distributions | | (0.17) | | (0.32) | | (0.38) | | (0.33) | | (0.30) | | (0.32) |
| Net asset value, end of period | | $7.88 | | $7.80 | | $8.61 | | $8.70 | | $8.39 | | $8.12 |
| Total return | | 3.19%(2) | | (5.70)% | | 3.37% | | 7.79% | | 7.08% | | (1.35)% |
| Ratios/supplemental data | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $623 | | $788 | | $926 | | $1,239 | | $1,174 | | $1,142 |
| Ratio of expenses to average net assets | | 1.30%(3) | | 1.28% | | 1.25% | | 1.28% | | 1.27% | | 1.21% |
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets | | 3.99%(3) | | 3.59% | | 3.42% | | 3.56% | | 3.16% | | 3.80% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | | 10%(2) | | 9% | | 118% | | 347% | | 124% | | 118% |
Expense and net investment income ratios without the effect of the contractual fee waiver, as well as, additional voluntary fee waivers and/or reimbursed expenses were (note 3):
| Ratio of expenses to average net assets | | 1.41%(3) | | 1.46% | | 1.25% | | 1.28% | | 1.27% | | 1.21% |
Ratio of investment income to average
net assets | | 3.89%(3) | | 3.41% | | 3.42% | | 3.56% | | 3.16% | | 3.80% |
(1) Per share amounts have been calculated using the daily average shares method.
(2) Not annualized.
(3) Annualized.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
34 | Aquila Funds Trust
AQUILA HIGH INCOME FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
For a share outstanding throughout each period
| | | Class Y |
| | | Six | | |
| | | Months | | |
| | | Ended | | |
| | | 6/30/23 | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | | (unaudited) | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Net asset value, beginning of period | | $7.81 | | $8.61 | | $8.69 | | $8.40 | | $8.13 | | $8.56 |
| Income (loss) from investment operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net investment income(1) | | 0.17 | | 0.31 | | 0.32 | | 0.32 | | 0.29 | | 0.34 |
Net gain (loss) on securities
(both realized and unrealized) | | 0.10 | | (0.77) | | — | | 0.32 | | 0.30 | | (0.43) |
| Total from investment operations | | 0.27 | | (0.46) | | 0.32 | | 0.64 | | 0.59 | | (0.09) |
| Less distributions (note 7): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Dividends from net investment income | | (0.18) | | (0.34) | | (0.36) | | (0.35) | | (0.32) | | (0.34) |
| Distributions from capital gains | | — | | — | | (0.04) | | — | | — | | –– |
| Total distributions | | (0.18) | | (0.34) | | (0.40) | | (0.35) | | (0.32) | | (0.34) |
| Net asset value, end of period | | $7.90 | | $7.81 | | $8.61 | | $8.69 | | $8.40 | | $8.13 |
| Total return | | 3.47%(2) | | (5.30)% | | 3.77% | | 7.82% | | 7.37% | | (1.09)% |
| Ratios/supplemental data | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $63,677 | | $63,845 | | $120,120 | | $136,978 | | $123,094 | | $109,939 |
| Ratio of expenses to average net assets | | 1.00%(3) | | 1.00% | | 0.98% | | 1.01% | | 1.00% | | 0.94% |
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets | | 4.28%(3) | | 3.86% | | 3.71% | | 3.81% | | 3.44% | | 4.08% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | | 10%(2) | | 9% | | 118% | | 347% | | 124% | | 118% |
Expense and net investment income ratios without the effect of the contractual fee waiver, as well as, additional voluntary fee waivers and/or reimbursed expenses were (note 3):
| Ratio of expenses to average net assets | | 1.17%(3) | | 1.18% | | 0.98% | | 1.01% | | 1.00% | | 0.94% |
Ratio of investment income to average
net assets | | 4.11%(3) | | 3.67% | | 3.71% | | 3.81% | | 3.44% | | 4.08% |
(1) Per share amounts have been calculated using the daily average shares method.
(2) Not annualized.
(3) Annualized.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
35 | Aquila Funds Trust
AQUILA OPPORTUNITY GROWTH FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
For a share outstanding throughout each period
| | | Class A |
| | | Six | | |
| | | Months | | |
| | | Ended | | |
| | | 6/30/23 | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | | (unaudited) | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Net asset value, beginning of period | | $36.22 | | $46.98 | | $51.86 | | $50.62 | | $40.84 | | $52.38 |
| Income (loss) from investment operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net investment income (loss)(1) | | (0.01) | | (0.08) | | (0.48) | | (0.29) | | (0.17) | | (0.24) |
Net gain (loss) on securities
(both realized and unrealized) | | 2.18 | | (6.97) | | 10.56 | | 3.94 | | 14.50 | | (5.27) |
| Total from investment operations | | 2.17 | | (7.05) | | 10.08 | | 3.65 | | 14.33 | | (5.51) |
| Less distributions (note 7): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Dividends from net investment income | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — |
| Distributions from capital gains | | — | | (3.71) | | (14.96) | | (2.41) | | (4.55) | | (6.03) |
| Total distributions | | — | | (3.71) | | (14.96) | | (2.41) | | (4.55) | | (6.03) |
| Net asset value, end of period | | $38.39 | | $36.22 | | $46.98 | | $51.86 | | $50.62 | | $40.84 |
| Total return (not reflecting sales charge) | | 5.99%(2) | | (15.25)% | | 21.53% | | 7.39% | | 35.47% | | (11.35)% |
| Ratios/supplemental data | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $64,866 | | $65,619 | | $86,364 | | $76,508 | | $94,879 | | $75,438 |
| Ratio of expenses to average net assets | | 1.72%(3) | | 1.67% | | 1.49% | | 1.54% | | 1.49% | | 1.41% |
| Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | | (0.03)%(3) | | (0.19)% | | (0.88)% | | (0.63)% | | (0.35)% | | (0.45)% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | | 49%(2) | | 102% | | 99% | | 69% | | 88% | | 123% |
(1) Per share amounts have been calculated using the daily average shares method.
(2) Not annualized.
(3) Annualized.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
36 | Aquila Funds Trust
AQUILA OPPORTUNITY GROWTH FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
For a share outstanding throughout each period
| | | Class C |
| | | Six | | |
| | | Months | | |
| | | Ended | | |
| | | 6/30/23 | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | | (unaudited) | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Net asset value, beginning of period | | $22.63 | | $31.15 | | $39.10 | | $39.00 | | $32.49 | | $43.26 |
| Income (loss) from investment operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net investment income (loss)(1) | | (0.08) | | (0.27) | | (0.65) | | (0.47) | | (0.41) | | (0.50) |
Net gain (loss) on securities
(both realized and unrealized) | | 1.35 | | (4.54) | | 7.66 | | 2.98 | | 11.47 | | (4.24) |
| Total from investment operations | | 1.27 | | (4.81) | | 7.01 | | 2.51 | | 11.06 | | (4.74) |
| Less distributions (note 7): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Dividends from net investment income | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | –– |
| Distributions from capital gains | | — | | (3.71) | | (14.96) | | (2.41) | | (4.55) | | (6.03) |
| Total distributions | | — | | (3.71) | | (14.96) | | (2.41) | | (4.55) | | (6.03) |
| Net asset value, end of period | | $23.90 | | $22.63 | | $31.15 | | $39.10 | | $39.00 | | $32.49 |
| Total return (not reflecting CDSC) | | 5.61%(2) | | (15.81)% | | 20.64% | | 6.67% | | 34.51% | | (11.96)% |
| Ratios/supplemental data | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $3,352 | | $4,539 | | $14,321 | | $23,795 | | $36,697 | | $40,453 |
| Ratio of expenses to average net assets | | 2.42%(3) | | 2.34% | | 2.19% | | 2.24% | | 2.20% | | 2.11% |
| Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | | (0.71)%(3) | | (0.97)% | | (1.61)% | | (1.34)% | | (1.05)% | | (1.17)% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | | 49%(2) | | 102% | | 99% | | 69% | | 88% | | 123% |
(1) Per share amounts have been calculated using the daily average shares method.
(2) Not annualized.
(3) Annualized.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
37 | Aquila Funds Trust
AQUILA OPPORTUNITY GROWTH FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
For a share outstanding throughout each period
| | | Class I |
| | | Six | | |
| | | Months | | |
| | | Ended | | |
| | | 6/30/23 | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | | (unaudited) | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Net asset value, beginning of period | | $38.84 | | $50.04 | | $54.36 | | $52.90 | | $42.49 | | $54.23 |
| Income (loss) from investment operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net investment income (loss)(1) | | (0.00) | | (0.09) | | (0.48) | | (0.27) | | (0.14) | | (0.27) |
Net gain (loss) on securities
(both realized and unrealized) | | 2.34 | | (7.40) | | 11.12 | | 4.14 | | 15.10 | | (5.44) |
| Total from investment operations | | 2.34 | | (7.49) | | 10.64 | | 3.87 | | 14.96 | | (5.71) |
| Less distributions (note 7): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Dividends from net investment income | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | –– |
| Distributions from capital gains | | — | | (3.71) | | (14.96) | | (2.41) | | (4.55) | | (6.03) |
| Total distributions | | — | | (3.71) | | (14.96) | | (2.41) | | (4.55) | | (6.03) |
| Net asset value, end of period | | $41.18 | | $38.84 | | $50.04 | | $54.36 | | $52.90 | | $42.49 |
| Total return | | 6.03%(2) | | (15.19)% | | 21.56% | | 7.49% | | 35.57% | | (11.33)% |
| Ratios/supplemental data | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $1,012 | | $1,293 | | $3,049 | | $3,285 | | $4,292 | | $6,687 |
| Ratio of expenses to average net assets | | 1.65%(3) | | 1.60% | | 1.44% | | 1.47% | | 1.43% | | 1.35% |
| Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | | 0.02%(3) | | (0.19)% | | (0.84)% | | (0.55)% | | (0.27)% | | (0.49)% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | | 49%(2) | | 102% | | 99% | | 69% | | 88% | | 123% |
(1) Per share amounts have been calculated using the daily average shares method.
(2) Not annualized.
(3) Annualized.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
38 | Aquila Funds Trust
AQUILA OPPORTUNITY GROWTH FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued) |
For a share outstanding throughout each period
| | | Class Y |
| | | Six | | |
| | | Months | | |
| | | Ended | | |
| | | 6/30/23 | | Year Ended December 31, |
| | | (unaudited) | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| Net asset value, beginning of period | | $41.82 | | $53.42 | | $57.00 | | $55.24 | | $44.11 | | $55.91 |
| Income (loss) from investment operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net investment income (loss)(1) | | 0.06 | | 0.04 | | (0.37) | | (0.17) | | (0.02) | | (0.10) |
Net gain (loss) on securities
(both realized and unrealized) | | 2.51 | | (7.93) | | 11.75 | | 4.34 | | 15.70 | | (5.67) |
| Total from investment operations | | 2.57 | | (7.89) | | 11.38 | | 4.17 | | 15.68 | | (5.77) |
| Less distributions (note 7): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Dividends from net investment income | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | –– |
| Distributions from capital gains | | — | | (3.71) | | (14.96) | | (2.41) | | (4.55) | | (6.03) |
| Total distributions | | — | | (3.71) | | (14.96) | | (2.41) | | (4.55) | | (6.03) |
| Net asset value, end of period | | $44.39 | | $41.82 | | $53.42 | | $57.00 | | $55.24 | | $44.11 |
| Total return | | 6.15%(2) | | (14.98)% | | 21.88% | | 7.71% | | 35.90% | | (11.09)% |
| Ratios/supplemental data | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | | $58,689 | | $59,173 | | $105,557 | | $126,001 | | $179,349 | | $176,998 |
| Ratio of expenses to average net assets | | 1.42%(3) | | 1.36% | | 1.19% | | 1.23% | | 1.20% | | 1.11% |
| Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets | | 0.27%(3) | | 0.09% | | (0.60)% | | (0.33)% | | (0.05)% | | (0.18)% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | | 49%(2) | | 102% | | 99% | | 69% | | 88% | | 123% |
(1) Per share amounts have been calculated using the daily average shares method.
(2) Not annualized.
(3) Annualized.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
39 | Aquila Funds Trust
Additional Information (unaudited):
Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program
Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, requires open-end management investment companies to adopt and implement written liquidity risk management programs that are reasonably designed to assess and manage liquidity risk. Liquidity risk is defined in the rule as the risk that a fund could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the fund without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interests in the fund. In accordance with Rule 22e-4, Aquila Funds Trust (“AFT”) has adopted a Liquidity Risk Management (“LRM”) program (the “program”). AFT’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) has designated an LRM Committee consisting of employees of Aquila Investment Management LLC as the administrator of the program (the “Committee”).
The Board met on June 2, 2023 to review the program. At the meeting, the Committee provided the Board with a report that addressed the operation of the program and assessed its adequacy and effectiveness of implementation, and any material changes to the program (the “Report”). The Report covered the period from May 1, 2022 through April 30, 2023 (the “Reporting Period”).
During the Reporting Period, the Committee reviewed whether each Fund’s strategy is appropriate for an open-end fund structure taking into account less liquid and illiquid assets.
The Committee reviewed each Fund’s short-term and long-term cash flow projections during both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. In classifying and reviewing each Fund’s investments, the Committee considered whether trading varying portions of a position in a particular portfolio investment or asset class in sizes the Fund would reasonably anticipate trading, would be reasonably expected to significantly affect liquidity. The Committee considered the following information when determining the sizes in which each Fund would reasonably anticipate trading: historical net redemption activity, the Fund’s concentration in an issuer, shareholder concentration, Fund performance, Fund size, and distribution channels.
The Committee considered each Fund’s holdings of cash and cash equivalents, as well as borrowing arrangements. The Committee considered the terms of the credit facility applicable to the Funds, the financial health of the institution providing the facility and the fact that the credit facility is shared among multiple Funds. The Committee also considered other types of borrowing available to the Funds, such as the ability to use interfund lending arrangements.
The Committee also performed an analysis to determine whether a Fund is required to maintain a Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”), and determined that the requirement to maintain an HLIM was inapplicable to the Funds because each Fund primarily holds highly liquid investments.
There were no material changes to the program during the Reporting Period. The Report provided to the Board stated that the Committee concluded that the program is reasonably designed and operated effectively throughout the Review Period.
40 | Aquila Funds Trust
AQUILA HIGH INCOME FUND
Your Fund’s Expenses (unaudited)
As a Fund shareholder, you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including front-end sales charges with respect to Class A shares or contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) with respect to Class C shares; and (2) ongoing costs including management fees; distribution “12b-1” and/or service fees; and other Fund expenses. The table below 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 table below assumes a $1,000 investment held for the six months indicated.
Actual Fund Expenses
The table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information provided in this table, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. To estimate the expenses that you paid on your account, divide your ending account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 ending account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading “Expenses Paid During the Period”.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds
Under the heading, “Hypothetical” in the table, information is provided 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. This information may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period, but it can help you compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund with those of other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example for the class of shares you hold with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.
Please note that expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing costs and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, information under the heading “Hypothetical” is useful comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you compare total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if transactional costs were included, your total costs would have been higher.
| | Actual | | Hypothetical |
| | (actual return after expenses) | | (5% annual return before expenses) |
Share
Class | Beginning Account
Value
1/01/23 | Ending(1) Account
Value
6/30/23 | Expenses(2)
Paid During Period
1/01/23 –
6/30/23 | | Ending
Account
Value
6/30/23 | Expenses(2)
Paid During
Period
1/01/23 –
6/30/23 | Net
Annualized
Expense
Ratio |
| A | $1,000 | $1,032.40 | $ 6.05 | | $1,018.84 | $ 6.01 | 1.20% |
| C | $1,000 | $1,028.30 | $ 10.06 | | $1,014.88 | $ 9.99 | 2.00% |
| I | $1,000 | $1,031.90 | $ 6.55 | | $1,018.35 | $ 6.51 | 1.30% |
| Y | $1,000 | $1,034.70 | $ 5.04 | | $1,019.84 | $ 5.01 | 1.00% |
| (1) | Assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, at net asset value and does not reflect the deduction of the applicable sales charges with respect to Class A or the applicable CDSC with respect to Class C shares. Total return is not annualized and, as such, it may not be representative of the total return for the year. |
| | |
| (2) | Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above - in the far right column - multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 181/365 to reflect the one-half year period. |
41 | Aquila Funds Trust
AQUILA OPPORTUNITY GROWTH FUND
Your Fund’s Expenses (unaudited)
As a Fund shareholder, you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including front-end sales charges with respect to Class A shares or contingent deferred sales charges (“CDSC”) with respect to Class C shares; and (2) ongoing costs including management fees; distribution “12b-1” and/or service fees; and other Fund expenses. The table below 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 table below assumes a $1,000 investment held for the six months indicated.
Actual Fund Expenses
The table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information provided in this table, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. To estimate the expenses that you paid on your account, divide your ending account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 ending account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading “Expenses Paid During the Period”.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds
Under the heading, “Hypothetical” in the table, information is provided 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. This information may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period, but it can help you compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund with those of other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example for the class of shares you hold with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.
Please note that expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing costs and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, information under the heading “Hypothetical” is useful comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you compare total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if transactional costs were included, your total costs would have been higher.
| | Actual | | Hypothetical |
| | (actual return after expenses) | | (5% annual return before expenses) |
Share
Class | Beginning Account
Value
1/01/23 | Ending(1)
Account
Value
6/30/23 | Expenses(2)
Paid During Period
1/01/23 –
6/30/23 | | Ending
Account
Value
6/30/23 | Expenses(2)
Paid During
Period
1/01/23 –
6/30/23 | Net
Annualized
Expense
Ratio |
| A | $1,000 | $1,059.90 | $ 8.78 | | $1,016.27 | $ 8.60 | 1.72% |
| C | $1,000 | $1,056.10 | $12.34 | | $1,012.79 | $12.08 | 2.42% |
| I | $1,000 | $1,060.30 | $ 8.43 | | $1,016.61 | $ 8.25 | 1.65% |
| Y | $1,000 | $1,061.50 | $ 7.26 | | $1,017.75 | $ 7.10 | 1.42% |
| (1) | Assumes reinvestment of all dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, at net asset value and does not reflect the deduction of the applicable sales charges with respect to Class A or the applicable CDSC with respect to Class C shares. Total return is not annualized and, as such, it may not be representative of the total return for the year. |
| | |
| (2) | Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above - in the far right column - multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 181/365 to reflect the one-half year period. |
42 | Aquila Funds Trust
Information Available (unaudited)
Annual and Semi-Annual Reports and Complete Portfolio Holding Schedules
Your Fund’s Annual and Semi-Annual Reports are filed with the SEC twice a year. Each Report contains a complete Schedule of Portfolio Holdings, along with full financial statements and other important financial statement disclosures. Additionally, your Fund files a complete Schedule of Portfolio Holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its Reports on Form N-PORT. Your Fund’s Annual and Semi-Annual Reports and N-PORT reports are available free of charge on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. You may also review or, for a fee, copy the forms at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. or by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.
In addition, your Fund’s Annual and Semi-Annual Reports and complete Portfolio Holdings Schedules for each fiscal quarter end are also available, free of charge, on your Fund’s website, www.aquilafunds.com (under the prospectuses & reports tab) or by calling us at 1-800-437-1000.
Portfolio Holdings Reports
In accordance with your Fund’s Portfolio Holdings Disclosure Policy, the Manager also prepares a Portfolio Holdings Report as of each quarter end, which is typically posted to your Fund’s individual page at www.aquilafunds.com by the 15th day after the end of each calendar quarter. Such information will remain accessible until the next Portfolio Holdings Report is made publicly available by being posted to www.aquilafunds.com. The quarterly Portfolio Holdings Report may be accessed, free of charge, by visiting www.aquilafunds.com or calling us at 1-800-437-1000.
Proxy Voting Record (unaudited)
During the 12 month period ended June 30, 2023, there were no proxies related to any portfolio instruments held by the Aquila High Income Fund. Applicable regulations require us to inform you that the Fund’s proxy voting information is available on the SEC website noted below. Information about how the Aquila Opportunity Growth Fund voted proxies relating to securities held in the Fund’s portfolio during the 12-month period ended June 30, 2023 is available upon request, without charge, at www.aquilafunds.com or on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Federal Tax Status of Distributions (unaudited)
This information is presented in order to comply with a requirement of the Internal Revenue Code. No action on the part of shareholders is required.
For the calendar year ended December 31, 2022, the following percentage of the dividends and distributions paid by the Funds were taxable as follows:
| | | Ordinary
Income | | Long-Term
Capital Gains |
| Aquila High Income Fund | | 100% | | — |
| Aquila Opportunity Growth Fund | | 13% | | 87% |
Prior to February 15, 2023, shareholders were mailed the appropriate tax form(s) which contained information on the status of distributions paid for the 2022 calendar year.
43 | Aquila Funds Trust
Founders
Lacy B. Herrmann (1929-2012)
Aquila Management Corporation, Sponsor
Manager
AQUILA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LLC
120 West 45th Street, Suite 3600
New York, New York 10036
Board of Trustees
Glenn P. O’Flaherty, Chair
Diana P. Herrmann, Vice Chair
John M. Burlingame
Gary C. Cornia
Grady Gammage, Jr.
Patricia L. Moss
Officers
Diana P. Herrmann, President
Paul G. O’Brien, Senior Vice President
Pedro V. Marcal, Vice President
John P. McPeake, Vice President
David M. Schiffman, Vice President
Steven Yang, Assistant Vice President
Randall S. Fillmore, Chief Compliance Officer
Joseph P. DiMaggio, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Anita Albano, Secretary
Distributor
AQUILA DISTRIBUTORS LLC
120 West 45th Street, Suite 3600
New York, New York 10036
Transfer and Shareholder Servicing Agent
BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.
118 Flanders Road
Westborough, Massachusetts 01581
Custodian
The Bank of New York Mellon
240 Greenwich Street
New York, New York 10286
Further information is contained in the Prospectus,
which must precede or accompany this report.
AQL-AFTSAR-0823
ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
Not applicable.
ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS
Not applicable
ITEM 6. INVESTMENTS
(a) Schedule I – Included in Item 1 above
ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Not applicable.
ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Not applicable.
ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
Not applicable.
ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
The Board of Trustees of the Registrant has adopted a Nominating Committee Charter which provides that the Nominating Committee (the 'Committee') may consider and evaluate nominee candidates properly submitted by shareholders if a vacancy among the Independent Trustees of the Registrant occurs and if, based on the Board's then current size, composition and structure, the Committee determines that the vacancy should be filled. The Committee will consider candidates submitted by shareholders on the same basis as it considers and evaluates candidates recommended by other sources. A copy of the qualifications and procedures that must be met or followed by shareholders to properly submit a nominee candidate to the Committee may be obtained by submitting a request in writing to the Secretary of the Registrant.
ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
| (a) | Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Registrant maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed in the Registrant’s filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such information is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant’s management, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, recognizes that any set of controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. |
Within 90 days prior to the filing date of this Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR, the Registrant has carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Registrant’s management, including the Registrant’s principal executive officer and the Registrant’s principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on such evaluation, the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
| (b) | Change in Internal Controls. There have been no significant changes in Registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect the internal control over financial reporting. |
ITEM 12. DISCLOSURE OF SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITIES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Not applicable.
ITEM 13. EXHIBITS
(a)(2) Certifications of principal executive officer and principal financial officer as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(b) Certifications of principal executive officer and principal financial officer as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
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.
AQUILA FUNDS TRUST
By: /s/ Diana P. Herrmann
Diana P. Herrmann
Vice Chair, Trustee and President
September XX, 2023
By: /s/ Joseph P. DiMaggio
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
September XX, 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: /s/ Diana P. Herrmann
Diana P. Herrmann
Vice Chair, Trustee and President
September XX, 2023
By: /s/ Joseph P. DiMaggio
Joseph P. DiMaggio
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
September XX, 2023
