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

 

FORM N-CSR

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

Investment Company Act file number 811-22961

Alpha Architect ETF Trust

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

213 Foxcroft Road
Broomall, PA 19008

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

213 Foxcroft Road
Broomall, PA 19008

(Name and address of agent for service)

215-882-9983

Registrant's telephone number, including area code

 

Date of fiscal year end: September 30, 2020

 

Date of reporting period: March 31, 2020

 

 

 

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

 

 

 

Alpha Architect ETF Trust

 

Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF

 

Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF

 

Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF

 

Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF

 

Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF

 

Semi-Annual Report

 

March 31, 2020

 

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Funds’ shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the Funds’ reports from your financial intermediary, such as a broker-dealer or bank. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. Please contact your financial intermediary to elect to receive shareholder reports and other Fund communications electronically.

 

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. Please contact your financial intermediary to inform them that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of shareholder reports and for details about whether your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held with your financial intermediary.

  

 

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Portfolio Allocation 1 - 3
Schedule of Investments 4 - 13
Statements of Assets and Liabilities 14 - 16
Statements of Operations 17 - 19
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 20 - 22
Financial Highlights 23 - 24
Notes to Financial Statements 25 - 33
Frequency Distribution of Premiums and Discounts 34 - 43
Expense Example 44
Federal Tax Information 45
Foreign Tax Credit Pass Through 46
Officers and Affiliated Trustee 47
Independent Trustees 47
Board Review and Approval of Advisory Contract 48 - 49
Information About Portfolio Holdings 50
Information About Proxy Voting 50
Privacy Policy 50

 

 

 

 

Tabular Presentation of Schedule of Investments

As of March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF

 

Sector   % Net Assets
Manufacturing   36.9*
Wholesale Trade   11.1%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services   10.9%
Retail Trade   9.7%
Transportation and Warehousing   6.7%
Finance and Insurance   6.0%
Construction   6.1%
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services   5.1%
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing   2.8%
Management of Companies and Enterprises   2.0%
Accommodation and Food Services   1.8%
Other Assets   0.9%
Total   100.0%

  

Tabular Presentation of Schedule of Investments

As of March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF

 

Sector   % Net Assets
Consumer Discretionary   19.6%
Materials   17.7%
Industrials   16.9%
Energy   8.3%
Metal Ore Mining   7.2%
Information Technology   6.6%
Manufacturing   5.1%
Construction   2.9%
Electrical Equipment   2.5%
Health Care Providers & Services   2.5%
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation   2.5%
Health Care   2.3%
Household Products   2.3%
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction   1.9%
Other Assets   1.7%
Total   100.0%

 

* For purposes of the Fund's compliance with its concentration limits, the Fund uses various sub-classifications, and none of the Fund's holdings in the sub-classifications exceed 25% of the Fund's total assets.

 

1. Sector designations may be different than the sector designations presented in other Fund materials. The sector designations may represent the investment adviser's internal sector classifications.

 

  1

 

 

Tabular Presentation of Schedule of Investments

As of March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF

 

Sector   % Net Assets
Manufacturing   31.7*
Information   26.0%
Finance and Insurance   16.6%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services   10.0%
Construction   4.8%
Wholesale Trade   3.3%
Information Technology   2.3%
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services   1.9%
Health Care and Social Assistance   1.8%
Retail Trade   1.5%
Other Assets   0.1%
Total   100.0%

 

Tabular Presentation of Schedule of Investments

As of March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF

 

Sector   % Net Assets
Information Technology   21.1*
Financials   17.8%
Health Care   12.3%
Real Estate   9.8%
Consumer Discretionary   9.6%
Consumer Staples   8.2%
Industrials   6.3%
Utilities   4.5%
Telecommunications   2.7%
Metal Ore Mining   2.6%
Food and Beverage Stores   2.3%
Educational Services   2.1%
Other Assets   0.7%
Total   100.0%

   

* For purposes of the Fund's compliance with its concentration limits, the Fund uses various sub-classifications, and none of the Fund's holdings in the sub-classifications exceed 25% of the Fund's total assets.

 

1. Sector designations may be different than the sector designations presented in other Fund materials. The sector designations may represent the investment adviser's internal sector classifications.

 

  2

 

  

Tabular Presentation of Schedule of Investments

As of March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF

 

Sector   % Net Assets
Investment Companies - Long   86.8%
Investment Companies - Short   -71.5%
Other Assets   84.7%
Total   100.0%

 

1. Sector designations may be different than the sector designations presented in other Fund materials. The sector designations may represent the investment adviser's internal sector classifications.

 

  3

 

   

Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

Shares         Value  
COMMON STOCKS - 99.1%      
Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services - 2.3%        
97,840     H&R Block, Inc.   $ 1,377,587  
Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services - 2.7%        
29,973     Omnicom Group, Inc.     1,645,518  
Animal Food Manufacturing - 2.9%        
60,522     Herbalife Nutrition Ltd. (a)(b)     1,764,822  
Clothing Stores - 4.3%        
164,429     American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.     1,307,211  
165,464     Hanesbrands, Inc.     1,302,202  
            2,609,413  
Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing - 2.8%        
16,283     United Rentals, Inc. (a)     1,675,521  
Computer Systems Design and Related Services - 3.1%        
17,555     F5 Networks, Inc. (a)     1,871,890  
Converted Paper Product Manufacturing - 3.2%        
22,547     Packaging Corp. of America     1,957,756  
Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing - 1.8%        
28,764     PVH Corp.     1,082,677  
Department Stores - 2.8%        
58,189     Kohl’s Corp.     848,978  
169,017     Macy’s, Inc.     829,873  
            1,678,851  
Drugs and Druggists’ Sundries Merchant Wholesalers - 3.4%        
23,523     AmerisourceBergen Corp.     2,081,785  
Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing - 2.9%        
20,243     Acuity Brands, Inc.     1,734,015  
Electronics and Appliance Stores - 2.5%        
26,532     Best Buy Co., Inc.     1,512,324  
Employment Services - 5.0%        
27,896     ManpowerGroup, Inc.     1,478,209  
42,121     Robert Half International, Inc.     1,590,068  
            3,068,277  
Engine, Turbine, and Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing - 5.3%        
38,676     Brunswick Corp.     1,367,970  
13,502     Cummins, Inc.     1,827,091  
            3,195,061  
Financial Investment Activities - 3.4%        
27,982     Gilead Sciences, Inc.     2,091,934  
Foundries - 2.8%        
19,542     Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.     1,711,684  
Household Appliance Manufacturing - 2.3%        
16,218     Whirlpool Corp.     1,391,504  
Household Appliances and Electrical and Electronic Goods Merchant Wholesalers - 2.8%        
67,816     Avnet, Inc.     1,702,182  
Insurance Carriers - 2.7%        
7,154     Anthem, Inc.     1,624,244  
Leather and Allied Product Manufacturing - 1.9%        
87,239     Tapestry, Inc.     1,129,745  
Management of Companies and Enterprises - 2.0%        
63,231     Xerox Holdings Corp.     1,197,595  
Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers - 2.0%        
103,339     KAR Auction Services, Inc.     1,240,068  
Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing - 5.5%        
51,760     Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.     1,687,893  
67,335     BorgWarner, Inc.     1,640,954  
            3,328,847  

 

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

 

  4

 

 

Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

Shares         Value  
Nonresidential Building Construction - 1.8%        
48,422     PulteGroup, Inc.   $ 1,080,779  
Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing - 3.4%        
6,472     Biogen, Inc. (a)     2,047,611  
Residential Building Construction - 2.0%        
36,481     DR Horton, Inc.     1,240,354  
Resin, Synthetic Rubber, and Artificial Synthetic Fibers and Filaments Manufacturing - 2.6%        
33,733     Eastman Chemical Co.     1,571,283  
Scheduled Air Transportation - 6.7%        
43,022     Alaska Air Group, Inc.     1,224,836  
44,049     Delta Air Lines, Inc.     1,256,718  
45,445     Southwest Airlines Co.     1,618,297  
            4,099,851  
Shoe Stores - 2.3%        
63,174     Foot Locker, Inc.     1,392,987  
Specialized Design Services - 2.8%        
55,703     International Paper Co.     1,734,034  
Tobacco Manufacturing - 3.1%        
48,355     Altria Group, Inc.     1,869,888  
Traveler Accommodation - 1.8%        
51,733     Wyndham Destinations, Inc.     1,122,606  
Utility System Construction - 2.2%        
41,628     MasTec, Inc. (a)     1,362,484  
      TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $88,786,438)     60,195,177  
               
MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 0.5%        
251,246     First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 0.43% (c)     251,246  
      TOTAL MONEY MARKET FUNDS (Cost $251,246)     251,246  
               
      TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $89,037,684) - 99.6%     60,446,423  
      Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities - 0.4%     269,949  
      TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.0%   $ 60,716,372  

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

 

(a) Non-Income producing security.

(b) Foreign Issue Security.

(c) Rate shown is the 7-day effective yield.

 

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

 

  5

 

 

Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

Shares         Value  
COMMON STOCKS - 98.3%      
Australia - 13.3%      
1,307,737     Beach Energy Ltd.   $ 925,049  
86,044     BHP Group Ltd.     1,533,788  
231,800     BlueScope Steel Ltd.     1,230,468  
93,681     CIMIC Group Ltd.     1,339,741  
334,676     Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.     2,058,595  
351,094     Iluka Resources Ltd.     1,507,388  
945,447     Whitehaven Coal Ltd.     1,119,474  
            9,714,503  
Finland - 2.4%        
63,710     UPM-Kymmene OYJ     1,762,969  
France - 4.5%        
80,409     Peugeot S.A.     1,078,830  
49,687     Publicis Groupe S.A.     1,431,371  
41,215     Renault S.A.     804,936  
            3,315,137  
Hong Kong - 3.0%        
1,882,709     Xinyi Glass Holdings Ltd.     2,161,312  
Italy - 1.9%        
138,973     Eni S.p.A.     1,413,181  
Japan - 52.2%        
97,910     Alfresa Holdings Corp.     1,833,906  
116,136     Brother Industries Ltd.     1,786,458  
137,752     DMG Mori Co., Ltd.     1,155,567  
240,218     Inpex Corp.     1,360,100  
188,456     Isuzu Motors Ltd.     1,253,686  
159,726     Kajima Corp.     1,647,395  
144,282     Kinden Corp.     2,140,244  
41,706     Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.     1,417,674  
64,840     Kyudenko Corp.     1,762,635  
189,510     Nexon Co., Ltd.     3,110,766  
171,518     Nikon Corp.     1,591,955  
213,702     Obayashi Corp.     1,840,391  
37,144     Okuma Corp.     1,203,877  
62,160     Sankyo Co., Ltd.     1,818,119  
100,594     Sekisui House Ltd.     1,669,472  
234,498     Shimizu Corp.     1,842,835  
78,036     Showa Denko K.K.     1,623,497  
35,626     Sony Corp.     2,127,455  
129,810     Sumco Corp.     1,681,705  
130,740     Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd.     1,705,912  
215,452     Tokai Carbon Co., Ltd.     1,787,335  
156,440     Tosoh Corp.     1,789,548  
            38,150,532  
Norway - 1.9%        
112,230     Equinor ASA     1,415,768  

 

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

 

  6

 

 

Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

Shares         Value  
Sweden - 3.9%        
65,622     Lundin Petroleum AB   $ 1,263,677  
113,521     SKF AB     1,568,687  
            2,832,364  
United Kingdom - 15.2%        
80,645     Anglo American PLC     1,418,793  
37,786     Berkeley Group Holdings PLC     1,696,660  
100,196     Mondi PLC     1,718,698  
73,912     Persimmon PLC     1,759,460  
279,634     Redrow PLC     1,248,660  
39,062     Rio Tinto PLC     1,804,171  
998,038     Taylor Wimpey PLC     1,456,601  
            11,103,043  
      TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $100,893,846)     71,868,809  
               
MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 0.4%        
302,132     First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 0.43% (a)     302,132  
      TOTAL MONEY MARKET FUNDS (Cost $302,132)     302,132  
               
      TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 98.7% (Cost $101,195,978)     72,170,941  
      Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities - 1.3%     939,102  
      TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.0%   $ 73,110,043  

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

 

(a) Rate shown is the 7-day effective yield.

 

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

 

  7

 

 

Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

Shares         Value  
COMMON STOCKS - 99.9%      
Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services - 1.7%        
9,077     Paylocity Holding Corp. (a)   $ 801,681  
Activities Related to Credit Intermediation - 2.0%        
52,682     The Western Union Co.     955,125  
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing - 1.4%        
2,114     TransDigm Group, Inc.     676,882  
Alumina and Aluminum Production and Processing - 1.3%        
40,054     Arconic, Inc.     643,267  
Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services - 2.2%        
3,486     Teledyne Technologies, Inc. (a)     1,036,283  
Automobile Dealers - 1.5%        
13,508     CarMax, Inc. (a)     727,136  
Building Finishing Contractors - 1.7%        
11,646     TopBuild Corp. (a)     834,319  
Business Support Services - 1.9%        
6,390     Global Payments, Inc.     921,630  
Cable and Other Subscription Programming - 4.4%        
748     Cable One, Inc.     1,229,719  
10,341     Roku, Inc. (a)     904,631  
            2,134,350  
Communications Equipment Manufacturing - 2.3%        
4,315     Apple, Inc.     1,097,261  
Computer Systems Design and Related Services - 4.0%        
8,420     Alteryx, Inc. (a)     801,331  
9,179     Okta, Inc. (a)     1,122,225  
            1,923,556  
Electrical Equipment Manufacturing - 2.2%        
11,452     Generac Holdings, Inc. (a)     1,066,983  
Financial Investment Activities - 10.7%        
28,312     Apollo Global Management, Inc.     948,452  
57,800     Clarivate Analytics PLC (a)(b)     1,199,350  
18,762     Cohen & Steers, Inc.     852,733  
3,996     MSCI, Inc.     1,154,684  
21,833     The Blackstone Group Inc.     994,930  
            5,150,149  
Industrial Machinery Manufacturing - 1.9%        
20,296     Applied Materials, Inc.     929,963  
Insurance Carriers - 2.1%        
9,678     Kinsale Capital Group, Inc.     1,011,641  
Investment Pools and Funds - 1.9%        
41,306     The Carlyle Group Inc.     894,275  
Lumber and Other Construction Materials Merchant Wholesalers - 1.3%        
51,940     Builders FirstSource, Inc. (a)     635,226  
Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing - 6.4%        
4,260     DexCom, Inc. (a)     1,147,090  
6,188     Insulet Corp. (a)     1,025,228  
9,065     Nevro Corp. (a)     906,319  
            3,078,637  

 

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

 

  8

 

 

Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

Shares         Value  
Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers - 2.0%        
13,915     Copart, Inc. (a)   $ 953,456  
Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing - 2.0%        
44,178     Gentex Corp.     978,984  
Nonresidential Building Construction - 1.4%        
29,341     PulteGroup, Inc.     654,891  
Offices of Physicians - 1.8%        
15,072     Axsome Therapeutics, Inc. (a)     886,686  
Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing - 2.5%        
7,833     West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.     1,192,574  
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services - 2.2%        
11,490     Leidos Holdings, Inc.     1,053,059  
Residential Building Construction - 1.7%        
322     NVR, Inc. (a)     827,253  
Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing - 12.4%        
25,936     Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (a)     1,179,569  
17,131     Cirrus Logic, Inc. (a)     1,124,308  
24,087     Enphase Energy, Inc. (a)     777,769  
4,020     Lam Research Corp.     964,800  
4,353     NVIDIA Corp.     1,147,451  
9,431     SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. (a)     772,210  
            5,966,107  
Software Publishers - 14.4%        
4,870     Ansys, Inc. (a)     1,132,129  
7,849     Coupa Software, Inc. (a)     1,096,741  
3,127     Fair Isaac Corp. (a)     962,146  
17,457     Manhattan Associates, Inc. (a)     869,708  
4,173     Paycom Software, Inc. (a)     842,988  
3,764     Tyler Technologies, Inc. (a)     1,116,252  
14,654     Varonis Systems, Inc. (a)     933,020  
            6,952,984  
Telecommunications - 7.2%        
16,100     Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.     1,319,717  
7,420     ResMed, Inc.     1,092,892  
4,987     RingCentral, Inc. (a)     1,056,795  
            3,469,404  
Textile Furnishings Mills - 1.4%        
15,778     Tempur Sealy International, Inc. (a)     689,656  
      TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $58,399,049)     48,143,418  
               
MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 0.2%        
91,120     First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 0.43% (c)     91,120  
      TOTAL MONEY MARKET FUNDS (Cost $91,120)     91,120  
               
      TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $58,490,169) - 100.1%     48,234,538  
      Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets - (0.1)%     (23,202 )
      TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.0%   $ 48,211,336  

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

 

(a) Non-Income producing security.

(b) Foreign Issue Security.

(c) Rate shown is the 7-day effective yield.

 

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

 

  9

 

 

Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

Shares         Value  
COMMON STOCKS - 99.3%      
Australia - 13.5%      
126,194     Coles Group Ltd.   $ 1,176,750  
6,102     CSL Ltd.     1,113,542  
201,624     Fortescue Metals Group Ltd.     1,240,191  
53,202     JB Hi-Fi Ltd.     916,288  
33,277     Magellan Financial Group Ltd.     890,798  
50,247     Woolworths Ltd.     1,084,835  
            6,422,404  
Denmark - 2.4%        
11,809     Orsted A/S     1,162,565  
Finland - 5.2%        
20,678     Elisa OYJ     1,288,070  
62,452     Kojamo OYJ     1,190,218  
            2,478,288  
Germany - 6.7%        
9,284     Bechtle AG     1,196,977  
23,039     CTS Eventim AG & Co. KGaA     1,046,373  
19,380     Nemetschek SE     967,824  
            3,211,174  
Israel - 3.9%        
75,248     Alony Hetz Properties & Investments Ltd.     877,522  
445,638     Mivne Real Estate K.D Ltd. (a)     970,173  
            1,847,695  
Italy - 9.6%        
44,121     Amplifon S.p.A.     910,935  
60,149     Azimut Holding S.p.A.     874,340  
153,754     Banca Mediolanum S.p.A.     788,525  
144,295     Enel S.p.A.     1,008,808  
116,060     Poste Italiane S.p.A.     988,180  
            4,570,788  
Japan - 15.8%        
13,900     JCR Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.     1,217,745  
32,700     Kobe Bussan Co., Ltd.     1,295,531  
26,500     Lasertec Corp.     1,247,059  
58,700     Nomura Research Institute Ltd.     1,249,064  
64,600     Sekisui House Ltd.     1,072,111  
20,400     Welcia Holdings Co., Ltd.     1,432,411  
            7,513,921  
Netherlands - 4.7%        
4,360     ASML Holding N.V.     1,165,856  
14,382     Euronext N.V.     1,075,438  
            2,241,294  
New Zealand - 5.0%        
77,233     Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp. Ltd.     1,400,063  
416,304     Meridian Energy Ltd.     1,003,573  
            2,403,636  
Spain - 2.0%        
40,424     Ferrovial S.A.     975,044  

 

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

 

  10

 

 

Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

Shares         Value  
Sweden - 12.0%        
53,190     AF Poyry AB   $ 818,883  
25,086     Fastighets AB Balder (a)     905,298  
116,748     Kungsleden AB     885,121  
28,571     L E Lundbergforetagen AB     1,176,048  
73,196     Nibe Industrier AB     1,069,910  
62,002     Wihlborgs Fastigheter AB     866,801  
            5,722,061  
Switzerland - 4.7%        
17,880     Galenica AG     1,226,057  
14,737     Landis+Gyr Group AG     1,019,724  
            2,245,781  
United Kingdom - 13.8%        
237,691     Avast PLC     1,161,456  
21,500     AVEVA Group PLC     933,076  
326,628     Boohoo Group PLC (a)     774,083  
59,217     Intermediate Capital Group PLC     659,405  
133,576     JD Sports Fashion PLC     759,390  
12,324     London Stock Exchange Group PLC     1,114,394  
92,014     Softcat PLC     1,185,191  
            6,586,995  
      TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $55,622,921)     47,381,646  
               
MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 0.2%        
110,065     First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 0.43% (b)     110,065  
      TOTAL MONEY MARKET FUNDS (Cost $110,065)     110,065  
               
      TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $55,732,986) - 99.5%     47,491,711  
      Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities - 0.5%     213,393  
      TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.0%   $ 47,705,104  

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

 

(a) Non-Income producing security.

(b) Rate shown is the 7-day effective yeild.

 

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

 

  11

 

 

Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF
Schedule of Investments
March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

Shares         Value  
INVESTMENT COMPANIES - 86.8%      
International Developed Equity - 49.7%        
636,689     Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (a)(b)   $ 13,179,462  
516,794     Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF (a)(b)     10,738,979  
            23,918,441  
U.S. Equity - 37.1%        
416,961     Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF (a)(b)     10,829,311  
388,668     Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF (a)(b)     7,038,778  
            17,868,089  
      TOTAL INVESTMENT COMPANIES (Cost $60,460,409)     41,786,530  
               
MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 0.0% (c)        
16,705     First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 0.43% (d)     16,705  
      TOTAL MONEY MARKET FUNDS (Cost $16,705)     16,705  
               
      TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $60,477,114) - 86.8%     41,803,235  
      TOTAL SECURITIES SOLD SHORT (Proceeds $40,652,302) - (71.5)%     (34,443,473 )
      Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities - 84.7%     40,803,324  
      TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.0%   $ 48,163,086  

 

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

 

(a) Affiliated Fund.
(b) All or a portion of these securities have been segregated as collateral for broker agreements. The total value of securities segregated amounted to $23,427,169.
(c) Rounds to zero.
(d) Rate shown is the 7-day effective yield.

 

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

 

  12

 

 

Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF
Schedule of Securities Sold Short
March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

Shares         Value  
INVESTMENT COMPANIES - 71.5%        
457,462     iShares MSCI EAFE ETF   $ 24,455,919  
38,749     SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust     9,987,554  
      TOTAL INVESTMENT COMPANIES (Proceeds $40,652,302)   $ 34,443,473  

 

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

 

  13

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF     Alpha Architect International Quantitative
Value ETF
 
Assets:            
Investments, at value   $ 60,446,423     $ 72,170,941  
Dividends and interest receivable     299,728       976,934  
Spot trade receivable     -       8,911  
Total assets     60,746,151       73,156,786  
Liabilities:                
Accrued investment advisory fees     29,779       37,739  
Spot trade payable     -       9,004  
Total liabilities     29,779       46,743  
Net Assets   $ 60,716,372     $ 73,110,043  
                 
Net Assets Consist of:                
Capital stock   $ 135,346,952     $ 118,211,544  
Total Distributable Earnings     (74,630,580 )     (45,101,501 )
Net Assets:   $ 60,716,372     $ 73,110,043  
                 
Calculation of Net Asset Value Per Share:                
Net Assets   $ 60,716,372     $ 73,110,043  
Shares Outstanding (unlimited shares of beneficial interest authorized, no par value)     3,350,000       3,500,000  
Net Asset Value per Share   $ 18.12     $ 20.89  
                 
Cost of Investments   $ 89,037,684     $ 101,195,978  

 

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

 

  14

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative
Momentum ETF
    Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF  
Assets:            
Investments, at value   $ 48,234,538     $ 47,491,711  
Receivable for investments sold     2,626,741       -  
Dividends and interest receivable     12,607       238,193  
Spot trade receivable     -       22,271  
Total assets     50,873,886       47,752,175  
Liabilities:                
Payable for fund shares redeemed     2,640,465       -  
Accrued investment advisory fees     22,085       24,569  
Spot trade payable     -       22,502  
Total liabilities     2,662,550       47,071  
Net Assets   $ 48,211,336     $ 47,705,104  
                 
Net Assets Consist of:                
Capital stock   $ 77,554,752     $ 83,770,081  
Total Distributable Earnings     (29,343,416 )     (36,064,977 )
Net Assets:   $ 48,211,336     $ 47,705,104  
                 
Calculation of Net Asset Value Per Share:                
Net Assets   $ 48,211,336     $ 47,705,104  
Shares Outstanding (unlimited shares of beneficial interest authorized, no par value)     1,850,000       2,300,000  
Net Asset Value per Share   $ 26.06     $ 20.74  
                 
Cost of Investments   $ 58,490,169     $ 55,732,986  

 

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

 

  15

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Alpha Architect Value
Momentum Trend ETF
Assets:    
Investments in affiliates, at value   $ 41,786,530  
Non-affiliated investments, at value     16,705  
Deposit at broker for securities sold short     41,310,595  
Receivable for investments sold     449,280  
Interest receivable     47  
Total assets     83,563,157  
Liabilities:        
Securities sold short, at value     34,443,473  
Payable for fund shares redeemed     517,873  
Payable for investment securities purchased     368,654  
Distribution payable     56,218  
Accrued investment advisory fees     9,555  
Broker Interest Payable     4,298  
Total liabilities     35,400,071  
Net Assets   $ 48,163,086  
         
Net Assets Consist of:        
Capital Stock   $ 74,434,911  
Total Distributable Earnings     (26,271,825 )
Net Assets:   $ 48,163,086  
         
Calculation of Net Asset Value Per Share:        
Net Assets   $ 48,163,086  
Shares Outstanding (unlimited shares of beneficial interest authorized, no par value)     2,325,000  
Net Asset Value per Share   $ 20.72  
         
Cost of Investments in Affiliates   $ 60,460,409  
Cost of Non-Affiliated Investments   $ 16,705  
Proceeds from Securities Sold Short   $ 40,652,302  

 

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

 

  16

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Alpha Architect U.S.
Quantitative
Value ETF
    Alpha Architect International Quantitative
Value ETF
 
Investment Income:            
Dividend income (net of foreign withholding tax of $0 and $94,245, respectively)   $ 1,469,209     $ 1,326,193  
Interest income     2,225       1,651  
Total investment income     1,471,434       1,327,844  
                 
Expenses:                
Investment advisory fees     233,457       265,018  
Total expenses     233,457       265,018  
                 
Net investment income     1,237,977       1,062,826  
                 
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments:                
Net realized gain (loss) on:                
Investments     (12,055,840 )     (5,074,382 )
In-kind redemptions     3,558,542       5,385,369  
Foreign currency     -       (48,461 )
      (8,497,298 )     262,526  
Net change in unrealized depreciation on:                
Investments     (26,880,204 )     (20,810,508 )
Foreign currency     -       (1,448,982 )
      (26,880,204 )     (22,259,490 )
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments:     (35,377,502 )     (21,996,964 )
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations   $ (34,139,525 )   $ (20,934,138 )

  

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

 

  17

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Alpha Architect U.S.
Quantitative
Momentum ETF
    Alpha Architect International Quantitative
Momentum ETF
 
Investment Income:            
Dividend income (net of foreign withholding tax of $0 and $35,792, respectivley)   $ 254,791     $ 507,226  
Interest income     1,715       1,608  
Total investment income     256,506       508,834  
                 
Expenses:                
Investment advisory fees     149,141       177,378  
Overdraft fees expense     -       1,427  
Total expenses     149,141       178,805  
                 
Net investment income     107,365       330,029  
                 
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments:                
Net realized gain (loss) on:                
Investments     (2,468,523 )     (5,248,331 )
In-kind redemptions     7,236,075       4,001,363  
Foreign currency     -       (140,209 )
      4,767,552       (1,387,177 )
Net change in unrealized depreciation on:                
Investments     (12,221,331 )     (9,207,901 )
Foreign currency translation     -       (885,224 )
      (12,221,331 )     (10,093,125 )
Net realized and unrealized loss     (7,453,779 )     (11,480,302 )
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations   $ (7,346,414 )   $ (11,150,273 )

  

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

 

  18

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Alpha Architect Value
Momentum Trend ETF
 
Investment Income:        
Dividend income from affiliates   $ 528,297  
Interest income     13,725  
Total investment income     542,022  
         
Expenses:        
Investment advisory fees     162,460  
Dividend expense     56,218  
Other expenses     4,298  
Total expenses     222,976  
Less: Reimbursement of expenses from Advisor (Note 3)     (74,609 )
Net expenses     148,367  
         
Net investment income     393,655  
         
Realized and Unrealized Loss on Investments:        
Net realized loss on:        
Investments in affiliates     (522,402 )
In-kind redemptions     (1,097,076 )
Securities sold short     (18,021 )
      (1,637,499 )
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:        
Investments in affiliates     (9,841,896 )
Securities sold short     5,694,725  
      (4,147,171 )
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments     (5,784,670 )
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations   $ (5,391,015 )

 

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

 

  19

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

    Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative
Value ETF
    Alpha Architect International
Quantitative Value ETF
 
    Six Months
Ended
March 31,
2020
(Unaudited)
    Year Ended
September 30,
2019
    Six Months Ended
March 31,
2020
(Unaudited)
    Year Ended
September 30,
2019
 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from:                        
Operations:                        
Net investment income   $ 1,237,977     $ 1,765,206     $ 1,062,826     $ 2,334,134  
Net realized gain (loss) on investments     (8,497,298 )     (12,846,214 )     262,526       (8,983,453 )
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments     (26,880,204 )     154,988       (22,259,490 )     (4,759,142 )
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations     (34,139,525 )     (10,926,020 )     (20,934,138 )     (11,408,461 )
                                 
Distributions to Shareholders:                                
Net investment income     (1,096,292 )     (1,800,483 )     (1,209,047 )     (2,390,973 )
Total distributions     (1,096,292 )     (1,800,483 )     (1,209,047 )     (2,390,973 )
                                 
Capital Share Transactions:                                
Proceeds from shares sold     51,607,300       64,953,370       41,836,834       29,327,925  
Payments for shares redeemed     (47,596,520 )     (84,435,665 )     (26,877,770 )     (38,331,625 )
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from net change in capital share transactions     4,010,780       (19,482,295 )     14,959,064       (9,003,700 )
Total decrease in net assets     (31,225,037 )     (32,208,798 )     (7,184,121 )     (22,803,134 )
Net Assets:                                
Beginning of period     91,941,409       124,150,207       80,294,164       103,097,298  
End of period   $ 60,716,372     $ 91,941,409     $ 73,110,043     $ 80,294,164  
                                 
Changes in Shares Outstanding                                
Shares outstanding, beginning of period     3,300,000       4,000,000       3,000,000       3,350,000  
Shares sold     1,850,000       2,350,000       1,450,000       1,050,000  
Shares reinvested     -             -        
Shares repurchased     (1,800,000 )     (3,050,000 )     (950,000 )     (1,400,000 )
Shares outstanding, end of period     3,350,000       3,300,000       3,500,000       3,000,000  

 

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

 

  20

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

    Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative
Momentum ETF
    Alpha Architect International
Quantitative Momentum ETF
 
    Six Months
Ended
March 31,
2020
(Unaudited)
    Year Ended
September 30,
2019
    Six Months
Ended
March 31,
2020
(Unaudited)
    Year Ended
September 30,
2019
 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from:                                
Operations:                                
Net investment income   $ 107,365     $ (8,509 )   $ 330,029     $ 620,927  
Net realized gain (loss) on investments     4,767,552       (5,328,685 )     (1,387,177 )     (6,429,673 )
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments     (12,221,331 )     (4,839,439 )     (10,093,125 )     65,297  
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations     (7,346,414 )     (10,176,633 )     (11,150,273 )     (5,743,449 )
                                 
Distributions to Shareholders:                                
Net investment income     (84,369 )     (34,407 )     (401,245 )     (763,251 )
Total distributions     (84,369 )     (34,407 )     (401,245 )     (763,251 )
                                 
Capital Share Transactions:                                
Proceeds from shares sold     60,551,260       72,363,622       44,926,104       68,801,846  
Payments for shares redeemed     (60,452,820 )     (91,589,810 )     (42,057,455 )     (71,203,020 )
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from net change in capital share transactions     98,440       (19,226,188 )     2,868,649       (2,401,174 )
Total increase in net assets     (7,332,343 )     (29,437,228 )     (8,682,869 )     (8,907,874 )
Net Assets:                                
Beginning of period     55,543,679       84,980,907       56,387,973       65,295,847  
End of period   $ 48,211,336     $ 55,543,679     $ 47,705,104     $ 56,387,973  
                                 
Changes in Shares Outstanding                                
Shares outstanding, beginning of period     1,850,000       2,500,000       2,200,000       2,300,000  
Shares sold     1,900,000       2,450,000       1,750,000       2,700,000  
Shares reinvested     -       -       -       -  
Shares repurchased     (1,900,000 )     (3,100,000 )     (1,650,000 )     (2,800,000 )
Shares outstanding, end of period     1,850,000       1,850,000       2,300,000       2,200,000  

 

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

 

  21

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

    Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend
ETF
 
    Six Months
Ended
March 31,
2020
(Unaudited)
    Year Ended
September 30,
2019
 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from:            
Operations:            
Net investment income   $ 393,655     $ 353,238  
Net realized loss on investments     (1,637,499 )     (8,818,755 )
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments     (4,147,171 )     (13,849,496 )
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations     (5,391,015 )     (22,315,013 )
                 
Distributions to Shareholders:                
Net investment income     (1,105,437 )     (483,624 )
Total distributions     (1,105,437 )     (483,624 )
                 
Capital Share Transactions:                
Proceeds from shares sold     1,072,975       8,584,400  
Payments for shares redeemed     (27,566,968 )     (35,048,555 )
Net decrease in net assets from net change in capital share transactions     (26,493,993 )     (26,464,155 )
Total decrease in net assets     (32,990,445 )     (49,262,792 )
Net Assets:                
Beginning of period     81,153,531       130,416,323  
End of period   $ 48,163,086     $ 81,153,531  
                 
Changes in Shares Outstanding                
Shares outstanding, beginning of period     3,450,000       4,500,000  
Shares sold     50,000       350,000  
Shares reinvested     -       -  
Shares repurchased     (1,175,000 )     (1,400,000 )
Shares outstanding, end of period     2,325,000       3,450,000  

 

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

 

  22

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Net Asset
Value,
Beginning of
Period
  Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)(1)
  Net Realized
and Unrealized
Gains (Loss) on
Investments
  Net Increase
(Decrease) in
Net Asset Value
Resulting from
Operations
  Distributions
from Net
Investment
Income
  Return of
Capital
Distribution
  Total
Distributions
  Net Asset
Value,
End of
Period
Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF        
Six Months Ended March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)   $27.86   0.36   (9.78)   (9.42)   (0.32)   -   (0.32)   $18.12
Year Ended September 30, 2019   $31.04   0.51   (3.32)   (2.81)   (0.37)   -   (0.37)   $27.86
Year Ended September 30, 2018   $27.11   0.39   3.88   4.27   (0.34)   -   (0.34)   $31.04
Year Ended September 30, 2017   $23.12   0.32   3.98   4.30   (0.31)   -   (0.31)   $27.11
Year ended September 30, 2016   $23.09   0.33   0.03   0.36   (0.33)   -   (0.33)   $23.12
October 22, 2014(7) to September 30, 2015   $25.00   0.29   (1.95)   (1.66)   (0.25)   -   (0.25)   $23.09
         
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF        
Six Months Ended March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)   $26.76   0.32   (5.84)   (5.52)   (0.35)   -   (0.35)   $20.89
Year Ended September 30, 2019   $30.78   0.73   (3.99)   (3.26)   (0.76)   -   (0.76)   $26.76
Year Ended September 30, 2018   $31.89   0.84   (1.11)   (0.27)   (0.84)   -   (0.84)   $30.78
Year Ended September 30, 2017   $24.66   0.62   7.13   7.75   (0.52)   -   (0.52)   $31.89
Year ended September 30, 2016   $23.16   0.46   1.38   1.84   (0.34)   -   (0.34)   $24.66
December 17, 2014(7) to September 30, 2015   $25.00   0.54   (1.98)   (1.44)   (0.40)   -   (0.40)   $23.16
         
Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF        
Six Months Ended March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)   $30.02   0.06   (3.98)   (3.92)   (0.04)   -   (0.04)   $26.06
Year Ended September 30, 2019   $33.99   (0.00)(8)   (3.96)   (3.96)   (0.01)   -   (0.01)   $30.02
Year Ended September 30, 2018   $27.15   (0.03)   6.87   6.84   -   -   -   $33.99
Year Ended September 30, 2017   $24.56   0.06   2.61   2.67   (0.07)   (0.01)   (0.08)   $27.15
December 2, 2015(7) to September 30, 2016   $25.00   0.05   (0.45)   (0.40)   (0.04)   -   (0.04)   $24.56
         
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF        
Six Months Ended March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)   $25.63   0.14   (4.86)   (4.72)   (0.17)   -   (0.17)   $20.74
Year Ended September 30, 2019   $28.39   0.28   (2.69)   (2.41)   (0.35)   -   (0.35)   $25.63
Year Ended September 30, 2018   $28.24   0.27   0.15   0.42   (0.27)   -   (0.27)   $28.39
Year Ended September 30, 2017   $25.88   0.28   2.26   2.54   (0.18)   -   (0.18)   $28.24
December 23, 2015(7) to September 30, 2016   $25.00   0.18   0.81   0.99   (0.11)   (0.00)(8)   (0.11)   $25.88
         
Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF        
Six Months Ended March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)   $23.52   0.13   (2.57)   (2.44)   (0.36)   -   (0.36)   $20.72
Year Ended September 30, 2019   $28.98   0.09   (5.43)   (5.34)   (0.12)   -   (0.12)   $23.52
Year Ended September 30, 2018   $27.10   0.34   1.87   2.21   (0.33)   -   (0.33)   $28.98
May 3, 2017(7) to September 30, 2017   $25.00   0.13   2.06   2.19   (0.09)   (0.00)(8)   (0.09)   $27.10

  

  23

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)

March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

            Ratios to Average Net Assets
    Total
Return(2)
  Net Assets,
End of
Period (000’s)
  Net
Expenses(3)(4)
  Gross
Expenses(3)
  Net
Investment
Income(3)
  Portfolio
Turnover
Rate(6)
Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF                        
Six Months Ended March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)   (34.16%)   $60,716   0.49%   0.49%   2.60%   33%
Year Ended September 30, 2019   (8.43%)   $91,941   0.59%   0.59%   1.83%   77%
Year Ended September 30, 2018   15.72%   $124,150   0.79%   0.79%   1.28%   46%
Year Ended September 30, 2017   18.71%   $74,565   0.79%   0.79%   1.28%   81%
Year ended September 30, 2016   1.58%   $55,480   0.79%   0.79%   1.46%   74%
October 22, 2014(7) to September 30, 2015   (6.72%)   $47,343   0.79%   0.79%   1.17%   69%
 
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF
Six Months Ended March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)   (20.79%)   $73,110   0.59%   0.59%   2.37%   28%
Year Ended September 30, 2019   (10.46%)   $80,294   0.66%   0.66%   2.70%   76%
Year Ended September 30, 2018   (0.92%)   $103,097   0.79%   0.79%   2.62%   30%
Year Ended September 30, 2017   31.77%   $68,554   0.79%   0.79%   2.18%   44%
Year ended September 30, 2016   8.00%   $35,755   0.79%   0.79%   1.95%   119%
December 17, 2014(7) to September 30, 2015   (5.96%)   $18,529   0.79%   0.79%   2.67%   33%
 
Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF
Six Months Ended March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)   (13.03%)   $48,211   0.49%   0.49%   0.35%   47%
Year Ended September 30, 2019   (11.63%)   $55,544   0.59%   0.59%   (0.01)%   115%
Year Ended September 30, 2018   25.19%   $84,981   0.79%   0.79%   (0.11)%   91%
Year Ended September 30, 2017   10.90%   $39,370   0.79%   0.79%   0.24%   168%
December 2, 2015(7) to September 30, 2016   (1.58%)   $23,332   0.79%   0.79%   0.28%   213%
 
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF
Six Months Ended March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)   (18.39%)   $47,705   0.59%   0.59%   1.10%   64%
Year Ended September 30, 2019   (8.45%)   $56,388   0.66%   0.66%   1.09%   135%
Year Ended September 30, 2018   1.42%   $65,296   0.79%   0.79%   0.91%   119%
Year Ended September 30, 2017   9.90%   $43,767   0.79%   0.79%   1.11%   105%
December 23, 2015(7) to September 30, 2016   3.96%   $19,408   0.79%   0.79%   0.93%   217%
 
Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF
Six Months Ended March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)   (10.67%)   $48,163   0.41%   0.62%   1.09%   3%
Year Ended September 30, 2019   (18.43%)   $81,154   1.84%   2.14%   0.37%   155%
Year Ended September 30, 2018   8.17%   $130,416   0.01%(5)   0.46%(5)   1.16%(5)   44%
May 3, 2017(7) to September 30, 2017   8.77%   $40,644   0.00%   0.45%   1.27%   0%

 

(1) Net investment income (loss) per share represents net investment income (loss) divided by the daily average shares of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each period.
(2) All returns reflect reinvested dividends, if any, but do not reflect the impact of taxes. Total return for a period of less than one year is not annualized.
(3) For periods of less than one year, these ratios are annualized.
(4) Net expenses include effects of any reimbursement or recoupment.
(5) The net expenses, total expenses, and net investment income (loss) ratios excluding the effect of broker interest expense on securities sold short were 0.00%, 0.45%, and 1.17%, respectively.
(6) Portfolio turnover is not annualized and is calculated without regard to short-term securities having a maturity of less than one year.
(7) Commencement of operations.
(8) Rounds to less than $.005.

  

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

 

  24

 

  

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2020 (UNAUDITED)

 

 

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION

 

Each of Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF, Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF, Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF, Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF, and Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF (individually a “Fund” or collectively the “Funds”) is a series of the Alpha Architect ETF Trust (the “Trust”), which was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on October 11, 2013. The Trust is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company and the offering of the Funds’ shares (“Shares”) is registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Each of Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF, Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF, Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF, and Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF are considered diversified under the 1940 Act. In contrast, Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF is currently considered non-diversified under the 1940 Act. Non-diversified funds generally hold securities of fewer issuers than diversified funds and may be more susceptible to the risks associated with these particular issuers, or to a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence affecting these issuers. Each Fund qualifies as an investment company as defined in the Financial Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946-Financial Services - Investment Companies. The investment objective of each Fund is to track the total return performance, before fees and expenses, of its particular index. The underlying index for each Fund is defined below:

 

Fund   Index
Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF   Alpha Architect Quantitative Value Index
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF   Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value Index
Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF   Alpha Architect Quantitative Momentum Index
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF   Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum Index
Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF   Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend Index

 

Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF, Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF, Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF, and Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF began managing to each Fund’s respective index effective February 1, 2017. A short description of each index is as follows:

 

The Alpha Architect Quantitative Value Index uses a 5-step, quantitative, rules-based methodology to identify a portfolio of approximately 40-50 undervalued U.S. equity securities with the potential for capital appreciation.

 

The Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value Index uses a 5-step, quantitative, rules-based methodology to identify a portfolio of approximately 40-50 undervalued non-U.S. equity securities or their depositary receipts with the potential for capital appreciation.

 

The Alpha Architect Quantitative Momentum Index uses a 5-step, quantitative, rules-based methodology to identify a portfolio of approximately 40-50 U.S. equity securities with positive momentum, as described in the Prospectus. A “momentum” style of investing emphasizes investing in securities that have had higher recent total return performance compared to other securities.

 

  25

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2020 (UNAUDITED)

 

 

The Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum Index uses a 5-step, quantitative, rules-based methodology to identify a portfolio of approximately 40-50 non-U.S. equity securities with positive momentum, as described in the Prospectus. A “momentum” style of investing emphasizes investing in securities that have had higher recent total return performance compared to other securities.

 

Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF commenced operations on May 3, 2017 and manages to the Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend Index. The Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend Index is comprised of the following ETFs advised by Empowered Funds, LLC (“Adviser”): U.S. Quantitative Value ETF, Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF, Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF, and Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (collectively, the “Alpha Architect ETFs”). The Alpha Architect ETFs invest in either domestic or international equity securities, and employ either a “momentum” or a “value” investment strategy. In addition, the Index may, from time to time, use hedging strategies.

 

Shares of the Funds are listed and traded on Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (“Cboe”). Market prices for the shares may be different from their net asset value (“NAV”). Each Fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis at NAV only in blocks of shares, called “Creation Units.” For Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF, Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF, Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF, and Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF a Creation Unit consists of 50,000 shares. During a portion of the period covered by this Report, a Creation Unit for Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF also consisted of 50,000 shares. However, effective as of March 20, 2020, a Creation Unit for Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF consists of 25,000 shares. Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities included in a specified universe. Once created, shares generally trade in the secondary market at market prices that change throughout the day in share amounts less than a Creation Unit. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, shares are not redeemable securities of a Fund. Shares of a Fund may only be purchased or redeemed by certain financial institutions (“Authorized Participants”). An Authorized Participant is either (i) a broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation or (ii) a DTC participant and, in each case, must have executed a Participant Agreement with the Distributor. Most retail investors do not qualify as Authorized Participants nor have the resources to buy and sell whole Creation Units. Therefore, they are unable to purchase or redeem the shares directly from a Fund. Rather, most retail investors may purchase shares in the secondary market with the assistance of a broker and are subject to customary brokerage commissions or fees.

 

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

 

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

 

  26

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2020 (UNAUDITED)

 

 

NOTE 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

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

 

A. Security Valuation. Equity securities that are traded on a national securities exchange, except those listed on the NASDAQ Global Market® (“NASDAQ”) are valued at the last reported sale price on the exchange on which the security is principally traded. Securities traded on NASDAQ will be valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (“NOCP”). If on a particular day an exchange-traded or NASDAQ security does not trade, then the most recent quoted bid for exchange-traded or the mean between the most recent quoted bid and ask price for NASDAQ securities will be used. Equity securities that are not traded on a listed exchange are generally valued at the last sale price in the over-the-counter market. If a non-exchange traded security does not trade on a particular day, then the mean between the last quoted closing bid and asked price will be used. Prices denominated in foreign currencies are converted to U.S. dollar equivalents at the current exchange rate, which approximates fair value. Redeemable securities issued by open-end investment companies are valued at the investment company’s applicable net asset value, with the exception of exchange-traded open-end investment companies which are priced as equity securities.

 

Securities for which quotations are not readily available are valued by a committee established by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) in accordance with procedures established by the Board. This “fair valuation” process is designed to value the subject security at the price the Trust would reasonably expect to receive upon its current sale. When a security is “fair valued,” consideration is given to the facts and circumstances relevant to the particular situation, including a review of various factors set forth in the pricing procedures adopted by the Board. The use of “fair value” pricing by a Fund may cause the net asset value of its shares to differ significantly from the net asset value that would be calculated without regard to such considerations. As of March 31, 2020, the Funds did not hold any “fair valued” securities.

 

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

 

Level 1- Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Funds have the ability to access.

 

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

 

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

 

  27

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2020 (UNAUDITED)

 

 

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

 

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

 

The following is a summary of the fair value classification of each Fund’s investments as of March 31, 2020:

 

DESCRIPTION   LEVEL 1     LEVEL 2     LEVEL 3     TOTAL  
                         
Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF                        
Assets*                        
Common Stocks   $ 60,195,177     $    -     $    -     $ 60,195,177  
Money Market Funds     251,246       -       -       251,246  
Total Investments in Securities   $ 60,446,423     $ -     $ -     $ 60,446,423  
                                 
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF                                
Assets*                                
Common Stocks   $ 71,868,809     $ -     $ -     $ 71,868,809  
Money Market Funds     302,132       -       -       302,132  
Total Investments in Securities   $ 72,170,941     $ -     $ -     $ 72,170,941  
                                 
Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF                                
Assets*                                
Common Stocks   $ 48,143,418     $ -     $ -     $ 48,143,418  
Money Market Funds     91,120       -       -       91,120  
Total Investments in Securities   $ 48,234,538     $ -     $ -     $ 48,234,538  
                                 
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF                                
Assets*                                
Common Stocks   $ 47,381,646     $ -     $ -     $ 47,381,646  
Money Market Funds     110,065       -       -       110,065  
Total Investments in Securities   $ 47,491,711     $ -     $ -     $ 47,491,711  
                                 
Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF                                
Assets*                                
Investment Companies   $ 41,786,530     $ -     $ -     $ 41,786,530  
Money Market Funds     16,705       -       -       16,705  
Total Investments in Securities   $ 41,803,235     $ -     $ -     $ 41,803,235  
                                 
Liabilities*                                
Investment Companies   $ (34,443,473 )   $ -     $ -     $ (34,443,473 )
Total Investments in Securities   $ (34,443,473 )   $ -     $ -     $ (34,443,473 )

 

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

 

During the fiscal period ended March 31, 2020, the Funds did not invest in any Level 3 investments and recognized no transfers to/from Level 3. Transfers between levels are recognized at the end of the reporting period.

 

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

 

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

 

  28

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2020 (UNAUDITED)

 

 

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

 

For Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF, the risks of hedging include hedging activity sometimes being ineffective due to unexpected changes in the market. Hedging also involves the risk that changes in the value of the related security or basket of securities will not match those of the instruments being hedged as expected, in which case any losses on the instruments being hedged may not be reduced. Hedging strategies could limit the Fund’s gains in rising markets and may expose the Fund to costs to which it would otherwise not have been exposed.

 

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

 

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

 

The Funds isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. That portion of gains (losses) attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates is included on the “Statement of Operations” under “Net realized gain (loss) – Foreign currency” and “Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) – Foreign Currency.” The remainder of gains (losses) attributable to securities is included on the “Statement of Operations” under “Net realized gain (loss) – Investments,” “Net realized gain (loss) – In-kind redemptions,” and “Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) – Investments.

 

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

 

  29

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2020 (UNAUDITED)

 

 

D. Federal Income Taxes. Each Fund intends to continue to comply with the requirements of subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, as necessary to qualify as a regulated investment company and distribute substantially all net taxable investment income and net realized gains to shareholders in a manner which results in no tax cost to a Fund. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. As of and during the fiscal period ended March 31, 2020, the Funds did not have any tax positions that did not meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. As of and during the fiscal period ended March 31, 2020, the Funds did not have liabilities for any unrecognized tax benefits. A Fund would/will recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits on uncertain tax positions as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. During the fiscal period ended March 31, 2020, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties.

 

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

 

E. Security Transactions and Investment Income. Investment securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Gains and losses realized on sales of securities are determined on a specific identification basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, net of any foreign taxes withheld at source. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the Funds’ understanding of the applicable tax rules and regulations.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  30

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2020 (UNAUDITED)

 

 

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

 

J. Reclassification of Capital Accounts. GAAP requires that certain components of net assets relating to permanent differences be reclassified between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset value per share. In addition, the Funds realized net capital gains resulting from in-kind redemptions, in which shareholders exchanged Fund shares for securities held by the Funds rather than for cash. Because such gains are not taxable to the Funds, and are not distributed to shareholders, they have been reclassified from accumulated net realized losses to paid-in capital. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, the following table shows the reclassifications made:

 

    Undistributed Net
Investment
Gain (Loss)
    Accumulated
Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Paid in
Capital
 
Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF   $ (1 )   $ (5,800,361 )   $ 5,800,362  
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF     197,272       (3,346,941 )     3,149,669  
Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF     4,200       (10,084,244 )     10,080,044  
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF     (42,876 )     (6,418,547 )     6,461,423  
Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF     940,999       (2,037,803 )     1,096,804  

 

NOTE 3 - COMMITMENTS AND OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS.

 

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

 

At an in-person Board meeting held on October 14, 2019, the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Trustees”) including each Trustee who is not an “interested person” of the Trust, as defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Trustees”), approved the Advisory Agreements. The table below represents the annual rate based on average daily net assets that each Fund pays the Adviser monthly:

 

Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF 0.49%
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF 0.59%
Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF 0.49%
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF 0.59%
Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF 0.45%

 

The Adviser has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its management fee for the Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF until at least February 1, 2021 to the extent necessary to prevent (i) management fees paid to the investment adviser for the Fund plus (ii) the aggregate amount of management fees paid to the Adviser for management of the Alpha Architect ETFs that are directly attributable to the Fund’s ownership of shares of the Alpha Architect ETFs, from exceeding 0.79% of the Fund’s daily net assets. This waiver agreement may be terminated only by agreement of the investment adviser and the Fund’s Board of Trustees. The fee waived is not subject to recoupment.

 

On December 21, 2015, a Participation Agreement was executed between Advanced Alpha Architect, L.P. (“Investing Fund”), a limited partnership organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, and the Trust. Alpha Architect, LLC is the General Partner of the Investing Fund and conducts the investment program of the Investing Fund. Each of the Investing Fund and Alpha Architect, LLC is an affiliate of the Adviser.

 

As of March 31, 2020, Advanced Alpha Architect, L.P. owned shares of the Funds as follows:

 

    Shares     % Ownership  
Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF     48,362       1.44  
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF     61,660       1.76  
Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF     44,665       2.35  
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF     61,689       2.68  
Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF     -       -  

 

  31

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2020 (UNAUDITED)

 

 

NOTE 4 - PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES

 

For the fiscal period ended March 31, 2020, purchases and sales of securities for the Funds, excluding short-term securities and in-kind transactions, were as follows:

 

    Purchases     Sales  
Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF   $ 65,768,969     $ 30,436,156  
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF     46,986,649       24,692,129  
Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF     75,262,547       27,905,803  
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF     75,562,300       37,777,765  
Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF     2,030,758       30,596,549  

 

For the fiscal period ended March 31, 2020, in-kind transactions associated with creations and redemptions were as follows:

 

    Purchases     Sales  
Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF   $ 16,198,186     $ 47,677,239  
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF     18,656,199       26,417,515  
Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF     12,667,042       59,798,006  
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF     6,576,157       41,693,916  
Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF     978,032       27,243,868  

 

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

 

NOTE 5 – TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

 

The Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF’s transactions with affiliates represent holdings for which it and the Alpha Architect ETFs have the same investment adviser. The Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF had the following transactions with such affiliated investee funds during the fiscal period ended March 31, 2020:

 

    Alpha Architect
U.S. Quantitative Value ETF
    Alpha Architect
International Quantitative Value ETF
    Alpha Architect
U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF
    Alpha Architect
International
Quantitative Momentum ETF
    Total  
Value, Beginning of Period   $ 18,557,017     $ 22,315,732     $ 19,252,878     $ 22,506,855     $ 82,632,482  
Purchases     235,017       314,897       315,335       2,143,542       3,008,791  
Proceeds from Sales     (7,983,920 )     (8,778,928 )     (7,416,791 )     (8,213,732 )     (32,393,371 )
Net Realized Gains (Losses)(1)     (238,002 )     (1,489,149 )     868,496       (760,821 )     (1,619,476 )
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)     (3,531,334 )     (1,623,573 )     (2,190,607 )     (2,496,382 )     (9,841,896 )
Value, End of Period     7,038,778       10,738,979       10,829,311       13,179,462       41,786,530  
Dividend Income     159,517       223,743       19,510       125,527       528,297  
Capital Gains Distributions     -       -       -       -       -  

 

(1) The total Net Realized Loss of $1,619,476 agrees to the sum of the following components of Realized Gain/(Loss) on the Statement of Operations: “Investments in affiliates” and “In-kind redemptions”.

 

    Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF     Alpha Architect
International Quantitative Value ETF
    Alpha Architect
U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF
    Alpha Architect
International Quantitative Momentum ETF
 
Shares, Beginning of Period     666,081       829,686       641,256       878,450  
Number of Shares Purchased     10,151       13,498       10,890       84,131  
Number of Shares Sold     (287,564 )     (326,390 )     (235,185 )     (325,892 )
Shares, End of Period     388,668       516,794       416,961       636,689  

 

NOTE 6 – TAX INFORMATION

 

The components of tax basis cost of investments and net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for federal income tax purposes at March 31, 2020 were as follows*:

 

  Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF     Alpha Architect
International Quantitative Value ETF
    Alpha Architect
U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF
    Alpha Architect
International Quantitative Momentum ETF
    Alpha Architect
Value Momentum Trend ETF
 
Tax cost of Investments   $ 93,685,796     $ 86,435,194     $ 53,580,357     $ 54,673,479     $ 68,853,939  
Gross tax unrealized appreciation     4,703,031       4,967,143       4,112,390       3,150,093       1,465,188  
Gross tax unrealized depreciation     (6,554,868 )     (11,766,503 )     (2,151,544 )     (1,555,659 )     (10,120,777 )
Net tax unrealized appreciation (depreciation)   $ (1,851,837 )   $ (6,799,360 )   $ 1,960,846     $ 1,594,434     $ (8,655,589 )
Undistributed ordinary income     188,094       502,828       -       108,231       820,897  
Undistributed long-term gain     -       -       -       -       -  
Total distributable earnings     188,094       502,828       -       108,231       820,897  
Other accumulated gain (loss)     (37,731,019 )     (16,661,784 )     (23,873,479 )     (26,216,124 )     (11,940,681 )
Total accumulated gain (loss)   $ (39,394,762 )   $ (22,958,316 )   $ (21,912,633 )   $ (24,513,459 )   $ (19,775,373 )

 

* Because tax adjustments are calculated annually at the end of the Funds’ fiscal year, the above table does not reflect tax adjustments for the current fiscal year. For the previous fiscal year’s federal income tax information, please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements section in the Funds’ most recent annual report.

  32

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2020 (UNAUDITED)

 

 

The difference between book and tax-basis cost is attributable to the realization for tax purposes of unrealized gains on investments in REITs, partnerships, passive foreign investment companies and wash sales. Under tax law, certain capital and foreign currency losses realized after October 31 and within the taxable year are deemed to arise on the first business day of each Fund’s next taxable year.

 

For the period ended September 30, 2019, the Funds had the following qualified late year losses:

 

    Post October Late Year Loss Deferral     Post October Capital Loss Deferral  
Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF   $ -     $ -  
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF     -       -  
Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF     75,391       -  
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF     -       -  
Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF     -       -  

 

At September 30, 2019, the Funds had the following capital loss carryforwards:

  

    Unlimited Short-Term     Unlimited Long-Term  
 Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF   $ (29,354,097 )   $ (8,376,922 )
 Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF     (13,615,915 )     (3,045,869 )
 Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF     (23,798,088 )     -  
 Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF     (26,216,124 )     -  
 Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF     (11,806,192 )     (134,489 )

 

NOTE 7 – DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

 

The tax character of distributions paid by the Funds during the fiscal period ended March 31, 2020 and fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 were as follows:

 

    For the Six Months Ended
March 31,
2020
    Fiscal Year Ended
September 30,
2019
 
    Ordinary Income     Ordinary Income  
Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF   $ 1,096,293     $ 1,800,483  
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF     1,209,047       2,390,973  
Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF     84,369       34,407  
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF     401,245       763,251  
Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF     1,105,437       483,624  

 

NOTE 8 – OTHER INFORMATION

 

In August 2018, FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2018-13”). The primary focus of ASU 2018-13 is to improve the effectiveness of the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The changes affect all companies that are required to include fair value measurement disclosures. In general, the amendments in ASU 2018-13 are effective for all entities for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. An entity is permitted to early adopt the removed or modified disclosures upon the issuance of ASU 2018-13 and may delay adoption of the additional disclosures, which are required for public companies only, until their effective date. Management is currently evaluating the impact these changes will have on the Funds’ financial statements and disclosures.

 

NOTE 9 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

In preparing these financial statements, management of the Funds have evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through date the financial statements were issued.

 

There were no transactions that occurred during the period subsequent to March 31, 2020, that materially impacted the amounts or disclosures in the Funds’ financial statements.

 

Effective March 31, 2020, Foreside Financial Group, LLC (“Foreside”) acquired Quasar Distributors, LLC (“Quasar”), the Funds’ distributor, from U.S. Bancorp. As a result of the acquisition, Quasar became a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of Foreside and is no longer affiliated with U.S. Bancorp. The Board of Trustees of the Funds’ has approved a new Distribution Agreement to enable Quasar to continue serving as the Funds’ distributor.

 

The recent global outbreak of COVID-19 has disrupted economic markets and the prolonged economic impact is uncertain. The operational and financial performance of the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak, and such uncertainty may in turn impact the value of the Fund’s investments.

 

Effective on or about July 1, 2020, each Fund will become actively managed. Accordingly, each Fund’s investment objective will be changed, respectively.

 

  33

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

Closing Price vs. NAV

 

The following Frequency Distribution of Premiums and Discounts chart is provided to show the frequency at which the closing price for the Funds were at a premium or discount to their daily net asset value (NAV). Shareholders may pay more than net asset value when they buy Fund shares and receive less than net asset value when they sell those shares, because shares are bought and sold at current market prices. The chart presented represents past performance and cannot be used to predict future results.

 

    Alpha Architect U.S.     Alpha Architect International  
    Quantitative Value     Quantitative Value  
    ETF     ETF  
  Fiscal Period Ended
September 30, 2015
    Fiscal Period Ended
September 30, 2015
 
                         
Premium/Discount Range   Number of
Trading Days
    % of Total
Trade Days
    Number of
Trading Days
    % of Total
Trade Days
 
                         
1.00% or more     0       0.00%       13       6.53%  
0.75% to 0.999%     3       1.26%       14       7.04%  
0.50% to 0.749%     2       0.84%       25       12.56%  
0.25% to 0.499%     12       5.04%       44       22.10%  
0.00% to 0.249%     151       63.45%       34       17.09%  
-0.001% to -0.249%     60       25.21%       28       14.07%  
-0.25% to -0.499%     6       2.52%       14       7.04%  
-0.50% to -0.749%     3       1.26%       11       5.53%  
-0.75% to -0.999%     1       0.42%       3       1.51%  
-1.00% or more     0       0.00%       13       6.53%  
      238       100.00%       199       100.00%  

 

  34

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS

(Unaudited)

 

  

    Alpha Architect U.S.     Alpha Architect International  
    Quantitative Value     Quantitative Value  
    ETF     ETF  
    Fiscal Year Ended
September 30, 2016
    Fiscal Year Ended
September 30, 2016
 
                         
Premium/Discount Range   Number of
Trading Days
    % of Total
Trade Days
    Number of
Trading Days
    % of Total
Trade Days
 
                         
1.00% or more     0       0.00%       34       13.44%  
0.75% to 0.999%     3       1.19%       21       8.30%  
0.50% to 0.749%     5       1.98%       26       10.28%  
0.25% to 0.499%     12       4.74%       31       12.25%  
0.00% to 0.249%     95       37.55%       23       9.09%  
-0.001% to -0.249%     106       41.89%       29       11.47%  
-0.25% to -0.499%     19       7.51%       29       11.46%  
-0.50% to -0.749%     6       2.37%       27       10.67%  
-0.75% to -0.999%     5       1.98%       12       4.74%  
-1.00% or more     2       0.79%       21       8.30%  
      253       100.00%       253       100.00%  

 

    Alpha Architect U.S.     Alpha Architect International  
    Quantitative Momentum     Quantitative Momentum  
    ETF     ETF  
    Fiscal Period Ended
September 30, 2016
    Fiscal Period Ended
September 30, 2016
 
                         
Premium/Discount Range   Number of
Trading Days
    % of Total
Trade Days
    Number of
Trading Days
    % of Total
Trade Days
 
                         
1.00% or more     12       5.69%       34       17.35%  
0.75% to 0.999%     4       1.90%       14       7.14%  
0.50% to 0.749%     13       6.16%       21       10.71%  
0.25% to 0.499%     15       7.11%       36       18.38%  
0.00% to 0.249%     65       30.80%       25       12.76%  
-0.001% to -0.249%     47       22.27%       21       10.71%  
-0.25% to -0.499%     23       10.90%       11       5.61%  
-0.50% to -0.749%     10       4.74%       7       3.57%  
-0.75% to -0.999%     5       2.37%       6       3.06%  
-1.00% or more     17       8.06%       21       10.71%  
      211       100.00%       196       100.00%  

 

  35

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

    Alpha Architect U.S.     Alpha Architect International  
    Quantitative Value     Quantitative Value  
    ETF     ETF  
    Fiscal Year Ended
September 30, 2017
    Fiscal Year Ended
September 30, 2017
 
                         
Premium/Discount Range   Number of
Trading Days
    % of Total
Trade Days
    Number of
Trading Days
    % of Total
Trade Days
 
                         
1.00% or more     1       0.40%       10       3.98%  
0.75% to 0.999%     1       0.40%       24       9.56%  
0.50% to 0.749%     2       0.80%       45       17.93%  
0.25% to 0.499%     19       7.57%       67       26.70%  
0.00% to 0.249%     113       45.01%       55       21.92%  
-0.001% to -0.249%     101       40.24%       26       10.36%  
-0.25% to -0.499%     12       4.78%       12       4.78%  
-0.50% to -0.749%     2       0.80%       4       1.59%  
-0.75% to -0.999%     0       0.00%       4       1.59%  
-1.00% or more     0       0.00%       4       1.59%  
      251       100.00%       251       100.00%  

 

    Alpha Architect U.S.     Alpha Architect International  
    Quantitative Momentum     Quantitative Momentum  
    ETF     ETF  
    Fiscal Year Ended
September 30, 2017
    Fiscal Year Ended
September 30, 2017
 
                         
Premium/Discount Range   Number of
Trading Days
    % of Total
Trade Days
    Number of
Trading Days
    % of Total
Trade Days
 
                         
1.00% or more     5       1.99%       6       2.39%  
0.75% to 0.999%     4       1.59%       31       12.35%  
0.50% to 0.749%     9       3.59%       44       17.53%  
0.25% to 0.499%     22       8.76%       61       24.30%  
0.00% to 0.249%     82       32.68%       51       20.32%  
-0.001% to -0.249%     81       32.27%       24       9.56%  
-0.25% to -0.499%     23       9.16%       20       7.97%  
-0.50% to -0.749%     13       5.18%       11       4.38%  
-0.75% to -0.999%     6       2.39%       2       0.80%  
-1.00% or more     6       2.39%       1       0.40%  
      251       100.00%       251       100.00%  

 

  36

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

    Alpha Architect Value  
    Momentum Trend  
    ETF  
    Fiscal Period Ended
September 30, 2017
 
             
Premium/Discount Range   Number of
Trading Days
    % of Total
Trade Days
 
             
1.00% or more     0       0.00%  
0.75% to 0.999%     0       0.00%  
0.50% to 0.749%     2       1.89%  
0.25% to 0.499%     24       22.64%  
0.00% to 0.249%     58       54.71%  
-0.001% to -0.249%     17       16.04%  
-0.25% to -0.499%     5       4.72%  
-0.50% to -0.749%     0       0.00%  
-0.75% to -0.999%     0       0.00%  
-1.00% or more     0       0.00%  
      106       100.00%  

 

  37

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

    Alpha Architect U.S.     Alpha Architect International  
    Quantitative Value     Quantitative Value  
    ETF     ETF  
    Fiscal Year Ended
September 30, 2018
    Fiscal Year Ended
September 30, 2018
 
                         
Premium/Discount Range   Number of
Trading Days
    % of Total
Trade Days
    Number of
Trading Days
    % of Total
Trade Days
 
                         
1.00% or more     0       0.00%       10       3.98%  
0.75% to 0.999%     0       0.00%       11       4.38%  
0.50% to 0.749%     2       0.80%       47       18.73%  
0.25% to 0.499%     11       4.38%       65       25.90%  
0.00% to 0.249%     142       56.57%       59       23.51%  
-0.001% to -0.249%     90       35.86%       35       13.94%  
-0.25% to -0.499%     5       1.99%       11       4.38%  
-0.50% to -0.749%     0       0.00%       6       2.39%  
-0.75% to -0.999%     0       0.00%       2       0.80%  
-1.00% or more     1       0.40%       5       1.99%  
      251       100.00%       251       100.00%  

 

    Alpha Architect U.S.     Alpha Architect International  
    Quantitative Momentum     Quantitative Momentum  
    ETF     ETF  
    Fiscal Year Ended
September 30, 2018
    Fiscal Year Ended
September 30, 2018
 
                         
Premium/Discount Range   Number of
Trading Days
    % of Total
Trade Days
    Number of
Trading Days
    % of Total
Trade Days
 
                         
1.00% or more     6       2.39%       22       8.76%  
0.75% to 0.999%     7       2.79%       22       8.76%  
0.50% to 0.749%     13       5.18%       46       18.33%  
0.25% to 0.499%     19       7.57%       69       27.49%  
0.00% to 0.249%     73       29.08%       46       18.33%  
-0.001% to -0.249%     78       31.08%       23       9.16%  
-0.25% to -0.499%     29       11.55%       9       3.59%  
-0.50% to -0.749%     10       3.98%       6       2.39%  
-0.75% to -0.999%     9       3.59%       3       1.20%  
-1.00% or more     7       2.79%       5       1.99%  
      251       100.00%       251       100.00%  

 

  38

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

    Alpha Architect Value  
    Momentum Trend  
    ETF  
    Fiscal Year Ended
September 30, 2018
 
             
Premium/Discount Range   Number of Trading Days     % of  Total
Trade Days
 
             
1.00% or more     0       0.00%  
0.75% to 0.999%     1       0.40%  
0.50% to 0.749%     5       1.99%  
0.25% to 0.499%     45       17.93%  
0.00% to 0.249%     143       56.96%  
-0.001% to -0.249%     43       17.13%  
-0.25% to -0.499%     9       3.59%  
-0.50% to -0.749%     2       0.80%  
-0.75% to -0.999%     2       0.80%  
-1.00% or more     1       0.40%  
      251       100.00%  

 

  39

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

    Alpha Architect U.S.     Alpha Architect International  
    Quantitative Value     Quantitative Value  
    ETF     ETF  
    Fiscal Year Ended
September 30, 2019
    Fiscal Year Ended
September 30, 2019
 
                         
Premium/Discount Range   Number of
Trading Days
    % of Total
Trade Days
    Number of
Trading Days
    % of Total
Trade Days
 
                         
1.00% or more     0       0.00%       5       1.99%  
0.75% to 0.999%     2       0.80%       5       1.99%  
0.50% to 0.749%     1       0.40%       17       6.77%  
0.25% to 0.499%     6       2.39%       34       13.55%  
0.00% to 0.249%     136       54.17%       54       21.51%  
-0.001% to -0.249%     97       38.65%       46       18.33%  
-0.25% to -0.499%     6       2.39%       38       15.14%  
-0.50% to -0.749%     3       1.20%       23       9.16%  
-0.75% to -0.999%     0       0.00%       8       3.19%  
-1.00% or more     0       0.00%       21       8.37%  
      251       100.00%       251       100.00%  

 

    Alpha Architect U.S.     Alpha Architect International  
    Quantitative Momentum     Quantitative Momentum  
    ETF     ETF  
    Fiscal Year Ended
September 30, 2019
    Fiscal Year Ended
September 30, 2019
 
                         
Premium/Discount Range   Number of
Trading Days
    % of Total
Trade Days
    Number of
Trading Days
    % of Total
Trade Days
 
                         
1.00% or more     3       1.20%       3       1.20%  
0.75% to 0.999%     1       0.40%       7       2.79%  
0.50% to 0.749%     3       1.20%       13       5.18%  
0.25% to 0.499%     7       2.79%       45       17.93%  
0.00% to 0.249%     109       43.43%       72       28.68%  
-0.001% to -0.249%     111       44.21%       55       21.91%  
-0.25% to -0.499%     10       3.98%       28       11.16%  
-0.50% to -0.749%     4       1.59%       10       3.98%  
-0.75% to -0.999%     1       0.40%       10       3.98%  
-1.00% or more     2       0.80%       8       3.19%  
      251       100.00%       251       100.00%  

 

  40

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

    Alpha Architect Value  
    Momentum Trend  
    ETF  
    Fiscal Year Ended
September 30, 2019
 
             
Premium/Discount Range   Number of
Trading Days
    % of Total
Trade Days
 
             
1.00% or more     0       0.00%  
0.75% to 0.999%     1       0.40%  
0.50% to 0.749%     2       0.80%  
0.25% to 0.499%     6       2.39%  
0.00% to 0.249%     94       37.45%  
-0.001% to -0.249%     132       52.58%  
-0.25% to -0.499%     15       5.98%  
-0.50% to -0.749%     1       0.40%  
-0.75% to -0.999%     0       0.00%  
-1.00% or more     0       0.00%  
      251       100.00%  

 

  41

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

    Alpha Architect U.S.     Alpha Architect International  
    Quantitative Value     Quantitative Value  
    ETF     ETF  
    Period Ended
March 31, 2020
    Period Ended
March 31, 2020
 
                         
Premium/Discount Range   Number of
Trading Days
    % of Total
Trade Days
    Number of
Trading Days
    % of Total
Trade Days
 
                         
1.00% or more     0       0.00%       12       9.53%  
0.75% to 0.999%     0       0.00%       6       4.76%  
0.50% to 0.749%     1       0.79%       20       15.87%  
0.25% to 0.499%     3       2.38%       25       19.84%  
0.00% to 0.249%     78       61.91%       23       18.26%  
-0.001% to -0.249%     41       32.54%       9       7.14%  
-0.25% to -0.499%     1       0.79%       7       5.56%  
-0.50% to -0.749%     2       1.59%       4       3.17%  
-0.75% to -0.999%     0       0.00%       5       3.97%  
-1.00% or more     0       0.00%       15       11.90%  
      126       100.00%       126       100.00%  

 

    Alpha Architect U.S.     Alpha Architect International  
    Quantitative Momentum     Quantitative Momentum  
    ETF     ETF  
    Period Ended
March 31, 2020
    Period Ended
March 31, 2020
 
                         
Premium/Discount Range   Number of
Trading Days
    % of Total
Trade Days
    Number of
Trading Days
    % of Total
Trade Days
 
                         
1.00% or more     0       0.00%       7       5.56%  
0.75% to 0.999%     0       0.00%       5       3.97%  
0.50% to 0.749%     1       0.79%       10       7.94%  
0.25% to 0.499%     7       5.56%       32       25.39%  
0.00% to 0.249%     69       54.77%       24       19.05%  
-0.001% to -0.249%     43       34.13%       23       18.25%  
-0.25% to -0.499%     4       3.17%       7       5.55%  
-0.50% to -0.749%     1       0.79%       6       4.76%  
-0.75% to -0.999%     1       0.79%       2       1.59%  
-1.00% or more     0       0.00%       10       7.94%  
      126       100.00%       126       100.00%  

 

  42

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF PREMIUMS AND DISCOUNTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

    Alpha Architect Value  
    Momentum Trend  
    ETF  
    Period Ended
March 31, 2020
 
             
Premium/Discount Range   Number of
Trading Days
    % of Total
Trade Days
 
             
1.00% or more     0       0.00%  
0.75% to 0.999%     1       0.79%  
0.50% to 0.749%     1       0.79%  
0.25% to 0.499%     0       0.00%  
0.00% to 0.249%     14       11.11%  
-0.001% to -0.249%     90       71.43%  
-0.25% to -0.499%     11       8.73%  
-0.50% to -0.749%     6       4.76%  
-0.75% to -0.999%     2       1.59%  
-1.00% or more     1       0.80%  
      126       100.00%  

 

  43

 

  

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

Expense Example

March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

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

 

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held the entire period (October 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020).

 

Actual Expenses

The first line of the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During the Period October 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

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

 

    Annualized   Beginning   Ending   Expenses Paid
During Period
    Expense   Account Value   Account Value   October 1, 2019 to
    Ratio   October 1, 2019   March 31, 2020   March 31, 2020
                 
Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF1                
Actual   0.49%   $1,000.00   $658.40   $2.03
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)   0.49%   1,000.00   1,022.55   2.48
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF1                
Actual   0.59%   $1,000.00   $792.10   $2.64
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)   0.59%   1,000.00   1,022.05   2.98
Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF 1                
Actual   0.49%   $1,000.00   $869.70   $2.29
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)   0.49%   1,000.00   1,022.55   2.48
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF 1                
Actual   0.59%   $1,000.00   $816.10   $2.68
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)   0.59%   1,000.00   1,022.05   2.98
Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF1,2                
Actual   0.41%   $1,000.00   $893.30   $1.94
Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)   0.41%   1,000.00   1,022.95   2.07

 

1. The dollar amounts shown as expenses paid during the period are equal to the annualized six-month expense ratio multiplied by the average account value during the period, multiplied by 183/366, to reflect the one-half year period.

2. The Advisor has waived fees incurred by the Fund that are directly attributable to the Fund’s ownership of shares of the Alpha Architect ETFs, to prevent management fees from exceeding 0.79% of the Fund’s daily net assets.

   

  44

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

  

Federal Tax Information (Unaudited)

 

 

QUALIFIED DIVIDEND INCOME/DIVIDENDS RECEIVED DEDUCTION

 

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, certain dividends paid by the Funds may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 15%, as provided for by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. The percentage of dividends declared from ordinary income designated as qualified dividend income was as follows:

 

Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF     100.00 %
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF     100.00 %
Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF     100.00 %
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF     100.00 %
Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF     99.96 %

 

For corporate shareholders, the percent of ordinary income distributions qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 was as follows:

 

Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF     100.00 %
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF     0.00 %
Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF     100.00 %
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF     0.00 %
Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF     32.33 %

  

SHORT TERM CAPITAL GAIN

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

 

  45

 

  

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

Foreign Tax Credit Pass Through

(Unaudited)

 

 

Pursuant to Section 853 of the Internal Revenue code, the Funds designate the following amounts as foreign taxes paid for the year ended September 30, 2019. Foreign taxes paid for financial statement purposes of Section 853 may be less than actual foreign taxes paid for financial statement purposes.

 

    Creditable Foreign Tax Credit Paid     Per Share Amount     Portion of Ordinary Income Distribution Derived From Foreign Sourced Income
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF   $ 251,734     $ 0.0839     100.00%
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF     96,942       0.0441     100.00%

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  46

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

OFFICERS AND AFFILIATED TRUSTEE

 

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

 

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

Wesley R. Gray

1980

Chief Executive Officer/Chief Investment Officer Indefinite term; Trustee since 2014; CEO / CIO since 2010

CEO / CIO, Alpha Architect (Since 2010)

Assistant Professor of Finance, Drexel University (2010-2014)

John R. Vogel

1983

Chief Financial Officer/Chief Investment Officer Indefinite term; Principal Financial Officer since 2014, CFO / CIO since 2011 CFO / CIO, Alpha Architect (Since 2011)

Patrick R. Cleary

1982

Chief Operating  Officer/Chief Compliance Officer Indefinite term; CCO / COO since 2015. COO since 2014.

CCO / COO, Alpha Architect (Since 2015)

 

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES

 

The following table sets forth certain information about the Trust’s Independent Trustees.

 

Name, Address,
and Year of Birth

Position(s)
Held with

Trust

Term of
Office
and
Length
of Time
Served
Principal Occupation During Past 5 Years

Number of
Funds in
Fund
Complex
Overseen by Trustee

Other
Directorships
Held by
Trustee
During Past
5 Years
Independent Trustees

Daniel Dorn

Born: 1975

c/o Alpha Architect Trust

213 Foxcroft Road, Broomall, PA 19008

Trustee Since 2014

Associate Professor of Finance, Drexel University, LeBow College of Business (2003 – present)

 

8 None

Chukwuemeka (Emeka) O. Oguh

Born: 1983

c/o Alpha Architect Trust

213 Foxcroft Road, Broomall, PA 19008

Trustee Since 2018 Co-founder and CEO, PeopleJoy (2016 – present); Co-founder and CEO, Apptempo (2013 – 2015); Head of Product, Dataminr (2011 – 2013); Fund of Funds analyst, Merrill Lynch (2005 – 2009) 8 None

Michael S. Pagano, Ph.D., CFA

Born: 1962

c/o Alpha Architect Trust

213 Foxcroft Road, Broomall, PA 19008

Trustee Since 2014

The Robert J. and Mary Ellen Darretta Endowed Chair in Finance, Villanova University (1999 - present); Associate Editor of The Financial Review (2009 - present) and Editorial Board Member of the International Journal of Managerial Finance (2005 - present), Atlantic Economic Journal (2014 – 2015) and Advances in Quantitative Analysis of Finance and Accounting (2010 - present); Founder, Michael S. Pagano, LLC (business consulting firm) (2008 - present); Member of FINRA’s Market Regulation Committee (2009 - present); Member of Bloomberg’s Tradebook Advisory Council (2012 - 2014). 

8 None

 

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

 

  47

 

 

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

BOARD REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF ADVISORY CONTRACTS (Unaudited)

 

The Board (the members of which are referred to as “Trustees”) of the Alpha Architect ETF Trust (the “Trust”) met in person on October 14, 2019 to consider the approval of both (a) the Advisory Agreement (the “AA Advisory Agreement”) between the Trust, on behalf of Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF, Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF, Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF, and Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF, and Empowered Funds, LLC (the “Adviser”); and (b) Advisory Agreement (the “VMOT Advisory Agreement”) between the Trust, on behalf of the on behalf of Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF series of the Trust, and the Adviser.

 

In accordance with Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act, the Board requested, reviewed and considered materials furnished by the Adviser relevant to the Board’s consideration of whether to approve each of the AA Advisory Agreement and the VMOT Advisory Agreement (together, the “Advisory Agreements”). In connection with considering approval of the Advisory Agreements, the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Trustees”), met in executive session with counsel to the Trust, who provided assistance and advice.

 

In reaching the decision to approve the Advisory Agreements, the Board considered and reviewed information provided by the Adviser, including among other things information about its personnel, operations, financial condition, and compliance and risk management. The Board also reviewed copies of the proposed Advisory Agreements.

 

During their review and consideration, the Board focused on and reviewed the factors they deemed relevant, including:

 

1) Nature, Quality and Extent of Services. The Board was presented and considered information concerning the nature, quality and extent of the overall services expected to be provided by the Adviser to the Funds. In this connection, the Board considered the responsibilities of the Adviser, recognizing that the Adviser had invested significant time and effort in structuring the Trust and the Funds, obtaining the necessary exemptive relief from the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and arranging service providers for the Funds. In addition, the Board considered that the Adviser is responsible for providing investment advisory services to each Fund, monitoring compliance with each Fund's objectives, policies and restrictions, and carrying out directives of the Board. The Board also considered the services expected to be provided by the Adviser in the oversight of the Trust's administrator, transfer agent and custodian. In addition, the Board evaluated the integrity of the Adviser’s personnel, the experience of the portfolio management team in managing assets and the adequacy of the Adviser’s resources.

 

2) Performance. The Board considered the relative performance information for each of the Funds. The Board utilized performance reports provided to the Board in anticipation of the meeting, as well as performance reports provided at regular Board meetings for the Funds.

 

Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF: The Board considered the third-party peer group analysis that included comparison against both other exchanged-traded funds and mutual funds. The Board also considered that the third-party analyses classified the Fund classified as an actively-managed ETF focused on value stocks in the US stock market. The Board noted that the Fund tracks a proprietary index called the Alpha Architect Quantitative Value Index. In addition, the Fund is benchmarked against the S&P 500 Value Index as shown in the Trust’s prospectus. The Board examined the Fund’s net expense ratio versus its peers, its fee levels on an active share basis, the Fund’s active share level, and its performance over the prior twelve months. In addition, the Board considered other Fund performance information provided in the Materials. Among other things, it was noted the Fund’s performance trailed its benchmark on a one-year and since inception basis, but slightly outperformed on a three-year basis. However, given the Fund’s high active share level and the rules-based nature of the management of the Fund, the Board was satisfied with the Fund’s performance.

 

Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF: The Board considered the third-party peer group analysis that included comparison against both other exchanged-traded funds and mutual funds. The Board also considered that the third-party analyses classified as an actively-managed ETF focused on value stocks in the stock markets outside of the United States. The Board noted that the Fund tracks a proprietary index called the Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value Index. In addition, the Fund is benchmarked against the MSCI EAFE Value Index as shown in the Trust’s prospectus. The Board examined the Fund’s net expense ratio versus its peers, its fee levels on an active share basis, the Fund’s active share level, and its performance over the prior twelve months. In addition, the Board considered other Fund performance information provided in the Materials. Among other things, it was noted the Fund’s performance trailed its benchmark on a one-year, but outperformed on a three-year and since-inception basis. Given the foregoing, and the Fund’s high active share level and the rules-based nature of the management of the Fund, the Board was pleased with the Fund’s performance.

 

Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF: The Board considered the third-party peer group analysis that included comparison against both other exchanged-traded funds and mutual funds. The Board also considered that the third-party analyses classified the Fund as an actively-managed ETF focused on momentum stocks in the US stock market. The Board noted that the passively-managed Fund tracks a proprietary index called the Alpha Architect Quantitative Momentum Index. In addition, the Fund is benchmarked against the S&P 500 Growth Index as shown in the Trust’s prospectus. The Board examined the Fund’s net expense ratio versus its peers, its fee levels on an active share basis, the Fund’s active share level, and its performance over the prior twelve months. In addition, the Board considered other Fund performance information provided in the Materials. Among other things, it was noted the Fund’s performance trailed its benchmark on a one-year, three-year and since-inception basis. However, given the Fund’s high active share level and the rules-based nature of the management of the Fund, the Board was satisfied with the Fund’s performance.

 

Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF: The Board considered the third-party peer group analysis that included comparison against both other exchanged-traded funds and mutual funds. The Board also considered that the third-party analyses classified the Fund classified as an actively-managed ETF focused on momentum stocks in the stock markets outside of the United States. The Board noted that the passively-managed Fund tracks a proprietary index called the Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum Index. In addition, the Fund is benchmarked against the MSCI EAFE Growth Index as shown in the Trust’s prospectus. The Board examined the Fund’s net expense ratio versus its peers, its fee levels on an active share basis, the Fund’s active share level, and its performance over the prior twelve months. In addition, the Board considered other Fund performance information provided in the Materials. Among other things, it was noted the Fund’s performance trailed its benchmark on a one-year, three-year and since-inception basis. However, given the Fund’s high active share level and the rules-based nature of the management of the Fund, the Board was satisfied with the Fund’s performance.

 

  48

 

 

Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF: The Board considered the third-party peer group analysis that included comparison against both other exchanged-traded funds and mutual funds. The Board also considered that the third-party analyses classified the Fund classified as an actively-managed fund-of-funds ETF. The Board noted that the passively-managed Fund tracks a proprietary index called the Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend Index. In addition, the Fund is benchmarked against the MSCI World Index as shown in the Trust’s prospectus. The Board examined the Fund’s net expense ratio versus its peers, its fee levels on an active share basis, the Fund’s active share level and its performance over the prior twelve months. In addition, the Board considered other Fund performance information provided in the Materials. Among other things, it was noted the Fund’s performance trailed its benchmark on a one-year and since inception basis, but outperformed on a three-year basis. However, given the Fund’s high active share level and the passive-index nature of the Fund, the Board was satisfied with the Fund’s performance.

 

3) Comparative Fees and Expenses. In considering the advisory fees, the Board reviewed and considered the fees in light of the nature, quality and extent of the services expected to be provided by the Adviser. With respect to the advisory fee and expense ratio for each Fund, the Board also considered the fees and expense ratios versus the fees and expenses charged to other exchange-traded funds and mutual funds on both a standard and active share basis. The Board noted that there were few passively-managed and actively-managed ETFs and mutual funds using the strategies comparable to Adviser’s strategies, and it was therefore difficult to compare a Fund’s management fee and estimated expenses with the fees and expenses of comparable passively-managed and actively-managed ETFs and mutual funds.

 

Nonetheless, the Board considered, among other information, the data provided in the third-party report.

 

Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF: The Board considered the third-party peer group analysis that included comparison of the Fund’s net expense ratio and active fees against both other exchanged-traded funds and mutual funds, which were in the third and second quartile, respectively, versus ETFs on a standard and active share basis. Additionally, the Fund’s fees were in the first quartile versus mutual funds on both a standard and active share basis. The Board also considered the recent decrease in the Fund’s advisory fee level. The Board was satisfied with the Fund’s current fee level.

 

Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF: The Board considered the third-party peer group analysis that included comparison of the Fund’s net expense ratio and active fees against both other exchanged-traded funds and mutual funds, which were in the fourth quartile versus ETFs and the first quartile versus mutual funds on both a standard and active share basis. The Board was satisfied with the Fund’s current fee level.

 

Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF: The Board considered the third-party peer group analysis that included comparison of the Fund’s net expense ratio and active fees against both other exchanged-traded funds and mutual funds, which were in the third quartile versus ETFs and the second quartile versus mutual funds on both a standard and active share basis. The Board also considered the recent decrease in the Fund’s advisory fee level. The Board was satisfied with the Fund’s current fee level.

 

Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF: The Board considered the third-party peer group analysis that included comparison of the Fund’s net expense ratio and active fees against both other exchanged-traded funds and mutual funds, which were in the third quartile versus ETFs and the second quartile versus mutual funds on both a standard and active share basis. The Board was satisfied with the Fund’s current fee level.

 

Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF: The Board considered the third-party peer group analysis that included comparison of the Fund’s net expense ratio excluding hedging expenses against both other fund-of-fund exchanged-traded funds and mutual funds, which were in the third quartile versus ETFs and the second quartile versus mutual funds. Additionally, The Board considered the third-party peer group analysis that included comparison of the Fund’s net expense ratio including hedging expenses against both long-short exchanged-traded funds and mutual funds, which were in the fourth quartile versus ETFs and the second quartile versus mutual funds. The Board considered the Adviser’s explanation that other long-short funds’ expense ratios do not reflect hedging due to their use of futures, versus the Fund’s shorting expenses which are included in the Fund’s total expense ratio. The Board was satisfied with the Fund’s current fee level.

 

4) Costs and Profitability. The Board further considered information regarding the profits realized by the Adviser in connection with providing services to the Funds. The Board reviewed estimated profit and loss information provided by the Adviser with respect to the Funds, and the costs associated with the personnel, systems and equipment necessary to manage each Fund and to meet the regulatory and compliance requirements adopted by the SEC and other regulatory bodies as well as other expenses the Adviser would pay in accordance with the Advisory Agreements. The Board also took into consideration that the Adviser agreed to pay all expenses incurred by the Funds except for the fees paid to the Adviser pursuant to the Agreement, payments under any distribution plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1, brokerage expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes, interest (including borrowing costs), litigation expenses and other non-routine or extraordinary expenses.

 

5) Other Benefits. The Board further considered the extent to which the Adviser might derive ancillary benefits from Fund operations. For example, the Adviser may engage in soft dollar transactions in the future, although it did not currently plan to do so. The Board concluded that the Adviser would not receive any material fall-out benefits from its advisory services to the Funds.

 

6) Economies of Scale. The Board also considered whether economies of scale would be realized by each Fund as its assets grow larger, including the extent to which this is reflected in the level of fees to be charged. The Board noted that the advisory fees for QVAL and QMOM were reduced in the past year. The Board also noted that the proposed advisory fees for each Fund do not include breakpoints, but concluded that it was still premature to meaningfully evaluate potential economies of scale.

 

Conclusion. No single factor was determinative of the Board’s decision to approve the Advisory Agreements; rather, the Board based its determination on the total mix of information available to it. Based on a consideration of all the factors in their totality, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, approved the Advisory Agreements, including the compensation payable under the Agreements.

 

  49

 

  

ALPHA ARCHITECT ETF TRUST

 

INFORMATION ABOUT PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

(Unaudited)

 

 

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

 

INFORMATION ABOUT PROXY VOTING

(Unaudited)

 

 

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

 

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

 

PRIVACY POLICY

(Unaudited)

 

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

 

Regulation S-P requires, among others, each investment company to "adopt written policies and procedures that address administrative, technical, and physical safeguards for the protection of customer records and information.”

 

However, Pursuant to Regulation S-P’s definition of “customer,” the Trust currently does not have, nor does it anticipate having in the future, any customers. In addition, the Trust does not collect any non-public personal information from any consumers.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  50

 

 

Adviser

Empowered Funds, LLC

213 Foxcroft Road

Broomall, PA 19008

 

Distributor

Quasar Distributors, LLC

111 East Kilbourn Ave, Suite 1250

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

 

Custodian

U.S. Bank National Association

Custody Operations

1555 North River Center Drive, Suite 302

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212

 

Transfer Agent

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, LLC

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Spicer Jeffries LLP

4601 DTC Boulevard, Suite 700

Denver, CO 80237

 

Legal Counsel

Pellegrino, LLC

303 West Lancaster Avenue, Suite 302

Wayne, PA 19087

 

Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Value ETF

Symbol – QVAL

CUSIP – 02072L102

 

Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF

Symbol – IVAL

CUSIP – 02072L201

 

Alpha Architect U.S. Quantitative Momentum ETF

Symbol – QMOM

CUSIP – 02072L409

 

Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF

Symbol – IMOM

CUSIP – 02072L300

 

Alpha Architect Value Momentum Trend ETF

Symbol – VMOT

CUSIP – 02072L508

 

  51

 

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

Item 6. Investments.

 

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

 

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

 

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

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

 

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

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

 

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Not applicable to open-end investment companies.

 

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(4) Change in the registrant’s independent public accountant. There was no change in the registrant’s independent public accountant for the period covered by this report.

 

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

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

(Registrant)  Alpha Architect ETF Trust  

 

By (Signature and Title)  /s/ Wesley Gray  
  Wesley Gray, President, Principal Executive Officer  

 

Date  05/29/2020   

 

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

 

By (Signature and Title)  /s/ Wesley Gray   
  Wesley Gray, President, Principal Executive Officer  

 

Date  05/29/2020   

 

By (Signature and Title)  /s/ John R. Vogel  
  John R. Vogel, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer  

 

Date  05/29/2020   

 

 

 

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