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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: 811-07763
LITMAN GREGORY FUNDS TRUST
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
4 Orinda Way, Suite 200-D
Orinda, CA 94563
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip code)
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Jeremy DeGroot
4 Orinda Way, Suite 200-D
Orinda, CA 94563
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (925) 254-8999
Date of fiscal year end: December 31
Date of reporting period: December 31, 2014
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Item 1: Report to Shareholders.
The following is a copy of the report transmitted to stockholders pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”):
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LITMAN GREGORY FUNDS TRUST
Annual Report
Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund
Litman Gregory Masters International Fund
Litman Gregory Masters Smaller Companies Fund
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund
December 31, 2014
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Litman Gregory Masters Funds Concept
Investment Philosophy: Alternative Strategies Fund
The Alternative Strategies Fund was created based on the following fundamental beliefs:
First, Litman Gregory believes it is possible to identify investment managers who will deliver superior long-term performance relative to their passive benchmarks and peer groups. This belief is based on Litman Gregory’s extensive experience evaluating managers and mutual funds on behalf of their clients. The five managers in this fund were chosen for their specialized and demonstrated expertise, as well as for their complementary, non-correlated investment approaches.
Second, not only do we want high-quality managers, but we want to offer access to them at an acceptable cost. We spent the last couple of years engaged in research to find the right mix of managers we believe can deliver on both fronts.
Third, this fund doesn’t seek to simply replicate what each manager is already doing elsewhere, but to bring investors additional value-add through flexibility, concentration, and the ability to be more opportunistic.
The Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund Concept
The Alternative Strategies Fund is a multi-manager fund that combines alternative and absolute-return-oriented strategies chosen based on Litman Gregory’s conviction that each individual strategy is compelling and that collectively the overall fund portfolio is well diversified. This fund is intended to complement traditional stock and bond portfolios by offering diversification, seeking to reduce volatility, and to potentially enhance returns relative to various measures of risk.
This fund will contain many risk-control factors including the selection of strategies that seek lower risk exposure than conventional stock or stock-bond strategies, the risk-sensitive nature of the managers, the skill of the managers, and the overall strategy diversification.
Typically, each manager will run 25% of the portfolio, but Litman Gregory may tactically alter the managers’ allocations to attempt to take advantage of particularly compelling opportunities for a specific strategy or to further manage risk. We will have a high hurdle for making a tactical allocation shift and don’t expect such top-down shifts to happen frequently.
Investment Philosophy: The Equity Funds
Our equity funds are based on two fundamental beliefs:
First, it is possible to identify investment managers who will deliver superior long-term performance relative to their passive benchmarks and peer groups. This belief is based on our extensive experience evaluating stock pickers and mutual funds on behalf of our investment management clients.
Second, that most stock pickers have an unusually high level of conviction in only a small number of stocks and that a portfolio limited to these stocks will, on average, outperform a more diversified portfolio over a market cycle. However, most stock pickers typically manage portfolios that are diversified beyond these highest-conviction holdings in order to reduce risk and to facilitate the management of the larger amounts of money they oversee.
The Concept Behind Our Equity Funds
Based on the above beliefs, these funds seek to isolate the stock-picking skills of a group of highly regarded investment managers. To meet this objective, the funds are designed with both risk and return in mind, placing particular emphasis on the following factors:
• | We only choose stock pickers we believe to be exceptionally skilled. |
• | Each stock picker runs a very concentrated sub-portfolio of not more than 15 of his or her “highest-conviction” stocks. |
• | Although each manager’s portfolio is concentrated, our equity funds seek to manage risk partly by building diversification into each fund. |
¡ | The Equity and International funds offer diversification by including managers with differing investment styles and market-cap orientations. |
¡ | The Smaller Companies Fund brings together managers who use different investment approaches, though each focuses on the securities of smaller companies. |
• | We believe that excessive asset growth often results in diminished performance. Therefore, each fund may close to new investors at a level that Litman Gregory believes will preserve each manager’s ability to effectively implement the Litman Gregory Masters Funds concept. If more sub-advisors are added to a particular fund, the fund’s closing asset level may be increased. |
Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against a loss in a declining market.
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This report is intended for shareholders of the funds and may not be used as sales literature unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus for the Litman Gregory Masters Funds. Statements and other information in this report are dated and are subject to change.
Litman Gregory Fund Advisors, LLC has ultimate responsibility for the funds’ performance due to its responsibility to oversee its investment managers and recommend their hiring, termination and replacement.
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Litman Gregory Fund Advisors’
We are deeply committed to making each Litman Gregory Masters Fund a highly satisfying long-term investment for shareholders. In following through on this commitment we are guided by our core values, which influence four specific areas of service:
First, we are committed to the Litman Gregory Masters concept.
• | We will only hire managers who we strongly believe will deliver exceptional long-term returns relative to their benchmarks. We base this belief on extremely thorough due diligence research. This not only requires us to assess their stock picking skills, but also to evaluate their ability to add incremental performance by investing in a concentrated portfolio of their highest conviction ideas. |
• | We will monitor each of the managers so that we can maintain our confidence in their ability to deliver the long-term performance we expect. In addition, our monitoring will seek to assess whether they are staying true to their Litman Gregory Masters Funds mandate. Consistent with this mandate we focus on long-term performance evaluation so that the Masters managers will not be distracted by short-term performance pressure. |
Second, we will do all we can to ensure that the framework within which our stock pickers do their work further increases the odds of success.
• | Investments from new shareholders in each fund are expected to be limited so that each fund’s asset base remains small enough to retain flexibility to add value. |
• | The framework also includes the diversified multi-manager structure that makes it possible for each manager to invest, when appropriate, in an opportunistic manner knowing that the potential volatility within his or her portfolio will be diluted at the fund level by the performance of the other managers. In this way the multi-manager structure seeks to provide the fund-level diversification. |
• | We will work hard to discourage short-term speculators so that cash flows into the funds are not volatile. Lower volatility helps prevent our managers from being forced to sell stocks at inopportune times or to hold excessive cash for non-investment purposes. |
Third, is our commitment to do all we can from an operational standpoint to maximize shareholder returns.
• | We will remain attentive to fund overhead, and whenever we achieve savings we will pass them through to shareholders. For example, we have had several manager changes that resulted in lower sub-advisory fees to our funds. In every case we have passed through the full savings to shareholders in the form of fee waivers. |
• | We will provide investors with a low minimum, no-load, no 12b-1 Institutional share class for all Litman Gregory Masters Funds, and a low minimum, no-load Investor share class for the Equity, International, and Alternative Strategies funds |
• | We also will work closely with our managers to make sure they are aware of tax-loss selling opportunities (only to be taken if there are equally attractive stocks to swap into). We account for partial sales on a specific tax lot basis so that shareholders will benefit from the most favorable tax treatment. The goal is not to favor taxable shareholders over tax-exempt shareholders but to make sure that the managers are taking advantage of tax savings opportunities when doing so is not expected to reduce pre-tax returns. |
Fourth, is our commitment to communicate honestly about all relevant developments and expectations.
• | We will continue to do this by providing thorough and educational shareholder reports. |
• | We will continue to provide what we believe are realistic assessments of the investment environment. |
Our commitment to Litman Gregory Masters Funds is also evidenced by our own investment. Our employees have, collectively, substantial investments in the funds, as does our company retirement plan. In addition, we use the funds extensively in the client accounts of our investment advisor practice (through our affiliate Litman Gregory Asset Management, LLC). We have no financial incentive to do so because the fees we receive from Litman Gregory Masters Funds held in client accounts are fully offset against the advisory fees paid by our clients. In fact, we have a disincentive to use the funds in our client accounts because each Litman Gregory Masters Fund is capacity constrained (they may be closed as mentioned above), and by using them in client accounts we are using up capacity for which we may not be paid. But we believe these funds offer value that we can’t get elsewhere and this is why we enthusiastically invest in them ourselves and on behalf of clients.
While we believe highly in the ability of the Funds’ sub-advisors, our commitments are not intended as guarantees of future results.
While the funds are no-load, there are management fees and operating expenses that do apply, as well as a 12b-1 fee that applies to Investor class shares. Please refer to the prospectus for further details.
Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market.
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Each of the funds may invest in foreign securities. Investing in foreign securities exposes investors to economic, political, and market risks and fluctuations in foreign currencies. Each of the funds may invest in the securities of small companies. Small-company investing subjects investors to additional risks, including security price volatility and less liquidity than investing in larger companies.
Debt obligations of distressed companies typically are unrated, lower rated, in default or close to default and may become worthless. The International Fund will invest in emerging markets. Investments in emerging market countries involve additional risks such as government dependence on a few industries or resources, government-imposed taxes on foreign investment or limits on the removal of capital from a country, unstable government, and volatile markets.
Investments in debt securities typically decrease when interest rates rise. This risk is usually greater for longer-term debt securities. Investments in mortgage-backed securities include additional risks that investor should be aware of including credit risk, prepayment risk, possible illiquidity, and default, as well as increased susceptibility to adverse economic developments. Investments in lower-rated and non-rated securities present a greater risk of loss to principal and interest than higher-rated securities. Derivatives may involve certain costs and risks such as liquidity, interest rate, market, credit, management, and the risk that a position could not be closed when most advantageous. Investing in derivatives could lose more than the amount invested. The Alternative Strategies Fund may make short sales of securities, which involves the risk that losses may exceed the original amount invested.
Merger arbitrage investments risk loss if a proposed reorganization in which the fund invests is renegotiated or terminated.
Investments in absolute return strategies are not intended to outperform stocks and bonds during strong market rallies.
Multi-investment management styles may lead to higher transaction expenses compared to single investment management styles. Outcomes depend on the skill of the sub-advisors and advisor and the allocation of assets amongst them.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Mutual fund investing involves risk; loss of principal is possible.
Performance discussions for the Equity Fund, the International Fund, and the Alternative Strategies Fund are specifically related to the Institutional share class.
Some of the comments are based on current management expectation and are considered “forward-looking statements”. Actual future results, however, may prove to be different from our expectations. You can identify forward-looking statement by words such as “estimate”, “may”, “expect”, “should”, “could”, “believe”, “plan”, and similar terms. We cannot promise future returns and our opinions are a reflection of our best judgment at the time this report is compiled.
Opinions expressed are subject to change, are not guaranteed and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security.
See pages 10, 19, and 27 for each equity fund’s top contributors. See pages 11, 20, and 30 for each equity fund’s portfolio composition. See pages 38-39 for the Alternative Strategies Fund’s individual strategy portfolio allocations. Fund holdings and/or sector allocations are subject to change at any time and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security.
Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against a loss in a declining market.
Leverage may cause the effect of an increase or decrease in the value of the portfolio securities to be magnified and the fund to be more volatile than if leverage was not used.
References to other mutual funds should not be interpreted as an offer of these securities.
Please see page 110 for index definitions. You cannot invest directly in an index.
Please see page 112 for industry definitions.
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Litman Gregory Masters Funds’ Performance
Average Annual Total Returns | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Institutional Class Performance as of 12/31/2014 | 1-Year | 3-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year | 15-Year | Since Inception | ||||||||||||||||||
Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund (12/31/96) | 11.07% | 19.53% | 14.30% | 6.05% | 5.37% | 8.17% | ||||||||||||||||||
Russell 3000 Index | 12.56% | 20.51% | 15.63% | 7.94% | 4.82% | 8.02% | ||||||||||||||||||
Custom Equity Index | 9.76% | 19.49% | 14.69% | 7.70% | 5.13% | 7.93% | ||||||||||||||||||
Morningstar Large Blend Category Average | 10.72% | 18.64% | 13.45% | 6.71% | 3.46% | 6.56% | ||||||||||||||||||
Gross Expense Ratio: 1.30% Net Expense Ratio* as of 4/30/14: 1.20% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Litman Gregory Masters International Fund (12/1/97) | -2.72% | 12.33% | 6.59% | 6.74% | 4.85% | 8.34% | ||||||||||||||||||
Russell Global ex US Large Cap Index | -3.06% | 10.00% | 5.35% | 5.89% | 3.84% | 6.04% | ||||||||||||||||||
MSCI EAFE Index | -4.50% | 11.56% | 5.80% | 4.91% | 2.97% | 5.25% | ||||||||||||||||||
S&P Global (ex U.S.) LargeMid-Cap Index | -3.03% | 9.61% | 4.99% | 5.81% | 3.78% | 6.00% | ||||||||||||||||||
Morningstar Foreign Large Blend Category Average | -5.15% | 10.22% | 4.91% | 4.16% | 1.70% | 4.23% | ||||||||||||||||||
Gross Expense Ratio: 1.30% Net Expense Ratio* as of 1/1/15: 0.99% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Litman Gregory Masters Smaller Companies Fund (6/30/2003) | -4.06% | 15.88% | 13.83% | 6.43% | n/a | 8.98% | ||||||||||||||||||
Russell 2000 Index | 4.89% | 19.21% | 15.55% | 7.77% | n/a | 10.41% | ||||||||||||||||||
Morningstar Small Blend Category Average | 3.83% | 18.09% | 14.64% | 7.21% | n/a | 9.91% | ||||||||||||||||||
Gross Expense Ratio: 1.54% Net Expense Ratio* as of 4/30/14: 1.44% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund (9/30/2011) | 3.58% | 6.41% | n/a | n/a | n/a | 7.00% | ||||||||||||||||||
Barclays Aggregate Bond Index | 5.96% | 2.67% | n/a | n/a | n/a | 2.81% | ||||||||||||||||||
Russell 1000 Index | 13.24% | 20.62% | n/a | �� | n/a | n/a | 23.06% | |||||||||||||||||
40/60 Blend of Russell 1000 Index & Barclays Aggregate Bond Index | 8.89% | 9.65% | n/a | n/a | n/a | 10.66% | ||||||||||||||||||
3-Month LIBOR | 0.24% | 0.34% | n/a | n/a | n/a | 0.34% | ||||||||||||||||||
Morningstar Multialternative Category Average | 1.64% | 2.83% | n/a | n/a | n/a | 3.05% | ||||||||||||||||||
S&P 500 Index | 13.69% | 20.42% | n/a | n/a | n/a | 22.86% | ||||||||||||||||||
Net Expense Ratio Excluding Dividend Expense on Short Sales and Interest & Borrowing Costs on Leverage Line of Credit1 as of 4/30/14: 1.49% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses2 as of 4/30/14: 1.66% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Expense Ratio as of 4/30/14: 1.82% |
Performance quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the funds may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. To obtain the performance of the funds as of the most recently completed calendar month, please visit www.mastersfunds.com.
The performance quoted does not include a deduction for taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur expenses, taxes or fees and cannot be invested in directly.
*Gross and net expense ratios are for the institutional share class per the Prospectus dated 4/30/2014. There are contractual fee waivers in effect through 4/30/2015. Through 4/30/2015, Litman Gregory has voluntarily agreed to waive a portion of its management fee to pass through any costs benefits resulting from sub-advisor breakpoints, changes in the sub-advisory fee schedules or allocations. In December 2014, the Advisor agreed to extend the waivers and/or expense limitations agreement through April 30, 2016.
1. Does not include dividend expense on short sales of 0.12% and interest expense of 0.05%.
2. The Advisor is contractually obligated to waive management fees and/or reimburse ordinary operating expenses through April 30, 2015. The total operating expense includes dividend and interest expense on short sales and interest and borrowing costs incurred for investment purposes, which are not included in the expense ratio.
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2014 was an interesting and unusual year in the financial markets. Interest rates declined significantly, a move that very few foresaw. The 30-year Treasury yield plunged to 2.75% from 3.92% at the beginning of 2014. Oil prices collapsed in the second half of the year, in another move that investors did not see coming. And while the S&P 500 delivered a strong 13.69% return, small-cap stocks in the Russell 2000 Index returned only 4.89%. Foreign stocks did worse yet, as dollar strength contributed to negative returns for all the foreign market benchmarks we follow. It was also interesting that despite the strong performance of the S&P 500, the two best-performing sectors based on Leuthold Group data were defensive sectors: utilities (up 29%) and health care (up 25%). Consumer staples, another defensive sector, was the fourth-best performer, up 16%. Sectors that are more commonly associated with a rising market generated single-digit returns. Energy was the worst sector, with an 8% loss.
2014 was also one of the more challenging years for active managers in quite some time. And, it contributed to an unusually bad five-year run for active managers. There are a number of ways to gauge the performance of active managers, but a quick and easy measure is the ranking of the Vanguard Index 500 Fundi against its Morningstar peer group. That fund beat 80% of its Large Blend peer funds in 2014—only one year in the past 10 was worse for active managers by this measure (2011, when Vanguard’s fund beat 81% of peers). Looking back at market history, it is not surprising that indexes (and low-cost index funds) that don’t incur the costs of active management perform well against the average fund, which does incur those costs. However, there are periods where indexes tend to be much easier to beat than others. Recent years have been particularly challenging.
A factor in active managers’ poor performance over the past five years is the low return dispersion between stocks, something we’ve written about several times in previous reports. Dispersion refers to the differences in individual stock returns within an index. When dispersion is high, there is wide performance variation and this creates more opportunities for stock pickers to find winners and losers. However, when dispersion is low fewer such opportunities exist. Dispersion has been unusually low for an extended time period now. In fact, as depicted in the chart, the average monthly dispersion over the trailing five years is lower than at any other time period on record (our data goes back to the early 1970s). As the chart shows, dispersion fluctuates and can spike higher and lower over various time periods. Variations in the level of dispersion may be a factor explaining why the Vanguard Index 500 out-returned 79% of its peers over the past five years, but only 50% over the past 15 years. The first five years of that 15-year period (early 2000s) was characterized by high dispersion and it was also a very strong period for active managers’ performance (and very good for the Masters funds). Looking back over history, there have been other periods when indexes were exceptionally difficult to beat. Those periods ended. We believe this one will end as well.
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Beating indexes over the long run will never be easy and most funds will fail to so. But some funds will. Indeed both Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund and Litman Gregory Masters International Fund have done so since their inceptions. Doing so year-in and year-out is not realistic for a variety of reasons. Occasional periods of very low dispersion like the one we’ve been experiencing is one reason.
2014 Developments
There were several notable Litman Gregory Masters fund family developments in 2014.
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund reached its three-year anniversary on September 30, 2011 with the highest Sharpe ratio in its Morningstar Multialternative Category peer group.ii During that time it delivered a return of 7.48% which exceeded LIBOR by over 700 basis points.iii And its volatility was well below our expected volatility range of 4% to 8% annually. Since the fund was launched its performance in periods when stocks or bonds have lost value has been encouraging while it has been able to deliver a satisfying overall return. One factor contributing to performance is the fee cap that we put in place which is very competitive relative to the generally high fees in this space.iv (The average net expense ratio for Multialternative funds tracked by Morningstar is 2.02%.)
Another important development for the fund occurred during the fourth quarter when we added Passport Capital as a sub-advisor on the fund. Passport is a very highly regarded long/short equity manager that we had been researching for about a year, who previously only ran private funds. We believe they are a great addition to the fund’s line-up by virtue of the additional strategy and manager diversification, and talent they bring to the fund.
Litman Gregory Masters International Fund was not able to escape the fierce headwind facing international stock markets. So its performance in absolute returns was disappointing. However, relative to its peers its performance was strong. For the sixth time in the past 10 years it out-returned at least 80% of its Morningstar Foreign Large Blend peers. And as of December 31 2014, Morningstar, Inc. ranked the fund in the top 19th, 17th, 13th, 14th, and 17th percentiles among 750, 650, 583, 313, and 179 Foreign Large Blend funds over the trailing one-, three-, five-, 10-, and 15-year periods, respectively, based on total return. In short, in the fund’s the worst relative period it still out-returned 81% of its peers.
We are also announcing that we are now capping the institutional share class of the fund’s expenses at 0.99%.v Though the fund’s fees have always been competitive we have never been under 1%. These lower expenses should contribute to higher returns for our shareholders than would otherwise have been the case. As a comparison, the average net expense ratio for Foreign Large Blend funds according to Morningstar is 1.32% as of 12/31/2014.
Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund has been impacted by the challenging environment for active managers over the last five years. It underperformed the Russell 3000 Index in 2014 and over the past five years. However, it has performed better relative to the Morningstar Large Blend category average which it slightly outperformed in 2014 and more comfortably outperformed over three and five years. We believe the fund’s entire body of work is more reflective of the Masters concept, having outperformed both benchmarks over 15 years and over the fund’s full 18-year life, despite this recent more difficult period. It is worth noting this accomplishment in light of the well documented difficulty actively managed funds have had outperforming benchmarks over lengthy time periods.
During 2014 we also added a new sub-advisor, Nuance Investments, led by Scott Moore. Based on our very extensive due diligence we are excited by this addition. We believe Moore is highly skilled and that our shareholders will benefit from that skill and the fact that Nuance manages a relatively small asset base.
Litman Gregory Masters Smaller Companies Fund experienced a very strong first seven months of the year compared to its benchmark, outperforming the Russell 2000 Index by over six percentage points (600 basis points) over that time. However, the fund’s absolute and relative performance collapsed in the second half of the year, lagging the index by over 15 percentage points. This ended a very strong run of performance for the fund since 2008. The fund went into the period with a huge overweight to the energy sector and this was the driver of the fund’s poor performance. See the report on this fund for more detail about the impact of its energy holdings on performance, and the sub-advisors’ views on the long-term potential of their holdings. The fund’s three sub-advisors have a strong record for Masters and we continue to have a very high level of confidence in each.
Litman Gregory employees and the funds’ independent trustees continue to express a high degree of confidence in the Litman Gregory Masters funds, by virtue of our large aggregate share ownership which amounted to $22.5 million at the end of 2014.
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We continue to be appreciative of your confidence and continue to stay extremely focused on the success of our collective investment in the funds.
Sincerely
Ken Gregory, Chairman
Jeremy DeGroot, Portfolio Manager and Chief Investment Officer
Jack Chee, Portfolio Manager
Rajat Jain, Portfolio Manager
i | The Vanguard 500 Index Fund is a passively managed fund that seeks to track the performance of a benchmark that measures the returns of 500 of the largest U.S. companies, which span many different industries and account for about three-fourths of the U.S. stock market’s value. The fund’s annual expense ratio is 0.17%. Portfolio turnover during the fund’s most recently ended fiscal year was 2.7%. Key risks include Index Sampling Risk, which is the chance that securities selected for the fund in, the aggregate, will not provide investment performance matching that of the Index; and the volatility risk that comes with the fund’s full exposure to the stock market. As 12/31/2014, the fund’s 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year average annual total returns were 13.51%, 20.22%, 15.28%, and 7.55%, respectively. The performance data shown represent past performance, which is not a guarantee of future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate, so that investors’ shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data cited. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 800-662-7447 or by www.vanguard.com/performance. |
ii | The Alternative Strategies fund had the highest Sharpe ratio in the Morningstar Multialternative category for the 3-year period ending 12/31/2014. |
iii | The US Dollar 90 day LIBOR rate (London Interbank Offered Rate) is a benchmark rate of interest at which banks offer to lend money to one another in the wholesale money markets in London. One of the primary functions of the LIBOR rate is to serve as the benchmark reference rate for debt instruments, including government and corporate bonds, mortgage loans, student loans and credit cards as well as derivatives such as currency and interest rate swaps. Investors cannot invest directly in LIBOR. |
iv | As of the prospectus dated April 30, 2014 the gross expense ratios for the Institutional class and Investor class were 1.82% and 2.07%, respectively; total operating expenses were 1.66% and 1.91%, respectively; and net expense ratios were 1.49% and 1.74%, respectively. Net expense ratios do not include dividend expense on short sales of 0.12% and interest & borrowing costs on leverage line of credit of 0.05%. The Advisor is contractually obligated to waive management fees and/or reimburse ordinary operating expenses through April 30, 2015. As of December 2014, the Advisor has agreed to extend the waiver and/or expense limitation agreement through 4/30/2016. The total operating expense includes dividend and interest expense on short sales and interest and borrowing costs incurred for investment purposes, which are not included in the expense ratio. As of December 31, 2014 the Morningstar Multialternative category average expenses were 3.00% gross and 2.02% net. |
v | As of the prospectus dated April 30, 2014 the gross expense ratios for the Institutional class and Investor class were 1.30% and 1.55%, respectively. As of January 1, 2015, net expense ratios were capped at 0.99% for the Institutional class and 1.24% for the Investor class. The Advisor is contractually obligated to waive management fees and/or reimburse ordinary operating expenses through April 30, 2015. As of December 2014, the Advisor has agreed to extend the waiver and/or expense limitation agreement through 4/30/2016. As of December 31, 2014 the Morningstar Foreign Large Blend category average expenses were 2.70% gross and 1.32% net. |
Morningstar Rankings represent a fund’s total-return rank relative to all funds that have the same Morningstar Category. |
The Morningstar percentile ranking is based on the fund’s total-return percentile rank relative to all funds that have the same category for the same time period. The highest (or most favorable) percentile rank is 1%, and the lowest (or least favorable) percentile rank is 100%. Morningstar total return includes both income and capital gains or losses and is not adjusted for sales charges or redemption fees. |
Morningstar Rankings are based on the MSILX class of shares. Rankings for other share classes will be different. |
© 2015 Morningstar inc. All rights Reserved. The information contained herein: (1) is proprietary to Morningstar; (2) may not be copied or distributed; and (3) is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. Neither Morningstar nor its content providers are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information.
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Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund Review
MSEFX – Annual 2014
Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund rose 11.07% in 2014. Though this was a strong absolute return, it lagged its benchmark, the Russell 3000 Index, which was up 12.56%. Over the trailing five years, the fund is up a strong 14.30%, annualized; however, this return also lags the index return of 15.63%. The fund’s returns compare favorably to its benchmark over 15 years and since its inception, though it lags the benchmark over 10 years largely due to its struggles in the 2005 through 2008 period. To address the issues we believed were behind the poor performance in this period, in 2008 we made significant changes to the fund, adding three new managers and terminating two. Since the end of 2008 the fund has out-returned its benchmark by 1.17 percentage points per year. We also compare the fund to the Morningstar Large Blend category average, which we view as the appropriate peer group. The Equity Fund has significantly outperformed this benchmark over its life (1.61 percentage points per year), and it has also outperformed over one, three, and five years.
Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund |
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Performance as of 12/31/2014 |
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Average Annual Total Returns | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
One- Year | Three- Year | Five- Year | Ten- Year | Fifteen- Year | Since Inception | |||||||||||||||||||
Institutional Class (12/31/96) | 11.07% | 19.53% | 14.30% | 6.05% | 5.37% | 8.17% | ||||||||||||||||||
Russell 3000 Index | 12.56% | 20.51% | 15.63% | 7.94% | 4.82% | 8.02% | ||||||||||||||||||
Custom Equity Index | 9.76% | 19.49% | 14.69% | 7.70% | 5.13% | 7.93% | ||||||||||||||||||
Morningstar Large Blend Category | 10.72% | 18.64% | 13.45% | 6.71% | 3.46% | 6.56% | ||||||||||||||||||
Investor Class (4/30/2009) | 10.75% | 19.34% | 14.11% | n/a | n/a | 17.78% | ||||||||||||||||||
Russell 3000 Index | 12.56% | 20.51% | 15.63% | n/a | n/a | 19.09% | ||||||||||||||||||
Custom Equity Index | 9.76% | 19.49% | 14.69% | n/a | n/a | 18.33% | ||||||||||||||||||
Morningstar Large Blend Category | 10.72% | 18.64% | 13.45% | n/a | n/a | 16.95% |
*Although Morningstar categorizes the Equity Fund as Large Growth, we believe it is better categorized as Large Blend.
Performance quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the funds may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. To obtain the performance of the funds as of the most recently completed calendar month, please visit www.mastersfunds.com. As of the prospectus dated 4/30/2014, the gross and net expense ratios for the Institutional Class were 1.30% and 1.20%, respectively; and for the Investor Class were 1.55% and 1.45%, respectively. There are contractual fee waivers in effect through 4/30/2015. Through 4/30/2015, Litman Gregory has voluntarily agreed to waive a portion of its management fee to pass through any costs benefits resulting from sub-advisor breakpoints, changes in the sub-advisory fee schedules or allocations. In December 2014, the Advisor agreed to extend the waivers and/or expense limitations agreement through April 30, 2016. See page 3 for a detailed discussion of the risks and costs associated with investing in the Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund. All performance discussions in this report refer to the performance of the Institutional share class. |
Performance of Managers
In 2014, three of the six sub-advisors who were on the fund for the full year beat their respective benchmarks, while the other three lagged. (The seventh manager was added in February.) The range of returns across the six sub-advisors was 7.95% to 16.92%. Given each sub-advisor’s mandate to pick five to 15 of their highest-conviction names, we expect significant deviations away from the benchmark’s performance. Underperformance has happened over shorter to intermediate time periods more often than over long time periods. This is why when evaluating our managers’ performance, we focus on periods five years and longer. There are five managers with a track record of five years or longer with the fund (this includes Harris Associates’ Bill Nygren who ran money for us on a sister fund, Litman Gregory Masters Value Fund, using the same strategy as he does now on the Equity Fund). As of December 31, 2014, all five had beaten their benchmarks since their respective inception dates on the fund.
Key Performance Drivers
Below we discuss some key drivers of both absolute and relative performance during 2014. As always, the fund’s sector allocations are a byproduct of the sub-advisors’ stock selection, and in the long run, bottom-up stock picking is the driver of the fund’s performance. However, it can be instructive to see how the residual sector positioning impacted relative performance over a period.
In 2014, the fund’s sector allocations detracted from relative performance. Health care was the best-performing sector for the year, so an underweighting there hurt relative performance. However, strong stock selection more than made up for the loss, and the sector overall ended up being the largest contributor to relative performance for the period. The portfolio had a significant overweighting to the technology sector on average (25.3% versus 18.5%), which was a positive. However, stock selection in the sector detracted from relative performance.
We’d be remiss not to talk about energy stocks, considering the wild gyrations in this sector. While the fund had a similar allocation to this sector as the benchmark, the sub-advisors’ stock picking contributed to relative performance, with stocks such as Canadian Natural Resources and Devon Energy more than making up for detractors such as Encana.
The fund’s sub-advisors opportunistically invest in non-U.S. stocks. During the year, the fund had on average just over 14% in foreign stocks (which is higher than the fund’s historical average of about 10%). This cost the fund over one percentage point of relative performance as foreign stocks underperformed domestic ones by a significant margin. One more performance attribution fact worth noting is that in a year in which stocks were up over 13%, any cash held was a performance detractor. Though the Equity Fund held only 6% cash on average during the year, this cost the fund about 80 basis points of performance drag.
8 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
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Stock selection was a positive contributor to the fund’s relative performance for the year and helped offset the drag from the fund’s foreign allocation. As noted above, stock selection was very strong in health care. One stock that Clyde McGregor of Harris Associates has owned through its ups and downs is Health Net, a managed-care company, and it typifies his long-term value-oriented investment discipline. Health Net was first purchased in the fund in January 2012 at an average cost of roughly $37. Soon thereafter it reported disappointing earnings, as the company underwrote poorly and failed to properly process claims that complied with newer federal guidelines. Health Net’s stock fell sharply as a result. At the time McGregor believed the company had moved beyond these issues or that they were fixable by company management. Moreover, taking a long-term view, he believed the company had a strong position in the California market and was exceptionally cheap in relation to its long-term earnings power. As a result, he added to the stock aggressively, bringing the fund’s average cost down to just over $22. Since the fall of 2012, the stock has been on a consistent upward trend. It performed strongly in 2014 as the company hit most of its milestones and posted strong earnings, trading at over $53 at year-end.
Looking forward, McGregor expects Health Net to continue to grow the Medicaid business and take share in the individual market given its strong position on public and private exchanges. The stock trades at an attractive discount to McGregor’s estimate of intrinsic value and remained a holding at year-end.
The top contributor to the fund’s absolute performance in 2014 was Bank of New York Mellon. A long-term holding for the fund, it’s held by both Chris Davis and the FMI team, led by portfolio managers Pat English and Andy Ramer. In 2014 several multiyear initiatives positively impacted the financial performance of Bank of New York Mellon. FMI says declines in asset servicing pricing have moderated, while core operating expenses were better controlled. During the year investors also received greater clarity surrounding the company’s ultimate regulatory capital requirements and the implications for future returns on capital. The advance in Bank of New York Mellon’s stock during 2014 closed some of the gap to FMI’s estimated fair value of the business. However, FMI believes significant opportunity remains across each of the company’s businesses with regard to both underlying profitability and organic growth.
Among the underperformers for the year was Encana, a Canadian-based oil & gas exploration & production company that produces mostly natural gas. A relatively small position in this stock was purchased by Chris Davis in September. The stock did not escape the massive declines many energy names saw in the fourth quarter. Davis believes production of natural gas liquids is likely to become more significant over time. Since taking the helm in June 2013, Encana CEO Doug Suttles has radically altered the company’s direction by divesting substantial low-value, low-return assets and focusing on a slimmed down portfolio of high-value, high-return opportunities, including purchasing prime properties in the Eagle Ford shale formation, which Davis thinks should provide the opportunity for significant production growth over the coming years.
Looking at foreign holdings, Pirelli, an Italian tire company owned by the FMI team, was among the top-10 detractors. In 2014, Pirelli’s stock was weighed down by a challenging market environment in South America (36% of sales in 2013) and Russia (4%). In addition, foreign exchange effects weighed on reported figures (predominantly translational in nature), with revenue falling by 1.3% after a negative 7.8% currency impact. At the group level though, FMI notes operating performance has been strong through the first nine months of 2014, with organic revenue growth of 6.5% and EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) growth of 8.9%, and this is despite a difficult macro backdrop. FMI’s longer-term thesis on Pirelli remains unchanged. They believe Pirelli’s focus on premium tires (faster growth, higher margin, more difficult to penetrate) will enhance the quality of the business beyond that of most peers, while its current valuation implies a business that is equivalent to a subpar auto supplier. Premium tire technologies (advanced engineering, performance requirements, formulation and tread, industry know-how, etc.) and long-standing working relationships with luxury auto manufacturers help to create barriers to entry and should allow Pirelli to generate a return on invested capital in excess of its cost of capital. FMI believes Pirelli’s brand also has significant value, as its high exposure to the replacement market (76% of sales) creates a source of recurring revenue and reduces cyclicality. Pirelli’s valuation is attractive to FMI on both an absolute and relative basis, with the stock trading at an enterprise value to EBIT of 7.5x and price-to-earnings ratio of 10.6x, based on 2015 estimates.
Dispersion and Longer-Term Performance
We’ve written in the past about dispersion, which measures the degree of variation between the performance of individual stocks within a group of stocks or index. When dispersion is high there is a lot of performance variation and this provides stock pickers with more opportunity to add value relative to the index. When it is low there is less performance variation and it is harder to beat an index. We have data which tracks monthly dispersion for the S&P 500 going back to the early 1970s. As mentioned in our Shareholder Letter, average dispersion over the last five years is the lowest on record (over this time period), and so it has also been a particularly challenging period for domestic large-cap active managers.
Though we have now experienced a lengthy period of low dispersion, it doesn’t seem likely to us that it will last indefinitely. Ultimately individual stock prices are driven by the fundamentals of the underlying business. Fundamentals and stock prices can disconnect at times when prices are influenced by other factors such as collective investor fear (2008) or greed (1999), or an emphasis on macro factors (recent years). However, eventually prices get pulled back towards fundamentals since the ultimate value of an investment is the cash flow stream that it provides to its owners. This is a lesson investors have had to re-learn many times over the years.
Fund Summary | 9 |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund Contribution by Holding For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
Top Contributors | ||||||||||
Company Name | Period End Weight | Contribution to Return | Economic Sector | |||||||
Bank of New York Mellon Corp | 3.95 | % | 0.83 | % | Financials | |||||
Facebook Inc Class A | 1.42 | % | 0.69 | % | Information Technology | |||||
Berkshire Hathaway Inc Class A | 2.56 | % | 0.65 | % | Financials | |||||
Health Net Inc | 0.95 | % | 0.61 | % | Health Care | |||||
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc | 1.10 | % | 0.53 | % | Health Care | |||||
Visa Inc Class A | 2.83 | % | 0.51 | % | Information Technology | |||||
Oracle Corporation | 2.64 | % | 0.49 | % | Information Technology | |||||
HSN Inc | 1.56 | % | 0.46 | % | Consumer Discretionary | |||||
TE Connectivity Ltd | 1.35 | % | 0.46 | % | Information Technology | |||||
Myriad Genetics Inc | 0.39 | % | 0.42 | % | Health Care | |||||
Bottom Contributors | ||||||||||
Company Name | Period End Weight | Contribution to Return | Economic Sector | |||||||
Amazon.com Inc | 1.55 | % | -0.35 | % | Consumer Discretionary | |||||
Encana Corp | 0.20 | % | -0.35 | % | Energy | |||||
Apache Corporation | 0.92 | % | -0.27 | % | Energy | |||||
Pirelli & C | 1.07 | % | -0.26 | % | Consumer Discretionary | |||||
Frank’s International NV | 0.54 | % | -0.24 | % | Energy | |||||
ARM Holdings PLC ADR | 1.05 | % | -0.21 | % | Information Technology | |||||
General Motors Co | 1.37 | % | -0.20 | % | Consumer Discretionary | |||||
Southwestern Energy Co | 0.15 | % | -0.18 | % | Energy | |||||
Weight Watchers International Inc | 0.05 | % | -0.16 | % | Consumer Discretionary | |||||
Chesapeake Energy Corp | 0.03 | % | -0.15 | % | Energy |
Portfolio contribution for a holding represents the product of the average portfolio weight and the total return earned by the holding during the period. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Fund holdings and/or sector allocations are subject to change at any time and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security.
Portfolio Mix
The Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund portfolio continues to be built bottom-up without a benchmark focus. So it is not surprising the fund’s portfolio is quite different than its benchmark, and this is reflected in its high active share of 83%.
Noteworthy portfolio facts include:
• | The fund’s sector exposure hardly changed during the year. The fund remains overweighted to technology stocks (27.9% versus 18.5% for the benchmark) and underweighted to consumer staples (2% versus 8.4%). It’s notable that all seven managers hold at least one technology stock. Even value-oriented managers such as McGregor are finding attractive values in this sector (his sleeve of the portfolio has over 40% in the broad technology sector). The technology sector has come down from its high-flying days of the late 1990s, and that certainly is part of the reason why some of our value managers are finding good values in this sector. In addition, some businesses, like Oracle, have matured and do not possess the high revenue or earnings growth characteristics that some growth managers seek, hence they don’t trade as dearly as they did in the past. |
• | The fund’s market-cap breakdown has not changed significantly either. Large-cap stocks (greater than $27 billion market cap) make up 46.2% of the portfolio, mid-cap stocks ($4 billion to $27 billion) make up 21.3%, and small-cap stocks (less than $4 billion) make up 11%. Historically, the fund has averaged nearly 40% in small and mid-caps, which speaks to the market-cap flexibility the fund’s low asset base and broad mandate provide our sub-advisors. |
• | The fund’s allocation to non-U.S. stocks was up slightly from 16.1% to 16.7%. At year-end, the fund had nearly 5% of its assets in cash. |
10 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
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By Sector
Sector Allocation | ||||||||||||
Fund as of 12/31/14 | Fund as of 12/31/13 | Russell 3000 as of 12/31/14 | ||||||||||
Consumer Discretionary | 16.1% | 14.8% | 12.7% | |||||||||
Consumer Staples | 2.0% | 2.6% | 8.4% | |||||||||
Energy | 8.6% | 7.0% | 9.1% | |||||||||
Financials | 21.2% | 21.8% | 17.5% | |||||||||
Health Care & Pharmaceuticals | 7.9% | 8.6% | 13.3% | |||||||||
Industrials | 5.7% | 7.9% | 11.5% | |||||||||
Materials | 3.9% | 2.9% | 3.8% | |||||||||
Technology | 27.9% | 28.1% | 18.5% | |||||||||
Telecom | 0.0% | 0.0% | 2.1% | |||||||||
Utilities | 1.9% | 1.0% | 3.1% | |||||||||
Cash Equivalents & Other | 4.8% | 5.2% | 0.0% | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
100.0% | 100.0% | 100.0% | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
By Market Capitalization | By Domicile | |
Market Capitalization:
Micro-Cap < $884 million
Small-Cap $884 million - $4.05 billion
Small/Mid-Cap 4.05 billion - $9.41 billion
Mid-Cap $9.41 billion - $27.1 billion
Large-Cap > $27.1 billion
Totals may not add up to 100% due to rounding
Closing Thoughts
While the Equity Fund has beaten the Morningstar Blend category over three and five years, it has trailed its Russell 3000 benchmark on average over the past few years and has not met our high expectations over the past 10 years. We discussed above some of the broad macro reasons, such as the underperformance of non-U.S. stocks, dispersion, etc.
However, we are not trying to place blame on macro or market-related factors alone. We have made mistakes, one being not acting more quickly to remove a manager who ended up being responsible for a good portion of the fund’s underperformance between 2005 and 2008. We have learned from our mistakes, intensified our ongoing due diligence and monitoring of our sub-advisors, and taken what we believe are corrective actions, terminating a few managers and hiring new ones. Recently, for example, we were excited to add Scott Moore of Nuance Investments, whose skill and small asset base will, we believe, benefit the fund over the long run.
Fund Summary | 11 |
Table of Contents
We believe Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund comprises an eclectic mix of highly skilled and opportunistic stock pickers who have the potential to add significant additional value through concentrating in only their highest-conviction names. Looking forward, we are optimistic that the fund will be able to replicate the success it achieved in the first decade after its launch.
Jeremy DeGroot, Portfolio Manager and Litman Gregory CIO
Jack Chee, Portfolio Manager
Rajat Jain, Portfolio Manager
Earnings growth for a fund holding does not guarantee a corresponding increase in the market value of the holding or the funds.
Fund holdings and/or sector allocations are subject to change at any time and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security.
12 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
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Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund Managers
INVESTMENT MANAGER | FIRM | TARGET MANAGER ALLOCATION | MARKET CAPITALIZATION OF COMPANIES IN PORTFOLIO | STOCK-PICKING STYLE | BENCHMARK | |||||
Christopher Davis | Davis Selected Advisers, L.P. | 15% | Mostly large companies | Blend | S&P 500 Index | |||||
Pat English Andrew Ramer | Fiduciary Management, Inc. | 15% | All sizes | Blend | S&P 500 Index | |||||
Bill Nygren | Harris Associates L.P. | 15% | Mostly large- and mid-sized companies | Value | Russell 3000 Value Index | |||||
Clyde McGregor | Harris Associates L.P. | 15% | All sizes, but mostly large- and mid-sized companies | Value | Russell 3000 Value Index | |||||
Scott Moore | Nuance Investments, LLC | 10% | All sizes | Value | Russell 3000 Value Index | |||||
Frank Sands, Jr. A. Michael Sramek | Sands Capital Management, LLC | 17% | All sizes, but mostly large- and mid-sized companies | Growth | Russell 1000 Growth Index | |||||
Richard Weiss | Wells Capital Management, Inc. | 13% | All sizes, but mostly small- and mid-sized companies | Blend | Russell 2000 Index |
Fund Summary | 13 |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES at December 31, 2014
Shares | Value | |||||||
COMMON STOCKS: 95.2% | ||||||||
Consumer Discretionary: 16.1% | ||||||||
12,000 | Amazon.com, Inc.* | $ | 3,724,200 | |||||
40,960 | Carnival Corp. | 1,856,717 | ||||||
186,970 | Chico’s FAS, Inc. | 3,030,784 | ||||||
54,742 | Comcast Corp. - Class A | 3,151,223 | ||||||
149,300 | General Motors Co. | 5,212,063 | ||||||
176,369 | Global Eagle Entertainment, Inc.* | 2,400,382 | ||||||
108,800 | HSN, Inc. | 8,268,800 | ||||||
437,636 | Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc. (The) | 9,089,700 | ||||||
58,500 | Lear Corp. | 5,737,680 | ||||||
133,000 | Liberty Interactive Corp. - Class A* | 3,912,860 | ||||||
28,700 | Naspers Ltd. - Class N | 3,766,066 | ||||||
328,500 | Pirelli & C. SpA | 4,456,175 | ||||||
3,500 | Priceline Group, Inc. (The)* | 3,990,735 | ||||||
67,463 | Shutterfly, Inc.* | 2,812,870 | ||||||
81,728 | Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. - Class B | 3,014,946 | ||||||
88,184 | Urban Outfitters, Inc.* | 3,097,904 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
67,523,105 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Consumer Staples: 2.0% | ||||||||
17,620 | Costco Wholesale Corp. | 2,497,635 | ||||||
42,500 | Henkel AG & Co. KGaA | 4,136,969 | ||||||
45,978 | Sysco Corp. | 1,824,867 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
8,459,471 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Energy: 8.6% | ||||||||
58,000 | Apache Corp. | 3,634,860 | ||||||
46,936 | Baker Hughes, Inc. | 2,631,701 | ||||||
63,000 | Devon Energy Corp. | 3,856,230 | ||||||
174,400 | Encana Corp. | 2,418,928 | ||||||
310,841 | Frank’s International N.V. | 5,169,286 | ||||||
38,086 | Imperial Oil Ltd. | 1,638,841 | ||||||
55,400 | National Oilwell Varco, Inc. | 3,630,362 | ||||||
76,812 | Newfield Exploration Co.* | 2,083,141 | ||||||
39,514 | Noble Energy, Inc. | 1,874,149 | ||||||
88,171 | Schlumberger Ltd. | 7,530,685 | ||||||
58,013 | Southwestern Energy Co.* | 1,583,175 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
36,051,358 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Financials: 21.2% | ||||||||
139,240 | American Express Co. | 12,954,889 | ||||||
74,000 | American International Group, Inc. | 4,144,740 | ||||||
264,000 | Bank of America Corp. | 4,722,960 | ||||||
355,200 | Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The) | 14,410,464 | ||||||
56 | Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. - Class A* | 12,656,000 | ||||||
35,000 | Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. - Class B* | 5,255,250 | ||||||
77,679 | Blackstone Group L.P. (The) | 2,627,880 | ||||||
52,718 | BOK Financial Corp. | 3,165,189 | ||||||
44,000 | Capital One Financial Corp. | 3,632,200 | ||||||
11,000 | Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. | 5,764,000 | ||||||
69,000 | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 4,318,020 | ||||||
53,080 | Loews Corp. | 2,230,422 | ||||||
8,270 | Markel Corp.* | 5,647,087 | ||||||
73,825 | PacWest Bancorp | 3,356,084 | ||||||
39,660 | ProAssurance Corp. | 1,790,649 | ||||||
43,580 | Wells Fargo & Co. | 2,389,056 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
89,064,890 | ||||||||
|
|
Shares | Value | |||||||
Health Care: 7.9% | ||||||||
20,100 | Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | $ | 3,719,103 | |||||
27,600 | athenahealth, Inc.* | 4,021,320 | ||||||
98,900 | Health Net, Inc.* | 5,294,117 | ||||||
51,500 | Medtronic, Inc. | 3,718,300 | ||||||
131,492 | Patterson Cos., Inc. | 6,324,765 | ||||||
14,300 | Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | 5,866,575 | ||||||
40,900 | UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | 4,134,581 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
33,078,761 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Industrials: 5.7% | ||||||||
20,500 | 3M Co. | 3,368,560 | ||||||
56,000 | Adecco S.A. | 3,880,240 | ||||||
58,925 | American Science & Engineering, Inc. | 3,058,207 | ||||||
77,200 | Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc.* | 3,805,960 | ||||||
19,500 | FedEx Corp. | 3,386,370 | ||||||
41,000 | Honeywell International, Inc. | 4,096,720 | ||||||
63,914 | Xylem, Inc. | 2,433,206 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
24,029,263 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Information Technology: 27.9% | ||||||||
62,000 | Accenture Plc - Class A | 5,537,220 | ||||||
36,815 | Akamai Technologies, Inc.* | 2,317,872 | ||||||
42,000 | Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. ADR* | 4,365,480 | ||||||
93,600 | ARM Holdings Plc - ADR | 4,333,680 | ||||||
77,500 | Arrow Electronics, Inc.* | 4,486,475 | ||||||
25,600 | Baidu, Inc. - ADR* | 5,836,032 | ||||||
75,700 | Facebook, Inc. - Class A* | 5,906,114 | ||||||
19,050 | Google, Inc. - Class A* | 10,109,073 | ||||||
11,250 | Google, Inc. - Class C* | 5,922,000 | ||||||
100,303 | HomeAway, Inc.* | 2,987,023 | ||||||
104,000 | Intel Corp. | 3,774,160 | ||||||
193,000 | Itron, Inc.* | 8,161,970 | ||||||
48,000 | MasterCard, Inc. - Class A | 4,135,680 | ||||||
39,340 | MKS Instruments, Inc. | 1,439,844 | ||||||
252,000 | Oracle Corp. | 11,332,440 | ||||||
258,769 | Polycom, Inc.* | 3,493,382 | ||||||
89,500 | salesforce.com, Inc.* | 5,308,245 | ||||||
172,000 | TE Connectivity Ltd. | 10,879,000 | ||||||
76,138 | Teradata Corp.* | 3,325,708 | ||||||
51,250 | Visa, Inc. - Class A | 13,437,750 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
117,089,148 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Materials: 3.9% | ||||||||
110,431 | Goldcorp, Inc. | 2,045,182 | ||||||
59,832 | HB Fuller Co. | 2,664,319 | ||||||
32,700 | Monsanto Co. | 3,906,669 | ||||||
162,000 | Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, Inc. | 5,721,840 | ||||||
28,334 | Royal Gold, Inc. | 1,776,542 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
16,114,552 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Utilities: 1.9% | ||||||||
190,000 | Calpine Corp.* | 4,204,700 | ||||||
52,613 | National Fuel Gas Co. | 3,658,182 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
7,862,882 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL COMMON STOCKS | 399,273,430 | ||||||
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
14 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES at December 31, 2014
Principal Amount | Value | |||||||
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS: 4.8% | ||||||||
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS: 4.8% | ||||||||
$20,197,000 | FICC, 0.000%, 12/31/14, due 01/02/2015 [collateral: par value $20,065,000, U.S. Treasury Note, 2.375%, due 08/15/2024; value $20,618,093] (proceeds $20,197,000) | $ | 20,197,000 | |||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS | 20,197,000 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES | 419,470,430 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities: 0.0% | 208,820 | |||||||
|
| |||||||
| Net Assets: 100.0% | $ | 419,679,250 | |||||
|
|
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.
ADR | American Depository Receipt. |
* | Non-Income Producing Security. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Schedule of Investments | 15 |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters International Fund Review
MSILX Fund Review:
International stocks materially lagged their U.S. counterparts in 2014 for the second consecutive year, with the latter rising 12.56% as measured by the Russell 3000 Index, while international markets, as represented by MSCI AC World ex US Index fell 3.43% in USD terms. In local-currency terms this index was up 6.52%, highlighting the strong performance of the U.S. dollar vs. foreign currencies. (MSCI AC World ex US Index includes both developed and emerging markets.)
Litman Gregory Masters International Fund |
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Performance as of 12/31/2014 |
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Average Annual Total Returns | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
One- Year | Three- Year | Five- Year | Ten- Year | Fifteen- Year | Since Inception | |||||||||||||||||||
Institutional Class (12/1/1997) | -2.72% | 12.33% | 6.59% | 6.74% | 4.85% | 8.34% | ||||||||||||||||||
Russell Global (ex-U.S.) Large Cap Index | -3.06% | 10.00% | 5.35% | 5.89% | 3.84% | 6.04% | ||||||||||||||||||
MSCI EAFE Index | -4.50% | 11.56% | 5.80% | 4.91% | 2.97% | 5.25% | ||||||||||||||||||
MSCI ACWI ex US Index | -3.43% | 9.50% | 4.89% | 5.60% | 3.71% | 5.79% | ||||||||||||||||||
S&P Global (ex-U.S.) LargeMid Cap Index | -3.03% | 9.61% | 4.99% | 5.81% | 3.78% | 6.00% | ||||||||||||||||||
Morningstar Foreign Large Blend Category | -5.15% | 10.22% | 4.91% | 4.16% | 1.70% | 4.23% | ||||||||||||||||||
Investor Class (4/30/2009) | -2.98% | 12.02% | 6.30% | n/a | n/a | 10.98% | ||||||||||||||||||
Russell Global (ex-U.S.) Large Cap Index | -3.06% | 10.00% | 5.35% | n/a | n/a | 11.21% | ||||||||||||||||||
MSCI EAFE Index | -4.50% | 11.56% | 5.80% | n/a | n/a | 10.98% | ||||||||||||||||||
MSCI ACWI ex US Index | -3.43% | 9.50% | 4.89% | n/a | n/a | 10.66% | ||||||||||||||||||
S&P Global (ex-U.S.) LargeMid Cap Index | -3.03% | 9.61% | 4.99% | n/a | n/a | 10.80% | ||||||||||||||||||
Morningstar Foreign Large Blend Category | -5.15% | 10.22% | 4.91% | n/a | n/a | 10.14% |
Performance quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the funds may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. To obtain the performance of the funds as of the most recently completed calendar month, please visit www.mastersfunds.com. As of the prospectus dated 4/30/2014, the gross and net expense ratios for the Institutional Class were 1.30% and 1.07%, respectively; and for the Investor Class were 1.55% and 1.32%, respectively. There are contractual fee waivers in effect through 4/30/2015. Through 4/30/2015, Litman Gregory has voluntarily agreed to waive a portion of its management fee to pass through any cost benefits resulting from sub-advisor breakpoints, changes in the sub-advisory fee schedules or allocations. In the absence of such waivers, total return would be reduced. All performance discussions in this report refer to the performance of the Institutional share class. In December 2014, the Advisor agreed to extend the waivers and/or expense limitations agreement through April 30, 2016. Effective January 1, 2015, the Advisor has agreed to cap the expense ratio of the Institutional and Investor classes at 0.99% and 1.24% of the average net assets of each class, respectively. See page 3 for a detailed discussion of the risks and costs associated with investing in the Litman Gregory Masters International Fund. All performance discussions in this report refer to the performance of the Institutional share class. |
For the year, Litman Gregory Masters International Fund beat its primary benchmark, the Russell Global (ex-U.S.) Large Cap Index. The fund was down 2.72% versus the benchmark’s loss of 3.06%. The fund also beat MSCI EAFE, which was down 4.50%. This performance placed the fund in the top quintile of its foreign-blend peers, according to Morningstar.
Longer term, the fund has also performed well relative to its benchmark and peers. As of December 31 2014, Morningstar, Inc. ranked the fund in the top 19th, 17th, 13th, 14th and 17th percentiles among 750, 650, 583, 313, and 179 of its Foreign Large Blend peers over the trailing one-, three-, five-, 10- and 15-year periods, respectively, based on total return, and outperformed both the Russell Global (ex-US) Large Cap and MSCI EAFE indexes over the same periods. In the 17 years since its inception, the fund has materially outperformed its benchmarks and its peer group. The fund’s 8.34% return bested the Russell Global (ex-U.S.) Large Cap Index, MSCI AC World ex US Index, and the Morningstar Foreign Large Blend Category, which were up 6.04%, 5.25%, and 4.23%, respectively, over the same period.
It is also worth noting that Litman Gregory Masters International is a very high active share fund (90.5%), meaning that the portfolio holdings overall and their respective weightings are quite different from those held in the benchmark’s portfolio. Because of this differentiation, the fund’s performance has the potential to deviate from its benchmark’s by a wider margin than if the fund were less active. We believe this is a good thing in that it allows for greater potential to outperform over the long run—it is harder to beat a benchmark if a portfolio is invested in the same stocks (our belief is supported by academic research and common sense). But high active share can also lead to underperformance. The fund has experienced occasional periods of underperformance that have lasted anywhere from a few months to over a year. When this has happened the periods have been followed by strong runs of outperformance. We accept these performance patterns as a necessary reality as we pursue index-beating long-term performance.
Performance of Managers
In 2014 four of the fund’s five sub-advisors lagged their respective indexes. However, the aggregate underperformance of the four was more than offset by the outperformance of the top performing sub-advisor. The range of returns across the five sub-advisors was negative 14.06% to positive 33.80%, demonstrating the benefits of having diversification across sub-advisors with different investment approaches and styles. In a year when most of our managers struggled, as did most active managers given the Russell Global (ex-U.S.) Large Cap index beat nearly 80% of all Morningstar Foreign Large Blend funds, the performance of the fund’s fifth manager stands out even more.
It’s important to remember that each sub-advisor in the fund is running a highly concentrated portfolio of eight to 15 stocks. As a result, in the short-term material over- and underperformance by an individual sub-advisor or portfolio sleeve is not unusual, and we expect this to happen more often in a less concentrated
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portfolio. But given the quality of our stock pickers and their focus on their highest-conviction ideas, we think that very strong individual performance periods are more likely to occur than very weak performance periods. The fund’s long-term record is supportive of this expectation.
Specific to 2014, the outperforming manager held six stocks that were among the top-10 contributors to the fund’s absolute performance for the year—a high number. Of these six, two were purchased in the first quarter of 2014, while the rest were long-term holdings, one dating back to December 2011 (one of the six stocks is no longer in the portfolio). This manager continues to execute its relatively low-turnover, value-conscious approach to investing. The strong performance is indicative of the reality that managers can’t know how quickly they could be rewarded by their stocks. In this case both long-term and recently acquired holdings did well in the same calendar year. Also notable was the fact that this manager did not have any material detractors to performance.
While we can’t know when, or if, managers will be rewarded for their holdings, we believe that if Litman Gregory, based on our very thorough due diligence, hires highly skilled stock pickers to run a portfolio of their highest-conviction stocks, the odds are good that they will deliver strong relative performance over longer time periods. This has been our experience. In that regard, we evaluate sub-advisors’ performance over five-year or longer increments. Of the five sub-advisors currently on the fund, only three have track records longer than five years, and they all have beaten their benchmarks since their respective inception dates. The remaining two managers were added to the fund in January 2013: one is outperforming its benchmark while the other is lagging. And historically, all the other sub-advisors who are no longer on the fund also outperformed their benchmarks while they were part of Masters. (Over the fund’s 17-year history, we have taken several managers off of the fund for various reasons.) We remain highly confident in all the managers we have in the fund.
Key Performance Drivers
Below we discuss some key drivers of absolute and relative 2014 performance. We have often stated how sector, region, and country allocations are always a byproduct of the sub-advisors’ stock selection. Sometimes, in the short term, sector exposure may help explain performance to a greater degree than it has in the past. Such was the case in 2014. Sector allocation and stock selection contributed equally to relative performance. This does not mean the fund’s managers have suddenly become top-down thinkers and are making sector and country calls. It is bottom-up stock picking that ultimately drives the long-term performance of this fund, and even over shorter time periods where sector or country weightings could have a big impact, there is usually more to the story.
For example, in 2014, the fund was overweighted to the eurozone area relative to the benchmark. This overweighting could have detracted from performance as the region’s stocks, as represented in the index, underperformed the broad international index. But Litman Gregory Masters International
Fund’s eurozone portfolio overall generated a solid positive return, meaning stock selection in that part of the world contributed significantly to the fund’s relative performance during the year.
The fund also entered 2014 significantly overweighted to the consumer discretionary sector (28.4% versus 10.8 for the benchmark) because our managers were finding attractive stocks there. Given poor global growth, this was not a high-performing sector in 2014 and the overweighting did not help the fund’s performance for the majority of the year. However, considering the difficult environment, the sector didn’t do very badly relatively speaking, which suggests to us that investors may have already priced in a poor-growth environment in international markets. Be that as it may, in the fourth quarter, the consumer discretionary sector was the best-performing sector, and on top of that, our managers’ stock picking added a lot of value. For the full year, stock selection in this sector alone explained nearly 300 basis points (three percentage points) of relative performance. We discuss below a few of the notable outperformers.
We think part of the reason why sector and country allocation mattered in 2014 was due to macro factors such as the extreme and divergent monetary policies central banks are adopting. For example, one macro-oriented development few people forecasted was the steep decline in oil prices in the second half of 2014. Portfolios, including ours, that were significantly underweighted to energy going into the year, benefited. But none of Litman Gregory’s managers underweighted energy based on an expected collapse in the price of oil. Rather, energy was underweighted because many energy stocks did not make the cut into the sub-advisors’ high conviction portfolios.
Numericable Group, a French cable company acquired by Thornburg after the company’s initial public offering (IPO) in late 2013, rose over 60% in the first half of the year. Then it had a rights offering in which the fund participated at an attractive discount to the prevailing price. For the full year, the stock was reported being up nearly 150%, and as such it was the top contributor to the fund’s performance in 2014, and was the largest individual stock weighting as of the end of the year. Thornburg’s Vinson Walden believes that Numericable, one of the largest providers of high-speed Internet, pay TV, and voice telephony services in France, is in a growing, relatively underpenetrated market (penetration of high-speed Internet in France is half or below the levels of other European countries, such as Germany and the Netherlands). The threat from new entrants is low given the cost and complexity of a large network needed to effectively compete. Moreover, with its acquisition of SFR, a large wireless operator in France, Numericable can now offer mobile services as well, enhancing its value proposition to its customers. The SFR acquisition also offers opportunities for synergy resulting in improvements in SFR’s margins. As his base case scenario, Walden is assuming the company will achieve 40% EBITDA margins in a few years and trade at over 7x EV/EBITDA, in line with peers such as Iliad SA in France and TDC in Denmark. This suggests about another 30% upside from present levels. In terms of risks to this view, the cost synergies
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from the SFR acquisition may take longer than expected or the smaller players in the French cable industry could start a price war in order to gain market share. (Note: EBITDA is “earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization” and is a commonly used metric for cash flow before capital expenses. EV refers to enterprise value, a metric for business value that incorporates all equity and debt value and backs out cash holdings.)
Another consumer discretionary sector stock that did well in 2014 was Don Quijote Holdings. A discount retailer located at busy, strategic locations in Japan, its discount strategy paid off as consumers flocked to its stores after the April tax hike in Japan. Also, a weak yen made Japan an attractive tourist destination for many Chinese, who perceive Don Quijote as a store that has luxury goods at reasonable prices. These two factors in part resulted in higher sales volume and a rising stock price during the year.
As noted earlier, the fund’s significant underweighting to the energy sector (the fund’s average weighting during the period was 1.5% versus 9.2% for the benchmark) was a contributor to the fund’s relative performance. However, offsetting that to a large degree was poor stock performance within the sector. Canadian oil services company, Trican Wells Service, which provides solutions for multistage fracturing completions, was the largest detractor from absolute performance, down nearly 60% during the year. Most of the decline came in the fourth quarter:Trican was in fact among the top 10 contributors to performance in the first half of the year. Wellington’s Jean-Marc Berteaux believes that longer term the company is well positioned to benefit from continued robust demand for energy, including new growth areas such as LNG (liquefied natural gas) exports. In addition, Trican is strategically positioned to provide services in relatively low-cost oil and gas basins in Canada, which means that it can remain profitable in a low gas-price environment. Moreover, the company has embarked on cutting costs and realizing operating efficiencies that should lend support to earnings. Trican’s margins are well below its peers (4% versus 15%), so Berteaux believes there is significant scope for improvement that is not priced in. One benefit of the lower gas price is that it stimulates demand. For example, there is now greater incentive for power companies to switch from higher-cost and less-environment friendly coal to gas for electricity generation. Berteaux notes that, traditionally, supply gluts have been reabsorbed fairly quickly as demand grows, leading to more normalized pricing. He continues to hold the stock.
The fund’s financial picks fared poorly in 2014. Both macro and regulatory headwinds plagued this sector. Piraeus Bank, the fund’s sole Greek holding, was down over 50% during the year. According to Mark Little of Lazard, who owns this stock, Greece has already undergone a massive and very painful macro and micro readjustment process. As a result, minimum wages were cut substantially (in many cases by 20%–30%). He says the fall in unit labor costs has made Greece more competitive, as is evident from a pickup in its exports. At the same time, the government has cut spending to get its fiscal house in order. Another important piece of the thesis is a consolidated Greek
banking system. Little says that prior to the debt crisis there were twice as many banks competing aggressively in Greece. During the crisis Piraeus was able to acquire troubled banks and went from being a challenger bank to being the biggest bank in Greece with 30% market share. Importantly, the operational trends at Piraeus, in terms of margins and new nonperforming loans, have exceeded Little’s expectations. However, the stock fell as the political situation deteriorated sharply and bond yields rose. The stock remained in the portfolio at the end of the year. While Little remains optimistic about its long-term potential, he is concerned about significant short-term risks stemming from the new political regime in Greece. As a result, he has not added to the position in the last quarter (as of December 31, it was a 0.85% weighting in the fund).
Credit Suisse suffered through regulatory headwinds during the period. A commission established to review Switzerland’s financial market strategy announced that Credit Suisse may face more stringent leverage ratio requirements as it is a “systemically important bank,” but stopped short of recommending any specific ratio level (leverage ratio requirements have to do with the amount of capital the bank is required to hold). David Herro of Harris Associates believes that Credit Suisse should be able to adjust to new capital requirements given its already sound capital position and the strong earnings power of its private banking unit. Credit Suisse is trading at a significant discount to Herro’s estimate of its true worth, and it remained a holding as of year-end.
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Litman Gregory Masters International Fund Contribution by Holding
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
Top Contributors |
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Company Name | Fund Period End Wt | Contribution to Return | Country | Economic Sector | ||||||||||
Numericable-SFR SA | 2.18 | % | 3.15 | % | France | Consumer Discretionary | ||||||||
Baidu Inc ADR | 2.15 | % | 0.81 | % | China | Information Technology | ||||||||
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc | 2.29 | % | 0.63 | % | Canada | Health Care | ||||||||
Don Quijote Holdings Co.,Ltd | 2.25 | % | 0.54 | % | Japan | Consumer Discretionary | ||||||||
Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd | 0.92 | % | 0.49 | % | Canada | Industrials | ||||||||
Liberty Global PLC Class C | 2.31 | % | 0.43 | % | United States | Consumer Discretionary | ||||||||
Associated British Foods PLC | 1.38 | % | 0.42 | % | United Kingdom | Consumer Discretionary | ||||||||
BRF SA | 0.43 | % | 0.40 | % | Brazil | Consumer Staples | ||||||||
Actavis PLC | 1.19 | % | 0.29 | % | Ireland | Health Care | ||||||||
Noble Group Ltd | 0.38 | % | 0.27 | % | Singapore | Industrials | ||||||||
Bottom Contributors | ||||||||||||||
Company Name | Fund Period End Wt | Contribution to Return | Country | Economic Sector | ||||||||||
Trican Well Service Ltd | 1.32 | % | -0.99 | % | Canada | Energy | ||||||||
Piraeus Bank SA | 0.74 | % | -0.79 | % | Greece | Financials | ||||||||
Copa Holdings SA Class A | 1.50 | % | -0.54 | % | Panama | Industrials | ||||||||
CNH Industrial NV | 1.63 | % | -0.49 | % | Netherlands | Industrials | ||||||||
Tom Tailor Holding AG | 1.01 | % | -0.46 | % | Germany | Consumer Discretionary | ||||||||
Renault SA | 1.17 | % | -0.44 | % | France | Consumer Discretionary | ||||||||
BG Group PLC | 0.95 | % | -0.44 | % | United Kingdom | Energy | ||||||||
Credit Suisse Group | 2.28 | % | -0.42 | % | Switzerland | Financials | ||||||||
BNP Paribas | 1.56 | % | -0.37 | % | France | Financials | ||||||||
Taiheiyo Cement Corp | 1.44 | % | -0.37 | % | Japan | Materials |
Portfolio contribution for a holding represents the product of the average portfolio weight and the total return earned by the holding during the period. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Fund holdings and/or sector allocations are subject to change at any time and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security.
Portfolio Mix
Please see below for sector, regional, and market-cap allocations as of year-end.
Noteworthy portfolio facts include:
• | The fund’s sector allocation, driven by each sub-advisor’s bottom-up stock selection, changed in 2014. The fund’s allocation to the consumer discretionary sector increased, while allocations to financial and telecom sectors declined. The largest differences relative to the benchmark are the fund’s nearly 18 percentage point overweight to the consumer discretionary sector (28.4% versus 10.8%) and the fund’s 12 percentage point underweight to the financial sector (14.7% versus 26.5%). |
• | There were slight changes to the fund’s regional allocations during 2014. Exposure to North America (mostly Canada) declined slightly, while the allocation to Europe increased by over four percentage points. At year-end, the fund’s largest overweighting relative to its benchmark was to Europe (64.5% versus 50.6%) and the largest underweighting was Asia ex Japan (8.8% versus 16.9%). Exposure to emerging markets did not change materially, ending the year at around 12%. |
• | For the first three quarters of the year approximately 5% of the fund’s foreign exposure was hedged back to the dollar, growing to slightly more than 10% by year-end. Looking at major currency exposures, the fund’s sub-advisors had hedged 18%, 9%, and 17% of the fund’s exposure to the euro, the pound sterling, and the Swiss Franc, respectively. This hedging had a net positive impact on the fund’s performance. |
• | The fund’s market-cap allocation changed slightly during the year. Small-cap exposure (defined as market caps of $3.1 billion or less) increased from 8.4% to 12.1%, while large-cap exposure (market caps greater than $15 billion) fell over six percentage points to 54%. Mid-caps (market caps of $3 billion to $15 billion) were around 29%, with the remaining 5.5% in cash. |
Fund Summary | 19 |
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By Sector
Sector Allocation | ||||||||||||
Fund as of 12/31/14 | Fund as of 12/31/13 | Russell Global ex-US Large-Cap Index as of 12/31/14 | ||||||||||
Consumer Discretionary | 28.4% | 23.6% | 10.8% | |||||||||
Consumer Staples | 7.6% | 5.6% | 9.6% | |||||||||
Energy | 1.5% | 3.4% | 9.2% | |||||||||
Finance | 14.7% | 20.2% | 26.5% | |||||||||
Health Care & Pharmaceuticals | 11.5% | 9.0% | 8.2% | |||||||||
Industrials | 13.1% | 12.1% | 11.2% | |||||||||
Materials | 7.8% | 7.9% | 8.2% | |||||||||
Technology | 9.9% | 10.7% | 7.4% | |||||||||
Telecom | 0.0% | 3.1% | 5.1% | |||||||||
Utilities | 0.0% | 0.0% | 3.6% | |||||||||
Cash Equivalents & Other | 5.5% | 4.4% | 0.3% | |||||||||
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100.0% | 100.0% | 100.0% | ||||||||||
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By Region
Regional Allocation | ||||||||||||
Fund as of 12/31/14 | Fund as of 12/31/13 | Russell Global ex-US Large-Cap Index as of 12/31/14 | ||||||||||
Africa | 0.7% | 0.4% | 1.6% | |||||||||
Australia/New Zealand | 3.8% | 2.5% | 5.3% | |||||||||
Asia (ex Japan) | 8.8% | 11.6% | 16.9% | |||||||||
Japan | 8.3% | 9.1% | 13.2% | |||||||||
Western Europe & UK | 64.5% | 58.4% | 50.6% | |||||||||
Latin America | 3.5% | 3.7% | 3.9% | |||||||||
North America | 4.3% | 9.8% | 7.8% | |||||||||
Middle East | 0.6% | 0.0% | 0.6% | |||||||||
Cash Equivalents & Other | 5.5% | 4.4% | 0.0% | |||||||||
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100.0% | 100.0% | 100.0% | ||||||||||
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By Asset Class | By Market Capitalization | |
Market Capitalization: Developed Markets Small-Cap < $3.08 billion Developed Markets Large and Mid-Cap > $3.08 billion
* Totals may not add up to 100% due to rounding |
Market Capitalization: Small-Cap < $3.08 billion Mid-Cap $3.08 billion - $15 billion Large-Cap > $15 billion |
Reduction in Fund Expenses
Effective January 1, 2015, we have reduced Litman Gregory Masters International Fund’s advisory fee so that the fund’s overall expenses are now capped at 0.99% for the institutional share class. The investor share class is capped at 1.24%. The fund has always had competitive expenses, but we have never been under 1%. The average net expenses for the Morningstar Foreign Large Blend peer group are 1.32%. This fee reduction will be additive to shareholder returns going forward.
Sub-Advisor Update
In August, Jim Gendelman left Marsico Capital Management. As a result, we removed the firm as a sub-advisor on Litman Gregory Masters International. Gendelman was the lead portfolio manager on the sleeve Marscio Capital managed for us. With his departure, removing Marsico Capital as a sub-advisor was a straightforward decision for us. We appreciate Gendelman’s commitment to Litman Gregory Masters International and we were very pleased with his performance during his nearly 10-year tenure. With Marsico
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Capital’s removal, the fund’s assets are now equally allocated among the five remaining sub-advisors. The fund continues to be well diversified and balanced with respect to style (one growth manager, one value manager and three blend managers).
Closing Thoughts
The economic problems that have been facing much of the world created a strong headwind for foreign stock markets in 2014. And looking back further, despite some very good years, foreign stocks, based on broad benchmarks such as the Russell Global (ex-US) Large Cap, have struggled for quite some time with good years partly offset by loss years. In fact, over the past eight years, the annualized return of the Russell benchmark was only 2.20%. MSCI EAFE, another widely followed foreign stock index, returned only 1.38%. Over the same time period, the Russell 3000 Index, a benchmark of the broad U.S. market, returned 7.24%. The performance gap between the U.S. and non-U.S. stock markets compounds out to a big difference over eight years. We don’t question that some of that gap was justified. However, based on our own analysis we now view foreign stock markets as generally undervalued relative to the U.S. market, with materially higher potential returns available in Europe and emerging markets over the next five to 10 years. This view is no guarantee that returns will be higher in these markets (and our views do not impact the positioning of this fund’s portfolio). But it is our view that despite real risks, these markets are more attractive long term than the U.S. market at this point.
There are also concerns about the impact of the strong dollar, which was clearly detrimental to shareholders during 2014. However, over the intermediate term a weaker currency will make many foreign-based multinational businesses more competitive and result in higher earnings than would otherwise be the case. The potential earnings impact on stock prices could be a meaningful offset to a depreciating currency.
This fund’s accomplishments in its 17 years are consistent with our expectations when we launched it in late 1997:
• | A Morningstar Foreign Large Blend peer group ranking over one, three, five, 10, and 15 years that is no worse than the 19th percentile (better than at least 81% of its peer funds over each of these time periods).1 Over the life of the fund it has delivered top quartile performance in 9 out of 17 calendar years. |
• | A history of following temporary periods of underperformance with very strong outperformance. |
• | Outperforming our benchmark over three, five, 10, and 15 years and since inception. |
• | Outperformance by all of the fund’s sub-advisors, current and past, relative to their benchmarks except for one relatively new sub-advisor. Over the fund’s life this includes a total of 12 sub-advisors. |
• | The fund’s concentrated portfolios have added incremental return. On average the added value after sub-advisor fees over the life of the fund was 1.1% per year. This is based on our tracking of the mangers’ performance for Litman Gregory Masters Funds, compared to the more diversified funds they run using the same investment approach. |
We and our sub-advisors are committed to doing all we can to carry this success forward. Most recently, the expense reduction is one example of that commitment.
Jeremy DeGroot, Portfolio Manager and Litman Gregory CIO
Rajat Jain, Portfolio Manager
Morningstar Rankings represent a fund’s total-return rank relative to all funds that have the same Morningstar Category.
The Morningstar percentile ranking is based on the fund’s total-return percentile rank relative to all funds that have the same category for the same time period. The highest (or most favorable) percentile rank is 1%, and the lowest (or least favorable) percentile rank is 100%. Morningstar total return includes both income and capital gains or losses and is not adjusted for sales charges or redemption fees.
Morningstar Rankings are based on the MSILX class of shares. Rankings for other share classes will be different.
1 | As of December 31, 2014, Morningstar, Inc. ranked the fund in the top 19th, 17th, 13th, 14th and 17th percentiles among 750, 650, 583, 313, and 179 of its Foreign Large Blend peers over the trailing one-, three-, five-, 10- and 15-year periods, respectively, based on total return. |
© 2015 Morningstar Inc. All rights Reserved. The information contained herein: (1) is proprietary to Morningstar; (2) may not be copied or distributed; and (3) is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. Neither Morningstar nor its content providers are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information.
Earnings growth for a fund holding does not guarantee a corresponding increase in the market value of the holding or the fund.
Fund holdings and/or sector allocations are subject to change at any time and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security.
Fund Summary | 21 |
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Litman Gregory Masters International Fund Managers
INVESTMENT MANAGER | FIRM | TARGET MANAGER ALLOCATION | MARKET CAPITALIZATION OF COMPANIES IN PORTFOLIO | STOCK-PICKING STYLE | BENCHMARK | |||||
Bill Fries | Thornburg Investment Management, Inc. | 20% | All sizes | Eclectic, may invest in traditional value stocks or growth stocks | MSCI All Countries World Free ex U.S. Index | |||||
David Herro | Harris Associates L.P. | 20% | All sizes, but mostly large- and mid-sized companies | Value | MSCI World ex U.S. Value Index | |||||
Howard Appleby Jean-Francois Ducrest Jim LaTorre | Northern Cross, LLC | 20% | Mostly large- and mid-sized companies | Blend | Russell Global ex US Large Cap Index | |||||
Mark Little | Lazard Asset Management, LLC | 20% | All sizes | Blend | Russell Global ex US Large Cap Index | |||||
Jean-Marc Berteaux | Wellington Management Company, LLP | 20% | All sizes | Growth | MSCI All Countries World Growth ex U.S. Index. |
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Litman Gregory Masters International Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES at December 31, 2014
Shares | Value | |||||||
COMMON STOCKS: 94.5% | ||||||||
Australia: 3.8% | ||||||||
883,230 | Ansell Ltd. | $ | 16,142,447 | |||||
11,477,210 | Incitec Pivot Ltd. | 29,713,216 | ||||||
3,126,362 | Treasury Wine Estates Ltd. | 12,176,148 | ||||||
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58,031,811 | ||||||||
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Belgium: 1.7% | ||||||||
222,361 | Anheuser-Busch InBev N.V. | 25,024,138 | ||||||
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Brazil: 1.6% | ||||||||
2,786,500 | Estacio Participacoes S.A. | 24,659,641 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Canada: 4.3% | ||||||||
37,276 | Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, Inc. | 1,316,588 | ||||||
2,064,735 | Trican Well Service Ltd. | 9,913,006 | ||||||
378,083 | Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.* | 54,107,458 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
65,337,052 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
China: 3.7% | ||||||||
124,001 | Baidu, Inc. - ADR* | 28,268,508 | ||||||
53,425,790 | Greatview Aseptic Packaging Co. Ltd. | 27,505,794 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
55,774,302 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Denmark: 1.3% | ||||||||
459,275 | Novo Nordisk A/S - Class B | 19,433,924 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Finland: 2.5% | ||||||||
823,940 | Sampo Oyj - Class A | 38,635,802 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
France: 15.3% | ||||||||
913,489 | AXA S.A. | 21,099,299 | ||||||
424,900 | BNP Paribas S.A. | 24,969,973 | ||||||
220,500 | Danone S.A. | 14,506,518 | ||||||
280,472 | Essilor International S.A. | 31,222,492 | ||||||
1,294,953 | Numericable Group S.A.* | 63,857,128 | ||||||
329,477 | Renault S.A. | 24,077,714 | ||||||
302,698 | Schneider Electric SE | 21,995,504 | ||||||
249,990 | Valeo S.A. | 31,139,350 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
232,867,978 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Germany: 6.1% | ||||||||
121,500 | Allianz SE | 20,188,504 | ||||||
255,500 | Daimler AG | 21,317,401 | ||||||
97,669 | Linde AG | 18,217,949 | ||||||
271,456 | SAP SE | 19,194,220 | ||||||
921,094 | Tom Tailor Holding AG* | 13,243,475 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
92,161,549 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Greece: 0.9% | ||||||||
11,710,840 | Piraeus Bank S.A.* | 12,884,237 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Ireland: 1.4% | ||||||||
83,731 | Actavis Plc* | 21,553,197 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Japan: 8.3% | ||||||||
2,409,000 | Daiwa Securities Group, Inc. | 18,747,058 | ||||||
538,700 | Don Quijote Holdings Co. Ltd. | 36,769,282 | ||||||
135,300 | FANUC Corp. | 22,313,892 | ||||||
769,400 | Honda Motor Co. Ltd. | 22,358,053 | ||||||
8,027,475 | Taiheiyo Cement Corp. | 25,241,964 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
125,430,249 | ||||||||
|
|
Shares | Value | |||||||
Malaysia: 2.0% | ||||||||
39,892,094 | AirAsia Bhd | $ | 30,952,660 | |||||
|
| |||||||
Netherlands: 1.8% | ||||||||
3,439,900 | CNH Industrial N.V. | 27,731,577 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Panama: 1.9% | ||||||||
280,037 | Copa Holdings S.A. - Class A | 29,023,035 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Philippines: 0.8% | ||||||||
24,438,400 | Alliance Global Group, Inc. | 12,197,413 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
South Africa: 0.7% | ||||||||
1,194,070 | Mediclinic International Ltd. | 10,340,669 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
South Korea: 2.3% | ||||||||
826,047 | SK Hynix, Inc.* | 35,568,988 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Spain: 3.3% | ||||||||
639,410 | Atresmedia Corp. de Medios de Comunicacion S.A. | 8,993,670 | ||||||
1,860,511 | Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. | 17,510,954 | ||||||
1,167,465 | Ferrovial S.A. | 23,004,292 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
49,508,916 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Sweden: 2.1% | ||||||||
1,085,662 | Electrolux AB - Series B | 31,733,398 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Switzerland: 7.3% | ||||||||
364,242 | Cie Financiere Richemont S.A. | 32,281,442 | ||||||
1,403,851 | Credit Suisse Group AG | 35,212,374 | ||||||
83,500 | Kuehne & Nagel International AG | 11,356,547 | ||||||
77,638 | Roche Holding AG | 21,054,687 | ||||||
23,040 | Swatch Group AG (The) | 10,236,284 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
110,141,334 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Turkey: 0.6% | ||||||||
1,592,360 | Turkiye Halk Bankasi A/S | 9,413,319 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
United Kingdom: 20.8% | ||||||||
2,097,351 | ARM Holdings Plc | 32,277,914 | ||||||
379,350 | Associated British Foods Plc | 18,420,892 | ||||||
976,920 | BG Group Plc | 12,996,410 | ||||||
1,188,330 | Burberry Group Plc | 30,094,192 | ||||||
2,305,800 | Carpetright Plc* | 14,381,646 | ||||||
305,854 | Delphi Automotive Plc | 22,241,703 | ||||||
1,563,429 | Diageo Plc | 44,816,423 | ||||||
2,287,523 | Informa Plc | 16,682,692 | ||||||
566,805 | Liberty Global Plc - Series C* | 27,382,349 | ||||||
11,530,231 | Lloyds Banking Group Plc* | 13,608,217 | ||||||
2,436,347 | Rexam Plc | 17,118,872 | ||||||
1,496,334 | Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc | 20,146,192 | ||||||
722,410 | Standard Chartered Plc | 10,828,062 | ||||||
2,784,637 | Telecity Group Plc | 34,875,540 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
315,871,104 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL COMMON STOCKS | 1,434,276,293 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
RIGHTS/WARRANTS: 0.0% | ||||||||
Spain: 0.0% | ||||||||
1,860,511 | Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A.* (Expiration date: 01/13/15) | 177,861 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL RIGHTS/WARRANTS | 177,861 | ||||||
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Schedule of Investments | 23 |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters International Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES at December 31, 2014
Shares | Value | |||||||
PREFERRED STOCKS: 0.0% | ||||||||
United Kingdom: 0.0% | ||||||||
Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc* | ||||||||
134,670,060 | 0.00% | $ | 209,782 | |||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS | 209,782 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Principal Amount | ||||||||
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS: 5.0% | ||||||||
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS: 5.0% | ||||||||
$75,099,000 | FICC, 0.000%, 12/31/14, due 01/02/2015 [collateral: par value $74,565,000, U.S. Treasury Note, 2.375%, due 08/15/2024; value $76,620,389] (proceeds $75,099,000) | $ | 75,099,000 | |||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS | 75,099,000 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES | 1,509,762,936 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities: 0.5% | 8,264,565 | |||||||
|
| |||||||
| Net Assets: 100.0% | $ | 1,518,027,501 | |||||
|
|
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.
ADR | American Depository Receipt. |
* | Non-Income Producing Security. |
CURRENCY ABBREVIATIONS:
AUD | Australian Dollar |
CAD | Canadian Dollar |
CHF | Swiss Franc |
EUR | Euro |
GBP | British Pound |
KRW | South Korean Won |
USD | U.S. Dollar |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
24 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters International Fund
SCHEDULE OF FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS at December 31, 2014
At December 31, 2014, the Fund had the following forward foreign currency exchange contracts:
Asset Derivatives | Liability Derivatives | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Counterparty | Settlement Date | Fund Receiving | U.S. $ Value at December 31, 2014 | Fund Delivering | U.S. $ Value at December 31, 2014 | Unrealized Appreciation | Unrealized Depreciation | |||||||||||||||||
State Street Bank and Trust | 1/30/2015 | USD | $ | 29,715,659 | EUR | $ | 26,785,020 | $ | 2,930,639 | $ | — | |||||||||||||
1/30/2015 | USD | 9,189,321 | EUR | 8,386,720 | 802,601 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
1/30/2015 | USD | 25,656,867 | EUR | 24,854,893 | 801,974 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
1/30/2015 | USD | 10,361,138 | EUR | 9,901,916 | 459,222 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
1/30/2015 | USD | 11,034,696 | EUR | 10,854,029 | 180,667 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
4/24/2015 | USD | 15,828,267 | GBP | 15,385,548 | 442,719 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
4/24/2015 | USD | 8,209,819 | GBP | 8,156,340 | 53,479 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
6/9/2015 | USD | 21,413,319 | KRW | 21,828,219 | — | (414,900 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
6/10/2015 | USD | 783,998 | CAD | 776,569 | 7,429 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
6/17/2015 | AUD | 112,326 | USD | 113,396 | — | (1,070 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
6/17/2015 | AUD | 1,365,695 | USD | 1,421,003 | — | (55,308 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
6/17/2015 | USD | 11,525,431 | AUD | 10,419,684 | 1,105,747 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
9/16/2015 | USD | 18,674,062 | CHF | 18,235,946 | 438,116 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 163,870,598 | $ | 157,119,283 | $ | 7,222,593 | $ | (471,278 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Schedule of Investments | 25 |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Smaller Companies Fund Review
Litman Gregory Masters Smaller Companies Fund lost 4.06% in 2014 and finished the year 8.95 percentage points behind its Russell 2000 Index benchmark, which gained 4.89%. As a result of the recent poor relative performance, the fund now lags the benchmark over the trailing one-, three-, five-, 10-, and since-inception periods.
It is worth highlighting that if investors look back just five months to July 2014, the fund was ahead of its benchmark for the year-to-date period by six percentage points and was outperforming the benchmark by wide margins over the trailing one, three, and five years, and was in line with the benchmark since the fund’s inception. More specifically, from the market’s bottom in March 2009 through July 2014, the fund’s annualized total return was 27.19%, compared to 23.23% for the Russell 2000 benchmark. The abrupt and dramatic performance reversal was driven by the fund’s large overweight to the energy sector, where a remarkable decline in energy prices caused the fund’s energy holdings, on average, to decline 41% in the 12-month period, with most of the decline occurring in the fourth quarter.
The market will inevitably have its ups and downs and the fund, with its extremely high active share, will have periods of underperformance. Our goal at Litman Gregory Masters Funds is to run our funds in a way that instills shareholder confidence via our investment philosophy, execution, and multimanager focused approach, as well as a recognition of the importance of a longer-term outlook.
Performance as of 12/31/2014 |
| |||||||||||||||||||
Average Annual Total Returns | ||||||||||||||||||||
One- Year | Three- Year | Five- Year | Ten- Year | Since Inception | ||||||||||||||||
Litman Gregory Masters Smaller Companies Fund (6/30/2003) | -4.06% | 15.88% | 13.83% | 6.43% | 8.98% | |||||||||||||||
Russell 2000 Index | 4.89% | 19.21% | 15.55% | 7.77% | 10.41% | |||||||||||||||
Morningstar Small Blend Category | 3.83% | 18.09% | 14.64% | 7.21% | 9.91% |
Performance quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the funds may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. To obtain the performance of the funds as of the most recently completed calendar month, please visit www.mastersfunds.com. Through 4/30/2015, Litman Gregory has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its management fee to pass through any cost benefits resulting from sub-advisor breakpoints or changes in the sub-advisory fee schedules or allocations. Investment performance reflects fee waivers in effect. In the absence of such waivers, total return would be reduced. As of the prospectus dated 4/30/2014, the gross and net expense ratios for the Smaller Companies Fund were 1.54% and 1.44%, respectively. In December 2014, the Advisor agreed to extend the waivers and/or expense limitations agreement through April 30, 2016. See page 3 for a detailed discussion of the risks and costs associated with investing in the Litman Gregory Masters Smaller Companies Fund. |
Portfolio Commentary
Performance of managers: In 2014, one of the three managers finished ahead of his benchmark (net of the sub-advisor’s fee). Longer term, the two sub-advisors who have been on the fund since its June 2003 inception—Dick Weiss of Wells Capital and the team at FPA Capital—are well ahead of the their benchmarks since the fund was launched. The third manager, Jeff Bronchick of Cove Street Capital, who was added to the fund seven and a half years ago, has performed in line with his benchmark.
Sector and stock-picking impact: Though all the Litman Gregory Masters Funds are driven by bottom-up stock picking, the sector exposure that results from this may provide some insight into the funds’ relative performance. In 2014, the fund’s sector weightings were a drag on the performance of the Smaller Companies Fund, while stock selection had a modest positive impact on relative performance.
The biggest detractor for the year was the energy sector, where a triple-weight exposure (16.3% for the fund versus 5.5% for the Russell 2000 Index) to the worst-performing sector in the benchmark (down 36%) accounted for the majority of the fund’s underperformance. Another large detractor from a sector perspective was a meaningful underweight to health care (2.1% versus 13.6% for the benchmark). In 2014, health care was the second-best performing sector (up 19.5%) in the Russell 2000 Index. A sizeable underweight to financials (10.8% versus 23.4% for the benchmark) also hurt relative performance, as the sector gained 9.3%. Finally, the utilities sector comprised only 3.3% of the benchmark, but the fund had no exposure to this top-performing sector (up 21% for the year).
Leaders and Laggards: The table on the next page lists the largest contributors and detractors from performance in 2014. As of December 31, eight of the top 10 contributors for the year remain in the portfolio, as do nine of the 10 largest detractors.
26 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Smaller Companies Fund Contribution by Holding
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
Top Contributors | ||||||||||
Company Name | Fund Period End Wt | Contribution to Return | Economic Sector | |||||||
InterDigital Inc | 2.19 | % | 1.38 | Information Technology | ||||||
Taser International Inc | 1.86 | % | 1.32 | % | Industrials | |||||
Taminco Corp | 2.36 | % | 1.07 | % | Materials | |||||
Best Buy Co Inc | 1.75 | % | 1.03 | % | Consumer Discretionary | |||||
Delta Air Lines Inc | 1.66 | % | 1.01 | % | Industrials | |||||
International Game Technology | 0.53 | % | 0.84 | % | Consumer Discretionary | |||||
Apollo Education Group Inc Class A | 2.50 | % | 0.73 | % | Consumer Discretionary | |||||
Brocade Communications Systems Inc | 1.87 | % | 0.63 | % | Information Technology | |||||
Chimera Investment Corp | 3.10 | % | 0.61 | % | Financials | |||||
ARRIS Group Inc | 2.53 | % | 0.58 | % | Information Technology | |||||
Bottom Contributors | ||||||||||
Company Name | Fund Period End Wt | Contribution to Return | Economic Sector | |||||||
Approach Resources Inc | 3.62 | % | -3.69 | % | Energy | |||||
Rosetta Resources Inc | 2.48 | % | -1.84 | % | Energy | |||||
Atwood Oceanics Inc | 1.98 | % | -1.28 | % | Energy | |||||
Heritage-Crystal Clean Inc | 2.59 | % | -1.26 | % | Industrials | |||||
Rowan Companies PLC | 2.34 | % | -0.90 | % | Energy | |||||
Forestar Group Inc | 2.86 | % | -0.81 | % | Financials | |||||
Emerald Oil Inc | 0.15 | % | -0.77 | % | Energy | |||||
Roundys Inc | 0.53 | % | -0.76 | % | Consumer Staples | |||||
Range Resources Corp | 0.91 | % | -0.70 | % | Energy | |||||
Titan International Inc | 0.74 | % | -0.66 | % | Industrials |
Portfolio contribution for a holding represents the product of the average portfolio weight and the total return earned by the holding during the period. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Fund holdings and/or sector allocations are subject to change at any time and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security.
At the stock-picking level, the most meaningful contributors came from stock picks in the consumer discretionary sector, with our managers’ holdings outperforming the overall sector by more than twenty percentage points, in aggregate. Two of the top contributors in the sector were DeVry Education Group and Apollo Education Group, both for-profit education providers. Dennis Bryan of FPA Capital added the stocks to the portfolio in December of 2012 and February of 2013, respectively, after the for-profit education industry experienced declining enrollments and was one of the worst-performing industry groups in 2012. Despite the negative news and sentiment, Bryan was encouraged by the companies’ profit levels and their ability to generate abundant free cash flows. Specific to Apollo, management was also cutting expenses to maintain healthy profitability. Both stocks subsequently appreciated sharply in 2013 and again in 2014. The stocks remain top holdings in FPA’s sleeve of the portfolio, combining to make up 13.5% of their assets. Investors should note that because FPA’s holdings generally originate from areas that are out of favor, this can lead them to own multiple companies within the same sector. This is currently the case within the energy sector, discussed in more detail below.
Graham Holdings, formerly The Washington Post, was another winner in the consumer discretionary space. When Jeff Bronchick of Cove Street added the company in June 2013, he saw a mix of businesses that included for-profit education and newspapers, two of the most despised industries at the time, but also some good businesses (TV broadcasting and cable). Bronchick’s sum-of-the-parts valuation implied a material margin of safety. Earlier this year, the company began to rationalize the business, selling The Washington Post and a TV station for top dollar in a tax-free transaction that resulted in a massive share repurchase. During the fourth quarter, the company announced that it is spinning off its cable business, unlocking additional value. Bronchick sold the position at a 40% gain after a 16-month holding period.
Strong stock selection in technology also helped performance. The biggest contributor in this sector was FPA’s position in InterDigital, which gained 74.2% for the year. Bryan says there has been tremendous growth in wireless communication and the growth is expected to continue. While it is hard to predict the future market share of any individual hardware company (e.g., Apple versus Samsung) it is also hard to dismiss the growth of wireless communication. Bryan says InterDigital is a company that will allow shareholders to participate in this growth without taking sides on which smartphone, tablet, or e-reader companies will hold the
Fund Summary | 27 |
Table of Contents
largest market share. InterDigital has been around since the early ’70s and has a group of 175 engineers that work on new inventions every day. To date, they have obtained or applied for 20,000 patents. Bryan took the opportunity to invest in this company in June 2011 when the stock price declined because of litigation concerns. InterDigital had a number of lawsuits pending against some of the large players in the industry such as Nokia, LG, ZTE, and Samsung because these companies were not paying royalties to InterDigital. While the company has had some recent legal setbacks, InterDigital generally has prevailed in prior cases, and Bryan expects this to continue. Recently, in June 2014, the largest unlicensed company (Samsung) signed a 10-year deal with InterDigital. In the fourth quarter of 2014, the market started noticing InterDigital’s success with Samsung and its resulting cash flow generation abilities. Shareholders should note that InterDigital was FPA’s worst-performing investment (down 28%) in 2013. Bryan increased his position by 35% during that year and by more than 50% in 2014 (inclusive of the recent trim in late 2014).
Another winner in technology was Brocade Communications (up 27%), owned by Dick Weiss of Wells Capital. Weiss’s thesis for Brocade has evolved. When he originally bought the stock in August 2009, it was based on the belief that the company’s storage-area-network (SAN) business would show some growth and generate a great deal of free cash flow (the free cash flow yield was near 20%). This proved correct, but the stock price remained depressed because of a weak CEO and continued mediocre results from a large acquisition in the networking business. Subsequently, the CEO was replaced by a new leader with a focused strategy, who began to aggressively buy back stock. The new strategy was focused on pushing their technology edge in the SAN business and, more importantly, sharply focusing the IP business on leading-edge “cloud” server products. The plan involved reforming and enhancing the sales force, eliminating low returning products, and fully exploiting their leading-edge cloud technologies. The stock did well in 2014 for three main reasons: it was not liked by the “street” and earnings per share sharply exceeded estimates; the SAN business continued to defy widespread skepticism; and better overall management provided enhanced credibility for a stock that was too cheap. Going forward, Weiss believes the stock is not expensive, but it is fairly priced if it remains a slow grower with a mature SAN business. The key will be for Brocade to retain its technology edge in the data center networking market. If that occurs, Weiss believes that Brocade will be one of the leading beneficiaries and is underpriced.
As mentioned above, energy stocks were by far the biggest detractor to the fund’s performance. Six of the top 10 detractors in the period were energy stocks, with stock-price declines ranging from 30% to 67%. Given this extreme price decline, we have spent a meaningful amount of time discussing these holdings with the fund’s managers in recent months.
The largest detractor was Cove Street’s position in Approach Resources, which began the year as the fund’s largest holding. Bronchick says the breadth and speed of the collapse of oil and gas pricing is one of the great mostly-out-of-left-field disasters he has witnessed. Historically, he has generally shied away from commodity and energy investing because the key determinant of the potential success of the investment—the commodity price—can only be guesstimated. That said, from time to time, opportunities do present themselves. What was re-emphasized to him in 2014 is that fundamental, company-specific factors and management skill will be overshadowed if the commodity price drops 45% in three months. He continues to own Approach Resources and says he is “not going to compound bad buys with bad sells because we are embarrassed. We will take our beating on an intellectual basis, not an emotional one.” Secondly, he believes Approach has a balance sheet that can sustain a long period of depressed commodity prices. The company has no immediate debt coming due, and it has hedges in place, which means there is not a day of reckoning in 2015 or 2016. This provides time to gauge when energy prices might increase toward a normalized level. Bronchick has added to his position as the stock price has declined.
Two other energy names that significantly hurt performance were Atwood Oceanics and Ensco, both owned by FPA. As stated above, FPA is willing to build sizable sector concentrations when they believe opportunities are compelling. At year-end, FPA had five of their 15 portfolio holdings in energy, accounting for 27% of their sleeve. This is not the first time FPA has identified compelling value in energy. Their peak energy weight was in early 2008, when they had 37% of their sleeve in energy names. FPA has owned both Atwood Oceanics and Ensco previously in the fund. They owned Atwood from February 2007 to December 2012 and during their holding period generated a 230% return. They held Ensco from October 2011 to October 2013 and had a 42% gain.
Atwood had a loss of 35.1% in the fourth quarter and was down 46.9% for the year, due to a combination of macro and company-specific factors. On the macro front, spot prices for oil fell by nearly 40% during the fourth quarter. At the company level Atwood delayed the delivery of two new-build drillships (i.e., ships outfitted with a drilling apparatus) by six months. Bryan’s thesis for owning the stock now is that the company has almost completely renewed its fleet over the last few years and signed those rigs to contracts that gave it one of the biggest backlogs in the industry. Bryan is currently modeling in a base case where he says 98%, 77%, and 36% of the total revenue that he expects the company to generate in fiscal years 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively, is already under contract. He believed the culture and business practices behind the company’s peer-leading efficiencies would allow them to convert that backlog into substantial profits and initiate a meaningful dividend, which they did ($1 per year). Bryan adds that Atwood has been an offshore drilling industry leader in utilization rates, profit margins, and returns on capital for years, and the company has been profitable 19 of the last 20 years. Even under conservative day rates for the company’s rig and ships, Bryan expects the company will still earn $3 per share by fiscal year 2017, when most of their backlog will have burned off. At the year-end price of $28.37, the stock is trading at less than 10x that figure (and yielding 3.5%), but in the intervening two years Bryan believes the company could earn approximately $12 per share, or greater than 40% of the current market cap.
28 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
Ensco is an offshore drilling contractor that was added to the portfolio in September 2014, before the stock fell roughly 35% through the end of the year. Bryan says that in addition to the collapse in oil prices, investors observed that Ensco had some rigs similar to ones that competitors Diamond Offshore and Transocean announced during the quarter they would scrap. However, these rigs are a much smaller portion of Ensco’s fleet relative to those two companies. He adds that while portions of Ensco’s fleet are older and would likely be either shut down completely or temporarily taken off the market, the company’s strong balance sheet and contracted revenue backlog should allow it to sustain a sizable dividend (10% as of year-end) for the foreseeable future. Bryan also points out that the company has been profitable for 20 consecutive years, although it may generate a slight loss for fiscal year 2014 due to an impairment charge they took on some older assets in the second quarter. Bryan believes the company is very well run. He says they regularly score the best on industry customer satisfaction surveys and they are leaders in terms of safety performance. They also have the best balance sheet in the industry, with a 12.8x interest coverage ratio (this measures the company’s ability to pay the interest on its debt and is calculated by dividing the trailing earnings before interest and taxes by interest expense) and 1.9x net debt/EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization). At the year-end 2014 stock price of $29.95 Ensco is trading at 10x EBITDA. Over the next two years, Bryan expects to collect $6/share of dividends, or 20% of the current market cap. The company-specific elements of his thesis are still intact.
It is important to remember that Litman Gregory Masters Smaller Companies Fund will hold many stocks for long periods of time and the success of these holdings won’t be known until they are ultimately sold. In that respect, while energy names are largely responsible for the poor performance over the last five months of the year, the managers do not think the theses for these stocks are broken. In fact they have been opportunistically adding to their positions as prices have declined. The managers recognize that they may not be paid in the very near term, but over the next two to three years, they expect commodity prices to normalize to the marginal cost of production—the long-term driver of commodity prices. If they are right they believe the portfolio’s energy holdings will benefit. Currently, the price of oil is in the upper $40 range and the managers estimate the marginal cost of production to be in the $70 to $85 range.
Portfolio mix: The fund’s sector weights often vary widely from those of its benchmark and this is presently the case. The differences reflect the managers’ bottom-up, focused stock-selection process with little or no consideration given to how their sector weights or stock exposures compare to the index. The focus on bottom-up analysis is apparent in the fund’s extremely high active share of 99.1% as of the end of 2014. Only 15 of the 43 stocks in the Smaller Companies portfolio are in the Russell 2000 benchmark, and those that are have meaningfully higher weights than the benchmark. Over the long run, we view this as a potentially distinct advantage.
During the year, the largest change in portfolio sector weightings occurred in the technology sector exposure. At the end of 2013, the sector was 16.2% of assets, roughly in line with the benchmark’s 17.8% weighting. By year-end 2014, technology accounted for 28.7% of assets, or a 10 percentage point overweighting to the index. Some of the increase was due to appreciation, as the fund’s technology holdings were up 15.1% for the year, but most of it resulted from new portfolio positions including Westell Technologies, ViaSat, Corning, and Microsemi. Westell designs, develops, and markets products for telephone and telecommunications companies worldwide and was added by Cove Street in September after the stock declined from a high of $4.50 in early 2014 to around $1.80. Bronchick says this is a cyclical business that trades at a significant discount to a low multiple of normalized earnings and cash flow, and the company has a large cash position ($48 million that equates to a substantial percentage of the company’s $78 million market capitalization) and no debt.
Another large increase was in the energy sector. Over the course of 2014, the fund’s energy weighting increased from 11.4% to 16.3%, compared to the benchmark’s 5.5% weighting during the period. In addition to the managers adding to existing positions as the stocks have declined, new energy positions include Emerald Oil, Range Resources, Ensco (discussed above), and SM Energy.
The one sector that declined materially as a percentage of the portfolio was health care, which went from 9.9% to 2.1%. The sole health care position in the portfolio is Greatbatch. Manager Dick Weiss’s thesis for owning the stock incorporates his belief that the company’s cardiac rhythm management franchise is underappreciated, the stock’s valuation is compelling, and cash flow is growing more than 10% per year. The company may have a new growth avenue in 2015 with a new product (Algovita) coming to market, which is a spinal cord stimulation system for chronic intractable pain of the trunk or limbs. The approval of this product could lead to higher sales growth and increased margins, and Weiss sees strong potential for appreciation.
Cash, which in recent years reached all-time highs, declined from 16.0% to 12.2% of fund assets during the year.
Geographically the portfolio has one foreign-domiciled name, Ensco, which is headquartered in the United Kingdom.
With regard to company size, the fund’s weighted average market capitalization increased during the year from $3.6 billion to $4.7 billion. The portfolio’s median market cap decreased from $3.3 billion to $2.7 billion. Exposure to micro-cap stocks increased from 8% to 19.7%. Many of these stocks are in Cove Street’s sleeve of the portfolio, where the average market cap is $921 million. Four of Cove Street’s 12 holdings have market capitalizations below $100 million, including Westell mentioned above.
Fund Summary | 29 |
Table of Contents
By Sector
Sector Allocation | ||||||||||||
Fund as of 12/31/14 | Fund as of 12/31/13 | Russell 2000 Index as of 12/31/2014 | ||||||||||
Consumer Discretionary | 16.1% | 14.6% | 13.1% | |||||||||
Consumer Staples | 0.0% | 0.6% | 3.5% | |||||||||
Energy | 16.3% | 11.4% | 5.5% | |||||||||
Finance | 10.8% | 12.7% | 23.4% | |||||||||
Health Care & Pharmaceuticals | 2.1% | 9.9% | 13.6% | |||||||||
Industrials | 10.4% | 10.4% | 14.3% | |||||||||
Materials | 3.6% | 8.2% | 4.8% | |||||||||
Information Technology | 28.7% | 16.2% | 17.8% | |||||||||
Telecom | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.8% | |||||||||
Utilities | 0.0% | 0.0% | 3.3% | |||||||||
Exchange Traded Funds | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | |||||||||
Cash Equivalents & Other | 12.0% | 16.0% | 0.0% | |||||||||
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|
|
|
| |||||||
100.0% | 100.0% | 100.0% | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
By Market Capitalization | By Domicile | |
Market Capitalization:
Micro-Cap < $884 million
Small-Cap $884 million - $4.05 billion
Small/Mid-Cap 4.05 billion - $9.41 billion
Mid-Cap $9.41 billion - $27.1 billion
Large-Cap > $27.1 billion
Totals may not add up to 100% due to rounding
30 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
In Closing
Litman Gregory Masters Smaller Companies Fund’s performance over the last five months of 2014 was clearly disappointing, especially in light of the fund’s very strong relative and absolute performance over the previous five and a half years. The impact of the fund’s sizable overweight to the energy sector explains most of the fund’s underperformance for the year. However, we and our managers believe that energy prices have overshot and while a rebound may not be immediate, the potential for a strong and sustainable rebound over the manager’s typical holding period is probable. In short, the fund’s sub-advisors believe there is now substantial upside in their stocks and in many cases have added to their holdings at these lower prices. If they are right, the fund may be able to more than make up the ground it has lost.
Litman Gregory continues to have great confidence in the stock pickers running the fund.
Jeremy DeGroot, Portfolio Manager and Chief Investment Officer
Jack Chee, Portfolio Manager
Earnings growth for a fund holding does not guarantee a corresponding increase in the market value of the holding or the fund.
Fund holdings and/or sector allocations are subject to change at any time and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security.
Fund Summary | 31 |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Smaller Companies Fund Managers
INVESTMENT MANAGER | FIRM | TARGET MANAGER ALLOCATION | MARKET CAPITALIZATION OF COMPANIES IN PORTFOLIO | STOCK-PICKING STYLE | BENCHMARK | |||||
Jeff Bronchick | Cove Street Capital, LLC | 33-1/3% | Small- and mid-sized companies | Value | Russell 2000 Value Index | |||||
Dennis Bryan | First Pacific Advisors, LLC | 33-1/3% | Small- and mid-sized companies | Value | Russell 2000 Value Index | |||||
Richard Weiss | Wells Capital Management, Inc. | 33-1/3% | Small- and mid-sized companies | Blend | Russell 2000 Index |
32 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Smaller Companies Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES at December 31, 2014
Shares | Value | |||||||
COMMON STOCKS: 88.0% | ||||||||
Consumer Discretionary: 16.1% | ||||||||
36,700 | Aaron’s, Inc. | $ | 1,121,919 | |||||
58,800 | Apollo Education Group, Inc.* | 2,005,668 | ||||||
42,400 | Best Buy Co., Inc. | 1,652,752 | ||||||
450,000 | Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc.* | 3,433,500 | ||||||
130,000 | Cumulus Media, Inc. - Class A* | 549,900 | ||||||
31,100 | DeVry Education Group, Inc. | 1,476,317 | ||||||
40,000 | Liberty Ventures - Series A* | 1,508,800 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
11,748,856 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Energy: 16.3% | ||||||||
260,000 | Approach Resources, Inc.* | 1,661,400 | ||||||
54,600 | Atwood Oceanics, Inc.* | 1,549,002 | ||||||
450,000 | Carbon Natural Gas Co.*(a) | 288,000 | ||||||
14,750 | Cimarex Energy Co. | 1,563,500 | ||||||
250,000 | Emerald Oil, Inc.* | 300,000 | ||||||
28,600 | Ensco Plc - Class A | 856,570 | ||||||
25,200 | Range Resources Corp. | 1,346,940 | ||||||
76,400 | Rosetta Resources, Inc.* | 1,704,484 | ||||||
87,900 | Rowan Cos. Plc - Class A | 2,049,828 | ||||||
16,400 | SM Energy Co. | 632,712 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
11,952,436 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Financials: 10.8% | ||||||||
57,268 | AllianceBernstein Holding L.P. | 1,479,232 | ||||||
800,000 | Chimera Investment Corp. | 2,544,000 | ||||||
90,900 | CNO Financial Group, Inc. | 1,565,298 | ||||||
150,000 | Forestar Group, Inc.* | 2,310,000 | ||||||
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| |||||||
7,898,530 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Health Care: 2.1% | ||||||||
31,800 | Greatbatch, Inc.* | 1,567,740 | ||||||
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Industrials: 10.4% | ||||||||
17,300 | AGCO Corp. | 781,960 | ||||||
32,100 | Delta Air Lines, Inc. | 1,578,999 | ||||||
200,000 | Heritage-Crystal Clean, Inc.* | 2,466,000 | ||||||
117,000 | Signature Group Holdings, Inc.* | 836,550 | ||||||
61,500 | Taser International, Inc.* | 1,628,520 | ||||||
31,500 | Titan International, Inc. | 334,845 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
7,626,874 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Information Technology: 28.7% | ||||||||
41,800 | Altera Corp. | 1,544,092 | ||||||
82,100 | ARRIS Group, Inc.* | 2,478,599 | ||||||
20,100 | Arrow Electronics, Inc.* | 1,163,589 | ||||||
34,200 | Avnet, Inc. | 1,471,284 | ||||||
142,500 | Brocade Communications Systems, Inc. | 1,687,200 | ||||||
69,000 | Corning, Inc. | 1,582,170 | ||||||
42,000 | InterDigital, Inc. | 2,221,800 | ||||||
65,000 | Knowles Corp.* | 1,530,750 | ||||||
59,500 | Microsemi Corp.* | 1,688,610 | ||||||
132,000 | Ruckus Wireless, Inc.* | 1,586,640 | ||||||
25,000 | ViaSat, Inc.* | 1,575,750 | ||||||
720,000 | Westell Technologies, Inc. - Class A* | 1,080,000 | ||||||
12,300 | Western Digital Corp. | 1,361,610 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
20,972,094 | ||||||||
|
|
Shares | Value | |||||||
Materials: 3.6% | ||||||||
150,000 | American Vanguard Corp. | $ | 1,743,000 | |||||
48,000 | Newmont Mining Corp. | 907,200 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
2,650,200 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL COMMON STOCKS | 64,416,730 | ||||||
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| |||||||
Principal Amount | ||||||||
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS: 12.1% | ||||||||
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS: 12.1% | ||||||||
$8,887,000 | FICC, 0.000%, 12/31/14, due 01/02/2015 [collateral: par value $8,835,000, U.S. Treasury Note, 2.375%, due 08/15/2024; value $9,078,537] (proceeds $8,887,000) | 8,887,000 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS | 8,887,000 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES | 73,303,730 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets: (0.1)% | (87,793 | ) | ||||||
|
| |||||||
| Net Assets: 100.0% | $ | 73,215,937 | |||||
|
|
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.
* | Non-Income Producing Security. |
(a) | Illiquid securities at December 31, 2014, at which time the aggregate value of these illiquid securities are $288,000 or 0.4% of net assets. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Schedule of Investments | 33 |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund Review
The Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund gained 3.58% in 2014. This compares to a gain of 5.96% for the Barclay’s Aggregate Bond Index, 13.24% for the Russell 1000, 0.24% for 3-Month LIBOR, and 1.64% for the Morningstar Multialternative Category.
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund |
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Performance as of 12/31/2014 |
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Average Annual Total Returns | ||||||||||||
One Year | Three- Year | Since Inception (9/30/2011) | ||||||||||
Institutional Class | 3.58% | 6.41% | 7.00% | |||||||||
Investor Class | 3.33% | 6.16% | 6.76% | |||||||||
Barclay’s Aggregate Bond Index | 5.96% | 2.67% | 2.81% | |||||||||
Russell 1000 Index | 13.24% | 20.62% | 23.06% | |||||||||
40/60 Blend of Russell 1000 & Barclays Agg Bond Index | 8.89% | 9.65% | 10.66% | |||||||||
3-Month LIBOR | 0.24% | 0.34% | 0.34% | |||||||||
S&P 500 Index | 13.69% | 20.42% | 22.86% | |||||||||
Morningstar Multialternative Category | 1.64% | 2.83% | 3.05% | |||||||||
Expense Ratios | MASFX | MASNX | ||||||||||
Net Expense Ratio (%) Excluding Dividend Expense on Short Sales and Interest & Borrowing Costs on Leverage Line of Credit1 | 1.49 | 1.74 | ||||||||||
Total Operating Expenses (%)2 | 1.66 | 1.91 | ||||||||||
Gross Expense Ratio (%) | 1.82 | 2.07 | ||||||||||
1. Does not include dividend expense on short sales of 0.12% and interest expense of 0.05%
2. The advisor is contractually obligated to waive management fees and/or reimburse ordinary operating expenses through 4/30/15. Total operating expense includes dividend and interest expense on short sales and interest and borrowing costs incurred for investment purposes, which are not included in the net expense ratio. In December 2014, the Advisor agreed to extend the waivers and/or expense limitations agreement through 4/30/16.
Performance quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than performance quoted. For recently completed calendar month performance visit www.mastersfunds.com. Investment performance reflects fee waivers in effect. In the absence of such waivers, total return would be reduced. See page 3 for a detailed discussion of the risks and costs associated with investing in the Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund. All performance discussions in this report refer to the performance of the Institutional share class. |
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Although the fund’s return in 2014 was modest relative to its history, we remain pleased with the fund’s overall performance since inception. It has returned 7.00% annualized with a standard deviation (volatility) of 3.1%, resulting in a Sharpe ratio of 2.2, the highest in the Morningstar Multialternative category since the fund launched. The fund’s beta to the stock market has been 0.25, while the fund’s worst drawdown (measured using weekly returns) has been only 2.3%. While beta and volatility are important statistical measures, we also look at drawdowns, since that better captures the “real-life” experience of being an investor in the fund, and we are mindful that larger absolute losses may make it difficult for investors to stick with a strategy that can be a beneficial part of their overall portfolio
over the long term. As such, we are pleased to note the fund’s worst drawdown was far less than that of equity markets, and more impressively, only half that of the Barclays Aggregate Bond Index’s worst drawdown.
More broadly, the fund’s performance since inception has exceeded LIBOR by over 650 basis pointsi, and volatility has been below our goal of 4% to 8%. The fund also compares very favorably to the Morningstar Multialternative peer group, outperforming the category average by about four percentage points with slightly lower volatility and smaller maximum drawdown.
The fund’s success thus far has been driven by the strong performance of our sub-advisors, coupled with the diversification benefits that result from a well-constructed multi-manager, multi-strategy portfolio. One measure of this diversification benefit is the average “pairwise correlation” across the four strategies on the fund, which remains very low, at 0.13. (This measure excludes Passport Capital’s sleeve of the fund, since Passport has only been on the fund for a little over a month. Anecdotally, we have so far observed relatively little correlation with the equity market on a daily basis in Passport’s performance, particularly relative to what might be expected of a long-biased long-short strategy.) While we are always wary of placing too much emphasis on relatively short-term statistics, we do believe that our sub-advisors manage strategies with differing drivers of risk and return such that the low correlation between them should be meaningfully representative of what we can expect over longer time horizons.
The “Risk/Return Statistics” table below presents some of the key performance and risk metrics we track for the fund and its benchmarks since inception.
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund Risk/Return Statistics – 12/31/2014 |
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MASFX | Barclays Agg Bond | Russell 1000 | Morningstar Multi- alternative Category | |||||||||||||
Annualized Return | 7.00 | % | 2.81 | % | 23.06 | % | 3.05 | % | ||||||||
Total Cumulative Return | 24.60 | % | 9.41 | % | 96.27 | % | 10.25 | % | ||||||||
Annualized Std. Deviation | 3.08 | % | 2.61 | % | 10.43 | % | 3.20 | % | ||||||||
Sharpe Ratio (Annualized) | 2.20 | 1.05 | 2.05 | 0.94 | ||||||||||||
Beta (to Russell 1000) | 0.25 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 0.27 | ||||||||||||
Correlation of MASFX to | 1.00 | -0.13 | 0.76 | 0.80 | ||||||||||||
Worst Drawdown | -2.26 | % | -4.52 | % | -9.68 | % | -3.83 | % | ||||||||
Worst 12-Month Return | 3.58 | % | -2.47 | % | 13.62 | % | 1.34 | % | ||||||||
% Positive 12-Month Periods | 100.00 | % | 66.67 | % | 100.00 | % | 100.00 | % | ||||||||
Upside Capture | 31.12 | % | 9.40 | % | 100.00 | % | 21.68 | % | ||||||||
Downside Capture | 27.71 | % | -3.39 | % | 100.00 | % | 47.42 | % | ||||||||
Since inception (9/30/11) |
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Worst Drawdown based on weekly returns Past performance is no guarantee of future results |
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i | The US Dollar 90 day LIBOR rate (London Interbank Offered Rate) is a benchmark rate of interest at which banks offer to lend money to one another in the wholesale money markets in London. One of the primary functions of the LIBOR rate is to serve as the benchmark reference rate for debt instruments, including government and corporate bonds, mortgage loans, student loans and credit cards as well as derivatives such as currency and interest rate swaps. Investors cannot invest directly in LIBOR. |
34 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
Portfolio Commentary
The Alternative Strategies Fund differs from the Litman Gregory Masters concentrated equity funds in that the sub-advisors on this fund are running very different investment strategies from each other. As such, the types of securities each manager owns may differ widely across their portfolio sleeves. Consequently, in this report, unlike for our other Litman Gregory Masters Funds, we break out information on each individual sub-advisor portfolio. (As a reminder, each sub-advisor manages a distinct separate account portfolio for our fund.)
Performance of managers: For the year 2014, the four sub-advisor strategies generated the following returns (net of the sub-advisor’s management fee):
- the DoubleLine Opportunistic Income strategy gained 10.75%
- the FPA Contrarian Opportunity strategy gained 5.53%
- the Loomis Sayles Absolute-Return Fixed-Income strategy gained 3.05%
- the Water Island Capital Arbitrage strategy declined 0.73%
The since-inception annualized returns for the four strategies range from 2.13% to 12.20%.
Key performance drivers by strategy: The DoubleLine Opportunistic Income strategy, managed by Jeffrey Gundlach outperformed the Barclays Aggregate Bond Index by 479 basis points (4.79 percentage points) for the year.
• | The portfolio benefited from positive total return (price appreciation and interest income) from both its non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) exposure and its longer-duration agency MBS as interest rates fell and prices rose over the year. |
• | At year-end, the portfolio continued to be focused in the mortgage sector. Non-agency RMBS remained the strategy’s largest exposure at 53% of assets, although this is down from 63% at the end of 2013. Almost all of the non-agency exposure is in Alt-A and Prime securities, with very little in Subprime. |
• | Strong pricing in the non-agency sector precluded DoubleLine from making additional purchases that would have offset income, paydowns, and cash inflows; therefore, the portfolio’s exposure to the sector declined over the year. The fundamentals in the non-agency market remain attractive, with a yield to maturity (YTM) of about 5% and less than one year duration. |
• | At the other end of the spectrum, the fund’s agency RMBS holdings (guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or Ginnie Mae) comprise 32% of assets, with more than half of that in inverse floaters and inverse interest-only securities. Gundlach views the agency and non-agency RMBS allocations as a natural hedge to each other and believes the blended portfolio is significantly lower risk as a whole than are the separate pieces when viewed in isolation. |
• | Gundlach continues to build the portfolio’s collateralized loan obligation (CLO) position, which now comprises 3% of the portfolio versus no exposure at the end of 2013. He sees the potential for further CLO purchases, as well as commercial MBS (currently 1% of the portfolio), as both sectors look relatively cheap. |
• | The remainder of the portfolio is in government bonds (2%) and cash (9%). The portfolio’s estimated duration is 3.9 years. For additional details on DoubleLine’s portfolio positioning and outlook, please read their commentary on page 40. |
The FPA Contrarian Opportunity strategy, managed by Steven Romick, Brian Selmo, and Mark Landecker, continues to hold a large net cash position (38.5% of assets, net of their short positions), but this is down from 48% in cash at the end of 2013.
• | With the stock market up 12.56% for the year, the cash was a drag, costing the strategy roughly six percentage points of relative performance versus the Russell 3000 index. (As a reminder, FPA’s objective is to generate long-term returns comparable to or better than the stock market, but with significantly lower risk. Cash is a residual of the team’s bottom-up, absolute-value investment process and an important element of their risk management.) |
• | Excluding the cash drag the portfolio performed well for the year, driven by strong stock picking within the health care, technology, and consumer discretionary sectors, as well as an overall underweighting to the bottom-performing energy sector. The top stock contributor was Microsoft, which gained 28% for the year, followed by Oracle (the portfolio’s largest position, up 19%), Rent-A-Center (a new purchase in 2014), Alcoa, and Covidien. The latter three positions were all up roughly 50% or more. |
• | The biggest performance detractor by a wide margin in 2014 was mortgage-servicing company Walter Investment Management, which fell 43% due to increased regulatory scrutiny of the industry in general and a key competitor in particular. The stock remained in the portfolio at year-end as the FPA team sees significant upside potential albeit with continued regulatory uncertainty. |
• | The portfolio remains most heavily allocated to large-cap stocks, both U.S. (24%) and international (16%, mostly large cap), but now also has 14% exposure to mid- and small-cap stocks, up from 0% at the end of 2013. Please see FPA’s commentary on page 47, for their views on the overall investment environment and portfolio outlook. |
The Loomis Sayles Absolute-Return Fixed-Income strategy, managed by Matt Eagan, Kevin Kearns, and Todd Vandam, outperformed its 3-Month LIBOR benchmark by roughly 280 basis points for the year.
• | The strategy’s positive performance was diversified across several sectors, with the majority of return driven by securitized credits (particularly non-agency RMBS and commercial MBS), investment-grade corporate bonds, and |
Fund Summary | 35 |
Table of Contents
currency positioning (e.g., short the Mexican peso, the euro, and the yen). Bank loans, dividend-paying equities, high-yield bonds, and emerging-markets bonds also were positive contributors. |
• | The portfolio’s duration hedging (e.g., shorting 10-year Treasury note futures to reduce the portfolio’s overall duration) detracted from returns as the intermediate and long Treasury yields declined (prices rose) for the year. Performance was also modestly hindered by short positions in S&P 500 futures, which the managers held to mitigate downside risk and hedge their convertible bond and dividend-equity positions. |
• | Looking ahead, the portfolio remains relatively defensively positioned, awaiting more compelling absolute opportunities before deploying capital more aggressively. However, the portfolio managers did add to the portfolio’s high-yield allocation during the fourth quarter (increasing it to a roughly 28% weighting) as spreads widened, led mainly by energy companies hurt by the continued fall in the price of oil. |
• | The managers continue to temper their assessment of the ability of rates to rise this cycle. As such, the portfolio’s effective duration is 3.3 years, up from around 1 year at the end of 2013. For more details, please read Loomis’s portfolio commentary on page 45. |
The Water Island Capital Arbitrage strategy, managed by John Orrico, Todd Munn, Roger Foltynowicz, and Gregg Loprete, lagged the returns of the event-driven and merger-arbitrage benchmarks that we follow, such as the HFRI indexes that gained around one percent for the year.
• | Within the broad Water Island strategy, the team’s merger arbitrage sub-strategy generated a positive 2% return, the credit opportunities sub-strategy was flat, and the equity special situations sub-strategy declined roughly 1% for the year (on a gross return basis). |
• | The fourth quarter was particularly volatile for the strategy, as the AbbVie/Shire deal break caused a dramatic widening of spreads in merger arbitrage and rippled through to other parts of the event-driven landscape due to “de-risking” (i.e., selling) from investors in the space. The portfolio managers responded by using their flexible mandate to increase the allocation to merger arbitrage from 45% at the beginning of the quarter to 75% at the end of the year. Arbitrage spreads in general remain elevated relative to recent years. |
• | Looking ahead to 2015, the managers expect catalysts for unlocking shareholder value such as corporate spin-offs, restructurings, refinancings, and mergers and acquisitions to be abundant. Market volatility should also provide attractive entry points and higher potential returns. For more details on Water Island’s strategy outlook, please read their commentary on page 40. |
Passport Capital’s Long-Short Equity strategy was part of the fund for little more than one month of the fourth quarter, so the overall impact was relatively small.
• | Passport is honored to be included as a sub-advisor to the Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund. We admire and respect Litman Gregory Asset Management’s experience and knowledge in the alternatives arena, and we look forward to a productive long-term relationship. |
• | For those of you unfamiliar with Passport Capital, we are a San Francisco-based alternative investment advisor with over $4 billion in assets under management.1 |
• | Our investment process seeks to identify and capitalize on long-term secular changes that the markets either don’t understand or don’t see coming. We have 71 employees, 31 of whom are on the investment team.2 Our investment process incorporates macroeconomic views, classic bottom-up fundamental research and quantitative risk management tools. |
• | The firm was founded in August of 2000 by John Burbank. |
• | Passport was added as a sub-advisor to the fund in the fourth quarter of 2014, so we’d like to take this opportunity to discuss salient trends in 2014. To begin to reflect on 2014, we need to cover a few important events in 2013. It was during the second quarter of 2013 that Ben Bernanke, then-Chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve System, announced the intention to taper bond purchases (otherwise known as quantitative easing or “QE”). The signaling effect to investors was that private sector deleveraging was coming to an end, bond purchases would eventually conclude and, thereafter, rates would begin to rise. Investors read into this and concluded that the Federal Reserve had confidence that growth would be sufficient to obviate the need for future accommodations. The net result was an immediate and dramatic regime shift in the type of assets investors preferred: investors aggressively shed low beta assets on concerns that rates would move higher. For the first time in several years, price momentum shifted from low-beta, yield-oriented assets to high-beta, growth assets. Treasury yields rose, bond funds saw outflows over the remainder of 2013, and equity funds globally saw significant inflows. |
• | From the end of May 2013 through late February 2014, we saw a strong regime for risk assets, such as high growth and high beta securities. By late February, however, a new reality began to set in: global growth dependent on China infrastructure disappointed, as China’s transition away from fixed asset investments and towards consumption negatively affected commodity prices and contributed to lower overall levels of growth. As the developed markets began to discount the end of QE, the tone became more and more “risk off” as investors generally shied away from assets they perceived as “riskier,” despite broad equity index returns still |
36 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
1 | As of December 31, 2014. |
2 | As of December 31, 2014. |
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being positive. In the Russell 1000, high beta stocks underperformed low beta stocks. Low beta was led by utilities, health care, REITs, and staples. With the exception of biotechnology, most of the sectors that saw price-earnings appreciation last year included many low-returning, so-called “safe” assets. As 2014 progressed, investors unwound a lot of the enthusiasm prevalent in 2013 and went back to investing in bonds and equities perceived as safe. |
• | From November 20, 2014, the start of our mandate, our investments for the fund benefited from short exposure in basic materials and energy. Detractors for the period were our longs in the energy and technology sectors as well as our longs in Saudi Arabia. Crude oil prices peaked in June, and declined slowly until October when the pace of decline really started to accelerate. In mid-October we observed the macro implications of falling interest rates, declining oil, and low beta equities outperforming. It was a significant macro inflection with wide-ranging implications. While it took time to assemble the pieces, by late fourth quarter we generally positioned our portfolio for the fund to be short energy equities and long companies benefiting from a stronger U.S. dollar. |
• | Again, we at Passport appreciate the opportunity to sub-advise on the Litman Gregory Masters Alternatives Fund, and we look forward to a productive long-term relationship. |
Tactical strategy allocations: After adding Passport to the fund, our strategic target allocations are 25% each to DoubleLine and Loomis Sayles, 20% each to FPA and Water Island, and 10% to Passport. Our overweight to DoubleLine and Loomis Sayles is due to their lower correlation to equities. In addition, we believe Passport is likely to have the highest or second highest equity beta of the strategies, which combined with the relatively short track record of their long-short equity strategy, leads us to size it smaller than the other managers. Over time, as we see our investment thesis play out, it is possible that we may increase Passport’s weighting in the fund. We use the fund’s daily cash flows to bring the manager allocations toward their targets when differences in shorter-term relative performance cause divergences.
As a reminder, Litman Gregory has the flexibility to tactically overweight or underweight a manager or strategy by as much as +/- 10 percentage points from our strategic targets. We will only overweight a manager if we have a strong conviction that their investment universe is significantly more attractive than the others, taking into account potential risks and returns. Litman Gregory has a long history of investing this way in our private client accounts, and one of our core competencies is valuation-based tactical asset allocation.
When we launched the Alternative Strategies Fund, we overweighted the DoubleLine Opportunistic Income strategy by five percentage points (to 30% of the fund) because we believed their risk-integrated mortgage-focused portfolio was compelling relative to other investment opportunities. This tactical decision added to the fund’s returns as the DoubleLine strategy subsequently significantly outperformed the average return of
the other three strategies. We unwound the DoubleLine overweight in the third quarter of 2013.
Current Target Strategy Allocations
In Closing
In 2014, investors who focused just on U.S. large-cap stocks and U.S. investment-grade bonds did very well. For example, a 40/60 mix of the S&P 500 and the Barclays Aggregate Bond Index generated a 9.07% return for the year. We do not believe that type of return is likely looking out over the next five to 10 years, given current very low bond yields and stretched stock market valuations. We also expect financial market volatility to increase from recent historically low levels. In such an environment, we believe an allocation to an all-weather, multi-strategy alternatives fund, run by experienced and skilled managers, at reasonable expense, makes a great deal of sense. If properly executed, such a fund, when added to a traditional stock/bond portfolio, has the potential to improve the portfolio’s long-term risk-adjusted returns.
In its three-plus years of existence, the Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund has performed well in periods of both rising and falling interest rates and rising and falling stock prices (although the latter have certainly been few and far between). We believe this reflects our sub-advisors’ skill in managing risk versus potential reward, the distinctive investment mandate each sub-advisor pursues for our fund, and the diversification benefits of our multi-strategy structure.
As of year-end and throughout most of 2014, our managers were fairly defensively positioned within their strategies, based on their assessments of the risks and rewards. We have great confidence in their willingness and ability to become more aggressive should market dislocations occur, creating more rewarding investment opportunities. Coupled with their focus first-and-foremost on risk management, each of our managers has the opportunistic mindset and, importantly, the flexibility within their mandates to take advantage of such opportunities—to vary their risk exposures in response to changing market conditions and investment opportunities across market cycles.
Fund Summary | 37 |
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We believe this is another key strength of the fund as a core alternatives holding.
In sum, we remain very excited about the fund’s prospects and continue to add to our personal investments in it alongside you.
Thank you for your continued trust and confidence.
Jeremy DeGroot, Portfolio Manager and Chief Investment Officer
Individual strategy portfolio allocations
Following are portfolio exposure summaries for each individual strategy as of December 31, 2014.
DoubleLine Opportunistic Income Strategy
12/31/14
Sector Exposures | ||||
Cash | 8.5% | |||
Government | 2.3% | |||
Agency Inverse Floaters | 7.0% | |||
Agency IO/Inverse IO | 14.5% | |||
Agency CMO | 8.4% | |||
Agency PO | 1.9% | |||
Non-Agency Residential MBS | 53.4% | |||
Commercial MBS | 1.3% | |||
Collateralized Loan Obligations | 2.7% | |||
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| |||
Total | 100.0% | |||
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Non-Agency Residential MBS Breakdown
(% of Non-Agency RMBS)
Prime | 28.6% | |||
Alt-A | 68.3% | |||
Subprime | 3.1% | |||
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Total | 100.0% | |||
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Credit Quality Breakdown | ||||
Cash | 8.5% | |||
Government | 2.3% | |||
Agency | 31.8% | |||
Investment Grade | 5.2% | |||
Below Investment Grade | 52.2% | |||
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Total | 100.0% | |||
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FPA Contrarian Opportunity Strategy 12/31/14
Asset Class Exposures | ||||
U.S. Large-Cap Stocks | 23.7% | |||
U.S. Mid-Cap Stocks | 6.2% | |||
U.S. Small-Cap Stocks | 4.7% | |||
Foreign Stocks | 19.4% | |||
Bonds | 5.0% | |||
Other Asset Backed | 2.0% | |||
Limited Partnerships | 0.6% | |||
Short Sales | -3.8% | |||
Cash | 42.3% | |||
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Total | 100.0% | |||
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Sector Exposures | FPA Strategy | Russell 3000 Index | ||||||
Consumer Discretionary | 5.8% | 12.7% | ||||||
Consumer Staples | 4.3% | 8.4% | ||||||
Energy | 1.9% | 9.1% | ||||||
Finance | 12.5% | 17.5% | ||||||
Health Care | 4.4% | 13.3% | ||||||
Industrials | 5.7% | 11.5% | ||||||
Materials | 2.7% | 3.8% | ||||||
Technology | 12.4% | 18.5% | ||||||
Telecom | 0.5% | 2.1% | ||||||
Utilities | 0.0% | 3.1% | ||||||
Cash | 42.3% | 0.0% | ||||||
Other | 7.5% | 0.0% |
Loomis Sayles Absolute-Return Fixed-Income strategy 12/31/14
Strategy Exposures (%) | Net Exposure | Long Total | Short Total | |||||||||
High-Yield Corporate | 28.4 | 28.4 | 0.0 | |||||||||
Securitized | 16.9 | 16.9 | 0.0 | |||||||||
Inv-Grade Corporate | 15.9 | 17.6 | -1.7 | |||||||||
Bank Loans | 13.5 | 13.5 | -0.3 | |||||||||
Dividend Equity | 3.8 | 4.9 | -1.1 | |||||||||
Convertibles | 3.4 | 6.2 | -2.8 | |||||||||
Currency | -3.0 | 12.6 | -15.6 | |||||||||
Emerging Market | 1.3 | 2.3 | -1.0 | |||||||||
Subtotal | 80.0 | 102.2 | -22.2 | |||||||||
Cash & Equivalents | 10.9 | 10.9 | 0.0 | |||||||||
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Overall Net | 90.9 | 113.1 | -22.2 | |||||||||
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Top 10 Country Exposures (%) | Net Exposure | Long Total | Short Total | |||||||||
United States | 79.7 | 85.3 | -5.6 | |||||||||
Mexico | 6.1 | 6.1 | 0.0 | |||||||||
Italy | 3.4 | 3.4 | 0.0 | |||||||||
Japan | 2.9 | 2.9 | 0.0 | |||||||||
Eurozone | -2.5 | 0.1 | -2.6 | |||||||||
Turkey | -2.2 | 0.0 | -2.2 | |||||||||
China | -2.1 | 0.0 | -2.1 | |||||||||
Australia | 2.1 | 2.1 | 0.0 | |||||||||
South Korea | -2.0 | 0.0 | -2.0 | |||||||||
Netherlands | 1.9 | 1.9 | 0.0 | |||||||||
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Top 10 Subtotal | 87.3 | 101.8 | -14.5 | |||||||||
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Non-US Dollar Currency | Net Exposure | Physicals | Currency Derivatives | |||||||||
Japanese Yen | 2.6 | 0.0 | 2.6 | |||||||||
Euro | -2.5 | 2.0 | -4.6 | |||||||||
New Turkish Lira | -2.2 | 0.0 | -2.2 | |||||||||
Chinese Renminbi | -2.1 | 0.0 | -2.1 | |||||||||
South Korean Won | -2.0 | 0.0 | -2.0 | |||||||||
New Zealand Dollar | -1.8 | 0.4 | -2.1 | |||||||||
Australian Dollar | 1.7 | 0.0 | 1.7 | |||||||||
Columbian Peso | -1.0 | 1.2 | -2.2 | |||||||||
South African Rand | -0.9 | 0.0 | -0.9 | |||||||||
Taiwan Dollar | -0.9 | 0.0 | -0.9 | |||||||||
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Total | -9.1 | 3.6 | -12.7 | |||||||||
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38 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
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Water Island Arbitrage Strategy 12/31/14
Sub-strategy Exposures | ||||
Equity Merger Arb | 75.1% | |||
Equity Special Situations | 17.7% | |||
Credit Opportunities | 16.7% | |||
Total Long Exposure | 109.4% | |||
Total Short Exposure | -45.6% |
Geographic Exposure | ||||
North America | 91.2% | |||
Non-N.A. | 8.8% |
Equity Market Capitalization | ||||
Small Cap ($0 - $2 Billion) | 6.5% | |||
Mid Cap ($2 - $5 Billion) | 27.3% | |||
Large Cap ($5 billion +) | 66.2% |
Passport Long/Short Equity Strategy 12/31/14
Sector Exposures (%)
Long | Short | Net | Gross | |||||||||||||
Internet/Technology | 25 | -11 | 14 | 36 | ||||||||||||
Consumer Discr. | 19 | -7 | 12 | 26 | ||||||||||||
Energy | 9 | -14 | -5 | 23 | ||||||||||||
Basic Materials | 7 | -6 | 1 | 13 | ||||||||||||
Industrial | 8 | -4 | 4 | 12 | ||||||||||||
Diversified | 0 | -8 | -8 | 8 | ||||||||||||
Healthcare | 7 | 0 | 7 | 7 | ||||||||||||
Financial | 5 | 0 | 5 | 5 | ||||||||||||
Consumer Staple | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 | ||||||||||||
MENA | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 | ||||||||||||
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Total | 86 | -50 | 36 | 136 | ||||||||||||
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Fund holdings and/or sector allocations are subject to change at any time and are not recommendations to buy or sell any security.
Fund Summary | 39 |
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Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund Highlights
DoubleLine Capital Commentary
Prepared exclusively for Litman-Gregory as of December 31, 2014
Performance Attribution
As the U.S. Treasury (UST) yield curve further flattened in the fourth quarter of 2014, the portfolio outperformed the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index over the trailing three months. Agency residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS), which constituted just under 32% of the portfolio, broadly performed well because of the sector’s longer duration and contributed over 6% in total return. Non-Agency RMBS, which make up 57% of the portfolio, additionally contributed positive returns as the sector benefited from tightening supply technicals which boosted valuations. Specifically within the Agency space, principal only securities (POs) and inverse floaters held in the Fund were the best performing sectors due to their longer duration and persistently low LIBOR rates which helped to boost interest income, respectively. Within the non-Agency RMBS space, Alt-A bonds performed well benefiting from higher prices, while the prime and subprime bonds held in the Fund suffered mild price declines but still contributed positive total returns due to relatively high coupon returns. The subordinated CMBS holdings held in the Fund benefited from strong price appreciation over the period, while the CLO holdings experienced lower valuations as spreads widened due to the deluge of new issue supply. CLOs have experienced record high new issuance levels this year.
For the full year, with longer-term maturity UST rates declining meaningfully, it is no surprise that the longer duration sector of the portfolio, Agency RMBS, outperformed non-Agency RMBS. Inverse floating-rate securities led the outperformance due to their longer duration as well as inverse interest-only bonds. Both have benefited from low LIBOR levels. Within non-Agency RMBS, Alt-A securities outperformed both prime and subprime as both high price appreciation and strong interest income helped to boost the sector. Prime and subprime bonds still experienced healthy gains over the year. The CMBS holdings also helped to give the portfolio a bump in returns as the subordinated tranches experienced strong positive price returns.
Mortgage Sector Commentary
The UST yield curve flattened over the year in 2014 with longer term maturity Treasuries declining significantly. The 10-year UST yield declined by 86 basis points (bps) year-over-year and ended the period at 2.17%. The Barclays U.S. MBS Index returned 6.08% for the trailing 12 months while the duration of the Index declined by 1.28 years to 4.34 years. The meaningful decline in duration was caused by the low rate environment which in turn resulted in mildly faster prepayment speeds across all agencies (Fannie Mae (FNMA), Freddie Mac (FHLMC) and Ginnie Mae (GNMA)). Prepayment speeds experienced some variability during the year but ended the year close to where it began with FNMA and FHLMC prepayment speeds increasing by approximately 1 CPR (Conditional Prepayment Rate) despite
a 70 bps drop in the 30 year mortgage rate. The minimal change in speeds is directly related to the concept of the “burnout effect” in which borrowers who can refinance have already done so in periods of sustained lower rates. This is further evidenced by the drop in the MBA Refinancing Index which has declined to its lowest levels over the year of 2014. Issuance for the year ended just shy of one trillion, which is about 60% of prior year’s issuance numbers. This is consistent with prepayment activity being relatively stable for most of the year as a lack of higher prepayment activity normally results in lower gross issuance. Over the last year, non-Agency RMBS continued to generally grind tighter due to very low new issuance supply. The issuance that has occurred, due to tighter lending and securitization standards, are more similar in credit and risk profile to super prime or Agency RMBS securities.
Portfolio Positioning and Outlook
The strategy and construct of the Opportunistic Income portfolio did not materially change over the year of 2014, but the investment team added subordinate tranches of commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) deals to the portfolio. This has helped augment the non-Agency RMBS trade that has diminished with little new issuance in the private label RMBS market. With lower trading volume, but firm pricing, the team has only opportunistically added non-Agency RMBS to accounts. From a credit standpoint, mortgage fundamentals have been strong with delinquency and default numbers improving across the entire credit quality spectrum which has only further boosted valuations. Going forward, it’s conceivable that CMBS and collateralized loan obligation (CLO) securities could play a larger role in this strategy as both of these sectors look cheap to new-issue RMBS given the larger supply base.
On the Government Sponsored Enterprise (GSE) front, the recent passing of the spending bill included a provision that prevents the Federal government from supporting state and local efforts to use Eminent Domain to acquire mortgages. This has helped provide more clarity on the future of Eminent Domain and its impact on the mortgage space going forward. It doesn’t seem likely that further new legislation will be made on the mortgage front with the street largely speculating that some further extension/reform may occur on already existing refinancing legislation such as HAMP (Home Affordable Modification Program) and HARP 2.0 (Home Affordability Refinancing Program). While it’s still too early to determine the likelihood or any details of such reform, it is important to note that programs such as HARP will be ending by the end of 2015. Prepayments will be largely driven by interest rates and, in turn, mortgage rates. Given the low level of rates at the start of 2015, prepayments and refinancing data should come in faster.
FPA Commentary
The FPA Contrarian Opportunity portfolio gained 1.45% in the fourth quarter and 5.53% (net of our management fee) for the year. The S&P 500 returned 4.93% and 13.69% in the same periods, respectively. The average stock in the Russell 3000, however, increased just 5.45% for the year.
40 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
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Investors, at the moment, are in love with America and the S&P 500. Of course, one region is almost always outshining another and the U.S. had its star turn last year. Since our Contrarian Opportunity strategy takes its quest for value overseas too, it’s important to note that other regions didn’t fare so well. The MSCI EAFE index, a widely used benchmark of stock performance outside the U.S., declined 4.90% for the year. We’re happy to report that our foreign investments overall ended the year in the black.
We wish we had made more money for our investors (ourselves included) but it’s not in our DNA to commit capital when the potential profit doesn’t adequately outweigh the prospects for loss. This doesn’t mean companies that aren’t particularly cheap can’t increase in value. They can and do, particularly in a world awash with easy capital. We might flip a coin ten times and get tails every time, but that doesn’t mean we should bet on that. On the other hand, since it is our own calculation of risk and reward that dictates our action, there’s always the possibility we could be wrong, i.e., that stocks continue to rise faster than their earnings and central bank action lacks any consequence. There are times when we are focused on making money and there are times when we place more weight on protecting capital. This time, it’s the latter.
In the fourth quarter, businesses perceived to be of the highest quality performed the best, a pattern consistent with the prior three quarters. The Fund’s top five winners, listed below, added 1.80% to its return and reflected a continued flight to quality. The exception was Naspers which as we discussed in our prior letter, is a stub trade offset by a short in Tencent.
The losers detracted 1.38% from fund’s return in the quarter. The decline in energy and commodity prices was the biggest driver of this negative mark. Noteworthy too, is that three of the five losers have a foreign domicile.
Winners | Losers | |
Oracle | Walter Investment Mgmt | |
Naspers | Orkla | |
Express Scripts | Bennu Oil & Gas | |
TE Connectivity | Occidental Petroleum Corp | |
Aon | Gazprom |
Investments
Winter is here and with the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season underway, skiing struck us as a good metaphor for the markets given the treacherous terrain value investors are trying to navigate these days. Competitors ski different mountains in varying conditions over the course of the season and many runs are far from ideal. On some days, you ski in a blizzard not seeing more than a few feet in front of you. On others, it’s icy and you find yourself sliding down the slope on your back. And then there are the days when the sun has turned the mountainside into slush. There isn’t an athlete in the world that fares well in all conditions and even the best of them have their bad days. But, over the course of a season, the great skiers overcome the downturns and prevail. If one were to look at a full economic/market cycle as a season, then investing can be viewed through the same goggles. It’s been rough weather for
some time for deep-value investors, particularly skeptical ones like us. Nevertheless, we take comfort in knowing our process is strong and that over a full-market cycle, we believe we will prevail as we have in preceding cycles. In fact, during the two years in which Bode Miller won the World Cup Championship, he actually only reached the podium 25 times out of a potential 360 slots, suggesting that it is difficult to judge skiers (and value managers) solely on short-term performance.1
Given the market’s run, you may wonder if we were wrong to have not been more fully invested. You would have been much better off investing in an index fund rather than with an active manager, particularly one with our conservative bent. In fact, 2014 was the worst year for active managers since 1997. Part of the reason just 14% of managers outperformed the market is that there was little breadth.2 Large-cap stocks dominated. Apple alone, the largest market cap company, rose 40% and added 1.3% to the S&P 500’s return. However, the average stock didn’t fare nearly as well, returning more than eight percentage points less than the S&P 500.3 The narrow breadth didn’t break any records but it was reminiscent of 1999 when the S&P 500 was up 21.04% and yet more than half the stocks in the index declined in price.4,5
Below, we posted a few charts to paint a picture of the challenging environment value investors are enduring. With data pulled from NYSE-listed companies, one can see a snapshot that’s anathema to our crowd. The median NYSE Price/Earnings ratio (P/E)6 is now more than 20x, a post-WWII high. The median Price/Cash Flow is also at a high, while the median Price/Book is “just” at its third highest but not far off of its peak. Since the dataset is as of June 30 each year, those ratios were only higher at year-end 2014. The fourth chart shows that the historic difference between high and low P/Es (the 1st and 5th quintile) is low. As pointed out by Jim Paulsen at Wells Capital, “during widespread valuation extremes (e.g., 1962, 1969, and today), P/E multiple dispersion tends to be relatively low.”7
Fund Summary | 41 |
1 | Mr. Miller won the World Championship in 2005 and 2008. A podium finish is 1st, 2nd, or 3rd. |
2 | Morningstar |
3 | As mentioned in first paragraph, the 2014 unweighted return of the Russell 3000 was 5.5%. Morningstar |
4 | Morningstar |
5 | Year-to-date, through Dec 3rd, 1,492 NYSE stocks are up 10% or more, yet 1,567 are down 10% or more. Among the larger movers, 391 are up more than 40% or more while 557 are down 40% or more. |
6 | Price-to earnings, or P/E is the price of a stock divided by its earnings per share. |
7 | Economic and Market Perspective. Wells Capital Management. James W. Paulsen. January 8, 2015. |
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Median price/earnings multiple for U.S. stocks*
*Based on all NYSE stocks with positive earnings for the last fiscal year calculated in June of each year since 1951 through 20148
Median price/cash flow multiple for U.S. stocks*
*Based on all NYSE stocks with positive earnings for the last fiscal year calculated in June of each year since 1951 through 20148
Median price to book multiple for U.S. stocks*
*Based on all NYSE stocks with positive earnings for the last fiscal year calculated in June of each year since 1951 through 20148
U.S. stock market price/earnings dispersion*
*Based on all NYSE stocks with positive earnings for the last fiscal year calculated in June of each year since 1951 through 20148
Past performance is no guarantee of future results
And here’s one last look at valuation. It’s now 50% pricier to buy the market for the average person than it was just a few years ago. The chart below shows how many hours someone must work to buy even one share of the SPDR S&P 500 ETF. U.S. stock ownership stands at 48%, a record low, so it’s no wonder
quantitative easing has had a greater impact on Wall Street than it has on Main Street.9
42 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
8 | Economic and Market Perspective. Wells Capital Management. James W. Paulsen. January 8, 2015. |
9 | BLS (The chart assumes people work 5 days/week, 8 hr/day) |
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Number of hours of work required for people in the U.S. to buy one unit of the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (based on median earnings)9 as of March 31, 2014
When we aren’t actively accumulating positions, we are still putting in long hours educating ourselves as to the merits of various businesses. Inactivity can be challenging for both the portfolio manager and the client.
As famed investor Charlie Munger recently explained, “Part of the reason we have a decent record is we pick things that are easy. Other people think they’re so smart that they can take on things that are really difficult. That proves to be more dangerous. You have to be shrewd and you have to be patient. You have to wait until something comes along which, at the price you’re paying, is easy. That’s contrary to human nature, too. Just to sit there all day doing nothing but waiting…. For an ordinary person, can you imagine just sitting there for five years doing nothing? It’s so contrary to human nature. You don’t feel active. You don’t feel useful, so you do something stupid.”10 In short, our money is invested alongside yours so we’re willing to look stupid for a time rather than act stupidly.
Rather than letting the market and its price fluctuations drive us, we steer a process that will hopefully allow equity-like rates of return over time while avoiding permanent impairments of capital. We do this by seeking knowledge. As American inventor and businessman Charles Kettering once said, “There is a great difference between knowing and understanding: You can know a lot about something and not really understand it.”11 It’s easy to know a lot of facts about a business but we really seek an understanding of the metrics that will determine a company’s success or failure. We firmly believe that if we understand a business first and then invest when its price becomes attractive, we will perform well over time.
Number of Hours
UTX
UTX is an example of such a business. As part of our research process, we look at a number of companies and industries each year. As you can tell from the fund’s relatively low turnover, most
of that research does not result in a purchase or sale. We regularly nix potential investments because we find them too expensive or too difficult to understand. When we pass on investments solely due to valuation, we are left with “on deck” opportunities. These are companies that the group has thoroughly researched but decided that the price wasn’t attractive enough to warrant purchase. We keep track of these companies and patiently wait for the day when they become available at a price that represents good, long-term value. UTX was one such opportunity that presented itself during the short-lived market dip last October.
UTX is an industrial conglomerate with leading positions in aerospace systems, aerospace engines (Pratt & Whitney), helicopters (Sikorsky), elevators (Otis), climate control (Carrier) and fire/security systems. Each division is a leader in its respective field and features important long-term competitive advantages. UTX generates roughly 50% of its profits from aerospace and 50% from commercial buildings. The strength of the operating businesses has allowed UTX to earn an average return on invested capital in the mid 20’s through the recent economic cycle (i.e., the last 6 years).
Based on our estimate, UTX was available at an owner’s yield of approximately 7% so we established a position. The company’s current valuation presented a reasonable entry price to a wonderful collection of businesses. What’s more, we think earnings will grow faster than gross domestic product (GDP) and we anticipate company executives will prudently manage capital over the long-term.
We hope to hold businesses like UTX for a long time and welcome the chance to add to our position at lower prices.
High Yield
Oil has declined by more than half in the last year. With energy companies representing 14%-15% of the high-yield bond index, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that we are beginning to troll the energy sector. We have a few prospective investments on the table but have only pulled the trigger on two thus far. We’d like to be assured of a return of our capital without having to make too large a wager on the price of oil. Should oil prices remain low for some period of time, we expect additional opportunities to increase our investments. Our chosen path is littered with the bonds of the forced seller, which is how we ended up with large exposure to the debt of finance companies in 2008/9. The bonds of oil-related businesses have yet to reach prices that offer the best combination of yield and collateralization and a significant margin of safety given conservative expectations for the price of oil.
Economy
The economy got an immediate shot in the arm from falling oil prices. The average American household spent almost $3,000 in 2013 at the pumps so the dramatic decline in oil prices has
Fund Summary | 43 |
9 | ADI is the distributor for the SPDR S&P 500 ETF |
10 | Daily Journal Corp. annual meeting September 10, 2014. |
11 | Marc Faber Doom Boom Gloom Report, March 2012 |
Past performance is no guarantee of future results
Gallup. http://www.gallup.com/poll/162353/stock-ownership-stays-record-low.aspx
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created annual savings of about $1,000. That money is now finding its way to Wal-Mart and similar stores rather than being swallowed in the tank to get to them.12 This affects the economy the same as a tax cut, resulting in about a trillion dollar benefit.
There will, of course, be intermediate-term ramifications as many energy companies cut capital spending jobs in the field and, in turn, suppliers are forced to make their own cuts. Some sovereign nations, from Nigeria to Venezuela, will get slammed and America itself is not immune. The Manhattan Institute reported in a 2014 study that “in recent years, America’s oil and gas boom has added $300-$400 billion annually to the economy – without this contribution, GDP growth would have been negative.”13 We can’t say for sure but the slowing effect of a weak oil and gas industry may just be starting. Only time will tell if the fall in the price of oil is temporary or permanent.
Low oil prices push inflation lower, with certain developed economies already experiencing deflation. This, in turn, takes pressure off of central banks to raise interest rates, giving them more latitude to keep their foot on the gas. Since the U.S., Japan and now Europe either don’t have the balance sheets or the necessary structure to engage in fiscal policy, aggressive monetary policy has been the default result.14 Not enough time has passed to know the ultimate outcome of the unprecedented quantitative easing of the Federal Reserve, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) and now the European Central Bank (ECB).
Nevertheless, we fear the medicine more than the disease and worry about what all of this means, at some point in the future, for the health of the world economy. We espouse less of a view but do admit to having a pit in our stomach.
Along those lines, it’s surprising—with the price of oil down 55% in just a few months—that there haven’t been any significant losses reported at financial and/or trading institutions. Given the natural hedging of utilities, airlines, E&P15 companies and others, it’s remarkable that we haven’t seen the headlines of parties on the other side of those transactions reporting significant losses.
Conclusion
Not only is the stock market at a new high but so is the dollar and that’s despite continued low interest rates. It does beg the question: Are stocks in developed economies only as good as their respective central banks allow them to be? At some point, the market intervention will end, hopefully plying us with opportunity, but we are careful for what we wish for.
We are investors who have had the good fortune of like-minded people like you placing their hard-earned money alongside ours. We hesitate to call that a profession as investing is something we enjoy doing. Frankly, we would do it anyway if we
were out on our own. That’s why we look more at how we perform over 5, 10 or 20+ years and we don’t particularly worry about what happens over the near-term. Right now, we continue to feel like it is summer in the Rockies and we’re looking at the slopes hoping for snow.
44 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
12 | U.S. Energy Information Administration. http://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.cfm?id=9831 |
13 | http://www.manhattan-institute.org/html/pgi_04.htm#.VL7Nlk0tHGh |
14 | By lack of structure, we refer to the fact that although monetary policy is the domain of a central authority (ECB), fiscal policy is conducted in separately in each country. |
15 | Exploration and production |
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Loomis Sayles Commentary
Reporting Period: 01/01/2014 – 12/31/2014
Market Conditions
US Treasury yields moved steadily lower during the year. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note declined 87 basis points to 2.17%, and the 30-year Treasury bond declined 121 basis points to 2.75%. Improvements in the economy, which led to the end of quantitative easing (QE) in the US, were offset by geopolitical worries, including events in Ukraine and Iraq and the decline in oil prices. US Treasury volatility, as measured by the Merrill Option Volatility Estimate (MOVE) Index, increased throughout the year.
After experiencing multi-year lows in June, credit spreads (the yield differences between Treasury and non-Treasury bonds of similar maturity) widened through the fourth quarter and finished the year near recent highs. High yield spreads remained elevated following two market volatility spikes late in the year. As yields fell during the year, investment grade corporates were able to outperform high yield corporates due to their longer duration (greater price sensitivity to interest rate changes). Demand for European investment grade corporates strengthened as the year progressed, as spreads priced in the potential for further easing from the European Central Bank (ECB).
The US dollar staged a massive rally during the year, largely driven by diverging growth and interest rate projections for the US compared with the rest of the world. Increasingly accommodative central bank policies from the Bank of Japan and the ECB caused the yen and euro to fall by approximately 12% each versus the US dollar. Falling oil prices also pressured the currencies of commodity exporters in developed and emerging markets, with the Russian ruble, Colombian peso and Norwegian krone hit the hardest. In addition, political tensions placed additional pressure on Eastern European currencies.
Portfolio Review
The fund’s positive performance was diversified across several sectors, with the majority of return generated from securitized credits, investment grade corporates and currency positioning. In addition, the fund’s exposure to convertibles and dividend-paying equities supported results. Duration hedging, mitigating overall duration, detracted from the portfolio as we were positioning for stronger US economic data.
The Fund’s securitized holdings, particularly non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) and commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS), generated positive return in 2014. Despite the slowdown in the US real estate market recovery during the second half of the year, the yield advantage in these asset classes attained earlier in the year benefited return. In addition, the fund’s currency positioning aided performance, as the US dollar continued to strengthen amid diverging monetary policies. As a result, some of the fund’s short currency positions, namely in the Mexican peso, Japanese yen and Colombian peso, aided performance. Elsewhere, the fund’s investment grade corporate bonds lifted performance despite the fact that US spreads widened during the second
half of the year. Sustained demand for corporates in general and flat spreads among euro investment grade securities due to the potential for further ECB easing buoyed return, particularly from selected holdings in the banking, electric and communication industries. The fund’s convertible securities also aided performance, benefiting from the uptick in equity markets. In particular, selected holdings in the technology and consumer non-cyclical industries performed well. In addition, the fund’s dividend-paying equities, particularly consumer non-cyclical and communication names, contributed to performance.
Meanwhile, in an attempt to mitigate downside equity risk, the fund held short positions in S&P 500 E-mini futures, a hedge for the fund’s convertible bond and equity positions. These positions weighed on performance. In addition, the fund’s duration management tools, including the use of interest rate futures and swaptions (options on interest rate swaps), detracted from performance. Short positions on the 10-year Treasury note were the most notable laggards, as the middle intermediate to long end of the US yield curve (a curve that shows the relationship among bond yields across the maturity spectrum) the flattened during the year. The fund also used currency forwards to hedge long positions in local currencies or tactically to short specific currencies; these strategies aided results. Credit default swaps (CDS) and credit default swaps on indices (CDX) were used for emerging market, high yield and investment grade exposure. These positions reduced performance.
Outlook
We continue to temper our assessment for the ability of rates to rise this cycle. We believe the 10-year US Treasury will rise slowly in 2015 and reach 3% by the end of year. Longer term, the Fed is expected to raise rates in anticipation of rising wages. The ultimate pace of hikes should rest on three factors. 1) the pace of wage growth will mainly set the tone for how fast the Fed will hike. 2) major deviations from their inflation forecasts, and 3) how financial conditions change in reaction to Fed tightening. Further, there is potential for increased rate volatility as the market digests the date and pace of future rate hikes.
The U.S. is in the expansion phase of its credit cycle (a cyclical pattern that follows credit availability and corporate health). U.S. credit spreads have widened from historical tights due to falling oil prices and perhaps deteriorating corporate health. As a result, spreads look cheaper with potential for pockets of value. But the global bond market remains challenging, as desynchronized recoveries among major economies should extend the global economic recovery and keep inflation low.
Among emerging markets, large economies such as China, Brazil and Russia are facing much slower growth, reversing the improving trends of the past. Geopolitical risks continue to increase with turmoil in the Middle East, Eastern Europe and East Asia. However, improving growth in the developed world should be a positive factor for emerging markets. In addition, slow growth in Europe and the potential for enhanced liquidity measures from the ECB could provide support to the higher-yielding emerging markets.
We expect the dollar’s strength to continue, given the relative strength of the US economy. We expect the Mexican peso to
Fund Summary | 45 |
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appreciate due to the reforms the country is implementing. We believe the euro and yen will depreciate, as the ECB and Bank of Japan continue to reflate their economies with easy monetary conditions.
Passport Capital Commentary
Passport is honored to be included as a sub-advisor to the Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund. We admire and respect Litman Gregory Asset Management’s experience and knowledge in the alternatives arena, and we look forward to a productive long-term relationship.
For those of you unfamiliar with Passport Capital, we are a San Francisco-based alternative investment adviser with over $4 billion in assets under management.1 Our investment process seeks to identify and capitalize on long-term secular changes that the markets either don’t understand or don’t see coming. We have 71 employees, 31 of whom are on the investment team.2 Our investment process incorporates macroeconomic views, classic bottom-up fundamental research and quantitative risk management tools. The firm was founded in August of 2000 by John Burbank.
Passport was added as a sub-advisor to the Fund in the fourth quarter of 2014, so we’d like to take this opportunity to discuss salient trends in 2014. To begin to reflect on 2014, we need to cover a few important events in 2013. It was during the second quarter of 2013 that Ben Bernanke, then-Chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve System, announced the intention to taper bond purchases (otherwise known as quantitative easing or “QE”). The signaling effect to investors was that private sector deleveraging was coming to an end, bond purchases would eventually conclude and, thereafter, rates would begin to rise. Investors read into this and concluded that the Federal Reserve had confidence that growth would be sufficient to obviate the need for future accommodations. The net result was an immediate and dramatic regime shift in the type of assets investors preferred: investors aggressively shed low beta assets on concerns that rates would move higher. For the first time in several years, price momentum shifted from low-beta, yield-
oriented assets to high-beta, growth assets. Treasury yields rose, bond funds saw outflows over the remainder of 2013 and equity funds globally saw significant inflows.
From the end of May 2013 through late February 2014, we saw a strong regime for risk assets, such as high growth and high beta securities. By late February, however, a new reality began to set in: global growth dependent on China infrastructure disappointed, as China’s transition away from fixed asset investments and towards consumption negatively affected commodity prices and contributed to lower overall levels of growth. As the developed markets began to discount the end of QE, the tone became more and more “risk off” as investors generally shied away from assets they perceived as “riskier”, despite broad equity index returns still being positive. In the Russell 1000, high beta stocks underperformed low beta stocks. Low beta was led by utilities, health care, REITs, and staples. With the exception of biotechnology, most of the sectors that saw price-earnings appreciation last year included many low returning, so-called “safe” assets. As 2014 progressed, investors unwound a lot of the enthusiasm prevalent in 2013 and went back to investing in bonds and equities perceived as safe.
From November 20, 2014, the start of our mandate, our investments for the Fund benefited from short exposure in basic materials and energy. Detractors for the period were our longs in the energy and technology sectors as well as our longs in Saudi Arabia. Crude oil prices peaked in June, and declined slowly until October when the pace of decline really started to accelerate. In mid-October we observed the macro implications of falling interest rates, declining oil, and low beta equities outperforming. It was a significant macro inflection with wide-ranging implications. While it took time to assemble the pieces, by late Q4 we generally positioned our portfolio for the Fund to be short energy equities and long companies benefiting from a stronger U.S. dollar.
Again, we at Passport appreciate the opportunity to sub-advise on the Litman Gregory Masters Alternatives Fund, and we look forward to a productive long-term relationship.
1 | As of December 31, 2014. |
2 | As of December 31, 2014. |
The views expressed above reflect those of the portfolio managers only through the end of the period as stated on the cover of this report and do not necessarily represent the views of Litman Gregory Fund Advisors, DoubleLine, FPA, Loomis Sayles, Passport, Water Island, or any other person in those organizations. Any such views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and Litman Gregory, DoubleLine, FPA, Loomis Sayles, Passport, and Water Island disclaim any responsibility to update such views. These views may not be relied on as investment advice and, because the portfolio managers’ investment decisions for the Fund are based on numerous factors, may not be relied on as an indication of trading intent on behalf of the Fund.
46 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
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Water Island Capital Commentary
Environment
For event-driven investors, 2014 was a challenging year but not for want of opportunities. A slow-growth global economy, relatively cheap financing terms, cash-rich balance sheets and rich acquisition currency reignited efforts to unlock shareholder value through spin-offs, restructurings, refinancings, acquisitions or other corporate actions. We witnessed the return of hostile offers, topping bids and acquirers themselves becoming targets in the midst of the fray, while at the same time, activist investors agitated boards into complicated corporate restructurings. This combined with a benign interest rate environment served to generate a virtually insatiable demand for high yield paper and leveraged loans. Global mergers and acquisitions in 2014 reached $3.6 trillion, the highest level since 2007 (according to Dealogic) and 332 activist led campaigns were launched, the most ever (according to the WSJ-FactSet Activism Scorecard). However, as if the markets wanted to make sure investors didn’t get too comfortable, a record $700 billion of deals failed to reach completion.
For most of the year, spreads on deals were abnormally narrow, and some were even negative (meaning the target’s shares traded higher than the offer price in anticipation of a topping bid). This optimism also spilled over to the skyrocketing shares of companies who announced nearly any type of restructuring initiative—as if any potential benefits immediately accelerated to the bottom line. All of this abruptly changed during a 24-hour period in August when: Walgreen Co decided not to move forward with a rumored tax-inversion restructuring, news of the Obama administration formulating rules to curb the benefits of tax inversions emerged and two large speculative deals collapsed (21st Century Fox’s $80 billion bid for Time Warner and Sprint’s $32 billion offer for T-Mobile US).
Inversion Aversion: But the real pain was caused by the reverberations from the withdrawal of AbbVie’s $55 billion offer for Shire Plc. When news the deal might be terminated emerged in mid-October, Shire’s stock, which had a vertiginous run due to its own potential as an acquisition target, plummeted by 30% while AbbVie’s shares jumped by 5%. This massive spread-widening blew away levered, unhedged speculators and forced many into de-risking (i.e., selling) mode. The ensuing sell-off caused a widespread reassessment of portfolio risk throughout the industry and triggered another downdraft for tax inversions.
Oil Slick: Another factor bringing volatility back to the event-driven space was the steep and swift decline in crude prices over the last six months. This weighed heavily on the US High Yield (HY) market, where energy accounts for 15% of the index. When oil prices began their rapid slide, there were too many bonds to sell and too few buyers to be found—a phenomenon exacerbated by lower market liquidity brought about by Dodd-Frank rules that have significantly reduced the large Wall Street banks’ role as a middleman. This turmoil spread to other parts of the HY market, but especially to lower-quality credits where investors demanded more yield to compensate for the perception of increased risk.
Portfolio Discussion
Water Island Capital recorded a loss of 0.99 % in the fourth quarter of 2014 and 0.73% for 2014. In the same respective periods, HFRI ED Merger Arbitrage Index fell -0.08% and increased 1.63% while HFRI Event-Driven Index lost -1.43% and gained 1.10%.
Substrategy | Gross to Returns 2014 | |||
Merger Arbitrage | 2.08 | % | ||
Credit Opportunities | 0.02 | % | ||
Equity Special Situations | -0.88 | % |
Past performance is no guarantee of future results
Merger arbitrage was a bright spot in the portfolio for the year as spreads widened for many of the reasons noted above. The autumn sell-off across the merger arbitrage landscape gave us a chance to shift capital into more attractive opportunities. Examples include positions in tax-inversions such as Actavis’ $67 billion winning bid for Allergan (which we already owned given Valeant Pharmaceutical’s six month pursuit) and Medtronic’s $43 billion offer for Covidien. Arbitrage spreads in general continue to remain elevated relative to recent years and our experience has shown that increased volatility can (but not always) provide a tailwind (Fig. 1).
The returns of HFRX Merger Arbitrage Index and Arbitrage Fund, which doesn’t employ leverage, have benefited from periods of market volatility, indicated by when the VIX was above 20, its historical average. Date range: 4/1/03-10/31/14
Past performance is no guarantee of future results
Fund Summary | 47 |
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The credit opportunities sleeve recorded a slight gain for the year, but was weighed down by late year selling in energy positions. This turmoil infected the high yield market, but especially impacted lower-quality credits where investors demanded more yield to compensate for the perception of increased risk. The price dislocation in non-investment grade credits, however, offered a compelling opportunity to grow positions in attractive situations such as the convertible bonds of Cubist Pharmaceuticals. Cubist is being bought by Merck for $8.4 billion in cash, and its convertible debt must be redeemed when the transaction closes.
The equity special situations substrategy navigated a challenging investment environment during the second half of the year as a general de-risking across the space overwhelmed the first half’s gains. The sell-off triggered by the demise of the AbbVie/Shire deal caused a widespread reassessment of portfolio risk throughout the industry, triggering a rebalancing that led to another downdraft in event-driven situations. This return of volatility has led us to opportunities in technology, healthcare and energy sectors. For example, we were rewarded by our recently initiated position in Talisman Energy after Spain’s Repsol offered $8.5 billion for the company in late December, and we expect further consolidation will be an outcome of the steep fall in oil prices. Other situations include restructurings that have recently sold off. One such example is Manitowoc, which operates two disparate businesses (food service and crane manufacturing) where activists have accumulated large positions to agitate for a split.
Contributors: Hillshire Brands was our top performing position for the year. The food processing company went from being an acquirer to becoming the target of an $8.4 billion bidding war ultimately won by Tyson Foods. Another topping bid that led to one of our highest contributing positions involved Yamana Gold and Agnico-Eagle Mines’ joint $3.4 billion battle for Osisko Mining that completed in June. Our post-merger investment in the shares of American Airlines Group, the company formed from the 2013 merger of American Airlines and US Airways, also paid off as investors recognized the potency of the combination creating the world’s largest airline.
Detractors: Following a disappointing third quarter earnings release shares of Genworth Financial, a life insurance and mortgage insurance company, fell by 35%. Despite our view that the mortgage insurance division would be the key driver of shareholder value over the years ahead, we were disappointed by the long-term care results and believe the overhang will remove any positive momentum from the mortgage insurance business for the foreseeable future. We have exited our position and will monitor developments as the company executes on its turnaround plan. Our bond holdings in Forest Oil’s reverse merger with privately-held Sabine Oil & Gas was a victim of the rapid descent in energy prices, as the pro forma company revised terms of the merger agreement to avoid crucial bondholder change of control provisions. When news of the revision was released, Forest Oil bonds dropped nearly 50% as arbitrageurs and other investors frantically exited their positions. While fortunate to have exited the position before the
announcement, we were nonetheless negatively impacted by 45 basis points.
Outlook
As 2015 unfolds, we expect corporate catalysts to be as abundant in the year ahead as they were in 2014 because the same driving forces focused on unlocking shareholder value are still in place. We also anticipate a higher level of mergers, acquisitions, and asset sales which should lead to numerous merger-related and refinancing opportunities in the year ahead as companies look to justify or increase enterprise value.
At the “harder” (more definitive) end of the event-driven space, definitive mergers, spin-offs, and re-financings are gaining more attention within our portfolio, given the recent re-pricing of risk. The “softer” catalysts that we track are offering even more compelling return profiles, but at the expense of wider price volatility and extended or uncertain timelines. Challenges in the energy sector should also lead to opportunities ranging from select longs and shorts, capital structure trades, and debt-for-equity swaps to address stressed or distressed balance sheets.
As market volatility reverts to normalized levels, we expect investors will again differentiate opportunities in ways we have not witnessed over the past three years, when the flood of central bank liquidity made discernment based on fundamentals futile. Moreover, much of the froth prevalent in the first half of 2014 has been expunged from the space. The recent volatility in the markets allowed us to be more selective in the events we own and offers us attractive entry points to grow positions, which raises our expectations for future returns. All of this makes us optimistic about the prospects for the event-driven investment strategy.
Thank you for your continued support and trust.
Sincerely,
48 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
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Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund Managers
INVESTMENT MANAGER | FIRM | TARGET MANAGER ALLOCATION | STRATEGY | |||
Jeffrey Gundlach | DoubleLine Capital LP | 25% | Opportunistic Income | |||
Steven Romick Brian Selmo Mark Landecker | First Pacific Advisors, LLC | 20% | Contrarian Opportunity | |||
Matt Eagan Kevin Kearns Todd Vandam | Loomis Sayles & Company, LP | 25% | Absolute Return Fixed Income | |||
John Burbank III Tim Garry | Passport Capital, LLC | 10% | Long-short Equity | |||
John Orrico Todd Munn Roger Foltynowicz Gregg Loprete | Water Island Capital, LLP | 20% | Arbitrage |
Fund Summary | 49 |
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Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES at December 31, 2014
Shares | Value | |||||||
COMMON STOCKS: 38.3% | ||||||||
Consumer Discretionary: 5.9% | ||||||||
22,867 | Bob Evans Farms, Inc. | $ | 1,170,333 | |||||
21,613 | Charter Communications, Inc. - Class A* | 3,601,158 | ||||||
102,087 | DIRECTV*(a) | 8,850,943 | ||||||
4,832 | DISH Network Corp. - Class A* | 352,204 | ||||||
67,141 | Dollar General Corp.* | 4,746,869 | ||||||
93,098 | Family Dollar Stores, Inc. | 7,374,293 | ||||||
39,673 | Ford Motor Co. | 614,932 | ||||||
10,557 | General Motors Co. | 368,545 | ||||||
804,200 | Genting Malaysia Bhd | 936,106 | ||||||
6,848 | Home Depot, Inc. (The) | 718,835 | ||||||
89,700 | Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc. (The) | 1,863,069 | ||||||
17,739 | Liberty TripAdvisor Holdings, Inc. - Class A* | 477,179 | ||||||
11,511 | Lowe’s Cos., Inc. | 791,957 | ||||||
41,945 | Media General, Inc.* | 701,740 | ||||||
29,678 | Naspers Ltd. - Class N | 3,894,401 | ||||||
5,904 | Netflix, Inc.*(a) | 2,016,865 | ||||||
37,844 | Perry Ellis International, Inc.* | 981,295 | ||||||
158,900 | Regis Corp.* | 2,663,164 | ||||||
26,300 | Rent-A-Center, Inc. | 955,216 | ||||||
14,009 | Starbucks Corp. | 1,149,438 | ||||||
14,009 | Time Warner Cable, Inc. | 2,130,209 | ||||||
43,833 | TRW Automotive Holdings Corp.*(a) | 4,508,224 | ||||||
54,333 | Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. - Class A | 2,086,659 | ||||||
3,081 | Viacom, Inc. - Class B | 231,845 | ||||||
114,470 | Vipshop Holdings Ltd. - ADR* | 2,236,744 | ||||||
75,500 | WPP Plc | 1,581,855 | ||||||
5,303 | Wynn Resorts Ltd.(a) | 788,874 | ||||||
30,585 | Yum! Brands, Inc. | 2,228,117 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
60,021,069 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Consumer Staples: 2.9% | ||||||||
4,830 | Altria Group, Inc. | 237,974 | ||||||
30,217 | Anheuser-Busch InBev N.V. - ADR | 3,393,974 | ||||||
25,900 | Carlsberg A/S - Class B | 2,015,083 | ||||||
22,928 | CVS Health Corp.(a) | 2,208,196 | ||||||
7,239 | Energizer Holdings, Inc. | 930,646 | ||||||
5,100 | Henkel AG & Co. KGaA | 496,436 | ||||||
9,806 | Molson Coors Brewing Co. - Class B | 730,743 | ||||||
59,104 | Nutreco N.V. | 3,181,645 | ||||||
223,800 | Orkla ASA | 1,529,896 | ||||||
36,239 | Pantry, Inc. (The)* | 1,343,017 | ||||||
256,061 | Safeway, Inc.(a) | 8,992,862 | ||||||
25,724 | Tyson Foods, Inc. - Class A | 1,031,275 | ||||||
40,900 | Unilever N.V. | 1,615,454 | ||||||
3,641 | Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | 312,689 | ||||||
14,300 | Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. | 1,089,660 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
29,109,550 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Energy: 2.7% | ||||||||
21,152 | Baker Hughes, Inc. | 1,185,993 | ||||||
7,000 | California Resources Corp.* | 38,570 | ||||||
36,600 | Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. | 1,130,208 | ||||||
40,550 | CONSOL Energy, Inc. | 1,370,995 | ||||||
49,154 | Dresser-Rand Group, Inc.*(a) | 4,020,797 | ||||||
44,027 | Energy Transfer Equity L.P. | 2,526,269 | ||||||
44,358 | Exterran Holdings, Inc. | 1,445,184 |
Shares | Value | |||||||
Energy (continued) | ||||||||
2,854 | Exxon Mobil Corp. | $ | 263,852 | |||||
148,200 | Gazprom OAO - ADR | 671,346 | ||||||
98,500 | Hornbeck Offshore Services, Inc.* | 2,459,545 | ||||||
116,002 | Ithaca Energy, Inc.* | 118,987 | ||||||
29,075 | Kinder Morgan, Inc. | 1,230,163 | ||||||
15,600 | Lukoil OAO - ADR | 598,840 | ||||||
22,614 | Marathon Petroleum Corp. | 2,041,140 | ||||||
27,900 | Occidental Petroleum Corp.(a) | 2,249,019 | ||||||
28,318 | Peabody Energy Corp. | 219,181 | ||||||
63,200 | Rosneft OAO - GDR | 221,832 | ||||||
46,929 | Schlumberger Ltd. | 4,008,206 | ||||||
433,800 | Surgutneftegas OAO - (Preference Shares) | 208,224 | ||||||
102,757 | Weatherford International Plc* | 1,176,568 | ||||||
178,717 | Yancoal Australia Ltd.* | 22,641 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
27,207,560 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Financials: 5.5% | ||||||||
1,819 | Alleghany Corp.* | 843,107 | ||||||
76,600 | American International Group, Inc.(a) | 4,290,366 | ||||||
654,378 | American Realty Capital Healthcare Trust, Inc.(a) | 7,787,098 | ||||||
65,100 | Aon Plc(a) | 6,173,433 | ||||||
39,704 | Associated Estates Realty Corp. | 921,530 | ||||||
110,900 | Bank of America Corp. | 1,984,001 | ||||||
24,762 | Carfinco Financial Group, Inc. | 239,264 | ||||||
20,000 | CIT Group, Inc. | 956,600 | ||||||
68,800 | Citigroup, Inc. | 3,722,768 | ||||||
254,000 | Countrywide Plc | 1,727,487 | ||||||
30,819 | Discover Financial Services | 2,018,336 | ||||||
107,784 | GAGFAH S.A.* | 2,412,944 | ||||||
185,585 | Glimcher Realty Trust | 2,549,938 | ||||||
22,800 | Groupe Bruxelles Lambert S.A. | 1,952,012 | ||||||
11,857 | Macerich Co. (The) | 988,992 | ||||||
38,023 | McGraw Hill Financial, Inc. | 3,383,287 | ||||||
193,919 | Morgan Stanley B.V. | 2,841,255 | ||||||
5,643 | Oslo Bors VPS Holding ASA | 57,317 | ||||||
114,344 | Protective Life Corp.(a) | 7,964,060 | ||||||
238,900 | Sberbank of Russia - (Preference Shares) | 147,318 | ||||||
58,600 | Sberbank of Russia - ADR | 226,958 | ||||||
208,600 | Walter Investment Management Corp.* | 3,443,986 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
56,632,057 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Health Care: 6.9% | ||||||||
173 | Actavis Plc* | 44,532 | ||||||
61,262 | Allergan, Inc. | 13,023,689 | ||||||
260,097 | Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | 4,408,644 | ||||||
997 | Cardinal Health, Inc. | 80,488 | ||||||
90,458 | CareFusion Corp.*(a) | 5,367,778 | ||||||
1,906 | CONMED Corp. | 85,694 | ||||||
65,869 | Covance, Inc.* | 6,839,837 | ||||||
138,774 | Covidien Plc(a) | 14,193,805 | ||||||
61,897 | Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*(a) | 6,229,933 | ||||||
8,303 | Eli Lilly & Co. | 572,824 | ||||||
14,003 | Endo International PLC* | 1,009,896 | ||||||
42,900 | Express Scripts Holding Co.* | 3,632,343 | ||||||
25,115 | Gilead Sciences, Inc.*(a) | 2,367,340 | ||||||
210,004 | H. Lundbeck A/S(b) | 16,443 | ||||||
2,158 | Haemonetics Corp.* | 80,752 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
50 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES at December 31, 2014
Shares | Value | |||||||
COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED) | ||||||||
Health Care (continued) | ||||||||
2,702 | Intuitive Surgical, Inc.* | $ | 1,429,196 | |||||
3,977 | Johnson & Johnson | 415,875 | ||||||
43,890 | Kindred Healthcare, Inc. | 797,920 | ||||||
8,982 | Pfizer, Inc. | 279,789 | ||||||
23,293 | Prosensa Holding N.V.* | 436,744 | ||||||
1,267 | STERIS Corp. | 82,165 | ||||||
706 | Teleflex, Inc. | 81,063 | ||||||
31,200 | Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.(a) | 3,909,048 | ||||||
245,666 | Trius Therapeudics, Inc.*(b) | 40,117 | ||||||
26,316 | UnitedHealth Group, Inc.(a) | 2,660,285 | ||||||
151,089 | Volcano Corp.* | 2,701,471 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
70,787,671 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Industrials: 2.6% | ||||||||
76,587 | B/E Aerospace, Inc.*(a) | 4,443,578 | ||||||
58,304 | Civeo Corp. | 239,629 | ||||||
40,325 | Danaher Corp. | 3,456,256 | ||||||
12,345 | Hubbell, Inc. - Class B | 1,318,816 | ||||||
5,300 | Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd. | 323,035 | ||||||
18,400 | Jardine Strategic Holdings Ltd. | 629,280 | ||||||
30,100 | Joy Global, Inc. | 1,400,252 | ||||||
41,820 | KLX, Inc.* | 1,725,075 | ||||||
2,900 | Manitowoc Co., Inc. (The) | 64,090 | ||||||
297,500 | Meggitt Plc | 2,405,203 | ||||||
48,605 | NOW, Inc.*(a) | 1,250,607 | ||||||
43,026 | SolarCity Corp.* | 2,301,031 | ||||||
17,500 | Sound Holding FP Luxemburg*(b) | 637,797 | ||||||
23,314 | Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. | 2,240,009 | ||||||
16,500 | Sulzer AG | 1,760,177 | ||||||
19,100 | United Technologies Corp. | 2,196,500 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
26,391,335 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Information Technology: 8.7% | ||||||||
128,132 | Actuate Corp.* | 845,671 | ||||||
23,400 | Analog Devices, Inc. | 1,299,168 | ||||||
20,312 | Apple, Inc. | 2,242,039 | ||||||
55,400 | ARRIS Group, Inc.* | 1,672,526 | ||||||
34,279 | AVG Technologies N.V.* | 676,667 | ||||||
8,505 | Baidu, Inc. - ADR* | 1,938,885 | ||||||
744 | Calix, Inc.* | 7,455 | ||||||
165,822 | Cisco Systems, Inc.(a) | 4,612,339 | ||||||
13,243 | Cypress Semiconductor Corp.* | 189,110 | ||||||
51,841 | EMC Corp.(a) | 1,541,751 | ||||||
51,832 | Facebook, Inc. - Class A* | 4,043,933 | ||||||
10,596 | Google, Inc. - Class A*(a) | 5,622,873 | ||||||
1,891 | Google, Inc. - Class C* | 995,422 | ||||||
27,200 | Intel Corp.(a) | 987,088 | ||||||
48,431 | Juniper Networks, Inc.(a) | 1,080,980 | ||||||
4,603 | LinkedIn Corp. - Class A* | 1,057,355 | ||||||
126,800 | Microsoft Corp.(a) | 5,889,860 | ||||||
171,700 | Oracle Corp.(a) | 7,721,349 | ||||||
18,100 | QUALCOMM, Inc. | 1,345,373 | ||||||
19,412 | salesforce.com, Inc.* | 1,151,326 | ||||||
216,148 | Sapient Corp.* | 5,377,762 | ||||||
62,300 | TE Connectivity Ltd. | 3,940,475 | ||||||
202,724 | Tencent Holdings Ltd. | 2,941,382 | ||||||
4,092 | Texas Instruments, Inc. | 218,779 | ||||||
522,160 | Tokyo Electron Ltd. - ADR(a) | 9,962,813 | ||||||
539,322 | TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc.* | 14,858,321 |
Shares | Value | |||||||
Information Technology (continued) | ||||||||
134,762 | Yahoo!, Inc.*(a) | $ | 6,806,829 | |||||
|
| |||||||
89,027,531 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Materials: 2.3% | ||||||||
185,200 | Alcoa, Inc. | 2,924,308 | ||||||
35,968 | Berry Plastics Group, Inc.* | 1,134,790 | ||||||
25,716 | CF Industries Holdings, Inc.*(a) | 7,008,639 | ||||||
22,129 | Methanex Corp. | 1,014,172 | ||||||
33,900 | MMC Norilsk Nickel OJSC - ADR | 482,058 | ||||||
79,400 | Norsk Hydro ASA | 449,801 | ||||||
34,385 | Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd.* | 485,477 | ||||||
58,907 | Owens-Illinois, Inc.* | 1,589,900 | ||||||
84,197 | Rockwood Holdings, Inc.(a) | 6,634,724 | ||||||
14,572 | Sigma-Aldrich Corp.(a) | 2,000,298 | ||||||
7,825 | Tronox Ltd. - Class A | 186,861 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
23,911,028 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Telecommunication Services: 0.8% | ||||||||
55,524 | Globalstar, Inc.* | 152,691 | ||||||
70,673 | HC2 Holdings, Inc.* | 595,773 | ||||||
189,436 | Jazztel Plc* | 2,876,918 | ||||||
59,029 | Leap Wireless International, Inc.*(b) | 152,295 | ||||||
1,196 | Level 3 Communications, Inc.* | 59,059 | ||||||
26,616 | SoftBank Corp. | 1,600,979 | ||||||
59,082 | T-Mobile US, Inc.*(a) | 1,591,669 | ||||||
29,127 | Vodafone Group Plc - ADR | 995,270 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
8,024,654 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL COMMON STOCKS | 391,112,455 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
RIGHTS/WARRANTS: 0.0% | ||||||||
260,822 | Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* (Expiration date: 02/02/15) | 10,433 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL RIGHTS/WARRANTS | 10,433 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
PREFERRED STOCKS: 0.7% | ||||||||
Consumer Staples: 0.1% | ||||||||
22,939 | Tyson Foods, Inc. | 1,154,749 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Energy: 0.0% | ||||||||
215 | Chesapeake Energy Corp. | 220,644 | ||||||
1,300 | NextEra Energy, Inc. | 87,022 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
307,666 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Financials: 0.4% | ||||||||
1,204 | Ally Financial, Inc. | 1,209,531 | ||||||
7,943 | Crown Castle International Corp. | 818,049 | ||||||
8,656 | iStar Financial, Inc. | 513,907 | ||||||
26,299 | Weyerhaeuser Co. | 1,517,452 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
4,058,939 | ||||||||
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Schedule of Investments | 51 |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES at December 31, 2014
Shares | Value | |||||||
PREFERRED STOCKS (CONTINUED) | ||||||||
Materials: 0.1% | ||||||||
13,180 | Alcoa, Inc. | $ | 664,931 | |||||
17,456 | ArcelorMittal | 310,389 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
975,320 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Utilities: 0.1% | ||||||||
9,207 | Dominion Resources, Inc. | 478,856 | ||||||
1,244 | Dominion Resources, Inc. | 74,653 | ||||||
1,118 | Dominion Resources, Inc. | 67,214 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
620,723 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS | 7,117,397 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS: 0.2% | ||||||||
5,664 | iPATH S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN* | 178,473 | ||||||
30,001 | iShares China Large-Cap ETF | 1,248,641 | ||||||
4,094 | iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF | 592,811 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS | 2,019,925 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Principal Amount^ | ||||||||
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES: 3.0% | ||||||||
American Express Credit Account Master Trust | ||||||||
$345,000 | Series 2013-1-A | 346,683 | ||||||
250,000 | Series 2013-3-A | 250,011 | ||||||
845,000 | Series 2014-2-A | 843,433 | ||||||
AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust | ||||||||
252,000 | Series 2013-4-D | 256,288 | ||||||
APIDOS CLO XIX | ||||||||
1,000,000 | Series 2014-19A-D | 951,199 | ||||||
Babson CLO Ltd. 2014-III | ||||||||
1,000,000 | Series 2014-3A-D2 | 1,000,052 | ||||||
1,000,000 | Series 2014-3A-E2 | 985,544 | ||||||
Ballyrock CLO LLC | ||||||||
500,000 | Series 2014-1A-B | 491,981 | ||||||
500,000 | Series 2014-1A-C | 477,127 | ||||||
Bayview Opportunity Master Fund IIIA Trust | ||||||||
508,864 | Series 2014-18NP-A | 511,483 |
Principal Amount^ | Value | |||||||
Capital One Multi-Asset Execution Trust | ||||||||
$ 425,000 | Series 2013-A3-A3 | $ | 423,611 | |||||
200,000 | Series 2014-A2-A2 | 199,854 | ||||||
Chase Issuance Trust | ||||||||
1,040,000 | Series 2014-A5-A5 | 1,037,720 | ||||||
155,000 | Series 2014-A7-A | 154,481 | ||||||
Colony American Homes | ||||||||
610,000 | Series 2014-1A-C | 595,821 | ||||||
Cronos Containers Program I Ltd. | ||||||||
604,352 | Series 2014-2A-A | 604,579 | ||||||
CSAB Mortgage-Backed Trust | ||||||||
1,857,684 | Series 2006-2-A6B | 689,059 | ||||||
Discover Card Execution Note Trust | ||||||||
565,000 | Series 2014-A5-A | 564,166 | ||||||
Global Container Assets 2014 Holdings Ltd. | ||||||||
300,000 | 7.500%, 01/05/2030(b) | 300,000 | ||||||
815,000 | 6.000%, 01/05/2030(b) | 815,000 | ||||||
1,185,000 | 0.000%, 01/05/2030(b) | 1,077,569 | ||||||
GSAA Home Equity Trust | ||||||||
916,076 | Series 2006-10-AF5 | 557,163 | ||||||
Invitation Homes Trust | ||||||||
530,000 | Series 2014-SFR1-B | 526,163 | ||||||
JP Morgan Mortgage Acquisition Trust | ||||||||
1,000,000 | Series 2007-CH1-AF5 | 962,451 | ||||||
Lehman XS Trust | ||||||||
3,000,000 | Series 2005-6-3A3A | 1,815,777 | ||||||
2,192,879 | Series 2006-8-3A3 | 1,947,834 | ||||||
Long Beach Mortgage Loan Trust | ||||||||
284,348 | Series 2005-WL2-M1 | 282,630 | ||||||
Octagon Investment Partners XXI Ltd. | ||||||||
1,000,000 | Series 2014-1A-C | 943,055 | ||||||
1,000,000 | Series 2014-1A-D | 986,341 | ||||||
Octagon Investment Partners XXII Ltd. | ||||||||
500,000 | Series 2014-1A-D2 | 501,009 | ||||||
500,000 | Series 2014-1A-E2 | 499,836 | ||||||
OneMain Financial Issuance Trust | ||||||||
490,000 | Series 2014-1A-A | 489,990 | ||||||
705,000 | Series 2014-2A-A | 707,764 | ||||||
265,000 | Series 2014-2A-B | 265,164 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
52 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES at December 31, 2014
Principal Amount^ | Value | |||||||
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (CONTINUED) | ||||||||
OneMain Financial Issuance Trust (continued) | ||||||||
$ 1,120,000 | Series 2014-2A-D | $ | 1,125,936 | |||||
Residential Asset Mortgage Products, Inc. | ||||||||
205,393 | Series 2006-RS5-A3 | 200,036 | ||||||
Residential Asset Securities Corp. Trust | ||||||||
412,691 | Series 2006-EMX2-A2 | 407,841 | ||||||
1,871,267 | Series 2006-EMX6-A3 | 1,688,004 | ||||||
426,729 | Series 2007-KS4-A2 | 425,295 | ||||||
Sierra Timeshare Receivables Funding LLC | ||||||||
42,723 | Series 2012-1A-A | 43,340 | ||||||
187,329 | Series 2013-1A-A | 186,945 | ||||||
483,419 | Series 2013-3A-A | 480,865 | ||||||
SoFi Professional Loan Program LLC | ||||||||
105,000 | Series 2014-B-A1 | 105,226 | ||||||
Springleaf Funding Trust | ||||||||
305,000 | Series 2014-AA-A | 304,747 | ||||||
TAL Advantage V LLC | ||||||||
445,833 | Series 2013-2A-A | 451,772 | ||||||
Terwin Mortgage Trust | ||||||||
2,191,127 | Series 2006-3-2A2 | 1,802,103 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES | 30,282,948 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
BANK LOANS: 3.9% | ||||||||
1011778 B.C. Unlimited Liability Co. | ||||||||
966,435 | 4.500%, 12/12/2021 | 965,227 | ||||||
ABC Supply Co., Inc. | ||||||||
562,154 | 3.500%, 04/16/2020 | 545,992 | ||||||
American Beacon Advisors, Inc. | ||||||||
227,151 | 4.750%, 11/22/2019 | 224,312 | ||||||
American Tire Distributors, Inc. | ||||||||
125,375 | 5.750%, 06/01/2018 | 125,688 | ||||||
Amneal Pharmaceuticals, LLC | ||||||||
291,563 | 5.001%, 11/01/2019 | 291,380 | ||||||
Amsurg Corp. | ||||||||
65,127 | 3.750%, 07/16/2021 | 64,747 | ||||||
Aptean, Inc. | ||||||||
456,550 | 5.250%, 02/26/2020 | 443,616 | ||||||
Aramark Services, Inc. | ||||||||
411,888 | 3.250%, 02/24/2021 | 406,354 | ||||||
Ardagh Holdings USA, Inc. | ||||||||
638,068 | 4.000%, 12/17/2019 | 627,699 |
Principal Amount^ | Value | |||||||
Arysta LifeScience SPC, LLC | ||||||||
$ 187,150 | 4.500%, 05/29/2020 | $ | 186,565 | |||||
Asurion, LLC | ||||||||
362,193 | 5.000%, 05/24/2019 | 358,249 | ||||||
108,350 | 4.250%, 07/08/2020 | 105,167 | ||||||
AWAS Aviation Capital Ltd. | ||||||||
168,092 | 3.500%, 07/16/2018 | 166,271 | ||||||
Axalta Coating Systems US Holdings Inc. | ||||||||
228,784 | 3.750%, 02/01/2020 | 223,458 | ||||||
Bauer Performance Sports Ltd. | ||||||||
105,283 | 4.000%, 04/15/2021 | 104,165 | ||||||
BE Aerospace, Inc. | ||||||||
500,000 | 4.000%, 12/16/2021 | 499,000 | ||||||
Bennu Oil & Gas LLC | ||||||||
2,151,647 | 1.000%, 11/01/2018(b)(f) | 1,633,907 | ||||||
Big Heart Pet Brands | ||||||||
798,963 | 3.500%, 03/08/2020 | 769,001 | ||||||
BMC Foreign Holding Co. | ||||||||
169,817 | 5.000%, 09/10/2020 | 164,652 | ||||||
BMC Software Finance, Inc. | ||||||||
621,727 | 5.000%, 09/10/2020 | 606,768 | ||||||
Brasa Holdings, Inc. | ||||||||
35,714 | 11.000%, 01/20/2020 | 35,357 | ||||||
Brickman Group Ltd. LLC | ||||||||
148,502 | 4.000%, 12/18/2020 | 144,650 | ||||||
Calpine Construction Finance Company, Co. | ||||||||
221,625 | 3.000%, 05/03/2020 | 213,406 | ||||||
Calpine Corp. | ||||||||
579,412 | 4.000%, 10/09/2019 | 573,911 | ||||||
Charter Communications Operating, LLC | ||||||||
183,541 | 4.250%, 09/12/2021 | 184,947 | ||||||
Community Health Systems, Inc. | ||||||||
739,846 | 4.250%, 01/27/2021 | 739,306 | ||||||
Continental Building Products LLC | ||||||||
498,080 | 4.000%, 08/28/2020 | 491,022 | ||||||
Creative Artists Agency, LLC | ||||||||
444,994 | 6.750%, 12/17/2021 | 446,663 | ||||||
Crosby US Acquisition Corp. | ||||||||
297,000 | 3.750%, 11/23/2020 | 279,180 | ||||||
DaVita HealthCare Partners, Inc. | ||||||||
1,111,484 | 3.500%, 06/24/2021 | 1,102,642 | ||||||
Dealertrack Technologies, Inc. | ||||||||
146,641 | 3.250%, 02/28/2021 | 144,135 | ||||||
Doncasters Finance US LLC | ||||||||
99,876 | 4.500%, 04/09/2020 | 99,439 | ||||||
Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. | ||||||||
142,826 | 4.500%, 04/23/2020 | 141,517 | ||||||
Emerald Performance Materials, LLC | ||||||||
77,805 | 4.500%, 08/01/2021 | 76,225 | ||||||
Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. | ||||||||
250,000 | 3.250%, 12/02/2019 | 241,608 | ||||||
Entegris, Inc. | ||||||||
182,205 | 3.500%, 04/30/2021 | 178,485 | ||||||
FPC Holdings, Inc. | ||||||||
102,688 | 5.250%, 11/19/2019 | 100,976 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Schedule of Investments | 53 |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES at December 31, 2014
Principal Amount^ | Value | |||||||
BANK LOANS (CONTINUED) | ||||||||
Garda World Security Corp. | ||||||||
$ 37,712 | 4.000%, 11/06/2020 | $ | 36,910 | |||||
147,418 | 4.000%, 11/06/2020 | 144,286 | ||||||
Gates Global, Inc. | ||||||||
285,285 | 4.250%, 07/05/2021 | 278,509 | ||||||
Generac Power Systems, Inc. | ||||||||
1,578,006 | 3.250%, 05/31/2020 | 1,534,611 | ||||||
Grifols Worldwide Operations USA, Inc. | ||||||||
521,063 | 3.169%, 02/27/2021 | 514,765 | ||||||
Grosvenor Capital Management Holdings, LLP | ||||||||
163,350 | 3.750%, 01/04/2021 | 160,286 | ||||||
Harbourvest Partners, LLC | ||||||||
85,808 | 3.250%, 02/04/2021 | 83,126 | ||||||
HD Supply, Inc. | ||||||||
583,504 | 1.000%, 06/28/2018(f) | 579,008 | ||||||
Hillman Group Inc. (The) | ||||||||
56,128 | 4.500%, 06/30/2021 | 55,567 | ||||||
Hilton Worldwide Finance, LLC | ||||||||
1,033,773 | 3.500%, 10/26/2020 | 1,023,648 | ||||||
Hub International Ltd. | ||||||||
521,063 | 4.250%, 10/02/2020 | 507,059 | ||||||
IBC Capital Ltd. | ||||||||
420,900 | 4.750%, 09/09/2021 | 420,374 | ||||||
IMS Health, Inc. | ||||||||
153,838 | 3.500%, 03/17/2021 | 150,728 | ||||||
Infor (US), Inc. | ||||||||
423,525 | 3.750%, 06/03/2020 | 411,793 | ||||||
IQOR US Inc. | ||||||||
583,221 | 6.000%, 04/01/2021 | 542,396 | ||||||
JLL/Delta Dutch Newco B.V. | ||||||||
228,850 | 4.250%, 03/11/2021 | 222,700 | ||||||
Level 3 Financing Inc. | ||||||||
367,940 | 4.500%, 01/31/2022 | 368,860 | ||||||
Libbey Glass Inc. | ||||||||
70,131 | 3.750%, 04/09/2021 | 69,298 | ||||||
LTS Buyer LLC | ||||||||
297,683 | 4.000%, 04/13/2020 | 292,289 | ||||||
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc. | ||||||||
280,557 | 4.500%, 05/07/2021 | 280,908 | ||||||
MA Finance Co., LLC | ||||||||
631,449 | 5.250%, 10/07/2021 | 612,704 | ||||||
MacDermid, Inc. | ||||||||
137,900 | 4.000%, 06/07/2020 | 135,444 | ||||||
Mallinckrodt International Finance S.A. | ||||||||
506,175 | 3.250%, 03/19/2021 | 497,697 | ||||||
MicrosemiCorp. | ||||||||
98,137 | 3.500%, 02/19/2020 | 96,886 | ||||||
Midas Intermediate Holdco II, LLC | ||||||||
16,253 | 4.750%, 08/18/2021 | 16,233 | ||||||
144,249 | 4.750%, 08/18/2021 | 144,069 | ||||||
Millennium Laboratories, Inc. | ||||||||
508,198 | 5.250%, 04/16/2021 | 506,928 | ||||||
Mirror Bidco Corp. | ||||||||
75,578 | 4.250%, 12/28/2019 | 74,916 | ||||||
Nuance Communications, Inc. | ||||||||
123,434 | 2.919%, 08/07/2019 | 120,193 |
Principal Amount^ | Value | |||||||
NXP B.V. | ||||||||
$ 197,500 | 3.250%, 01/11/2020 | $ | 195,031 | |||||
Oberthur Technologies of America Corp. | ||||||||
133,650 | 4.500%, 10/18/2019 | 130,977 | ||||||
Onsite US Finco LLC | ||||||||
998,510 | 5.500%, 07/30/2021 | 988,525 | ||||||
Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc. | ||||||||
248,750 | 4.750%, 06/30/2021 | 245,268 | ||||||
OSG Bulk Ships,, Inc. | ||||||||
91,910 | 5.250%, 08/05/2019 | 89,842 | ||||||
Pinnacle Operating Corp. | ||||||||
122,198 | 4.750%, 11/15/2018 | 121,282 | ||||||
Planet Fitness Holdings, LLC | ||||||||
236,635 | 4.750%, 03/31/2021 | 234,268 | ||||||
Power Buyer, LLC | ||||||||
530,397 | 4.250%, 05/06/2020 | 518,022 | ||||||
27,531 | 4.250%, 05/06/2020 | 26,889 | ||||||
Quikrete Holdings, Inc. | ||||||||
568,120 | 4.000%, 09/28/2020 | 561,445 | ||||||
Quintiles Transnational Corp. | ||||||||
690,288 | 3.750%, 06/08/2018 | 683,962 | ||||||
Realogy Corp. | ||||||||
1,225,080 | 1.000%, 03/05/2020(f) | 1,203,641 | ||||||
Reddy Ice Corp. | ||||||||
106,254 | 6.751%, 05/01/2019 | 93,769 | ||||||
Renaissance Learning, Inc. | ||||||||
283,360 | 4.500%, 04/09/2021 | 277,929 | ||||||
Rise Ltd. | ||||||||
473,958 | 4.750%, 01/31/2021(b) | 476,328 | ||||||
Sable International Finance Ltd. | ||||||||
765,000 | 1.000%, 11/06/2016(f) | 764,044 | ||||||
SBA Senior Finance II LLC | ||||||||
203,975 | 3.250%, 03/24/2021 | 200,363 | ||||||
Sedgwick, Inc. | ||||||||
460,099 | 3.750%, 03/01/2021 | 448,597 | ||||||
ServiceMaster Co. | ||||||||
911,842 | 4.250%, 07/01/2021 | 897,024 | ||||||
Signode Industrial Group US Inc. | ||||||||
300,000 | 3.750%, 05/01/2021 | 287,814 | ||||||
Silver II US Holdings, LLC | ||||||||
662,381 | 4.000%, 12/13/2019 | 618,084 | ||||||
Sinclair Television Group Inc. | ||||||||
221,803 | 3.000%, 04/09/2020 | 216,952 | ||||||
Spin Holdco Inc. | ||||||||
74,064 | 4.250%, 11/14/2019 | 73,046 | ||||||
Springer Science & Business Media Deutschland GmbH | ||||||||
325,887 | 4.750%, 08/14/2020 | 321,406 | ||||||
Sprouts Farmers Markets Holdings, LLC | ||||||||
100,093 | 4.000%, 04/23/2020 | 100,030 | ||||||
SRAM, LLC | ||||||||
256,805 | 4.013%, 04/10/2020 | 249,743 | ||||||
Talbots, Inc. (The) | ||||||||
309,945 | 4.750%, 03/19/2020 | 300,646 | ||||||
Tempur-Pedic International, Inc. | ||||||||
270,597 | 3.500%, 03/18/2020 | 265,863 | ||||||
Time, Inc. | ||||||||
303,475 | 4.250%, 04/26/2021 | 300,820 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
54 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES at December 31, 2014
Principal Amount^ | Value | |||||||
BANK LOANS (CONTINUED) | ||||||||
Transdigm, Inc. | ||||||||
$ 280,215 | 3.750%, 02/28/2020 | $ | 276,111 | |||||
514,527 | 3.750%, 06/04/2021 | 507,236 | ||||||
Tribune Co. | ||||||||
341,182 | 4.000%, 12/27/2020 | 337,025 | ||||||
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. | ||||||||
1,235,000 | 1.000%, 08/05/2020(f) | 1,225,737 | ||||||
Vertafore, Inc. | ||||||||
577,316 | 4.250%, 10/03/2019 | 572,553 | ||||||
Virgin Media Bristol LLC | ||||||||
340,000 | 3.500%, 06/07/2020 | 334,470 | ||||||
Virtuoso US LLC | ||||||||
111,162 | 4.750%, 02/11/2021 | 110,467 | ||||||
VisteonCorp. | ||||||||
583,883 | 3.500%, 04/09/2021 | 576,343 | ||||||
WESCO Distribution, Inc. | ||||||||
12,482 | 3.750%, 12/12/2019 | 12,435 | ||||||
Wilsonart Holding LLC | ||||||||
328,804 | 4.000%, 10/31/2019 | 320,173 | ||||||
Zayo Group, LLC | ||||||||
507,257 | 4.000%, 07/02/2019 | 503,219 | ||||||
Zebra Technologies Corp. | ||||||||
588,900 | 4.750%, 10/27/2021 | 593,170 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL BANK LOANS | 39,848,427 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
CONVERTIBLE BONDS: 2.0% | ||||||||
Basic Materials: 0.1% | ||||||||
Primero Mining Corp. | ||||||||
1,299,000 | 6.500%, 03/31/2016 | 1,272,695 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Communications: 0.5% | ||||||||
Ciena Corp. | ||||||||
230,000 | 3.750%, 10/15/2018(c) | 285,919 | ||||||
Finisar Corp. | ||||||||
190,000 | 0.500%, 12/15/2033 | 180,500 | ||||||
InterDigital, Inc. | ||||||||
1,566,000 | 2.500%, 03/15/2016 | 1,747,068 | ||||||
JDS Uniphase Corp. | ||||||||
1,275,000 | 0.625%, 08/15/2033 | 1,353,094 | ||||||
MercadoLibre, Inc. | ||||||||
360,000 | 2.250%, 07/01/2019(c) | 429,300 | ||||||
Palo Alto Networks, Inc. | ||||||||
550,000 | 0.000%, 07/01/2019(c)(g) | 697,469 | ||||||
Priceline Group, Inc. (The) | ||||||||
260,000 | 0.900%, 09/15/2021(c) | 248,300 | ||||||
511,000 | 0.350%, 06/15/2020 | 572,320 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
5,513,970 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Consumer, Cyclical: 0.1% | ||||||||
Jarden Corp. | ||||||||
480,000 | 1.125%, 03/15/2034(c) | 540,300 | ||||||
Lennar Corp. | ||||||||
160,000 | 3.250%, 11/15/2021(c) | 310,800 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
851,100 | ||||||||
|
|
Principal Amount^ | Value | |||||||
Consumer, Non-cyclical: 0.8% | ||||||||
BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc. | ||||||||
$ 57,000 | 0.750%, 10/15/2018 | $ | 67,296 | |||||
414,000 | 1.500%, 10/15/2020 | 509,479 | ||||||
Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | ||||||||
2,185,000 | 1.125%, 09/01/2018 | 2,901,953 | ||||||
Emergent Biosolutions, Inc. | ||||||||
265,000 | 2.875%, 01/15/2021(c) | 298,622 | ||||||
Gilead Sciences, Inc. | ||||||||
180,000 | Series D | 745,313 | ||||||
Mylan, Inc. | ||||||||
580,000 | 3.750%, 09/15/2015 | 2,454,125 | ||||||
Volcano Corp. | ||||||||
1,709,000 | 1.750%, 12/01/2017 | 1,701,523 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
8,678,311 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Energy: 0.1% | ||||||||
BPZ Resources, Inc. | ||||||||
1,123,000 | 8.500%, 10/01/2017 | 386,733 | ||||||
Chesapeake Energy Corp. | ||||||||
45,000 | 2.750%, 11/15/2035 | 45,169 | ||||||
223,000 | 2.500%, 05/15/2037 | 217,704 | ||||||
Peabody Energy Corp. | ||||||||
375,000 | 4.750%, 12/15/2041 | 198,750 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
848,356 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Financial: 0.2% | ||||||||
Annaly Capital Management, Inc. | ||||||||
1,759,000 | 4.000%, 02/15/2015 | 1,789,791 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Industrial: 0.1% | ||||||||
Aecon Group, Inc. | ||||||||
| 835,000 (CAD) | | 6.250%, 10/31/2015 | 727,723 | ||||
|
| |||||||
Technology: 0.1% | ||||||||
Novellus Systems, Inc. | ||||||||
135,000 | 2.625%, 05/15/2041 | 310,163 | ||||||
Nuance Communications, Inc. | ||||||||
335,000 | 2.750%, 11/01/2031 | 335,628 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
645,791 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL CONVERTIBLE BONDS | 20,327,737 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
CORPORATE BONDS: 13.7% | ||||||||
Basic Materials: 0.4% | ||||||||
Albemarle Corp. | ||||||||
457,000 | 4.150%, 12/01/2024 | 465,234 | ||||||
ArcelorMittal | ||||||||
185,000 | 7.500%, 10/15/2039 | 192,400 | ||||||
Essar Steel Algoma, Inc. | ||||||||
2,140,000 | 9.500%, 11/15/2019(c) | 2,164,075 | ||||||
Hercules, Inc. | ||||||||
180,000 | 6.500%, 06/30/2029 | 162,900 | ||||||
Mexichem SAB de C.V. | ||||||||
525,000 | 5.875%, 09/17/2044(c) | 501,375 | ||||||
Taminco Global Chemical Corp. | ||||||||
248,000 | 9.750%, 03/31/2020(c) | 271,870 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
3,757,854 | ||||||||
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Schedule of Investments | 55 |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES at December 31, 2014
Principal Amount^ | Value | |||||||
CORPORATE BONDS (CONTINUED) | ||||||||
Communications: 2.4% | ||||||||
Altice S.A. | ||||||||
$ 1,135,000 (EUR) | 7.250%, 05/15/2022(c) | $ | 1,395,782 | |||||
2,450,000 | 7.750%, 05/15/2022(c) | 2,460,719 | ||||||
CCOH Safari LLC | ||||||||
1,140,000 | 5.500%, 12/01/2022 | 1,159,950 | ||||||
3,615,000 | 5.750%, 12/01/2024 | 3,664,706 | ||||||
Cisco Systems, Inc. | ||||||||
955,000 | 0.515%, 03/03/2017(d) | 955,679 | ||||||
DISH DBS Corp. | ||||||||
710,000 | 5.875%, 07/15/2022 | 729,525 | ||||||
3,485,000 | 5.875%, 11/15/2024(c) | 3,511,138 | ||||||
Equinix, Inc. | ||||||||
1,015,000 | 5.375%, 01/01/2022 | 1,029,616 | ||||||
Grupo Televisa SAB | ||||||||
9,270,000 (MXN) | 7.250%, 05/14/2043 | 541,310 | ||||||
Level 3 Communications, Inc. | ||||||||
505,000 | 5.750%, 12/01/2022(c) | 510,681 | ||||||
LIN Television Corp. | ||||||||
2,215,000 | 8.375%, 04/15/2018 | 2,313,291 | ||||||
NBCUniversal Enterprise, Inc. | ||||||||
520,000 | 5.250%, 03/29/2049(c)(h) | 542,100 | ||||||
Oi S.A. | ||||||||
570,000 | 5.750%, 02/10/2022 | 527,250 | ||||||
2,765,000 (BRL) | 9.750%, 09/15/2016(c) | 951,762 | ||||||
Time Warner Cable, Inc. | ||||||||
1,040,000 | 4.500%, 09/15/2042 | 1,073,328 | ||||||
Unitymedia KabelBW GmbH | ||||||||
1,125,000 | 6.125%, 01/15/2025(c) | 1,164,375 | ||||||
Windstream Corp. | ||||||||
1,552,000 | 8.125%, 09/01/2018 | 1,611,752 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
24,142,964 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Consumer, Cyclical: 1.1% | ||||||||
24 Hour Holdings III LLC | ||||||||
275,000 | 8.000%, 06/01/2022(c) | 221,375 | ||||||
Choice Hotels International, Inc. | ||||||||
615,000 | 5.750%, 07/01/2022 | 662,663 | ||||||
Foot Locker, Inc. | ||||||||
295,000 | 8.500%, 01/15/2022 | 324,924 | ||||||
General Motors Co. | ||||||||
950,000 | 5.200%, 04/01/2045 | 1,004,625 | ||||||
MGM Resorts International | ||||||||
2,440,000 | 6.000%, 03/15/2023 | 2,464,400 | ||||||
Nexteer Automotive Group Ltd. | ||||||||
350,000 | 5.875%, 11/15/2021(c) | 351,750 | ||||||
Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp. | ||||||||
810,000 | 0.955%, 09/26/2016(c)(d) | 815,024 | ||||||
PC Nextco Holdings LLC / PC Nextco Finance, Inc. | ||||||||
1,930,000 | 8.750%, 08/15/2019 | 1,949,300 | ||||||
Sears Holdings Corp. | ||||||||
932,000 | 6.625%, 10/15/2018 | 862,100 | ||||||
TRW Automotive, Inc. | ||||||||
1,983,000 | 4.500%, 03/01/2021(c) | 1,997,872 | ||||||
Volkswagen International Finance N.V. | ||||||||
430,000 | 0.672%, 11/18/2016(c)(d) | 431,231 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
11,085,264 | ||||||||
|
|
Principal Amount^ | Value | |||||||
Consumer, Non-cyclical: 1.6% | ||||||||
Biomet, Inc. | ||||||||
$ 2,680,000 | 6.500%, 10/01/2020 | $ | 2,834,100 | |||||
BioScrip, Inc. | ||||||||
1,167,000 | 8.875%, 02/15/2021(c) | 1,054,676 | ||||||
BRF S.A. | ||||||||
1,200,000 (BRL) | 7.750%, 05/22/2018(c) | 392,747 | ||||||
Cosan Luxembourg S.A. | ||||||||
300,000 (BRL) | 9.500%, 03/14/2018(c) | 100,782 | ||||||
Fresenius Medical Care US Finance II, Inc. | ||||||||
725,000 | 4.750%, 10/15/2024(c) | 735,875 | ||||||
Gentiva Health Services, Inc. | ||||||||
2,123,000 | 11.500%, 09/01/2018 | 2,261,526 | ||||||
HCA, Inc. | ||||||||
815,000 | 4.250%, 10/15/2019 | 828,244 | ||||||
Johnson & Johnson | ||||||||
415,000 | 0.306%, 11/28/2016(d) | 415,500 | ||||||
Kindred Escrow Corp. II | ||||||||
215,000 | 8.000%, 01/15/2020(c) | 229,513 | ||||||
Omnicare, Inc. | ||||||||
75,000 | 5.000%, 12/01/2024 | 77,250 | ||||||
90,000 | 4.750%, 12/01/2022 | 91,575 | ||||||
Procter & Gamble Co. (The) | ||||||||
430,000 | 0.312%, 11/04/2016(d) | 428,390 | ||||||
ServiceMaster Co. (The) | ||||||||
2,187,000 | 7.000%, 08/15/2020 | 2,274,480 | ||||||
SUPERVALU, Inc. | ||||||||
165,000 | 7.750%, 11/15/2022 | 162,525 | ||||||
US Foods, Inc. | ||||||||
3,559,000 | 8.500%, 06/30/2019 | 3,776,099 | ||||||
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International | ||||||||
550,000 | 6.375%, 10/15/2020(c) | 576,813 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
16,240,095 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Diversified: 0.0% | ||||||||
Alfa SAB de C.V. | ||||||||
400,000 | 6.875%, 03/25/2044(c) | 437,500 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Energy: 2.3% | ||||||||
Antero Resources Corp. | ||||||||
225,000 | 5.125%, 12/01/2022(c) | 213,188 | ||||||
Baytex Energy Corp. | ||||||||
55,000 | 5.625%, 06/01/2024(c) | 46,956 | ||||||
55,000 | 5.125%, 06/01/2021(c) | 47,025 | ||||||
Bonanza Creek Energy, Inc. | ||||||||
95,000 | 6.750%, 04/15/2021 | 84,075 | ||||||
435,000 | 5.750%, 02/01/2023 | 344,737 | ||||||
BP Capital Markets Plc | ||||||||
365,000 | 0.652%, 11/07/2016(d) | 365,228 | ||||||
California Resources Corp. | ||||||||
15,000 | 5.500%, 09/15/2021(c) | 12,900 | ||||||
1,130,000 | 6.000%, 11/15/2024(c) | 960,500 | ||||||
Chesapeake Energy Corp. | ||||||||
25,000 | 6.625%, 08/15/2020 | 26,688 | ||||||
50,000 | 5.375%, 06/15/2021 | 50,219 | ||||||
1,175,000 | 4.875%, 04/15/2022 | 1,148,562 | ||||||
Cimarex Energy Co. | ||||||||
965,000 | 4.375%, 06/01/2024 | 923,987 | ||||||
Concho Resources, Inc. | ||||||||
375,000 | 5.500%, 04/01/2023 | 378,637 | ||||||
425,000 | 5.500%, 10/01/2022 | 431,375 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
56 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES at December 31, 2014
Principal Amount^ | Value | |||||||
CORPORATE BONDS (CONTINUED) | ||||||||
Energy (continued) | ||||||||
Continental Resources, Inc. | ||||||||
$ 120,000 | 4.500%, 04/15/2023 | $ | 114,332 | |||||
365,000 | 3.800%, 06/01/2024 | 327,138 | ||||||
Diamondback Energy, Inc. | ||||||||
1,205,000 | 7.625%, 10/01/2021 | 1,182,406 | ||||||
Exxon Mobil Corp. | ||||||||
995,000 | 0.281%, 03/15/2017(d) | 994,840 | ||||||
First Wind Capital LLC | ||||||||
1,973,000 | 10.250%, 06/01/2018(c) | 2,098,779 | ||||||
MEG Energy Corp. | ||||||||
175,000 | 6.500%, 03/15/2021(c) | 160,563 | ||||||
315,000 | 7.000%, 03/31/2024(c) | 286,650 | ||||||
325,000 | 6.375%, 01/30/2023(c) | 291,687 | ||||||
Oasis Petroleum, Inc. | ||||||||
45,000 | 7.250%, 02/01/2019 | 43,425 | ||||||
445,000 | 6.875%, 03/15/2022 | 407,175 | ||||||
Oceaneering International, Inc. | ||||||||
1,705,000 | 4.650%, 11/15/2024 | 1,672,716 | ||||||
OGX Austria GmbH | ||||||||
795,000 | 8.500%, 06/01/2018(c)(i) | 4,961 | ||||||
600,000 | 8.375%, 04/01/2022(c)(i) | 8,940 | ||||||
Petrobras Global Finance B.V. | ||||||||
2,240,000 | 5.625%, 05/20/2043 | 1,837,360 | ||||||
Petroleos de Venezuela S.A. | ||||||||
2,100,000 | 5.500%, 04/12/2037 | 732,900 | ||||||
Petroleos Mexicanos | ||||||||
4,100,000 (MXN) | 7.650%, 11/24/2021(c) | 297,381 | ||||||
QEP Resources, Inc. | ||||||||
1,315,000 | 5.250%, 05/01/2023 | 1,236,100 | ||||||
Regency Energy Partners L.P. / Regency Energy Finance Corp. | ||||||||
1,135,000 | 5.750%, 09/01/2020 | 1,143,512 | ||||||
Rosetta Resources, Inc. | ||||||||
15,000 | 5.875%, 06/01/2022 | 13,650 | ||||||
50,000 | 5.875%, 06/01/2024 | 44,750 | ||||||
105,000 | 5.625%, 05/01/2021 | 96,611 | ||||||
RSP Permian, Inc. | ||||||||
500,000 | 6.625%, 10/01/2022(c) | 467,500 | ||||||
Shell International Finance B.V. | ||||||||
435,000 | 0.442%, 11/15/2016(d) | 435,355 | ||||||
SM Energy Co. | ||||||||
15,000 | 6.625%, 02/15/2019 | 14,775 | ||||||
335,000 | 6.125%, 11/15/2022(c) | 315,737 | ||||||
395,000 | 5.000%, 01/15/2024 | 343,650 | ||||||
Targa Resources Partners L.P. / Targa Resources Partners Finance Corp. | ||||||||
30,000 | 4.250%, 11/15/2023 | 27,450 | ||||||
120,000 | 5.250%, 05/01/2023 | 116,400 | ||||||
195,000 | 6.375%, 08/01/2022 | 198,413 | ||||||
1,035,000 | 4.125%, 11/15/2019(c) | 1,001,362 | ||||||
Ultra Petroleum Corp. | ||||||||
115,000 | 5.750%, 12/15/2018(c) | 106,663 | ||||||
325,000 | 6.125%, 10/01/2024(c) | 281,125 | ||||||
Whiting Petroleum Corp. | ||||||||
185,000 | 5.000%, 03/15/2019 | 173,900 | ||||||
1,010,000 | 5.750%, 03/15/2021 | 939,300 | ||||||
1,160,000 | 6.500%, 10/01/2018 | 1,125,200 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
23,576,783 | ||||||||
|
|
Principal Amount^ | Value | |||||||
Financial: 3.6% | ||||||||
450 Hayes | ||||||||
$ 179,000 | 9.000%, 12/20/2015(b) | $ | 179,000 | |||||
801 S. Broadway | ||||||||
905,143 | 9.500%, 08/22/2016(b) | 905,143 | ||||||
Air Lease Corp. | ||||||||
1,490,000 | 4.250%, 09/15/2024 | 1,504,900 | ||||||
Ally Financial, Inc. | ||||||||
575,000 | 8.000%, 03/15/2020 | 679,937 | ||||||
Assicurazioni Gene Residential Accredit Loans, Inc. SpA | ||||||||
2,400,000 (EUR) | 7.750%, 12/12/2042(j) | 3,639,289 | ||||||
Bank of America Corp. | ||||||||
1,220,000 | 4.200%, 08/26/2024 | 1,244,317 | ||||||
Causeway Square | ||||||||
588,000 | 9.000%, 10/22/2015(b) | 588,000 | ||||||
CIT Group, Inc. | ||||||||
175,000 | 5.000%, 08/01/2023 | 180,250 | ||||||
College Terrace | ||||||||
201,180 | 9.500%, 06/30/2016(b) | 201,180 | ||||||
Corp. Financiera de Desarrollo S.A. | ||||||||
260,000 | 3.250%, 07/15/2019(c) | 260,650 | ||||||
545,000 | 5.250%, 07/15/2029(c)(j) | 554,646 | ||||||
Echo Brickell | ||||||||
151,591 | 10.000%, 10/19/2017(b) | 151,591 | ||||||
Financiera de Desarrollo Territorial S.A. Findeter | ||||||||
6,675,000,000 (COP) | 7.875%, 08/12/2024(c) | 2,853,412 | ||||||
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC | ||||||||
595,000 | Series 00 | 595,170 | ||||||
General Electric Capital Corp. | ||||||||
450,000 | 0.460%, 01/14/2016(d) | 450,113 | ||||||
700,000 | 7.125%, 06/15/2022(h)(j) | 817,250 | ||||||
Genworth Holdings, Inc. | ||||||||
135,000 | 4.900%, 08/15/2023 | 109,496 | ||||||
370,000 | 4.800%, 02/15/2024 | 302,040 | ||||||
Host Hotels & Resorts L.P. | ||||||||
245,000 | 5.250%, 03/15/2022 | 267,763 | ||||||
International Lease Finance Corp. | ||||||||
225,000 | 6.750%, 09/01/2016(c) | 240,188 | ||||||
Intesa Sanpaolo SpA | ||||||||
2,190,000 | 5.017%, 06/26/2024(c) | 2,129,374 | ||||||
iStar Financial, Inc. | ||||||||
3,240,000 | 4.000%, 11/01/2017 | 3,163,050 | ||||||
Jefferies Finance LLC / JFIN Co-Issuer Corp. | ||||||||
520,000 | 6.875%, 04/15/2022(c) | 478,400 | ||||||
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | ||||||||
1,140,000 (NZD) | 4.250%, 11/02/2018 | 884,125 | ||||||
Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLP / Ladder Capital Finance Corp. | ||||||||
2,075,000 | 5.875%, 08/01/2021(c) | 1,981,625 | ||||||
Lloyds Banking Group Plc | ||||||||
800,000 | 4.500%, 11/04/2024 | 808,906 | ||||||
Morgan Stanley | ||||||||
1,275,000 | 4.350%, 09/08/2026 | 1,284,369 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Schedule of Investments | 57 |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES at December 31, 2014
Principal Amount^ | Value | |||||||
CORPORATE BONDS (CONTINUED) | ||||||||
Financial (continued) | ||||||||
Old Republic International Corp. | ||||||||
$ 1,910,000 | 4.875%, 10/01/2024 | $ | 2,001,491 | |||||
Outlets at the Border | ||||||||
491,000 | 12.000%, 04/17/2017(b) | 491,000 | ||||||
Pacific City Retail | ||||||||
50,889 | 11.250%, 06/19/2017(b) | 50,889 | ||||||
Realogy Group LLC / Realogy Co-Issuer Corp. | ||||||||
520,000 | 5.250%, 12/01/2021(c) | 507,650 | ||||||
Rialto Holdings LLC / Rialto Corp. | ||||||||
1,409,000 | 7.000%, 12/01/2018(c) | 1,432,777 | ||||||
RIM V | ||||||||
536,019 | 9.750%, 06/20/2015(b) | 536,019 | ||||||
Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc | ||||||||
1,910,000 | 6.125%, 12/15/2022 | 2,082,148 | ||||||
SLS Hotel | ||||||||
153,249 | 9.500%, 11/20/2017(b) | 153,249 | ||||||
Societe Generale S.A. | ||||||||
900,000 | 5.000%, 01/17/2024(c) | 906,565 | ||||||
Springleaf Finance Corp. | ||||||||
287,000 | 5.750%, 09/15/2016 | 297,045 | ||||||
Textron Financial Corp. | ||||||||
725,000 | 6.000%, 02/15/2067(c)(j) | 659,750 | ||||||
Walter Investment Management Corp. | ||||||||
1,091,000 | 7.875%, 12/15/2021 | 979,172 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
36,551,939 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Industrial: 1.4% | ||||||||
Agilent Technologies, Inc. | ||||||||
256,000 | 6.500%, 11/01/2017 | 284,338 | ||||||
Alliant Techsystems, Inc. | ||||||||
3,282,000 | 6.875%, 09/15/2020 | 3,511,740 | ||||||
Atrium Windows & Doors, Inc. | ||||||||
635,000 | 7.750%, 05/01/2019(c) | 536,575 | ||||||
Canadian National Railway Co. | ||||||||
590,000 | 0.432%, 11/06/2015(d) | 590,312 | ||||||
Caterpillar Financial Services Corp. | ||||||||
555,000 | 0.465%, 03/03/2017(d) | 555,046 | ||||||
Hornbeck Offshore Services, Inc. | ||||||||
186,000 | 5.000%, 03/01/2021 | 154,380 | ||||||
186,000 | 5.875%, 04/01/2020 | 166,470 | ||||||
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. | ||||||||
140,000 | 5.000%, 12/15/2021(c) | 142,625 | ||||||
Jabil Circuit, Inc. | ||||||||
585,000 | 4.700%, 09/15/2022 | 585,000 | ||||||
Keysight Technologies, Inc. | ||||||||
1,910,000 | 4.550%, 10/30/2024(c) | 1,914,513 | ||||||
KLX, Inc. | ||||||||
410,000 | 5.875%, 12/01/2022(c) | 415,125 | ||||||
Meccanica Holdings USA, Inc. | ||||||||
901,000 | 6.250%, 01/15/2040(c) | 862,708 | ||||||
Odebrecht Finance Ltd. | ||||||||
300,000 (BRL) | 8.250%, 04/25/2018(c) | 95,930 | ||||||
OSX 3 Leasing B.V. | ||||||||
1,216,328 | 13.000%, 03/20/2015(c) | 1,046,042 | ||||||
Owens Corning | ||||||||
315,000 | 4.200%, 12/01/2024 | 311,486 |
Principal Amount^ | Value | |||||||
Industrial (continued) | ||||||||
Rockwell Collins, Inc. | ||||||||
$ 115,000 | 0.591%, 12/15/2016(d) | $ | 115,074 | |||||
Sanmina Corp. | ||||||||
955,000 | 4.375%, 06/01/2019(c) | 950,225 | ||||||
Textron, Inc. | ||||||||
181,000 | 3.875%, 03/01/2025 | 181,689 | ||||||
Viasystems, Inc. | ||||||||
2,262,000 | 7.875%, 05/01/2019(c) | 2,397,720 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
14,816,998 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Technology: 0.3% | ||||||||
IHS, Inc. | ||||||||
415,000 | 5.000%, 11/01/2022(c) | 412,925 | ||||||
KLA-Tencor Corp. | ||||||||
1,347,000 | 4.650%, 11/01/2024 | 1,397,168 | ||||||
MSCI, Inc. | ||||||||
500,000 | 5.250%, 11/15/2024(c) | 518,750 | ||||||
Rolta Americas LLC | ||||||||
1,135,000 | 8.875%, 07/24/2019(c) | 978,937 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
3,307,780 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Utilities: 0.6% | ||||||||
Cia de Eletricidade do Estado da Bahia | ||||||||
500,000 (BRL) | 11.750%, 04/27/2016(c) | 185,370 | ||||||
Duke Energy Corp. | ||||||||
470,000 | 0.636%, 04/03/2017(d) | 470,890 | ||||||
Duke Energy Progress, Inc. | ||||||||
465,000 | 0.435%, 03/06/2017(d) | 463,836 | ||||||
EDP Finance B.V. | ||||||||
2,000,000 | 4.125%, 01/15/2020(c) | 2,014,450 | ||||||
Enel SpA | ||||||||
2,400,000 | 8.750%, 09/24/2073(c)(j) | 2,799,000 | ||||||
Midwest Generation LLC | ||||||||
420,602 | Series B | 424,808 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
6,358,354 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS | 140,275,531 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
GOVERNMENT SECURITIES & AGENCY ISSUE: 1.5% | ||||||||
Brazilian Government International Bond | ||||||||
500,000 (BRL) | 12.500%, 01/05/2016 | 190,448 | ||||||
1,480,000 (BRL) | 8.500%, 01/05/2024 | 513,618 | ||||||
Mexican Bonos | ||||||||
15,000,000 (MXN) | 6.500%, 06/09/2022 | 1,068,735 | ||||||
71,280,000 (MXN) | 6.500%, 06/10/2021 | 5,099,088 | ||||||
11,500,000 (MXN) | 7.750%, 12/14/2017 | 853,383 | ||||||
20,300,000 (MXN) | 8.500%, 12/13/2018 | 1,552,033 | ||||||
United States Treasury Note | ||||||||
6,000,000 | 1.625%, 11/15/2022 | 5,820,936 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL GOVERNMENT SECURITIES & AGENCY | 15,098,241 | ||||||
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
58 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES at December 31, 2014
Principal Amount^ | Value | |||||||
LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS: 0.1% | ||||||||
$ 1,086,921 | U.S. Farming Realty Trust II, LP(b) | $ | 1,125,160 | |||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS | 1,125,160 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES: 23.7% | ||||||||
Adjustable Rate Mortgage Trust | ||||||||
142,660 | Series 2004-4-3A1 | 139,486 | ||||||
167,571 | Series 2004-5-5A1 | 164,465 | ||||||
290,291 | Series 2004-5-6A1 | 288,960 | ||||||
3,000,000 | Series 2005-2-6M2 | 2,671,194 | ||||||
772,375 | Series 2006-1-2A1 | 583,073 | ||||||
Alternative Loan Trust | ||||||||
143,969 | Series 2003-20CB-2A1 | 149,332 | ||||||
193,198 | Series 2003-4CB-1A1 | 197,631 | ||||||
117,712 | Series 2003-9T1-A7 | 118,736 | ||||||
1,549,949 | Series 2004-13CB-A4 | 1,265,588 | ||||||
130,615 | Series 2004-14T2-A11 | 139,114 | ||||||
500,492 | Series 2004-27CB-A1 | 501,307 | ||||||
114,392 | Series 2004-28CB-5A1 | 117,259 | ||||||
124,131 | Series 2004-J3-1A1 | 128,726 | ||||||
96,730 | Series 2005-14-2A1 | 82,527 | ||||||
326,617 | Series 2005-J1-2A1 | 333,952 | ||||||
861,408 | Series 2006-31CB-A7 | 766,390 | ||||||
119,401 | Series 2006-4CB-2A2 | 113,731 | ||||||
531,675 | Series 2006-J1-2A1 | 228,235 | ||||||
107,625 | Series 2006-J4-1A3 | 73,421 | ||||||
426,687 | Series 2007-16CB-2A1 | 274,855 | ||||||
123,558 | Series 2007-16CB-2A2 | 311,215 | ||||||
805,005 | Series 2007-19-1A34 | 687,676 | ||||||
2,310,891 | Series 2007-20-A12 | 2,020,350 | ||||||
677,349 | Series 2007-22-2A16 | 551,877 | ||||||
120,320 | Series 2007-4CB-1A7 | 109,408 |
Principal Amount^ | Value | |||||||
Alternative Loan Trust (continued) | ||||||||
$ 1,248,436 | Series 2008-2R-2A1 | $ | 1,041,333 | |||||
American Homes 4 Rent | ||||||||
100,000 | Series 2014-SFR2-E | 100,943 | ||||||
Banc of America Alternative Loan Trust | ||||||||
182,423 | Series 2003-10-1A1 | 188,529 | ||||||
254,291 | Series 2003-10-3A1 | 262,007 | ||||||
190,293 | Series 2003-8-1CB1 | 196,944 | ||||||
307,758 | Series 2005-6-CB7 | 279,060 | ||||||
1,150,621 | Series 2006-7-A4 | 788,968 | ||||||
Banc of America Funding Corp. | ||||||||
241,467 | Series 2004-B-4A2 | 230,903 | ||||||
107,499 | Series 2005-5-1A1 | 112,899 | ||||||
198,118 | Series 2005-7-3A1 | 203,983 | ||||||
480,160 | Series 2006-6-1A2 | 476,146 | ||||||
2,159,664 | Series 2006-7-T2A3 | 1,860,881 | ||||||
996,865 | Series 2006-A-4A1 | 840,177 | ||||||
1,238,522 | Series 2006-B-7A1 | 1,134,404 | ||||||
115,660 | Series 2008-R4-1A4 | 84,473 | ||||||
1,715,260 | Series 2010-R9-3A3 | 1,362,955 | ||||||
Banc of America Mortgage Trust | ||||||||
75,677 | Series 2005-A-2A1 | 73,623 | ||||||
BCAP LLC Trust | ||||||||
3,062,634 | Series 2010-RR12-1A7 | 3,028,275 | ||||||
626,159 | Series 2010-RR6-6A2 | 581,080 | ||||||
4,061,310 | Series 2011-R11-2A4 | 2,922,485 | ||||||
Bear Stearns Adjustable Rate Mortgage Trust | ||||||||
6,648 | Series 2004-10-11A1 | 6,537 | ||||||
497,220 | Series 2004-6-2A1 | 475,727 | ||||||
164,963 | Series 2004-9-12A3 | 163,348 | ||||||
491,703 | Series 2005-12-11A1 | 387,035 | ||||||
Bear Stearns Asset-Backed Securities I Trust | ||||||||
921,851 | Series 2006-AC1-1A1 | 811,201 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Schedule of Investments | 59 |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES at December 31, 2014
Principal Amount^ | Value | |||||||
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (CONTINUED) | ||||||||
Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust | ||||||||
$ 110,000 | Series 2003-PWR2-E | $ | 112,845 | |||||
BLCP Hotel Trust | ||||||||
300,000 | Series 2014-CLRN-D | 301,363 | ||||||
300,000 | Series 2014-CLRN-E | 300,574 | ||||||
Chase Mortgage Finance Trust | ||||||||
245,898 | Series 2007-A1-3A1 | 242,910 | ||||||
3,192,538 | Series 2007-S3-1A15 | 2,873,405 | ||||||
ChaseFlex Trust | ||||||||
2,562,893 | Series 2007-3-2A1 | 2,213,578 | ||||||
Citicorp Mortgage Securities Trust | ||||||||
91,820 | Series 2006-4-1A2 | 93,440 | ||||||
Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust | ||||||||
320,000 | Series 2013-375P-D | 310,611 | ||||||
Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc. | ||||||||
354,388 | Series 2005-11-A2A | 351,579 | ||||||
205,677 | Series 2005-2-1A4 | 199,084 | ||||||
522,633 | Series 2005-5-2A2 | 436,496 | ||||||
1,600,000 | Series 2009-6-8A2 | 1,596,509 | ||||||
Citimortgage Alternative Loan Trust | ||||||||
67,677 | Series 2006-A3-1A7 | 61,249 | ||||||
361,433 | Series 2006-A4-1A1 | 319,667 | ||||||
693,804 | Series 2006-A5-1A13 | 496,479 | ||||||
682,769 | Series 2006-A5-1A2 | 139,805 | ||||||
1,194,112 | Series 2007-A4-1A13 | 1,034,273 | ||||||
611,423 | Series 2007-A4-1A6 | 529,586 | ||||||
279,624 | Series 2007-A6-1A11 | 233,200 | ||||||
163,012 | Series 2007-A6-1A3 | 135,949 | ||||||
COMM Mortgage Trust | ||||||||
150,000 | Series 2014-SAVA-A | 150,039 | ||||||
150,000 | Series 2014-SAVA-B | 149,685 | ||||||
300,000 | Series 2014-SAVA-C | 300,226 | ||||||
1,634,513 | Series 2014-UBS4-E | 1,159,977 |
Principal Amount^ | Value | |||||||
COMM Mortgage Trust (continued) | ||||||||
$ 1,868,035 | Series 2014-UBS4-F | $ | 806,894 | |||||
3,502,605 | Series 2014-UBS4-G | 1,120,834 | ||||||
7,000 | Series 2014-UBS4-V | 0 | ||||||
Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass-Through Trust | ||||||||
239,537 | Series 2004-12-8A1 | 224,765 | ||||||
31,918 | Series 2004-HYB4-2A1 | 30,621 | ||||||
144,011 | Series 2004-HYB8-4A1 | 141,025 | ||||||
166,341 | Series 2005-11-4A1 | 144,687 | ||||||
244,693 | Series 2005-21-A17 | 230,975 | ||||||
1,786,796 | Series 2005-23-A1 | 1,677,923 | ||||||
1,097,713 | Series 2005-HYB8-4A1 | 966,029 | ||||||
430,616 | Series 2007-10-A5 | 408,960 | ||||||
2,190,007 | Series 2007-13-A5 | 2,114,796 | ||||||
Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp. | ||||||||
113,880 | Series 2003-AR26-7A1 | 110,259 | ||||||
90,283 | Series 2003-AR28-4A1 | 87,835 | ||||||
306,676 | Series 2004-AR4-3A1 | 303,614 | ||||||
40,940 | Series 2005-1-3A4 | 41,480 | ||||||
3,793,890 | Series 2005-10-10A3 | 2,720,827 | ||||||
183,201 | Series 2005-10-5A4 | 164,183 | ||||||
2,342,765 | Series 2005-11-7A1 | 2,047,141 | ||||||
Credit Suisse Mortgage-Backed Trust | ||||||||
1,718,643 | Series 2006-6-1A10 | 1,339,161 | ||||||
85,874 | Series 2006-8-4A1 | 75,257 | ||||||
1,413,648 | Series 2007-1-4A1 | 1,041,689 | ||||||
264,724 | Series 2007-2-2A5 | 259,877 | ||||||
1,299,917 | Series 2010-7R-4A17 | 1,192,365 | ||||||
Del Coronado Trust | ||||||||
200,000 | Series 2013-HDMZ-M | 200,160 | ||||||
Deutsche Alt-A Securities, Inc. Mortgage Loan Trust | ||||||||
146,215 | Series 2005-3-4A4 | 148,401 | ||||||
158,540 | Series 2005-5-1A4 | 151,112 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
60 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES at December 31, 2014
Principal Amount^ | Value | |||||||
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (CONTINUED) | ||||||||
Deutsche Mortgage and Asset Receiving Corp. | ||||||||
$ 4,655,498 | Series 2014-RS1-1A2 | $ | 3,850,175 | |||||
Deutsche Mortgage Securities, Inc. Mortgage Loan Trust | ||||||||
431,164 | Series 2006-PR1-3A1 | 509,753 | ||||||
Extended Stay America Trust | ||||||||
721,000 | Series 2013-ESH7-D7 | 743,932 | ||||||
FDIC Trust | ||||||||
168,734 | Series 2013-N1-A | 170,466 | ||||||
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. | ||||||||
10,837,604 | 5.939%, 07/15/2043(d)(l) | 1,919,903 | ||||||
250,000 | Series 2014-DN2-M2 | 242,414 | ||||||
1,738,555 | Series 3118-SD | 329,022 | ||||||
756,418 | Series 3301-MS | 82,897 | ||||||
1,057,899 | Series 3303-SE | 160,893 | ||||||
687,634 | Series 3303-SG | 105,002 | ||||||
540,284 | Series 3382-SB | 61,848 | ||||||
1,035,649 | Series 3382-SW | 148,634 | ||||||
507,640 | Series 3384-S | 63,307 | ||||||
700,400 | Series 3384-SG | 101,126 | ||||||
5,403,009 | Series 3404-SA | 829,578 | ||||||
647,076 | Series 3417-SX | 68,392 | ||||||
460,201 | Series 3423-GS | 45,847 | ||||||
4,606,895 | Series 3423-TG | 41,473 | ||||||
8,469,986 | Series 3435-S | 1,324,617 | ||||||
389,956 | Series 3445-ES | 45,701 | ||||||
1,156,703 | Series 3523-SM | 178,062 | ||||||
652,031 | Series 3560-KS | 111,269 | ||||||
898,919 | Series 3598-SA | 118,051 | ||||||
2,700,041 | Series 3630-AI | 78,805 | ||||||
501,362 | Series 3641-TB | 539,480 | ||||||
623,835 | Series 3646-AI | 25,126 |
Principal Amount^ | Value | |||||||
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. (continued) | ||||||||
$ 2,582,668 | Series 3728-SV | $ | 245,609 | |||||
804,423 | Series 3758-S | 85,867 | ||||||
5,711,329 | Series 3770-SP | 767,548 | ||||||
937,137 | Series 3815-ST | 105,771 | ||||||
1,591,112 | Series 3859-SI | 335,469 | ||||||
757,260 | Series 3872-SL | 90,253 | ||||||
587,624 | Series 3900-SB | 72,581 | ||||||
157,319 | Series 3946-SM | 180,160 | ||||||
1,670,670 | Series 3957-DZ | 1,642,166 | ||||||
1,665,811 | Series 3972-AZ | 1,651,620 | ||||||
10,503,135 | Series 3984-DS | 1,669,206 | ||||||
4,695,966 | Series 4229-MS | 4,626,327 | ||||||
6,153,908 | Series 4239-OU | 4,237,282 | ||||||
9,709,017 | Series 4291-MS | 1,602,265 | ||||||
8,489,499 | Series 4302-GS | 1,467,452 | ||||||
10,881,078 | Series 4407-PS | 1,993,975 | ||||||
Federal National Mortgage Association | ||||||||
740,590 | Series 2003-84-PZ | 808,796 | ||||||
379,153 | Series 2005-104-SI | 24,850 | ||||||
4,205,478 | Series 2005-42-SA | 607,084 | ||||||
5,993,736 | Series 2006-92-LI | 1,141,339 | ||||||
1,525,914 | Series 2007-39-AI | 262,843 | ||||||
540,114 | Series 2007-57-SX | 83,874 | ||||||
454,684 | Series 2007-68-SA | 58,927 | ||||||
257,033 | Series 2008-1-CI | 32,277 | ||||||
5,487,892 | Series 2008-33-SA | 769,603 | ||||||
408,780 | Series 2008-56-SB | 48,164 | ||||||
10,899,119 | Series 2009-110-SD | 1,874,342 | ||||||
397,030 | Series 2009-111-SE | 47,399 | ||||||
1,110,322 | Series 2009-86-CI | 127,256 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Schedule of Investments | 61 |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES at December 31, 2014
Principal Amount^ | Value | |||||||
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (CONTINUED) | ||||||||
Federal National Mortgage Association (continued) | ||||||||
$ 557,486 | Series 2009-87-SA | $ | 68,549 | |||||
520,047 | Series 2009-90-IB | 62,552 | ||||||
723,956 | Series 2010-11-SC | 63,939 | ||||||
331,130 | Series 2010-115-SD | 44,792 | ||||||
9,640,958 | Series 2010-123-SK | 1,786,079 | ||||||
3,888,964 | Series 2010-134-SE | 578,295 | ||||||
744,615 | Series 2010-15-SL | 67,821 | ||||||
817,343 | Series 2010-9-GS | 72,312 | ||||||
6,420 | Series 2011-110-LS | 8,160 | ||||||
1,134,800 | Series 2011-111-VZ | 1,188,536 | ||||||
1,690,908 | Series 2011-141-PZ | 1,796,642 | ||||||
771,858 | Series 2011-5-PS | 95,713 | ||||||
1,960,441 | Series 2011-63-AS | 321,078 | ||||||
1,150,006 | Series 2011-63-ZE | 1,195,061 | ||||||
5,490,315 | Series 2011-93-ES | 1,127,796 | ||||||
4,319,217 | Series 2012-106-SA | 788,566 | ||||||
240,999 | Series 2012-55-SC | 245,062 | ||||||
1,721,216 | Series 2013-115-NS | 1,801,892 | ||||||
2,816,760 | Series 2013-15-SC | 2,670,809 | ||||||
5,787,725 | Series 2013-51-HS | 5,055,270 | ||||||
7,340,088 | Series 2013-53-ZC | 6,657,735 | ||||||
3,711,610 | Series 2013-67-NS | 3,276,753 | ||||||
5,229,846 | Series 2013-74-HZ | 4,627,626 | ||||||
11,047,260 | Series 2014-50-WS | 1,841,331 | ||||||
First Horizon Alternative Mortgage Securities Trust | ||||||||
1,841,440 | Series 2006-FA6-1A4 | 1,507,913 | ||||||
689,140 | Series 2007-FA4-1A7 | 532,786 | ||||||
First Horizon Mortgage Pass-Through Trust | ||||||||
627,234 | Series 2006-1-1A10 | 607,746 |
Principal Amount^ | Value | |||||||
GMAC Mortgage Loan Trust | ||||||||
$ 25,583 | Series 2003-J7-A7 | $ | 25,741 | |||||
126,178 | Series 2005-AR4-3A1 | 121,268 | ||||||
Government National Mortgage Association | ||||||||
1,585,832 | Series 2007-21-S | 273,874 | ||||||
678,826 | Series 2008-69-SB | 121,489 | ||||||
818,431 | Series 2009-104-SD | 108,613 | ||||||
377,221 | Series 2010-98-IA | 33,014 | ||||||
1,183,451 | Series 2011-45-GZ | 1,264,280 | ||||||
674,907 | Series 2011-69-OC | 599,962 | ||||||
13,698,242 | Series 2011-69-SC | 1,773,943 | ||||||
1,884,571 | Series 2011-89-SA | 266,754 | ||||||
8,988,180 | Series 2012-135-IO | 658,321 | ||||||
1,580,920 | Series 2012-78-IO | 105,103 | ||||||
9,177,537 | Series 2013-102-BS | 1,680,443 | ||||||
9,933,880 | Series 2014-156-PS | 2,084,607 | ||||||
12,759,005 | Series 2014-58-SG | 1,905,768 | ||||||
13,127,893 | Series 2014-95-CS | 2,345,200 | ||||||
GP Portfolio Trust | ||||||||
500,000 | Series 2014-GPP-A | 499,040 | ||||||
GS Mortgage Securities Trust | ||||||||
1,095,000 | Series 2007-GG10-AM | 1,121,415 | ||||||
GSR Mortgage Loan Trust | ||||||||
210,279 | Series 2004-14-5A1 | 209,342 | ||||||
303,358 | Series 2005-4F-6A1 | 308,045 | ||||||
2,105,342 | Series 2005-9F-2A1 | 1,952,484 | ||||||
574,296 | Series 2005-AR4-6A1 | 569,490 | ||||||
504,598 | Series 2005-AR6-4A5 | 508,670 | ||||||
679,502 | Series 2006-7F-3A4 | 531,000 | ||||||
3,128,618 | Series 2006-8F-2A1 | 2,928,921 | ||||||
232,721 | Series 2006-8F-4A17 | 191,015 | ||||||
Harborview Mortgage Loan Trust | ||||||||
439,735 | Series 2003-2-1A | 424,176 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
62 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES at December 31, 2014
Principal Amount^ | Value | |||||||
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (CONTINUED) | ||||||||
Hilton USA Trust | ||||||||
$ 265,000 | Series 2013-HLT-CFX | $ | 268,477 | |||||
180,000 | Series 2013-HLT-DFX | 184,612 | ||||||
200,000 | Series 2013-HLT-EFX | 205,603 | ||||||
Impac Secured Assets Trust | ||||||||
3,037,267 | Series 2007-3-A1A | 2,066,371 | ||||||
IndyMac Mortgage Loan Trust | ||||||||
309,472 | Series 2005-16IP-A1 | 274,131 | ||||||
774,349 | Series 2006-AR3-1A1 | 681,692 | ||||||
JP Morgan Alternative Loan Trust | ||||||||
457,973 | Series 2006-A1-3A1 | 399,985 | ||||||
31,146 | Series 2006-A1-5A1 | 25,244 | ||||||
JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust | ||||||||
210,000 | Series 2007-LDPX-AM | 218,060 | ||||||
114,002 | Series 2013-JWMZ-M | 114,036 | ||||||
JP Morgan Mortgage Trust | ||||||||
225,252 | Series 2003-A2-3A1 | 222,960 | ||||||
302,193 | Series 2005-A2-3A2 | 293,959 | ||||||
163,924 | Series 2005-A3-4A1 | 166,328 | ||||||
129,307 | Series 2005-A5-1A2 | 128,953 | ||||||
304,849 | Series 2005-S3-1A9 | 281,973 | ||||||
274,572 | Series 2006-A1-1A2 | 246,107 | ||||||
422,742 | Series 2006-A7-2A4 | 386,868 | ||||||
293,825 | Series 2007-A1-4A2 | 294,571 | ||||||
402,008 | Series 2007-S1-1A2 | 402,244 | ||||||
326,577 | Series 2007-S1-2A22 | 285,117 | ||||||
1,672,515 | Series 2007-S3-1A97 | 1,532,711 | ||||||
1,426,961 | Series 2008-R2-2A | 1,315,788 | ||||||
Lehman Mortgage Trust | ||||||||
45,144 | Series 2006-1-3A5 | 45,001 | ||||||
4,259,051 | Series 2006-2-2A3 | 4,222,557 |
Principal Amount^ | Value | |||||||
Lehman XS Trust | ||||||||
$ 8 | Series 2006-12N-A2A1 | $ | 8 | |||||
Master Adjustable Rate Mortgages Trust | ||||||||
454,604 | Series 2004-7-3A1 | 457,992 | ||||||
253,144 | Series 2006-2-1A1 | 244,531 | ||||||
Master Alternative Loan Trust | ||||||||
106,913 | Series 2003-9-4A1 | 111,408 | ||||||
43,911 | Series 2004-12-6A2 | 43,860 | ||||||
115,084 | Series 2004-5-1A1 | 121,023 | ||||||
131,418 | Series 2004-5-2A1 | 139,557 | ||||||
291,771 | Series 2004-8-2A1 | 299,944 | ||||||
Merrill Lynch Alternative Note Asset Trust | ||||||||
1,981,252 | Series 2007-AF1-1AF2 | 1,829,084 | ||||||
267,132 | Series 2007-F1-2A7 | 217,205 | ||||||
175,634 | Series 2007-F1-2A8 | 142,808 | ||||||
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors Trust | ||||||||
56,761 | Series 2006-2-2A | 56,458 | ||||||
102,521 | Series 2007-1-3A | 98,620 | ||||||
Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust | ||||||||
446,000 | Series 2007-HQ12-AM | 475,209 | ||||||
Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust | ||||||||
5,648,305 | Series 2006-11-2A2 | 4,694,086 | ||||||
158,337 | Series 2006-11-3A2 | 139,669 | ||||||
865,080 | Series 2006-7-3A | 739,955 | ||||||
457,436 | Series 2007-13-6A1 | 372,351 | ||||||
Morgan Stanley Re- Remic Trust | ||||||||
1,217,312 | Series 2010-R9-3C | 1,195,014 | ||||||
Motel 6 Trust | ||||||||
100,000 | Series 2012-MTL6-D | 99,117 | ||||||
Prime Mortgage Trust | ||||||||
2,249,698 | Series 2006-DR1-2A1 | 2,265,948 | ||||||
Residential Accredit Loans, Inc. | ||||||||
198,472 | Series 2004-QS2-AI1 | 200,122 | ||||||
516,921 | Series 2006-QS10-A9 | 451,632 | ||||||
1,412,339 | Series 2006-QS14-A18 | 1,203,156 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Schedule of Investments | 63 |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES at December 31, 2014
Principal Amount^ | Value | |||||||
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (CONTINUED) | ||||||||
Residential Accredit Loans, Inc. (continued) | ||||||||
$ 1,205,278 | Series 2006-QS17-A5 | $ | 993,932 | |||||
1,174,883 | Series 2006-QS2-1A4 | 998,196 | ||||||
1,433,379 | Series 2006-QS7-A3 | 1,206,762 | ||||||
1,406,346 | Series 2007-QS1-2A10 | 1,181,031 | ||||||
2,089,560 | Series 2007-QS3-A1 | 1,722,236 | ||||||
5,044,475 | Series 2007-QS6-A6 | 4,215,315 | ||||||
1,158,551 | Series 2007-QS8-A8 | 965,260 | ||||||
3,388,366 | Series 2007-QS9-A33 | 2,863,725 | ||||||
Residential Asset Securitization Trust | ||||||||
355,033 | Series 2005-A8CB-A9 | 313,299 | ||||||
173,638 | Series 2006-A2-A11 | 140,788 | ||||||
619,216 | Series 2006-A8-1A1 | 570,006 | ||||||
420,969 | Series 2007-A1-A8 | 305,064 | ||||||
1,735,288 | Series 2007-A2-1A2 | 1,510,401 | ||||||
1,068,111 | Series 2007-A5-2A5 | 951,655 | ||||||
163,189 | Series 2007-A6-1A3 | 149,667 | ||||||
Residential Funding Mortgage Securities I, Inc. | ||||||||
131,209 | Series 2006-S1-1A3 | 134,041 | ||||||
1,943,234 | Series 2006-S4-A5 | 1,846,762 | ||||||
SCG Trust | ||||||||
200,000 | Series 2013-SRP1-A | 200,460 | ||||||
385,000 | Series 2013-SRP1-B | 386,558 | ||||||
700,000 | Series 2013-SRP1-C | 703,653 | ||||||
Sequoia Mortgage Trust | ||||||||
7,000,000 | Series 2013-4-A4 | 5,756,450 | ||||||
Stanwich Mortgage Loan Trust | ||||||||
305,789 | Series 2011-5-A | 128,291 | ||||||
1,351,332 | Series 2012-2-A | 574,316 | ||||||
146,305 | Series 2012-5-A | 85,188 | ||||||
Structured Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan Trust | ||||||||
410,168 | Series 2004-16-2A | 407,273 |
Principal Amount^ | Value | |||||||
Structured Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan Trust (continued) | ||||||||
$ 311,582 | Series 2004-6-1A | $ | 308,822 | |||||
101,434 | Series 2005-14-A1 | 75,869 | ||||||
886,945 | Series 2005-15-1A1 | 731,162 | ||||||
2,085,264 | Series 2005-22-3A1 | 1,723,533 | ||||||
Structured Asset Securities Corp. Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates | ||||||||
165,466 | Series 2004-20-8A7 | 175,217 | ||||||
Structured Asset Securities Corp. Trust | ||||||||
127,051 | Series 2005-1-7A7 | 130,393 | ||||||
3,267,699 | Series 2005-5-2A2 | 3,264,556 | ||||||
Sunset Mortgage Loan Co. LLC | ||||||||
2,755,525 | Series 2014-NPL1-A | 2,755,969 | ||||||
Washington Mutual Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates Trust | ||||||||
240,261 | Series 2004-AR14-A1 | 241,837 | ||||||
82,082 | Series 2004-CB2-2A | 85,862 | ||||||
1,146,927 | Series 2005-1-5A1 | 1,194,874 | ||||||
1,100,000 | Series 2005-AR7-A3 | 1,084,536 | ||||||
167,398 | Series 2006-2-1A9 | 156,807 | ||||||
1,424,647 | Series 2006-5-1A5 | 1,188,841 | ||||||
703,447 | Series 2006-8-A6 | 517,435 | ||||||
342,279 | Series 2006-AR19-2A | 310,693 | ||||||
5,158,736 | Series 2007-5-A3 | 3,209,895 | ||||||
Wells Fargo Alternative Loan Trust | ||||||||
612,504 | Series 2007-PA2-3A1 | 413,846 | ||||||
902,313 | Series 2007-PA2-3A2 | 178,034 | ||||||
Wells Fargo Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust | ||||||||
50,807 | Series 2003-J-1A9 | 51,105 | ||||||
317,651 | Series 2003-M-A1 | 318,889 | ||||||
155,707 | Series 2004-A-A1 | 156,419 | ||||||
57,001 | Series 2005-11-2A3 | 59,279 | ||||||
88,638 | Series 2005-12-1A2 | 90,744 | ||||||
1,065,757 | Series 2005-12-1A5 | 1,069,764 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
64 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES at December 31, 2014
Principal Amount^ | Value | |||||||
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (CONTINUED) | ||||||||
Wells Fargo Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust (continued) | ||||||||
$ 313,733 | Series 2005-16-A18 | $ | 311,054 | |||||
207,317 | Series 2005-17-1A1 | 211,576 | ||||||
494,307 | Series 2005-AR10-2A2 | 504,076 | ||||||
138,713 | Series 2005-AR10-2A4 | 139,527 | ||||||
437,820 | Series 2006-AR19-A1 | 428,731 | ||||||
1,671,064 | Series 2006-AR2-2A5 | 1,615,813 | ||||||
1,463,216 | Series 2007-3-1A4 | 1,455,093 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES | 242,717,378 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Contracts | ||||||||
PURCHASED OPTIONS: 0.2% | ||||||||
COMMON STOCKS: 0.1% | ||||||||
Abbvie, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
4 | Exercise Price $52.50 | 20 | ||||||
Actavis Plc Call Option | ||||||||
11 | Exercise Price $285.00 | 1,100 | ||||||
11 | Exercise Price $285.00 | 5,170 | ||||||
17 | Exercise Price $275.00 | 3,400 | ||||||
Allergan, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
104 | Exercise Price $200.00 | 13,832 | ||||||
AT&T, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
318 | Exercise Price $35.00 | 68,052 | ||||||
502 | Exercise Price $33.00 | 52,710 | ||||||
628 | Exercise Price $35.00 | 123,716 | ||||||
Avg Technologies N.V. Put Option | ||||||||
398 | Exercise Price $17.50 | 3,980 | ||||||
B/E Aerospace, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
28 | Exercise Price $50.00 | 980 | ||||||
150 | Exercise Price $50.00 | 12,150 | ||||||
191 | Exercise Price $55.00 | 12,892 | ||||||
Baker Hughes, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
313 | Exercise Price $50.00 | 5,947 |
Contracts | Value | |||||||
Berry Plastics Group, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
197 | Exercise Price $22.50 | $ | 3,940 | |||||
387 | Exercise Price $25.00 | 13,545 | ||||||
Bob Evans Farms, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
192 | Exercise Price $40.00 | 1,920 | ||||||
California Resources Corp. Call Option | ||||||||
95 | Exercise Price $7.50 | 950 | ||||||
382 | Exercise Price $10.00 | 7,640 | ||||||
Civeo Corp. Put Option | ||||||||
41 | Exercise Price $6.00 | 7,995 | ||||||
545 | Exercise Price $9.00 | 269,775 | ||||||
CONSOL Energy, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
120 | Exercise Price $30.00 | 1,980 | ||||||
120 | Exercise Price $30.00 | 7,800 | ||||||
Covidien Plc Put Option | ||||||||
26 | Exercise Price $80.00 | 780 | ||||||
66 | Exercise Price $77.50 | 990 | ||||||
293 | Exercise Price $75.00 | 5,860 | ||||||
Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
1 | Exercise Price $90.00 | 75 | ||||||
9 | Exercise Price $80.00 | 90 | ||||||
27 | Exercise Price $70.00 | 405 | ||||||
DIRECTV Put Option | ||||||||
7 | Exercise Price $80.00 | 35 | ||||||
EMC Corp. Put Option | ||||||||
289 | Exercise Price $27.00 | 7,658 | ||||||
398 | Exercise Price $27.00 | 1,592 | ||||||
Endo International Plc Put Option | ||||||||
190 | Exercise Price $60.00 | 5,700 | ||||||
Energizer Holdings, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
19 | Exercise Price $125.00 | 1,568 | ||||||
113 | Exercise Price $115.00 | 4,520 | ||||||
Exterran Holdings, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
194 | Exercise Price $25.00 | 9,215 | ||||||
285 | Exercise Price $25.00 | 7,125 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Schedule of Investments | 65 |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES at December 31, 2014
Contracts | Value | |||||||
COMMON STOCKS (CONTINUED) | ||||||||
Google, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
368 | Exercise Price $495.00 | $ | 257,600 | |||||
Hubbell, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
99 | Exercise Price $90.00 | 1,980 | ||||||
International Rectifier Corp. Put Option | ||||||||
52 | Exercise Price $35.00 | 260 | ||||||
ITV Plc Put Option | ||||||||
28 | Exercise Price $1.80 | 872 | ||||||
Juniper Networks, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
192 | Exercise Price $20.00 | 960 | ||||||
606 | Exercise Price $19.00 | 2,424 | ||||||
Kindred Healthcare, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
291 | Exercise Price $15.00 | 14,550 | ||||||
388 | Exercise Price $15.00 | 11,640 | ||||||
Level 3 Communications, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
17 | Exercise Price $40.00 | 4,284 | ||||||
Media General, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
191 | Exercise Price $12.50 | 4,775 | ||||||
Methanex Corp. Put Option | ||||||||
192 | Exercise Price $42.50 | 15,360 | ||||||
Molson Coors Brewing Co. Put Option | ||||||||
241 | Exercise Price $65.00 Expiration Date: January 2015 | 6,025 | ||||||
Mylan, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
101 | Exercise Price $40.00 | 303 | ||||||
Now, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
27 | Exercise Price $22.50 | 1,755 | ||||||
194 | Exercise Price $22.50 | 26,190 | ||||||
472 | Exercise Price $20.00 | 11,800 | ||||||
Outerwall, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
104 | Exercise Price $55.00 | 1,040 | ||||||
Perry Ellis International, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
136 | Exercise Price $17.50 | 2,040 | ||||||
Petsmart, Inc. Call Option | ||||||||
87 | Exercise Price $82.50 | 870 | ||||||
Protective Life Corp. Put Option | ||||||||
8 | Exercise Price $55.00 | 40 |
Contracts | Value | |||||||
Riverbed Technology, Inc. Call Option | ||||||||
6 | Exercise Price $21.00 | $ | 60 | |||||
Riverbed Technology, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
208 | Exercise Price $17.00 | 1,040 | ||||||
Rock-Tenn Co. Put Option | ||||||||
58 | Exercise Price $50.00 | 1,450 | ||||||
T-Mobile US, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
193 | Exercise Price $23.00 | 1,158 | ||||||
386 | Exercise Price $23.00 | 13,510 | ||||||
Time Warner Cable, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
29 | Exercise Price $140.00 | 2,784 | ||||||
TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. Call Option | ||||||||
35 | Exercise Price $100.00 | 16,450 | ||||||
Tyson Foods, Inc. - Class A Put Option | ||||||||
239 | Exercise Price $36.00 | 2,988 | ||||||
Uti Worldwide, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
95 | Exercise Price $10.00 | 1,900 | ||||||
Weatherford International Plc Put Option | ||||||||
383 | Exercise Price $10.00 | 4,788 | ||||||
534 | Exercise Price $11.00 | 21,894 | ||||||
Yum Brands, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
194 | Exercise Price $62.50 | 873 | ||||||
194 | Exercise Price $62.50 | 6,402 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
1,105,172 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Notional Amount | ||||||||
CURRENCY OPTIONS: 0.0% | ||||||||
USD Call/ CNH Put Call Option | ||||||||
8,000,000 | Exercise Price $6.20 | 65,336 | ||||||
USD Call/ COP Put Call Option | ||||||||
3,500,000 | Exercise Price $2,122.00 Expiration Date: January 2015 | 374,822 | ||||||
USD Call/ KRW Put Call Option | ||||||||
6,100,000 | Exercise Price $1,095.00 | 31,598 | ||||||
USD Call/ ZAR Put Call Option | ||||||||
3,000,000 | Exercise Price $11.39 | 55,767 | ||||||
USD Put/ KRW Call Put Option | ||||||||
6,100,000 | Exercise Price $1,175.00 | 24 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
527,547 | ||||||||
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
66 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES at December 31, 2014
Contracts | Value | |||||||
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS: 0.1% | ||||||||
Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund Put Option | ||||||||
2,902 | Exercise Price $74.00 | $ | 632,636 | |||||
iShares MSCI Japan ETF Call Option | ||||||||
4,150 | Exercise Price $12.00 | 41,500 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
674,136 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||
Notional Amount | ||||||||
INTEREST RATE SWAPTIONS: 0.0% | ||||||||
Put MXN 1 Year Put Option | ||||||||
234,000,000 | Exercise Price $4.26 | 36,312 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL PURCHASED OPTIONS | 2,343,167 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Principal Amount^ | ||||||||
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS: 13.6% | ||||||||
TREASURY BILLS: 1.2% | ||||||||
United States Treasury Bill | ||||||||
$11,900,000 | 0.048%, 02/19/2015(a) | 11,899,231 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL TREASURY BILLS | 11,899,231 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS: 12.4% | ||||||||
$126,711,000 | FICC, 0.000%, 12/31/14, due 01/02/2015 [collateral: par value $131,555,000, U.S. Treasury Note, 1.375%, due 05/31/2020; value $129,257,743] (proceeds $126,711,000) | 126,711,000 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS | 126,711,000 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS | 138,610,231 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES | 1,030,889,030 | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets: (0.9)% | (8,993,890 | ) | ||||||
|
| |||||||
Net Assets: 100.0% | $1,021,895,140 | |||||||
|
|
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.
ADR | American Depository Receipt. |
CLO | Collateralized Loan Obligation. |
ETF | Exchange Traded Fund. |
ETN | Exchange Traded Note. |
GDR | Global Depository Receipt. |
LIBOR | London Interbank Offered Rate. |
LP | Limited Partnership. |
MLP | Master Limited Partnership. |
* | Non-Income Producing Security. |
^ | The principal amount is stated in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise indicated. |
(a) | Securities with an aggregate fair value of $113,831,829 have been pledged as collateral for options, total return swaps, credit default swaps, securities sold short and futures positions. |
(b) | Illiquid securities at December 31, 2014, at which time the aggregate value of these illiquid securities is $11,439,316 or 1.1% of net assets. |
(c) | Security was purchased pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 and may be sold in transactions exempt from registration only to qualified institutional buyers or in a public offering registered under Securities Act of 1933. |
(d) | Floating Interest Rate. |
(e) | Coupon increases periodically based upon a predetermined schedule. Stated interest rate in effect at December 31, 2014. |
(f) | This position represents an unsettled loan commitment at period end. Certain details associated with this purchase are not known prior to the settlement date, including coupon rate. |
(g) | Issued with a zero coupon. Income is recognized through the accretion of discount. |
(h) | Perpetual Call. |
(i) | Security is currently in default and/or non-income producing. |
(j) | Variable rate security. Interest rate or distribution rate disclosed is that which is in effect at December 31, 2014. |
(k) | Principal Only security. |
(l) | Interest Only security. Security with a notional or nominal principal amount. |
CURRENCY ABBREVIATIONS:
AUD | Australian Dollar |
BRL | Brazilian Real |
CAD | Canadian Dollar |
COP | Colombian Peso |
EUR | Euro |
GBP | British Pound |
JPY | Japanese Yen |
KRW | South Korean Won |
MXN | Mexican Peso |
MYR | Malaysian Ringgit |
NOK | Norwegian Krone |
NZD | New Zealand Dollar |
SGD | Singapore Dollar |
TRY | Turkish New Lira |
TWD | New Taiwan Dollar |
USD | U.S. Dollar |
ZAR | South African Rand |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Schedule of Investments | 67 |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund
SCHEDULE OF SECURITIES SOLD SHORT at December 31, 2014
Shares | Value | |||||||
COMMON STOCKS: (10.4)% | ||||||||
(22,450) | Actavis Plc* | $ | (5,778,854 | ) | ||||
(701) | ADTRAN, Inc. | (15,282 | ) | |||||
(40,440) | Albemarle Corp. | (2,431,657 | ) | |||||
(13,400) | Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. ADR* | (1,392,796 | ) | |||||
(3,228) | Alliance Resource Partners L.P. | (138,965 | ) | |||||
(6,404) | Amazon.com, Inc.* | (1,987,481 | ) | |||||
(753) | Anheuser-Busch InBev N.V. ADR | (84,577 | ) | |||||
(4,312) | Antero Resources Corp.* | (174,981 | ) | |||||
(426,203) | Applied Materials, Inc. | (10,620,979 | ) | |||||
(4,025) | AptarGroup, Inc. | (269,031 | ) | |||||
(31,219) | ASML Holding N.V. | (3,366,345 | ) | |||||
(35,774) | AT&T, Inc. | (1,201,649 | ) | |||||
(1,759) | Ball Corp. | (119,911 | ) | |||||
(700) | Baytex Energy Corp. | (11,657 | ) | |||||
(7,032) | Becton Dickinson and Co. | (978,573 | ) | |||||
(976) | Bemis Co., Inc. | (44,125 | ) | |||||
(38,323) | Best Buy Co., Inc. | (1,493,831 | ) | |||||
(19,176) | Black Diamond Group Ltd. | (210,578 | ) | |||||
(4,014) | Boeing Co. (The) | (521,740 | ) | |||||
(212) | Boston Beer Co., Inc. (The) Class A* | (61,382 | ) | |||||
(6,072) | Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. | (179,792 | ) | |||||
(2,944) | Calix, Inc.* | (29,499 | ) | |||||
(463) | Chemed Corp. | (48,925 | ) | |||||
(1,490) | Ciena Corp.* | (28,921 | ) | |||||
(10,473) | Cliffs Natural Resources, Inc. | (74,777 | ) | |||||
(3,414) | ConAgra Foods, Inc. | (123,860 | ) | |||||
(3,900) | ConocoPhillips | (269,334 | ) | |||||
(25,416) | Continental Resources, Inc.* | (974,958 | ) | |||||
(2,920) | Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. | (411,019 | ) | |||||
(900) | Crescent Point Energy Corp. | (20,876 | ) | |||||
(2,504) | Crown Holdings, Inc.* | (127,454 | ) | |||||
(25,163) | Denny’s Corp.* | (259,431 | ) | |||||
(38,495) | Deutsche Annington Immobilien SE | (1,309,675 | ) | |||||
(10,405) | Dollar General Corp.* | (735,633 | ) | |||||
(5,157) | Domino’s Pizza, Inc. | (485,635 | ) | |||||
(351) | Endo International Plc* | (25,314 | ) | |||||
(23,060) | Enerflex Ltd. | (325,780 | ) | |||||
(2,201) | EQT Corp. | (166,616 | ) | |||||
(23,377) | Exterran Partners L.P. | (505,411 | ) | |||||
(41,753) | Fastenal Co. | (1,985,773 | ) | |||||
(317,894) | First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | (4,523,924 | ) | |||||
(7,498) | Frank’s International N.V. | (124,692 | ) | |||||
(3,505) | Gannett Co., Inc. | (111,915 | ) | |||||
(79,148) | General Electric Co. | (2,000,070 | ) | |||||
(64,940) | General Motors Co. | (2,267,055 | ) | |||||
(100) | H. Lundbeck A/S | (8 | ) | |||||
(19,351) | Halyard Health, Inc.* | (879,890 | ) | |||||
(3,252) | HD Supply Holdings, Inc.* | (95,901 | ) | |||||
(2,378) | HealthSouth Corp. | (91,458 | ) | |||||
(12,512) | Hexcel Corp.* | (519,123 | ) | |||||
(57,642) | Horizon North Logistics, Inc. | (131,168 | ) | |||||
(4,692) | Hormel Foods Corp. | (244,453 | ) | |||||
(1,198) | Jack in the Box, Inc. | (95,792 | ) | |||||
(17,687) | Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings* | (1,908,427 | ) | |||||
(5,539) | LyondellBasell Industries N.V. Class A | (439,741 | ) | |||||
(123,279) | Medtronic, Inc. | (8,900,744 | ) | |||||
(11,325) | MRC Global, Inc.* | (171,574 | ) | |||||
(78,948) | Newmont Mining Corp. | (1,492,117 | ) |
Shares | Value | |||||||
(2,572) | Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc. Class A | $ | (133,204 | ) | ||||
(1,707) | Papa John’s International, Inc. | (95,251 | ) | |||||
(22,912) | Peabody Energy Corp. | (177,339 | ) | |||||
(5,400) | Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust | (126,684 | ) | |||||
(108,366) | Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. ADR | (791,072 | ) | |||||
(8,700) | PetSmart, Inc. | (707,266 | ) | |||||
(3,693) | Pilgrim’s Pride Corp.* | (121,093 | ) | |||||
(2,000) | Pitney Bowes, Inc. | (48,740 | ) | |||||
(8,891) | Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.* | (500,297 | ) | |||||
(2,228) | Precision Castparts Corp. | (536,681 | ) | |||||
(902,351) | RF Micro Devices, Inc.* | (14,970,003 | ) | |||||
(6,431) | Rockwell Collins, Inc. | (543,291 | ) | |||||
(55,024) | RPC, Inc. | (717,513 | ) | |||||
(1,365) | Sanderson Farms, Inc. | (114,694 | ) | |||||
(20,179) | Schlumberger Ltd. | (1,723,488 | ) | |||||
(6,382) | Select Medical Holdings Corp. | (91,901 | ) | |||||
(5,128) | Silgan Holdings, Inc. | (274,861 | ) | |||||
(3,025) | Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. Class A | (82,764 | ) | |||||
(3,505) | Sonic Corp. | (95,441 | ) | |||||
(11,111) | Sonus Networks, Inc.* | (44,111 | ) | |||||
(2,642) | Spansion, Inc. Class A* | (90,409 | ) | |||||
(12,217) | Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. Class A* | (525,820 | ) | |||||
(22,030) | Superior Energy Services, Inc. | (443,904 | ) | |||||
(15,910) | Target Corp. | (1,207,728 | ) | |||||
(235,900) | Tencent Holdings Ltd. | (3,422,743 | ) | |||||
(22,414) | Teradata Corp.* | (979,044 | ) | |||||
(7,603) | Texas Roadhouse, Inc. | (256,677 | ) | |||||
(2,806) | TransDigm Group, Inc.* | (550,958 | ) | |||||
(101,862) | Transocean Ltd. | (1,867,130 | ) | |||||
(7,415) | TripAdvisor, Inc.* | (553,604 | ) | |||||
(7,893) | Triumph Group, Inc. | (530,567 | ) | |||||
(99,539) | Ventas, Inc. | (7,136,946 | ) | |||||
(36,914) | Washington Prime Group, Inc. | (635,659 | ) | |||||
(10,714) | Wendy’s Co. (The) | (96,747 | ) | |||||
(15,007) | Wesco Aircraft Holdings, Inc.* | (209,798 | ) | |||||
(6,956) | WESCO International, Inc.* | (530,117 | ) | |||||
(5,539) | Westlake Chemical Corp. | (338,377 | ) | |||||
(17,311) | Workday, Inc. Class A* | (1,412,751 | ) | |||||
(1,574) | WW Grainger, Inc. | (401,197 | ) | |||||
(70,700) | Yahoo Japan Corp. | (256,576 | ) | |||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL COMMON STOCKS | (106,333,575 | ) | |||||
|
| |||||||
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS: (2.0)% | ||||||||
(10,735) | Alerian MLP ETF | (188,077 | ) | |||||
(11,734) | Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund | (568,982 | ) | |||||
(35,116) | Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund | (2,779,783 | ) | |||||
(23,061) | Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund | (1,304,561 | ) | |||||
(256) | iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF Class B | (27,133 | ) | |||||
(17,345) | iShares MSCI China ETF | (871,239 | ) | |||||
(61,538) | iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF | (2,417,828 | ) | |||||
(1,063) | iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF | (322,461 | ) | |||||
(5,886) | iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF | (614,498 | ) | |||||
(43,727) | iShares Russell 2000 ETF | (5,232,810 | ) | |||||
(10,374) | iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF | (1,477,050 | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
68 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund
SCHEDULE OF SECURITIES SOLD SHORT at December 31, 2014
Shares | Value | |||||||
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS (CONTINUED) | ||||||||
(3,024) | JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN | $ | (138,953 | ) | ||||
(54,233) | Market Vectors Oil Service ETF | (1,948,049 | ) | |||||
(1,071) | Powershares QQQ Trust Series 1 | (110,581 | ) | |||||
(17,310) | SPDR Barclays High Yield Bond ETF | (668,339 | ) | |||||
(3,737) | SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust | (767,954 | ) | |||||
(4,200) | SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF | (201,012 | ) | |||||
(3,027) | Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund | (125,167 | ) | |||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS | (19,764,477 | ) | |||||
|
| |||||||
Principal Amount^ | ||||||||
CORPORATE BONDS: (0.2)% | ||||||||
AT&T, Inc. | ||||||||
$(1,980,000) | 3.900%, 03/11/2024 | (2,038,693 | ) | |||||
BPZ Resources, Inc. | ||||||||
(137,000) | 6.500%, 03/01/2015 | (61,650 | ) | |||||
Kinder Morgan Energy Partners L.P. | ||||||||
(160,000) | 3.950%, 09/01/2022 | (158,909 | ) | |||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS | (2,259,252 | ) | |||||
|
| |||||||
| TOTAL SECURITIES SOLD SHORT | $ | (128,357,304 | ) | ||||
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Schedule of Investments | 69 |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund
SCHEDULE OF FINANCIAL FUTURES CONTRACTS at December 31, 2014
Description | Number of Contracts Purchased / (Sold) | Notional Value | Expiration Date | Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | ||||||||||||
S&P500 E Mini Index Futures | (92 | ) | $ | (9,441,040 | ) | 03/2015 | $ | (396,062 | ) | |||||||
|
|
SCHEDULE OF SWAPS at December 31, 2014
OVER THE COUNTER CREDIT DEFAULT SWAP CONTRACTS
Description | Maturity Date | Counterparty | Fixed Deal (Pay) Rate | Implied Credit Spread at December 31, 2014 | Notional Amount | Fair Value | Upfront Premiums Paid/ (Received) | Unrealized Appreciation / (Depreciation) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Republic of Venezuela 9.250% 09/15/2027 (Buy Protection) | 9/20/2019 | Bank of America N.A. | (5.000 | %) | 42.022 | % | $ | (1,050,000 | ) | $ | 583,996 | $ | 244,362 | $ | 339,634 | |||||||||||||||
Federal Republic of Brazil 12.250% 03/06/2030 (Buy Protection) | 12/20/2019 | Bank of America N.A. | (1.000 | %) | 1.937 | % | (305,000 | ) | 13,233 | 10,746 | 2,487 | |||||||||||||||||||
Federal Republic of Brazil 12.250% 03/06/2030 (Buy Protection) | 12/20/2019 | Bank of America N.A. | (1.000 | %) | 1.937 | % | (420,000 | ) | 18,224 | 11,682 | 6,542 | |||||||||||||||||||
Federal Republic of Brazil 12.250% 03/06/2030 (Buy Protection) | 12/20/2019 | Bank of America N.A. | (1.000 | %) | 1.937 | % | (915,000 | ) | 39,701 | 30,980 | 8,721 | |||||||||||||||||||
Transocean, Inc. 7.375% 04/15/2018 (Sell Protection) | 12/20/2019 | Bank of America N.A. | 1.000 | % | 6.466 | % | 300,000 | (64,646 | ) | (38,296 | ) | (26,350 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Federal Republic of Brazil 12.250% 03/06/2030 (Buy Protection) | 12/20/2019 | Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. | (1.000 | %) | 1.937 | % | (600,000 | ) | 26,034 | 17,526 | 8,508 | |||||||||||||||||||
Transocean, Inc. 7.375% 04/15/2018 (Sell Protection) | 12/20/2019 | Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. | 1.000 | % | 6.466 | % | 2,350,000 | (506,386 | ) | (406,640 | ) | (99,746 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Transocean, Inc. 7.375% 04/15/2018 (Sell Protection) | 12/20/2019 | Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. | 1.000 | % | 6.466 | % | 550,000 | (118,515 | ) | (70,208 | ) | (48,307 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Southwest Airlines Co. 5.125% 03/01/2017 (Buy Protection) | 6/20/2019 | Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc. | (1.000 | %) | 0.438 | % | (4,200,000 | ) | (102,896 | ) | (65,536 | ) | (37,360 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Transocean, Inc. 7.375% 04/15/2018 (Sell Protection) | 12/20/2019 | Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc. | 1.000 | % | 6.466 | % | 460,000 | (99,122 | ) | (64,551 | ) | (34,571 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Transocean, Inc. 7.375% 04/15/2018 (Sell Protection) | 12/20/2019 | Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc. | 1.000 | % | 6.466 | % | 1,200,000 | (258,580 | ) | (174,354 | ) | (84,226 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Transocean, Inc. 7.375% 04/15/2018 (Sell Protection) | 12/20/2019 | Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc. | 1.000 | % | 6.466 | % | 1,200,000 | (258,580 | ) | (225,670 | ) | (32,910 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Transocean, Inc. 7.375% 04/15/2018 (Sell Protection) | 12/20/2019 | Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc. | 1.000 | % | 6.466 | % | 1,200,000 | (258,580 | ) | (249,017 | ) | (9,563 | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
70 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund
SCHEDULE OF SWAPS at December 31, 2014 (Continued)
Description | Maturity Date | Counterparty | Fixed Deal (Pay) Rate | Implied Credit Spread at December 31, 2014 | Notional Amount | Fair Value | Upfront Premiums Paid/ (Received) | Unrealized Appreciation / (Depreciation) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Transocean, Inc. | 12/20/2019 | Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc. | 1.000 | % | 6.466 | % | $ | 765,000 | $ | (164,845 | ) | $ | (137,810 | ) | $ | (27,035 | ) | |||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
$ | (1,150,962 | ) | $ | (1,116,786 | ) | $ | (34,176 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
CENTRALLY CLEARED CREDIT DEFAULT SWAP CONTRACTS(1)(2)(3)
Description | Maturity Date | Fixed Deal (Pay) Rate | Implied Credit Spread at December 31, 2014 | Notional Amount | Fair Value | Upfront Premiums Paid/ (Received) | Unrealized Appreciation / (Depreciation) | |||||||||||||||||||||
CDX Investment Grade Credit 100 Series 22 (Sell Protection) | 6/20/2019 | 1.000 | % | 0.581 | % | $ | 4,200,000 | $ | 75,758 | $ | 72,498 | $ | 3,260 | |||||||||||||||
CDX High Yield 500 Series 23 (Sell Protection) | 12/20/2019 | 5.000 | % | 3.559 | % | 3,625,000 | 224,754 | 226,200 | (1,446 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
CDX High Yield 500 Series 23 (Sell Protection) | 12/20/2019 | 5.000 | % | 3.559 | % | 3,625,000 | 224,754 | 228,738 | (3,984 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 525,266 | $ | 527,436 | $ | (2,170 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
OVER THE COUNTER TOTAL RETURN SWAP CONTRACTS
Description | Maturity Date | Counterparty | Fixed Rate | Floating Rate Index | Notional Amount(4) | Fair Value | Unrealized Depreciation | |||||||||||||||||
Dow Jones Stoxx 600 Media EUR | 11/1/2017 | Goldman Sachs International | (242.290 | %) | 1-Month EUR-1D-LIBOR-BBA | (107,711 | ) | $ | (908 | ) | $ | (908 | ) | |||||||||||
Dow Jones Stoxx 600 Price EUR Index EUR | 11/1/2017 | Goldman Sachs International | (332.640 | %) | 1-Month EUR-1D-LIBOR-BBA | (48,825 | ) | (182 | ) | (182 | ) | |||||||||||||
Enquest Plc GBP | 11/1/2017 | Goldman Sachs International | (0.500 | %) | 1-Month GBP-LIBOR-BBA | (8,411 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||
ITV Plc GBP | 11/1/2017 | Goldman Sachs International | 2.073 | % | 1-Month GBP-LIBOR-BBA | 213,997 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Premier Oil Plc GBP | 11/1/2017 | Goldman Sachs International | (3.107 | %) | 1-Month GBP-LIBOR-BBA | (19,148 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Prosiebensat.1 Media AG EUR | 11/1/2017 | Goldman Sachs International | (31.021 | %) | 1-Month EUR-LIBOR-BBA | (21,267 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||
RTL Group S.A. EUR | 11/1/2017 | Goldman Sachs International | (75.143 | %) | 1-Month EUR-LIBOR-BBA | (43,030 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Television Francaise 1 EUR | 11/1/2017 | Goldman Sachs International | (10.910 | %) | 1-Month EUR-LIBOR-BBA | (43,005 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
$ | (1,090 | ) | $ | (1,090 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
|
|
(1) | For centrally cleared swaps, when a credit event occurs as defined under the terms of the swap contract, the Fund as a seller of credit protection will either (i) pay a net amount equal to the par value of the defaulted reference entity and deliver the reference entity or (ii) pay a net amount equal to the par value of the defaulted reference entity less its recovery value. |
(2) | For centrally cleared swaps, implied credit spread, represented in absolute terms, utilized in determining the market value of the credit default swap contracts as of period will serve as an indicator of the payment/ performance risk and represent the likelihood of risk of default for the credit derivative. The implied credit spread of a referenced entity reflects the cost of buying/selling protection and may include upfront payments required to be made to enter into the contract. Generally, wider credit spreads represent a perceived deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and a greater likelihood or risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the swap contract. |
(3) | For centrally cleared swaps, the notional amount represents the maximum potential the Fund may receive as a buyer of credit protection if a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of the swap contract, for each security included in the CDX 23 HY 500 Series, and CDX 22 IG 100 Series. |
(4) | Notionals are denominated in foreign currency. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Schedule of Investments | 71 |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund
SCHEDULE OF OPTIONS WRITTEN at December 31, 2014
Contracts | Value | |||||||
Common Stocks: (0.0%) | ||||||||
Cliffs Natural Resources, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
(104) | Exercise Price $5.00 | $ | (1,040 | ) | ||||
Covidien Plc Put Option | ||||||||
(96) | Exercise Price $57.50 | (480 | ) | |||||
(44) | Exercise Price $62.50 | (220 | ) | |||||
Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
(9) | Exercise Price $70.00 | (135 | ) | |||||
CVS Health Corp. Call Option | ||||||||
(53) | Exercise Price $92.50 | (24,380 | ) | |||||
DIRECTV Call Option | ||||||||
(75) | Exercise Price $85.00 | (34,125 | ) | |||||
(48) | Exercise Price $87.50 | (12,240 | ) | |||||
(7) | Exercise Price $85.00 | (1,442 | ) | |||||
Family Dollar Stores, Inc. Call Option | ||||||||
(172) | Exercise Price $80.00 | (13,760 | ) | |||||
iShares MSCI Japan ETF Call Option | ||||||||
(2,075) | Exercise Price $13.00 | (2,075 | ) | |||||
Level 3 Communications, Inc. Call Option | ||||||||
(17) | Exercise Price $45.00 | (714 | ) |
Contracts | Value | |||||||
Common Stocks (continued) | ||||||||
Manitowoc Co., Inc. (The) Call Option | ||||||||
(29) | Exercise Price $20.00 | $ | (6,641 | ) | ||||
Petsmart, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
(87) | Exercise Price $80.00 | (1,305 | ) | |||||
Riverbed Technology, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
(6) | Exercise Price $19.00 | (18 | ) | |||||
Time Warner Cable, Inc. Put Option | ||||||||
(22) | Exercise Price $140.00 | (2,112 | ) | |||||
TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. Call Option | ||||||||
(35) | Exercise Price $105.00 | (1,400 | ) | |||||
(35) | Exercise Price $105.00 | (175 | ) | |||||
|
| |||||||
(102,262 | ) | |||||||
|
| |||||||
Notional Amount | ||||||||
Currency Options: (0.0%) | ||||||||
USD Call/ KRW Put Call Option | ||||||||
(12,200,000) | Exercise Price $1,150.00 | (390 | ) | |||||
|
| |||||||
| Total Options Written | $ | (102,652 | ) | ||||
|
|
The premium amount and the number of option contracts written during the year ended December 31, 2014, were as follows:
Alternative Strategies Fund | ||||||||||
Premium Amount | Number of Contracts | |||||||||
Options outstanding at December 31, 2013 | $ | 181,123 | 5,572 | |||||||
Options Written | 4,371,260 | 12,270,705 | ||||||||
Options Closed | (1,003,613 | ) | (14,040 | ) | ||||||
Options Exercised | (1,801,296 | ) | (23,473 | ) | ||||||
Options Expired | (1,582,143 | ) | (35,850 | ) | ||||||
|
| |||||||||
Options outstanding at December 31, 2014 | $ | 165,331 | 12,202,914 | |||||||
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
72 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund
SCHEDULE OF FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS at December 31, 2014
At December 31, 2014, the Fund had the following forward foreign currency exchange contracts:
Asset Derivatives | Liability Derivatives | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Counterparty | Settlement Date | Fund Receiving | U.S. $ Value at December 31, 2014 | Fund Delivering | U.S. $ Value at December 31, 2014 | Unrealized Appreciation | Unrealized Depreciation | |||||||||||||||||
Bank of America N.A. | 1/8/2015 | USD | $ | 2,247,263 | TWD | $ | 2,208,739 | $ | 38,524 | $ | — | |||||||||||||
1/12/2015 | USD | 1,435,250 | TRY | 1,404,834 | 30,416 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
1/15/2015 | USD | 2,738,641 | COP | 2,763,969 | — | (25,328 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
1/20/2015 | JPY | 6,649,960 | USD | 6,762,088 | — | (112,128 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Barclays Bank Plc | 1/8/2015 | KRW | 2,092,194 | USD | 2,084,466 | 7,728 | — | |||||||||||||||||
1/8/2015 | USD | 4,438,280 | KRW | 4,511,863 | — | (73,583 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Citibank N.A. | 1/20/2015 | USD | 848,451 | NZD | 856,210 | — | (7,759 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Credit Suisse International | 1/2/2015 | EUR | 1,373,463 | USD | 1,380,875 | — | (7,412 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
1/2/2015 | MXN | 9,629,341 | USD | 9,637,737 | — | (8,396 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
1/2/2015 | USD | 1,419,914 | EUR | 1,373,463 | 46,451 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
1/2/2015 | USD | 10,341,539 | MXN | 9,629,341 | 712,198 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
1/5/2015 | SGD | 2,226,920 | USD | 2,236,238 | — | (9,318 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
1/5/2015 | USD | 2,247,362 | SGD | 2,226,919 | 20,443 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
1/8/2015 | AUD | 4,249,287 | USD | 4,350,668 | — | (101,381 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
1/8/2015 | USD | 2,226,270 | MYR | 2,201,672 | 24,598 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
1/8/2015 | USD | 4,467,283 | NZD | 4,488,745 | — | (21,462 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
1/12/2015 | EUR | 883,437 | USD | 894,760 | — | (11,323 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
1/12/2015 | USD | 899,820 | EUR | 883,437 | 16,383 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
1/12/2015 | USD | 4,193,971 | TRY | 4,105,450 | 88,521 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
1/22/2015 | USD | 3,766,434 | EUR | 3,710,822 | 55,612 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
1/22/2015 | USD | 61,090 | MXN | 60,220 | 870 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
1/26/2015 | USD | 2,135,425 | BRL | 2,134,765 | 660 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
1/29/2015 | USD | 6,580,440 | EUR | 6,536,170 | 44,270 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
2/2/2015 | USD | 1,381,279 | EUR | 1,373,863 | 7,416 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
2/3/2015 | USD | 9,619,331 | MXN | 9,612,424 | 6,907 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Goldman Sachs & Co. | 3/16/2015 | AUD | 2,195 | USD | 2,182 | 13 | — | |||||||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | AUD | 732 | USD | 735 | — | (3 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | CAD | 31,239 | USD | 31,122 | 117 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | CAD | 15,060 | USD | 14,998 | 62 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | CAD | 37,692 | USD | 37,649 | 43 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | CAD | 109,550 | USD | 109,535 | 15 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | CAD | 48,278 | USD | 48,373 | — | (95 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | EUR | 200,038 | USD | 205,811 | — | (5,773 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | GBP | 1,713 | USD | 1,722 | — | (9 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | GBP | 6,539 | USD | 6,549 | — | (10 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | GBP | 1,090 | USD | 1,100 | — | (10 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | GBP | 1,246 | USD | 1,257 | — | (11 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | NOK | 478,823 | USD | 483,478 | — | (4,655 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | USD | 18,349 | AUD | 18,175 | 174 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | USD | 2,214 | AUD | 2,196 | 18 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | USD | 2,196 | AUD | 2,196 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | USD | 2,912 | AUD | 2,928 | — | (16 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | USD | 1,290,404 | CAD | 1,283,093 | 7,311 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | USD | 30,292 | CAD | 30,292 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | USD | 13,053 | CAD | 13,080 | — | (27 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | USD | 13,718 | CAD | 13,769 | — | (51 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | USD | 69,563 | CAD | 69,705 | — | (142 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | USD | 6,602,823 | EUR | 6,452,797 | 150,026 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | USD | 159,765 | EUR | 155,356 | 4,409 | — |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Schedule of Investments | 73 |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund
SCHEDULE OF FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS at December 31, 2014 (Continued)
Asset Derivatives | Liability Derivatives | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Counterparty | Settlement Date | Fund Receiving | U.S. $ Value at December 31, 2014 | Fund Delivering | U.S. $ Value at December 31, 2014 | Unrealized Appreciation | Unrealized Depreciation | |||||||||||||||||
Goldman Sachs & Co. (continued) | 3/16/2015 | USD | $ | 118,985 | EUR | $ | 115,276 | $ | 3,709 | $ | — | |||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | USD | 314,422 | EUR | 312,529 | 1,893 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | USD | 356,787 | EUR | 355,152 | 1,635 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | USD | 80,858 | EUR | 79,676 | 1,182 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | USD | 9,133 | GBP | 9,061 | 72 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | USD | 470 | GBP | 467 | 3 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | USD | 780 | GBP | 778 | 2 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | USD | 312 | GBP | 311 | 1 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
3/16/2015 | USD | 491,503 | NOK | 478,823 | 12,680 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 98,665,379 | $ | 97,769,909 | $ | 1,284,362 | $ | (388,892 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
74 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
EXPENSE EXAMPLES – (Unaudited)
As a shareholder of the Funds, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including redemptions fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including advisory fees; and other fund expenses. The examples below are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period shown and held for the entire period from July 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014.
Actual Expenses
For each Fund, 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 Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
For each Fund, the second line of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund 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 redemption fees. Therefore, the second line for each Fund of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these redemption fees were included, your costs would have been higher.
Beginning Account Value (07/01/14) | Ending Account Value (12/31/14) | Expenses Paid During Period* (07/01/14 to 12/31/14) | Expense Ratios During Period* (07/01/14 to 12/31/14) | |||||||||||||
Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund – Institutional Actual | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 1,026.80 | $ | 5.98 | 1.17% | |||||||||
Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund – Investor Actual | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 1,025.40 | $ | 7.20 | 1.41% | |||||||||
Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund – Institutional Hypothetical - | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 1,019.30 | $ | 5.95 | 1.17% | |||||||||
Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund – Investor Hypothetical - | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 1,018.09 | $ | 7.17 | 1.41% | |||||||||
Litman Gregory Masters International Fund – Institutional Actual | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 932.50 | $ | 4.97 | 1.02% | |||||||||
Litman Gregory Masters International Fund – Investor Actual | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 930.70 | $ | 6.18 | 1.27% | |||||||||
Litman Gregory Masters International Fund – Institutional Hypothetical - | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 1,020.06 | $ | 5.19 | 1.02% | |||||||||
Litman Gregory Masters International Fund – Investor Hypothetical - | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 1,018.80 | $ | 6.46 | 1.27% | |||||||||
Litman Gregory Masters Smaller Companies Fund – Institutional Actual | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 892.50 | $ | 6.92 | 1.45% | |||||||||
Litman Gregory Masters Smaller Companies Fund – Institutional Hypothetical - (5% return before expenses) | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 1,017.89 | $ | 7.37 | 1.45% | |||||||||
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund – Institutional Actual | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 999.70 | $ | 8.87 | 1.76% | |||||||||
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund – Investor Actual | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 998.50 | $ | 10.18 | 2.02% | |||||||||
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund – Institutional Hypothetical - (5% return before expenses) | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 1,016.33 | $ | 8.94 | 1.76% | |||||||||
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund – Investor Hypothetical - | $ | 1,000.00 | $ | 1,015.02 | $ | 10.26 | 2.02% |
* Expenses are equal to the Funds’ annualized expense ratio as indicated, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in most recent fiscal half-year period (184), then divided by the number of days in the fiscal year (365) (to reflect the one-half-year period).
Expense Examples | 75 |
Table of Contents
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES at December 31, 2014
Equity Fund | International Fund | Smaller Companies Fund | Alternative Strategies Fund | |||||||||||||
ASSETS: | ||||||||||||||||
Investments in securities at cost | $ | 290,186,623 | $ | 1,348,436,876 | $ | 60,544,419 | $ | 856,330,572 | ||||||||
Repurchase agreements at cost | 20,197,000 | 75,099,000 | 8,887,000 | 126,711,000 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Total investments at cost | $ | 310,383,623 | $ | 1,423,535,876 | $ | 69,431,419 | $ | 983,041,572 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Investments in securities at value | $ | 399,273,430 | $ | 1,434,663,936 | $ | 64,416,730 | $ | 904,178,030 | ||||||||
Repurchase agreements at value | 20,197,000 | 75,099,000 | 8,887,000 | 126,711,000 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Total investments at value | $ | 419,470,430 | $ | 1,509,762,936 | $ | 73,303,730 | $ | 1,030,889,030 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Cash | 4,476 | 1,811 | 2,450 | 28,173,606 | ||||||||||||
Cash, denominated in foreign currency | — | 23 | — | 187,640 | ||||||||||||
Deposits at brokers and custodian for securities sold short, futures, options and swaps | — | — | — | 131,687,259 | ||||||||||||
Receivables: | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
Fund shares sold | 958,343 | 3,866,032 | 2,134 | 4,342,554 | ||||||||||||
Securities sold | 44,136 | 3,171 | 4,423 | 7,859,696 | ||||||||||||
Dividends and interest | 229,214 | 776,270 | 85,911 | 3,926,452 | ||||||||||||
Foreign tax reclaims | 23,254 | 1,422,036 | — | 6,062 | ||||||||||||
Variation margin | — | — | — | 121,011 | ||||||||||||
Other receivables | — | — | — | 276 | ||||||||||||
Unrealized gain on forward foreign currency | — | 7,222,593 | — | 1,284,362 | ||||||||||||
Unrealized gain on swaps | — | — | — | 365,892 | ||||||||||||
Prepaid expenses | 21,425 | 49,949 | 9,618 | 37,684 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Total assets | 420,751,278 | 1,523,104,821 | 73,408,266 | 1,208,881,524 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
LIABILITIES: | ||||||||||||||||
Written options (premium received, $0, $0, $0 and $165,331, respectively) | — | — | — | 102,652 | ||||||||||||
Securities sold short (proceeds, $0, $0, $0 and $123,080,094, respectively) | — | — | — | 128,357,304 | ||||||||||||
Deposits received from brokers and custodian for securities sold short, futures, options and swaps | — | — | — | 1,460,714 | ||||||||||||
Payables: | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
Advisory fees | 362,716 | 1,102,929 | 64,390 | 948,208 | ||||||||||||
Securities purchased | 106,052 | 1,077,692 | — | 27,798,737 | ||||||||||||
Fund shares redeemed | 448,186 | 1,606,619 | 48,934 | 717,472 | ||||||||||||
Foreign taxes withheld | 898 | 58,659 | — | 10,678 | ||||||||||||
Professional fees | 31,749 | 68,050 | 22,703 | 59,735 | ||||||||||||
Line of credit | — | — | — | 25,000,000 | ||||||||||||
Paydown | — | — | — | 10,511 | ||||||||||||
Line of credit interest | — | — | — | 36,156 | ||||||||||||
Dividend and interest on swaps | — | — | — | 3,684 | ||||||||||||
Short dividend | — | — | — | 113,534 | ||||||||||||
Chief Compliance Officer fees | 14,094 | 14,094 | 14,094 | 14,094 | ||||||||||||
Net swap premiums received | — | — | — | 1,116,786 | ||||||||||||
Unrealized loss on forward foreign currency | — | 471,278 | — | 388,892 | ||||||||||||
Unrealized loss on swaps | — | — | — | 401,158 | ||||||||||||
Distribution fees payable for investor class (see Note 4) | 16 | 73,703 | — | 33,755 | ||||||||||||
Accrued other expenses | 108,317 | 604,296 | 42,208 | 412,314 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| �� |
| |||||||||
Total liabilities | 1,072,028 | 5,077,320 | 192,329 | 186,986,384 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
NET ASSETS | $ | 419,679,250 | $ | 1,518,027,501 | $ | 73,215,937 | $ | 1,021,895,140 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
76 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Funds Trust
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES at December 31, 2014 – (Continued)
Equity Fund | International Fund | Smaller Companies Fund | Alternative Strategies Fund | |||||||||||||
Institutional Class: | ||||||||||||||||
Net Assets | $ | 419,602,504 | $ | 1,175,694,328 | $ | 73,215,937 | $ | 855,242,926 | ||||||||
Number of shares issued and outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, $0.01 par value) | 23,303,853 | 67,734,717 | 3,644,452 | 74,733,450 | ||||||||||||
Net asset value, offering and redemption price | $ | 18.01 | $ | 17.36 | $ | 20.09 | $ | 11.44 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Investor Class: | ||||||||||||||||
Net Assets | $ | 76,746 | $ | 342,333,173 | $ | — | $ | 166,652,214 | ||||||||
Number of shares issued and outstanding (unlimited number of shares authorized, $0.01 par value) | 4,304 | 19,876,083 | — | 14,551,352 | ||||||||||||
Net asset value, offering price and redemption price per share | $ | 17.83 | $ | 17.22 | $ | — | $ | 11.45 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
COMPONENTS OF NET ASSETS | ||||||||||||||||
Paid-in capital | $ | 305,133,833 | $ | 1,505,268,686 | $ | 90,739,466 | $ | 988,113,002 | ||||||||
Undistributed net investment income (loss) | 284,347 | 13,780,270 | — | 1,301,056 | ||||||||||||
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on | 5,177,126 | (93,868,189 | ) | (21,395,840 | ) | (10,591,355 | ) | |||||||||
Net unrealized appreciation/depreciation on: | ||||||||||||||||
Investments | 109,086,807 | 86,227,060 | 3,872,311 | 47,847,458 | ||||||||||||
Foreign currency transactions | (2,863 | ) | 6,619,674 | — | 873,008 | |||||||||||
Short sales | — | — | — | (5,277,210 | ) | |||||||||||
Written options | — | — | — | 62,679 | ||||||||||||
Futures | — | — | — | (396,062 | ) | |||||||||||
Swaps | — | — | — | (37,436 | ) | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Net assets | $ | 419,679,250 | $ | 1,518,027,501 | $ | 73,215,937 | $ | 1,021,895,140 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Statements of Assets and Liabilities | 77 |
Table of Contents
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS For the Year Ended December 31, 2014
Equity Fund | International Fund | Smaller Companies Fund | Alternative Strategies Fund | |||||||||||||
INVESTMENT INCOME: | ||||||||||||||||
Income | ||||||||||||||||
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $122,761, $2,639,359, $0 and $188,952, respectively) | $ | 4,875,732 | $ | 31,974,023 | $ | 667,209 | $ | 6,087,320 | ||||||||
Interest | — | — | — | 28,974,320 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Total income | 4,875,732 | 31,974,023 | 667,209 | 35,061,640 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Expenses | ||||||||||||||||
Advisory fees | 4,694,909 | 17,282,294 | 931,444 | 12,087,911 | ||||||||||||
Transfer agent fees | 203,149 | 767,198 | 74,074 | 516,614 | ||||||||||||
Fund accounting fees | 87,008 | 96,623 | 66,237 | 163,069 | ||||||||||||
Administration fees | 87,236 | 318,655 | 18,330 | 170,865 | ||||||||||||
Professional fees | 72,444 | 209,405 | 30,574 | 178,346 | ||||||||||||
Trustee fees | 76,968 | 135,151 | 60,423 | 97,495 | ||||||||||||
Custody fees | 56,437 | 1,037,924 | 20,650 | 598,825 | ||||||||||||
Reports to shareholders | 52,460 | 103,366 | 19,231 | 85,636 | ||||||||||||
Registration expense | 62,280 | 41,739 | 21,099 | 47,453 | ||||||||||||
Miscellaneous | 16,583 | 84,139 | 1,056 | 6,461 | ||||||||||||
Insurance expense | 10,837 | 49,351 | 2,358 | 21,073 | ||||||||||||
Dividend & interest expense | — | — | — | 2,149,378 | ||||||||||||
Chief Compliance Officer fees | 14,094 | 14,094 | 14,094 | 14,094 | ||||||||||||
Distribution fees for investor class (see Note 4) | 257 | 865,560 | — | 339,446 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Total expenses | 5,434,662 | 21,005,499 | 1,259,570 | 16,476,666 | ||||||||||||
Less: fees waived (see Note 3) | (441,362 | ) | (3,334,784 | ) | (85,935 | ) | (1,079,415 | ) | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Net expenses | 4,993,300 | 17,670,715 | 1,173,635 | 15,397,251 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Net investment income (loss) | (117,568 | ) | 14,303,308 | (506,426 | ) | 19,664,389 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) | ||||||||||||||||
Net realized gain (loss) on: | ||||||||||||||||
Investments (net of capital gains tax of $0, $0, $0 and $(3,152), respectively) | 49,537,265 | 157,499,048 | 10,152,435 | 17,811,049 | ||||||||||||
Foreign currency transactions | (19,415 | ) | (434,155 | ) | — | 3,272,469 | ||||||||||
Short sales | — | — | — | (11,424,790 | ) | |||||||||||
Written options | — | — | — | 1,431,404 | ||||||||||||
Futures | — | — | — | (3,763,605 | ) | |||||||||||
Swap contracts | — | — | — | (428,833 | ) | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Net realized gain (loss) | 49,517,850 | 157,064,893 | 10,152,435 | 6,897,694 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on: | ||||||||||||||||
Investments | (4,583,716 | ) | (222,351,048 | ) | (12,714,884 | ) | 4,341,050 | |||||||||
Foreign currency transactions | 12,742 | 8,562,719 | — | 910,745 | ||||||||||||
Short sales | — | — | — | (2,525,834 | ) | |||||||||||
Written options | — | — | — | 44,061 | ||||||||||||
Futures | — | — | — | (666,604 | ) | |||||||||||
Foreign capital gains tax | — | 19,628 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Swap contracts | — | — | — | 105,833 | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation | (4,570,974 | ) | (213,768,701 | ) | (12,714,884 | ) | 2,209,251 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments, | 44,946,876 | (56,703,808 | ) | (2,562,449 | ) | 9,106,945 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting | $ | 44,829,308 | $ | (42,400,500 | ) | $ | (3,068,875 | ) | $ | 28,771,334 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
78 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Statements of Changes in Net Assets | 79 |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Funds Trust
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS – (Continued)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
80 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund – Institutional Class
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
For a capital share outstanding throughout each year
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of year | $ | 17.98 | $ | 13.88 | $ | 12.43 | $ | 12.97 | $ | 10.88 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Income from investment operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (loss) | (0.01 | )1 | (0.04 | ) | 0.01 | (0.04 | ) | (0.03 | ) | |||||||||||
Net realized gain (loss) and net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency | 2.02 | 4.88 | 1.70 | (0.50 | ) | 2.12 | ||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Total income (loss) from investment operations | 2.01 | 4.84 | 1.71 | (0.54 | ) | 2.09 | ||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Less distributions: | ||||||||||||||||||||
From net investment income | — | — | (0.01 | ) | — | — | ||||||||||||||
From net realized gains | (1.98 | ) | (0.74 | ) | (0.25 | ) | — | — | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Total distributions | (1.98 | ) | (0.74 | ) | (0.26 | ) | — | — | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Redemption fee proceeds | — | ^ | — | ^ | — | ^ | — | ^ | — | ^ | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of year | $ | 18.01 | $ | 17.98 | $ | 13.88 | $ | 12.43 | $ | 12.97 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Total return | 11.07 | % | 35.14 | % | 13.78 | % | (4.16 | )% | 19.21 | % | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Ratios/supplemental data: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of year (millions) | $ | 419.6 | $ | 420.2 | $ | 274.4 | $ | 306.5 | $ | 345.7 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Ratios of total expenses to average net assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Before fees waived | 1.27 | % | 1.30 | % | 1.30 | % | 1.28 | % | 1.29 | % | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
After fees waived | 1.17 | % | 1.23 | % | 1.28 | %2 | 1.26 | % | 1.27 | % | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets: | (0.03 | )% | (0.27 | )% | 0.09 | % | (0.26 | )% | (0.30 | )% | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 52.70 | %3 | 113.28 | %3 | 74.03 | %3 | 71.42 | %3 | 77.22 | %3 | ||||||||||
|
|
^ | Amount represents less than $0.01 per share. |
1 | Calculated based on the average shares outstanding methodology. |
2 | Ratio excludes $4,621 of fees paid indirectly or 0.00% impact on the ratio of total expenses to average net assets. |
3 | Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Financial Highlights | 81 |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund – Investor Class
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
For a capital share outstanding throughout each year
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of year | $ | 17.87 | $ | 13.79 | $ | 12.37 | $ | 12.94 | $ | 10.87 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Income from investment operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment loss | (0.05 | )1 | (0.11 | ) | (0.16 | ) | (0.02 | ) | (0.03 | ) | ||||||||||
Net realized gain (loss) and net change in unrealized appreciation/ | 1.99 | 4.93 | 1.83 | (0.55 | ) | 2.10 | ||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Total income (loss) from investment operations | 1.94 | 4.82 | 1.67 | (0.57 | ) | 2.07 | ||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Less distributions: | ||||||||||||||||||||
From net investment income | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
From net realized gains | (1.98 | ) | (0.74 | ) | (0.25 | ) | — | — | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Total distributions | (1.98 | ) | (0.74 | ) | (0.25 | ) | — | — | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Redemption fee proceeds | — | — | — | — | — | ^ | ||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of year | $ | 17.83 | $ | 17.87 | $ | 13.79 | $ | 12.37 | $ | 12.94 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Total return | 10.75 | % | 35.22 | % | 13.51 | % | (4.40 | )% | 19.04 | % | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Ratios/supplemental data: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of year (thousands) | $ | 76.7 | $ | 91.7 | $ | 86.0 | $ | 319.3 | $ | 141.6 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Ratios of total expenses to average net assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Before fees waived | 1.52 | % | 1.55 | % | 1.55 | % | 1.53 | % | 1.54 | % | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
After fees waived | 1.42 | % | 1.48 | % | 1.53 | %2 | 1.51 | % | 1.52 | % | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets: | (0.28 | )% | (0.52 | )% | (0.34 | )% | (0.46 | )% | (0.51 | )% | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 52.70 | %3 | 113.28 | %3 | 74.03 | %3 | 71.42 | %3 | 77.22 | %3 | ||||||||||
|
|
^ | Amount represents less than $0.01 per share. |
1 | Calculated based on the average shares outstanding methodology. |
2 | Ratio excludes $3 of fees paid indirectly or 0.00% impact on the ratio of total expenses to average net assets. |
3 | Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
82 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters International Fund – Institutional Class
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
For a capital share outstanding throughout each year
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of year | $ | 18.06 | $ | 15.02 | $ | 12.58 | $ | 15.05 | $ | 13.05 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Income from investment operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income | 0.17 | 1 | 0.18 | 0.16 | 0.11 | 0.07 | ||||||||||||||
Net realized gain (loss) and net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency | (0.66 | ) | 3.04 | 2.35 | (2.55 | ) | 2.00 | |||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Total income (loss) from investment operations | (0.49 | ) | 3.22 | 2.51 | (2.44 | ) | 2.07 | |||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Less distributions: | ||||||||||||||||||||
From net investment income | (0.21 | ) | (0.18 | ) | (0.07 | ) | (0.03 | ) | (0.07 | ) | ||||||||||
From net realized gains | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Total distributions | (0.21 | ) | (0.18 | ) | (0.07 | ) | (0.03 | ) | (0.07 | ) | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Redemption fee proceeds | — | ^ | — | ^ | — | ^ | — | ^ | — | ^ | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of year | $ | 17.36 | $ | 18.06 | $ | 15.02 | $ | 12.58 | $ | 15.05 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Total return | (2.72 | )% | 21.47 | % | 19.96 | % | (16.24 | )% | 15.86 | % | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Ratios/supplemental data: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of year (millions) | $ | 1,175.7 | $ | 1,328.2 | $ | 1,175.5 | $ | 1,173.6 | $ | 1,449.0 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Ratios of total expenses to average net assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Before fees waived | 1.24 | % | 1.30 | % | 1.30 | % | 1.26 | % | 1.28 | % | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
After fees waived | 1.03 | % | 1.11 | % | 1.15 | %2 | 1.11 | % | 1.14 | % | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets: | 0.94 | % | 1.02 | % | 1.05 | % | 0.73 | % | 0.51 | % | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 70.08 | %3 | 112.35 | %3 | 107.28 | %3 | 127.07 | %3 | 98.74 | %3 | ||||||||||
|
|
^ | Amount represents less than $0.01 per share. |
1 | Calculated based on the average shares outstanding methodology. |
2 | Ratio excludes $98 of fees paid indirectly or 0.00% impact on the ratio of total expenses to average net assets. |
3 | Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Financial Highlights | 83 |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters International Fund – Investor Class
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
For a capital share outstanding throughout each year
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of year | $ | 17.92 | $ | 14.92 | $ | 12.53 | $ | 15.03 | $ | 13.04 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Income from investment operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income | 0.12 | 1 | 0.12 | 0.11 | 0.07 | 0.04 | ||||||||||||||
Net realized gain (loss) and net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency | (0.65 | ) | 3.03 | 2.35 | (2.54 | ) | 1.99 | |||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Total income (loss) from investment operations | (0.53 | ) | 3.15 | 2.46 | (2.47 | ) | 2.03 | |||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Less distributions: | ||||||||||||||||||||
From net investment income | (0.17 | ) | (0.15 | ) | (0.07 | ) | (0.03 | ) | (0.04 | ) | ||||||||||
From net realized gains | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Total distributions | (0.17 | ) | (0.15 | ) | (0.07 | ) | (0.03 | ) | (0.04 | ) | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Redemption fee proceeds | — | — | ^ | — | ^ | — | ^ | — | ^ | |||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of year | $ | 17.22 | $ | 17.92 | $ | 14.92 | $ | 12.53 | $ | 15.03 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Total return | (2.98 | )% | 21.12 | % | 19.64 | % | (16.46 | )% | 15.58 | % | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Ratios/supplemental data: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of year (millions) | $ | 342.3 | $ | 345.4 | $ | 274.6 | $ | 240.8 | $ | 243.2 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Ratios of total expenses to average net assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Before fees waived | 1.49 | % | 1.55 | % | 1.55 | % | 1.51 | % | 1.53 | % | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
After fees waived | 1.28 | % | 1.36 | % | 1.40 | %2 | 1.36 | % | 1.39 | % | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets: | 0.66 | % | 0.76 | % | 0.80 | % | 0.46 | % | 0.22 | % | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 70.08 | %3 | 112.35 | %3 | 107.28 | %3 | 127.07 | %3 | 98.74 | %3 | ||||||||||
|
|
^ | Amount represents less than $0.01 per share. |
1 | Calculated based on the average shares outstanding methodology. |
2 | Ratio excludes $21 of fees paid indirectly or 0.00% impact on the ratio of total expenses to average net assets. |
3 | Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
84 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Smaller Companies Fund – Institutional Class
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
For a capital share outstanding throughout each year
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of year | $ | 20.94 | $ | 15.30 | $ | 12.91 | $ | 12.85 | $ | 10.51 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Income from investment operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment loss | (0.13 | )1 | (0.16 | ) | (0.09 | ) | (0.15 | ) | (0.08 | ) | ||||||||||
Net realized gain (loss) and net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments | (0.72 | ) | 5.80 | 2.48 | 0.21 | 2.42 | ||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Total income (loss) from investment operations | (0.85 | ) | 5.64 | 2.39 | 0.06 | 2.34 | ||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Less distributions: | ||||||||||||||||||||
From net investment income | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
From net realized gains | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Total distributions | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Redemption fee proceeds | — | — | ^ | — | ^ | — | ^ | — | ^ | |||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of year | $ | 20.09 | $ | 20.94 | $ | 15.30 | $ | 12.91 | $ | 12.85 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Total return | (4.06 | )% | 36.86 | % | 18.51 | % | 0.47 | % | 22.26 | % | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Ratios/supplemental data: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of year (millions) | $ | 73.2 | $ | 84.4 | $ | 71.3 | $ | 70.6 | $ | 85.1 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Ratios of total expenses to average net assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Before fees waived | 1.54 | % | 1.54 | % | 1.58 | % | 1.54 | % | 1.56 | % | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
After fees waived | 1.44 | % | 1.47 | % | 1.57 | %2 | 1.54 | %^^ | 1.55 | % | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets: | (0.62 | )% | (0.83 | )% | (0.56 | )% | (1.06 | )% | (0.62 | )% | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 104.22 | % | 153.56 | % | 142.07 | % | 125.18 | % | 113.76 | % | ||||||||||
|
|
^ | Amount represents less than $0.01 per share. |
^^ | Percentage impact rounds to less than 0.01% |
1 | Calculated based on the average shares outstanding methodology. |
2 | Ratio excludes $4,032 of fees paid indirectly or 0.01% impact on the ratio of total expenses to average net assets. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Financial Highlights | 85 |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund – Institutional Class
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
For a capital share outstanding throughout each year/period
Year Ended December 31, | Period Ended December 31, 2011** | |||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of year | $ | 11.42 | $ | 11.01 | $ | 10.32 | $ | 10.00 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Income from investment operations: | ||||||||||||||||
Net investment income | 0.27 | 1 | 0.26 | 0.30 | 0.03 | |||||||||||
Net realized gain and net change in unrealized appreciation on investments, foreign currency, short sales, options, futures and swap contracts | 0.14 | 0.43 | 0.67 | 0.31 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Total income from investment operations | 0.41 | 0.69 | 0.97 | 0.34 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Less distributions: | ||||||||||||||||
From net investment income | (0.31 | ) | (0.28 | ) | (0.27 | ) | (0.02 | ) | ||||||||
From net realized gains | (0.08 | ) | — | (0.01 | ) | — | ^ | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Total distributions | (0.39 | ) | (0.28 | ) | (0.28 | ) | (0.02 | ) | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Redemption fee proceeds | — | ^ | — | ^ | — | ^ | — | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of year | $ | 11.44 | $ | 11.42 | $ | 11.01 | $ | 10.32 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Total return | 3.58 | % | 6.32 | % | 9.41 | % | 3.41 | %+ | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Ratios/supplemental data: | ||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of year (millions) | $ | 855.2 | $ | 600.9 | $ | 349.2 | $ | 152.0 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Ratios of total expenses to average net assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Before fees waived | 1.87 | %6 | 1.82 | %5 | 1.91 | %2,4 | 2.08 | %*2,3 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
After fees waived | 1.74 | %6 | 1.66 | %5 | 1.64 | %4,7 | 1.61 | %*3 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets: | 2.32 | %6 | 2.53 | %5 | 3.22 | %4 | 1.51 | %*3 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 156.88 | %8 | 179.19 | %8 | 160.54 | %8 | 34.19 | %+8 | ||||||||
|
|
^ | Amount represents less than $0.01 per share. |
* | Annualized. |
** | Commenced operations on September 30, 2011. |
+ | Not annualized. |
1 | Calculated based on the average shares outstanding methodology. |
2 | Does not include the impact of approximately $81,645 for the period ended December 31, 2011 and $131,223 for the year ended December 31, 2012 of custody and accounting fees from the Fund’s period end that were not charged by the service provider. Had such amounts been included, the annualized ratio of total expenses to average net assets before fees waived and expenses paid indirectly would have been 2.41% for the period ended December 31, 2011 and 1.96% for the year ended December 31, 2012. |
3 | Includes Interest & Dividend expense of 0.12% of average net assets. |
4 | Includes Interest & Dividend expense of 0.15% of average net assets. |
5 | Includes Interest & Dividend expense of 0.17% of average net assets. |
6 | Includes Interest & Dividend expense of 0.25% of average net assets. |
7 | Ratio excludes $465 of fees paid indirectly or 0.00% impact on the ratio of total expenses to average net assets. |
8 | Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
86 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund – Investor Class
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
For a capital share outstanding throughout each year/period
Year Ended December 31, | Period Ended | |||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of year | $ | 11.43 | $ | 11.02 | $ | 10.32 | $ | 10.00 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Income from investment operations: | ||||||||||||||||
Net investment income | 0.24 | 1 | 0.24 | 0.26 | 0.02 | |||||||||||
Net realized gain and net change in unrealized appreciation on investments, foreign currency, short sales, options, futures and swap contracts | 0.14 | 0.43 | 0.68 | 0.32 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Total income from investment operations | 0.38 | 0.67 | 0.94 | 0.34 | ||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Less distributions: | ||||||||||||||||
From net investment income | (0.28 | ) | (0.26 | ) | (0.23 | ) | (0.02 | ) | ||||||||
From net realized gains | (0.08 | ) | — | (0.01 | ) | — | ^ | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Total distributions | (0.36 | ) | (0.26 | ) | (0.24 | ) | (0.02 | ) | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Redemption fee proceeds | — | ^ | — | ^ | — | ^ | — | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Net asset value, end of year | $ | 11.45 | $ | 11.43 | $ | 11.02 | $ | 10.32 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Total return | 3.33 | % | 6.07 | % | 9.16 | % | 3.39 | %+ | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Ratios/supplemental data: | ||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of year (millions) | $ | 166.7 | $ | 108.3 | $ | 58.5 | $ | 17.2 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Ratios of total expenses to average net assets: | ||||||||||||||||
Before fees waived | 2.12 | %6 | 2.07 | %5 | 2.16 | %2,4 | 2.33 | %*2,3 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
After fees waived | 1.99 | %6 | 1.91 | %5 | 1.89 | %4,7 | 1.86 | %*3 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets: | 2.07 | %6 | 2.27 | %5 | 2.98 | %4 | 1.41 | %*3 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate | 156.88 | %8 | 179.19 | %8 | 160.54 | %8 | 34.19 | %+8 | ||||||||
|
|
^ | Amount represents less than $0.01 per share. |
* | Annualized. |
** | Commenced operations on September 30, 2011. |
+ | Not annualized. |
1 | Calculated based on the average shares outstanding methodology. |
2 | Does not include the impact of approximately $3,769 for the period ended December 31, 2011 and $20,109 for the year ended December 31, 2012 of custody and accounting fees from the Fund’s period end that were not charged by the service provider. Had such amounts been included, the annualized ratio of total expenses to average net assets before fees waived and expenses paid indirectly would have been 2.66% for the period ended December 31, 2011 and 2.21% for the year ended December 31, 2012. |
3 | Includes Interest & Dividend expense of 0.12% of average net assets. |
4 | Includes Interest & Dividend expense of 0.15% of average net assets. |
5 | Includes Interest & Dividend expense of 0.17% of average net assets. |
6 | Includes Interest & Dividend expense of 0.25% of average net assets. |
7 | Ratio excludes $71 of fees paid indirectly or 0.00% impact on the ratio of total expenses to average net assets. |
8 | Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Financial Highlights | 87 |
Table of Contents
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1 – Organization
Litman Gregory Funds Trust (the “Trust”) was organized as a Delaware business trust on August 1, 1996, and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) as an open-end management investment company. Effective August 1, 2011, The Masters’ Select Funds Trust changed its name to the Litman Gregory Funds Trust. The Trust consists of four separate series: Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund, Litman Gregory Masters International Fund, Litman Gregory Masters Smaller Companies Fund and Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund (each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”).
Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund (“Equity Fund”) seeks to increase the value of your investment over the long-term by using the combined talents and favorite stock-picking ideas of six highly regarded portfolio managers. The Equity Fund offers two classes of shares: Institutional Class and Investor Class shares. The Investor Class shares charge a 0.25% 12b-1 distribution fee to the shareholders of this class (see Note 4).
Litman Gregory Masters International Fund (“International Fund”) seeks to increase the value of your investment over the long-term by using the combined talents and favorite stock-picking ideas of five highly regarded international portfolio managers. The International Fund offers two classes of shares: Institutional Class and Investor Class shares. The Investor Class shares charge a 0.25% 12b-1 distribution fee to the shareholders of this class (see Note 4).
Litman Gregory Masters Smaller Companies Fund (“Smaller Companies Fund”) seeks to increase the value of your investment over the long-term by using the combined talents and favorite stock-picking ideas of three highly regarded smaller company portfolio managers. The Smaller Companies Fund offers one class of shares: Institutional Class.
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund (“Alternative Strategies Fund”) seeks to achieve long-term returns with lower risk and lower volatility than the stock market, and with relatively low correlation to stock and bond market indexes. The Alternative Strategies Fund offers two classes of shares: Institutional Class and Investor Class shares. The Investor Class shares charge a 0.25% 12b-1 distribution fee to the shareholders of this class (see Note 4).
Note 2 – Significant Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies followed by the Funds. These policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
A | Accounting Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. |
B | Security Valuation. Investments in securities and derivatives traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price at the close of regular trading on each day that the exchanges are open for trading. Securities listed on the NASDAQ Global Market, the NASDAQ Global Select Market and the NASDAQ Capital Market are valued using the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (“NOCP”). Securities traded on an exchange for which there have been no sales are valued at the mean between the closing bid and asked prices. Debt securities maturing within 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost unless the Valuation Committee determines that amortized cost does not represent fair value. Securities for which market prices are not readily available or if a security’s value has materially changed after the close of the security’s primary market but before the close of trading on the NYSE, the securities are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Investment Managers that selected the security for the Funds’ portfolio and the Trust’s Valuation Committee in accordance with procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. In determining fair value, the Funds take into account all relevant factors and available information. Consequently, the price of the security used by a Fund to calculate its net asset value may differ from quoted or published prices for the same security. Fair value pricing involves subjective judgments and there is no single standard for determining the fair value of a security. As a result, different mutual funds could reasonably arrive at a different value for the same security. For securities that do not trade during NYSE hours, fair value determinations are based on analyses of market movements after the close of those securities’ primary markets, and include reviews of developments in foreign markets, the performance of U.S. securities markets, and the performance of instruments trading in U.S. markets that represent foreign securities and baskets of foreign securities. Pricing services are used to obtain closing market prices and to compute certain fair value adjustments utilizing computerized pricing models. It is possible that the fair value determined for a security is materially different from the value that could be realized upon the sale of that security or from the values that other mutual funds may determine. |
Investments in other funds are valued at their respective net asset values as determined by those funds in accordance with the 1940 Act.
88 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Funds Trust
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
Debt securities generally trade in the over-the-counter market rather than on a securities exchange. The Funds’ pricing services use multiple valuation techniques to determine fair value. In instances where sufficient market activity exists, the pricing services may utilize a market-based approach through which quotes from market makers are used to determine fair value. In instances where sufficient market activity may not exist or is limited, the pricing services also utilize proprietary valuation models which may consider market characteristics such as benchmark yield curves, option-adjusted spreads, credit spreads, estimated default rates, coupon rates, anticipated timing of principal repayments, underlying collateral, and other unique security features in order to estimate the relevant cash flows, which are then discounted to calculate the fair value. Securities denominated in a foreign currency are converted into their U.S. dollar equivalent at the foreign exchange rate in effect at the close of the NYSE on the date that the values of the foreign debt securities are determined. Repurchase agreements are valued at cost, which approximates fair value.
Certain derivatives trade in the over-the-counter market. The Funds’ pricing services use various techniques including industry standard option pricing models and proprietary discounted cash flow models to determine the fair value of those instruments. The Funds’ net benefit or obligation under the derivative contract, as measured by the fair value of the contract, is included in net assets.
The Funds have procedures to determine the fair value of securities and other financial instruments for which market prices are not readily available or which may not be reliably priced. Under these procedures, the Funds primarily employ a market-based approach which may use related or comparable assets or liabilities, recent transactions, market multiples, book values, and other relevant information for the investment to determine the fair value of the investment. The Funds may also use an income-based valuation approach in which the anticipated future cash flows of the investment are discounted to calculate fair value. Discounts may also be applied due to the nature or duration of any restrictions on the disposition of the investments. Due to the inherent uncertainty of valuations of such investments, the fair values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had an active market existed.
C | Senior Term Loans. The Alternative Strategies Fund may invest in bank debt, which includes interests in loans to companies or their affiliates undertaken to finance a capital restructuring or in connection with recapitalizations, acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, refinancings or other financially leveraged transactions and may include loans which are designed to provide temporary or bridge financing to a borrower pending the sale of identified assets, the arrangement of longer-term loans or the issuance and sale of debt obligations. These loans, which may bear fixed or floating rates, have generally been arranged through private negotiations between a corporate borrower and one or more financial institutions (“Lenders”), including banks. The Alternative Strategies Fund’s investment may be in the form of participations in loans (“Participations”) or of assignments of all or a portion of loans from third parties (“Assignments”). |
D | Short sales. Each Fund may sell a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the fair value of that security. When each Fund sells a security short, it must borrow the security sold short and deliver it to the broker-dealer through which it made the short sale. A gain, limited to the price at which each Fund sold the security short, or a loss, unlimited in size, will be recognized upon the termination of a short sale. Each Fund is also subject to the risk that it may be unable to reacquire a security to terminate a short position except at a price substantially in excess of the last quoted price. |
E | Repurchase Agreements. Each Fund may enter into repurchase agreements through which the Fund acquires a security (the “underlying security”) from a seller, a well-established securities dealer or a bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System. The bank or securities dealer agrees to repurchase the underlying security at the same price, plus a specified amount of interest, at a later date, generally for a period of less than one week. It is the Trust’s policy that its Custodian takes possession of securities as collateral under repurchase agreements and to determine on a daily basis that the value of such securities, including recorded interest, is sufficient to cover the value of the repurchase agreements. The Funds’ policy states that the value of the collateral is at least 102% of the value of the repurchase agreement. If the counterparty defaults and the value of the collateral declines or if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the counterparty of the security, realization of the collateral by a Fund may be delayed or limited. |
F | Foreign Currency Translation. The Funds’ records are maintained in U.S. dollars. The value of securities, currencies and other assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars are translated into U.S. dollars based upon foreign exchange rates prevailing at the end of the reporting period. The currencies are translated into U.S. dollars by using the exchange rates quoted at the close of the London Stock Exchange prior to when each Fund’s net asset value is next determined. Purchases and sales of investment securities, income and expenses are translated on the respective dates of such transactions. |
The Funds do not isolate that portion of their net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates from the impact arising from changes in market prices. Such fluctuations are included with net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments.
Notes to Financial Statements | 89 |
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Litman Gregory Funds Trust
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Net realized foreign currency transaction gains and losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the differences between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Funds’ books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign currency transactions gains and losses arise from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities, resulting from changes in the exchange rates.
G | Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts. The Funds may utilize forward foreign currency exchange contracts (“forward contracts”) under which they are obligated to exchange currencies on specified future dates at specified rates, and are subject to the translations of foreign exchange rates fluctuations. All contracts are “marked-to-market” daily and any resulting unrealized gains or losses are recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation on foreign currency transactions. The Funds record realized gains or losses at the time the forward contract is settled. These gains and losses are reflected on the Statements of Operations as realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions. Counterparties to these forward contracts are major U.S. financial institutions. (See Note 7). |
H | Financial futures contracts. Each Fund invests in financial futures contracts primarily for the purpose of hedging its existing portfolio securities, or securities that each Fund intends to purchase, against fluctuations in fair value caused by changes in prevailing market interest rates. Upon entering into a financial futures contract, each Fund is required to pledge to the broker an amount of cash, U.S. government securities, or other assets, equal to a certain percentage of the contract amount (initial margin deposit). Subsequent payments, known as variation margin, are made or received by the Fund each day, depending on the daily fluctuations in the fair value of the underlying security. Each Fund recognizes a gain or loss equal to the daily variation margin. If market conditions move unexpectedly, each Fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the financial futures contracts and may realize a loss. The use of futures transactions involves the risk of imperfect correlation in movements in the price of futures contracts, interest rates, and the underlying hedged assets. (See Note 7). |
I | Credit default swaps. Each Fund may enter into credit default swaps to manage its exposure to the market or certain sectors of the market, to reduce its risk exposure to defaults of corporate issuers or indexes or to create exposure to corporate issuers or indexes to which it is not otherwise exposed. In a credit default swap, the protection buyer makes a stream of payments based on a fixed percentage applied to the contract notional amount to the protection seller in exchange for the right to receive a specified return upon the occurrence of a defined credit event on the reference obligation which may be either a single security or a basket of securities issued by corporate or sovereign issuers. Although contract-specific, credit events are generally defined as bankruptcy, failure to pay, restructuring, obligation acceleration, obligation default, or repudiation/moratorium. Upon the occurrence of a defined credit event, the difference between the value of the reference obligation and the swap’s notional amount is recorded as realized gain (for protection written) or loss (for protection sold) in the Statements of Operations. In the case of credit default swaps where each Fund is selling protection, the notional amount approximates the maximum loss. (See Note 7). |
J | Total Return Swaps. Total return swap is the generic name for any non-traditional swap where one party agrees to pay the other the “total return” of a defined underlying asset, usually in return for receiving a stream of London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) based cash flows. A total return swap may be applied to any underlying asset but is most commonly used with equity indices, single stocks, bonds and defined portfolios of loans and mortgages. Total return swap is a mechanism for the user to accept the economic benefits of asset ownership without utilizing the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The other leg of the swap, usually LIBOR, is spread to reflect the non-Statement of Assets and Liabilities nature of the product. No notional amounts are exchanged with total return swaps. The total return receiver assumes the entire economic exposure – that is, both market and credit exposure – to the reference asset. The total return payer – often the owner of the reference obligation – gives up economic exposure to the performance of the reference asset and in return takes on counterparty credit exposure to the total return receiver in the event of a default or fall in value of the reference asset. (See Note 7). |
K | Purchasing Put and Call Options. Each Fund may purchase covered “put” and “call” options with respect to securities which are otherwise eligible for purchase by a Fund and with respect to various stock indices subject to certain restrictions. Each Fund will engage in trading of such derivative securities primarily for hedging purposes. |
If a Fund purchases a put option, a Fund acquires the right to sell the underlying security at a specified price at any time during the term of the option (for “American-style” options) or on the option expiration date (for “European-style” options). Purchasing put options may be used as a portfolio investment strategy when a portfolio manager perceives significant short-term risk but substantial long-term appreciation for the underlying security. The put option acts as an insurance policy, as it protects against significant downward price movement while it allows full participation in any upward movement. If a Fund is holding a stock which it feels has strong fundamentals, but for some reason may be weak in the near term, a Fund may purchase a put option on such security, thereby giving itself the right to sell such security at a certain strike price throughout the term of the option. Consequently, a Fund will exercise the put only if the price of such security falls below the strike price of the put. The difference between the put’s strike price and the market price of the underlying security on the date a Fund exercises the put, less
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transaction costs, will be the amount by which a Fund will be able to hedge against a decline in the underlying security. If during the period of the option the market price for the underlying security remains at or above the put’s strike price, the put will expire worthless, representing a loss of the price a Fund paid for the put, plus transaction costs. If the price of the underlying security increases, the profit a Fund realizes on the sale of the security will be reduced by the premium paid for the put option less any amount for which the put may be sold.
If a Fund purchases a call option, it acquires the right to purchase the underlying security at a specified price at any time during the term of the option. The purchase of a call option is a type of insurance policy to hedge against losses that could occur if a Fund has a short position in the underlying security and the security thereafter increases in price. Each Fund will exercise a call option only if the price of the underlying security is above the strike price at the time of exercise. If during the option period the market price for the underlying security remains at or below the strike price of the call option, the option will expire worthless, representing a loss of the price paid for the option, plus transaction costs. If the call option has been purchased to hedge a short position of a Fund in the underlying security and the price of the underlying security thereafter falls, the profit a Fund realizes on the cover of the short position in the security will be reduced by the premium paid for the call option less any amount for which such option may be sold.
Prior to exercise or expiration, an option may be sold when it has remaining value by a purchaser through a “closing sale transaction,” which is accomplished by selling an option of the same series as the option previously purchased. Each Fund generally will purchase only those options for which a Manager believes there is an active secondary market to facilitate closing transactions. (See Note 7).
Writing Call Options. Each Fund may write covered call options. A call option is “covered” if a Fund owns the security underlying the call or has an absolute right to acquire the security without additional cash consideration (or, if additional cash consideration is required, cash or cash equivalents in such amount as are held in a segregated account by the Custodian). The writer of a call option receives a premium and gives the purchaser the right to buy the security underlying the option at the exercise price. The writer has the obligation upon exercise of the option to deliver the underlying security against payment of the exercise price during the option period. If the writer of an exchange-traded option wishes to terminate his obligation, he may effect a “closing purchase transaction.” This is accomplished by buying an option of the same series as the option previously written. A writer may not effect a closing purchase transaction after it has been notified of the exercise of an option.
Effecting a closing transaction in the case of a written call option will permit a Fund to write another call option on the underlying security with either a different exercise price, expiration date or both. Also, effecting a closing transaction will permit the cash or proceeds from the concurrent sale of any securities subject to the option to be used for other investments of a Fund. If a Fund desires to sell a particular security from its portfolio on which it has written a call option, it will effect a closing transaction prior to or concurrent with the sale of the security.
Each Fund will realize a gain from a closing transaction if the cost of the closing transaction is less than the premium received from writing the option or if the proceeds from the closing transaction are more than the premium paid to purchase the option. Each Fund will realize a loss from a closing transaction if the cost of the closing transaction is more than the premium received from writing the option or if the proceeds from the closing transaction are less than the premium paid to purchase the option. However, because increases in the market price of a call option will generally reflect increases in the market price of the underlying security, any loss to a Fund resulting from the repurchase of a call option is likely to be offset in whole or in part by appreciation of the underlying security owned by a Fund. (See Note 7).
Risks of Investing in Options. There are several risks associated with transactions in options on securities. Options may be more volatile than the underlying instruments and, therefore, on a percentage basis, an investment in options may be subject to greater fluctuation than an investment in the underlying instruments themselves. There are also significant differences between the securities and options markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between these markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objective. In addition, a liquid secondary market for particular options may be absent for reasons which include the following: there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options; restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of option of underlying securities; unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; the facilities of an exchange or clearing corporation may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading volume; or one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist, although outstanding options that had been issued by a clearing corporation as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
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A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived transaction may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected events. The extent to which a Fund may enter into options transactions may be limited by the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), with respect to qualification of a Fund as a regulated investment company.
L | Distributions to Shareholders. Distributions paid to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The amount of dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains is determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles. To the extent these “book/tax” differences are permanent in nature (i.e., that they result from other than timing of recognition – “temporary differences”), such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their federal tax-basis. |
M | Federal Income Taxes. The Funds intend to comply with the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of their taxable income to their shareholders. Accordingly, no provisions for federal income taxes are required. The Funds have reviewed the tax positions, taken on federal income tax returns, for each of the three open tax years and as of December 31, 2014, and have determined that no provision for income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements. Foreign securities held by the Funds may be subject to foreign taxation on dividend and interest income received. Foreign taxes, if any, net of any reclaims, are recorded based on the tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign markets in which the Funds’ invest. |
N | Expenses Paid Indirectly. Under terms of the Trust’s Custodial Agreement, the Funds earn credits on cash balances which are applied against custodian fees. |
O | Security Transactions, Dividend and Interest Income and Expenses. Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Realized gains and losses on securities transactions are reported on an identified cost basis. Dividend income and, where applicable, foreign tax withholding expenses are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Purchase discounts and premiums on fixed-income securities are accreted and amortized to maturity using the effective interest method. Many expenses of the Trust can be directly attributed to a specific Fund. Each Fund is charged for expenses directly attributed to it. Expenses that cannot be directly attributed to a specific Fund are allocated among the Funds in the Trust in proportion to their respective net assets or other appropriate method. Realized and unrealized gains and losses and net investment income, not including class specific expenses, are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class. Differences in per share distributions by class are generally due to differences in class specific expenses. Class specific expenses, such as 12B1 expenses, can be directly attributed to that specific class. |
P | Restricted Cash. At December 31, 2014, the Alternative Strategies Fund held restricted cash in connection with investments in certain derivative securities. Restricted cash is held in a segregated account with the Alternative Strategies Fund’s custodian as well as with brokers and is reflected in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as Deposits at brokers and custodian for securities sold short, futures, options, and swaps. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against short-term borrowing arrangements or contracts entered into with others. |
Q | Restricted Securities. A restricted security cannot be resold to the general public without prior registration under the Securities Act of 1933. If the security is subsequently registered and resold, the issuers would typically bear the expense of all registrations at no cost to the Fund. Restricted securities are valued according to the guidelines and procedures adopted by the Funds’ Board of Trustees. As of December 31, 2014, there were no restricted securities held in the Funds. |
R | Indemnification Obligations. Under the Funds’ organizational documents, its current and former officers and trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Funds. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties that provide general indemnifications. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds that have not yet occurred or that would be covered by other parties. |
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Note 3 – Investment Advisory and Other Agreements
The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Litman Gregory Fund Advisors, LLC (the “Advisor”). Under the terms of the Agreement, each Fund pays a monthly investment advisory fee to the Advisor at the annual rate below of the respective Fund’s average daily net assets before any fee waivers:
Contractual Management Rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fund | First $450 million | Excess of $450 million | First $750 million | Excess of $750 million | First $1 billion | Excess of $1 billion | First $2 billion | Between $2 and $3 billion | Between $3 and $4 billion | Excess of $4 billion | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity | N/A | N/A | 1.10 | % | 1.00 | % | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
International | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1.10 | % | 1.00 | % | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Smaller Companies | 1.14 | % | 1.04 | % | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Alternatives Strategies | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1.40 | % | 1.30 | % | 1.25 | % | 1.20 | % |
The Advisor engages sub-advisors to manage the Funds and pays the sub-advisors from its advisory fees.
Through April 30, 2016, the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fees effectively reducing total advisory fees to approximately 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Equity Fund, 0.86% of the average daily net assets of the International Fund, and 1.03% of the average daily net assets of the Smaller Companies Fund. Additionally, the Advisor has voluntarily agreed to waive its management fee on the daily cash values of the Funds not allocated to Managers. For the year December 31, 2014, the amount waived, contractual and voluntary, was $441,362, $3,334,784, $85,935 and $11,007 for Equity Fund, International Fund, Smaller Companies Fund and Alternative Strategies Fund, respectively. The Advisor has agreed not to seek recoupment of such waived fees. Through April 30, 2016, the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fees and/or reimburse a portion of the Alternative Strategies Fund’s operating expenses (excluding any taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization, borrowing costs, (including commitment fees), dividend expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses such as but not limited to litigation costs) to ensure that the total annual fund operating expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement for the Institutional and Investor Classes will not exceed 1.49% and 1.74%, respectively. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, the amount waived contractually was $1,068,408 for the Alternative Strategies Fund. The Advisor may be reimbursed by the Fund no later than the end of the third fiscal year following the year of the waiver provided that such reimbursement does not cause the Fund’s expenses to exceed the expense limitation. The following table shows the waived or reimbursed expenses subject to potential recovery expiring on December 31:
Year Incurred | Expiration Year | Alternatives Strategies Fund | ||||
2012 | 2015 | $ | 825,383 | |||
2013 | 2016 | 848,585 | ||||
2014 | 2017 | 1,068,408 |
Effective September 10, 2014, State Street Bank and Trust (“State Street”) serves as the Administrator to the Funds. Prior to September 10, 2014 U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“USBFS”) served as the Administrator to the Funds. State Street serves as the Funds’ Custodian and Fund Accountant.
Boston Financial Data Services (“BFDS”), an affiliate of State Street, serves as the Funds’ Transfer Agent. Effective October 1, 2014, the Funds’ principal underwriter is ALPS Distributors, Inc. Prior to October 1, 2014, Quasar Distributors, LLC (“Quasar”), an affiliate of USBFS, acted as the Funds’ distributor and principal underwriter.
An employee of the Advisor serves as the Funds’ Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”). The CCO receives no compensation from the Funds for his services, however, the Funds reimbursed the Advisor $56,376 annually for the services of the CCO.
No Managers used their respective affiliated entity for purchases and sales of the Funds’ portfolio securities for the year ended December 31, 2014.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, each independent Trustee, within the meaning of the 1940 Act, was compensated by the Trust in the amount of $90,000.
Certain officers and Trustees of the Trust are also officers of the Advisor.
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Note 4 – Distribution Plan
Certain Funds have adopted a Plan of Distribution (the “Plan”) dated February 25, 2009, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, the Investor Classes of the Equity Fund, International Fund and Alternative Strategies Fund will compensate broker dealers or qualified institutions with whom each Fund has entered into a contract to distribute Fund shares (“Dealers”). Under the Plan, the amount of such compensation paid in any one year shall not exceed 0.25% annually of the average daily net assets of the Investor Classes, which may be payable as a service fee for providing recordkeeping, subaccounting, subtransfer agency and/or shareholder liaison services. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Equity, International and Alternative Strategies Fund’s Investor Classes incurred $257, $865,560 and $339,446, respectively, pursuant to the Plan.
The Plan will remain in effect from year to year provided such continuance is approved at least annually by a vote either of a majority of the Trustees, including a majority of the non-interested Trustees, or a majority of each Fund’s outstanding shares.
Note 5 – Investment Transactions
The cost of securities purchased and the proceeds from securities sold for the year ended December 31, 2014, excluding short-term investments and U.S. government obligations, were as follows:
Fund | Purchases | Sales | ||||||
Equity Fund | $ | 211,287,724 | $ | 255,312,282 | ||||
International Fund | $ | 1,087,368,594 | $ | 1,173,398,059 | ||||
Smaller Companies Fund | $ | 70,789,979 | $ | 74,499,009 | ||||
Alternatives Strategies Fund | $ | 1,407,773,123 | $ | 1,103,267,550 |
Note 6 – Fair Value of Financial Investments
The Funds follow a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and the Funds’ own market assumptions (unobservable inputs). These inputs are used in determining the value of each Fund’s investments and are summarized in the following fair value hierarchy:
Level 1 – | Quoted prices in active markets for identical securities. |
Level 2 – | Other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and fair value estimates for foreign securities indices). |
Level 3 – | Significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds’ own assumptions in determining fair value of investments). |
Fixed income securities including corporate, convertible and municipal bonds and notes, U.S. government agencies, U.S. Treasury obligations, sovereign issues, bank loans, convertible preferred securities and non-U.S. bonds are normally valued on the basis of quotes obtained from brokers and dealers or independent pricing services or sources. Independent pricing services typically use information provided by market makers or estimates of market values obtained from yield data relating to investments or securities with similar characteristics. The service providers’ internal models use inputs that are observable such as, among other things, issuer details, interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, credit risks/spreads, default rates and quoted prices for similar assets. Securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Fixed income securities purchased on a delayed-delivery basis are typically marked to market daily until settlement at the forward settlement date.
Mortgage and asset-backed securities are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also normally valued by pricing service providers that use broker dealer quotations or valuation estimates from their internal pricing models. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, estimated cash flows and market-based yield spreads for each tranche, current market data and incorporates deal collateral performance, as available.
Stripped mortgage-backed securities are usually structured with two different classes: one that receives substantially all interest payments (interest-only, or “IO” and/or high coupon rate with relatively low principal amount, or “IOette”), and the other that receives substantially all principal payments (principal-only, or “PO”) from a pool of mortgage loans. Little to no principal will be received at the maturity of an IO; as a result, periodic adjustments are recorded to reduce the cost of the security until maturity. These adjustments are included in interest income.
Mortgage and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Over-the-counter financial derivative instruments, such as foreign currency contracts, options contracts, futures, or swaps agreements, derive their value from underlying asset prices, indices, reference rates, and other inputs or a combination of these
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factors. These contracts are normally valued on the basis of broker dealer quotations or pricing service providers at the settlement price determined by the relevant exchange. Depending on the product and the terms of the transaction, the value of the derivative contracts can be estimated by a pricing service provider using a series of techniques, including simulation pricing models. The pricing models use inputs that are observed from actively quoted markets such as issuer details, indices, spreads, interest rates, curves, dividends and exchange rates. Derivatives that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are categorized as Level 1 or Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
The following table provides the fair value measurements of applicable Fund assets and liabilities by level within the fair value hierarchy for each Fund as of December 31, 2014. These assets and liabilities are measured on a recurring basis.
Equity Fund
Description | Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets | Level 2 - Significant other observable inputs | Level 3 - Significant unobservable inputs | Total | ||||||||||||
Equity(a) | ||||||||||||||||
Common Stocks | $ | 399,273,430 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 399,273,430 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Total Equity | $ | 399,273,430 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 399,273,430 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Short-Term Investments | ||||||||||||||||
Repurchase Agreements | $ | — | $ | 20,197,000 | $ | — | $ | 20,197,000 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Total Investments in Securities | $ | 399,273,430 | $ | 20,197,000 | $ | — | $ | 419,470,430 | ||||||||
|
|
(a) | See Fund’s Schedule of Investments for sector classifications. |
There were no transfers between any levels in the Fund as of December 31, 2014.
International Fund
Description | Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets | Level 2 - Significant other observable inputs | Level 3 - Significant unobservable inputs | Total | ||||||||||||
Equity | ||||||||||||||||
Common Stocks | ||||||||||||||||
Australia | $ | — | $ | 58,031,811 | $ | — | $ | 58,031,811 | ||||||||
Belgium | $ | — | $ | 25,024,138 | $ | — | $ | 25,024,138 | ||||||||
Brazil | $ | — | $ | 24,659,641 | $ | — | $ | 24,659,641 | ||||||||
Canada | $ | 65,337,052 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 65,337,052 | ||||||||
China | $ | 28,268,508 | $ | 27,505,794 | $ | — | $ | 55,774,302 | ||||||||
Denmark | $ | — | $ | 19,433,924 | $ | — | $ | 19,433,924 | ||||||||
Finland | $ | — | $ | 38,635,802 | $ | — | $ | 38,635,802 | ||||||||
France | $ | — | $ | 232,867,978 | $ | — | $ | 232,867,978 | ||||||||
Germany | $ | — | $ | 92,161,549 | $ | — | $ | 92,161,549 | ||||||||
Greece | $ | — | $ | 12,884,237 | $ | — | $ | 12,884,237 | ||||||||
Ireland | $ | 21,553,197 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 21,553,197 | ||||||||
Japan | $ | — | $ | 125,430,249 | $ | — | $ | 125,430,249 | ||||||||
Malaysia | $ | — | $ | 30,952,660 | $ | — | $ | 30,952,660 | ||||||||
Netherlands | $ | — | $ | 27,731,577 | $ | — | $ | 27,731,577 | ||||||||
Panama | $ | 29,023,035 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 29,023,035 | ||||||||
Philippines | $ | — | $ | 12,197,413 | $ | — | $ | 12,197,413 | ||||||||
South Africa | $ | — | $ | 10,340,669 | $ | — | $ | 10,340,669 | ||||||||
South Korea | $ | — | $ | 35,568,988 | $ | — | $ | 35,568,988 | ||||||||
Spain | $ | — | $ | 49,508,916 | $ | — | $ | 49,508,916 | ||||||||
Sweden | $ | — | $ | 31,733,398 | $ | — | $ | 31,733,398 | ||||||||
Switzerland | $ | — | $ | 110,141,334 | $ | — | $ | 110,141,334 | ||||||||
Turkey | $ | — | $ | 9,413,319 | $ | — | $ | 9,413,319 | ||||||||
United Kingdom | $ | 49,624,052 | $ | 266,247,052 | $ | — | $ | 315,871,104 |
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Description | Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets | Level 2 - Significant other observable inputs | Level 3 - Significant unobservable inputs | Total | ||||||||||||
Rights/Warrants | ||||||||||||||||
Spain | $ | 177,861 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 177,861 | ||||||||
Preferred Stocks | ||||||||||||||||
United Kingdom | $ | — | $ | 209,782 | $ | — | $ | 209,782 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Total Equity | $ | 193,983,705 | $ | 1,240,680,231 | $ | — | $ | 1,434,663,936 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Short-Term Investments | ||||||||||||||||
United States | $ | — | $ | 75,099,000 | $ | — | $ | 75,099,000 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Total Short-Term Investments | $ | — | $ | 75,099,000 | $ | — | $ | 75,099,000 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Total Investments in Securities | $ | 193,983,705 | $ | 1,315,779,231 | $ | — | $ | 1,509,762,936 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Other Financial Instruments* | $ | 6,751,315 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 6,751,315 |
* | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in the Schedule of Investments, such as futures, forward foreign currency exchange, swaps contracts and written options. Futures, forward foreign currency exchange and swap contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument, while written options are valued at fair value. |
Following is a schedule of transfers out of Level 1 for the International Fund:
Description | Transfers out of Level 1* | |||
Equity | ||||
Common Stocks | $ | (959,197,568 | ) | |
|
| |||
Total Equity | $ | (959,197,568 | ) | |
|
|
Following is a schedule of transfers into Level 2 for the International Fund:
Description | Transfers into Level 2* | |||
Equity | ||||
Common Stocks | $ | 959,197,568 | ||
|
| |||
Total Equity | $ | 959,197,568 | ||
|
|
* | The amount of transfers in and out are reflected at the securities’ fair value at the end of the period. |
Smaller Companies Fund
Description | Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets | Level 2 - Significant other observable inputs | Level 3 - Significant unobservable inputs | Total | ||||||||||||
Equity(a) | ||||||||||||||||
Common Stocks | $ | 64,128,730 | $ | 288,000 | $ | — | $ | 64,416,730 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Total Equity | $ | 64,128,730 | $ | 288,000 | $ | — | $ | 64,416,730 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Short-Term Investments | ||||||||||||||||
Repurchase Agreements | $ | — | $ | 8,887,000 | $ | — | $ | 8,887,000 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Total Investments in Securities in Assets | $ | 64,128,730 | $ | 9,175,000 | $ | — | $ | 73,303,730 | ||||||||
|
|
(a) | See Fund’s Schedule of Investments for sector classifications. |
There were no transfers between any levels in the Fund as of December 31, 2014.
96 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Funds Trust
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
Alternative Strategies Fund
Description | Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets | Level 2 - Significant other observable inputs | Level 3 - Significant unobservable inputs | Total | ||||||||||||
Equity(a) | ||||||||||||||||
Common Stocks | $ | 387,424,548 | $ | 2,841,255 | $ | 846,652 | ** | $ | 391,112,455 | |||||||
Exchange-Traded Funds | $ | 2,019,925 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 2,019,925 | ||||||||
Limited Partnerships | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,125,160 | ** | $ | 1,125,160 | |||||||
Preferred Stocks | $ | 6,586,364 | $ | 531,033 | $ | — | $ | 7,117,397 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Total Equity | $ | 396,030,837 | $ | 3,372,288 | $ | 1,971,812 | ** | $ | 401,374,937 | |||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Rights/Warrants | $ | 10,433 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 10,433 | ||||||||
Short-Term Investments | ||||||||||||||||
Treasury Bills | $ | — | $ | 11,899,231 | $ | — | $ | 11,899,231 | ||||||||
Repurchase Agreements | $ | — | $ | 126,711,000 | $ | — | $ | 126,711,000 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Total Short-Term Investments | $ | — | $ | 138,610,231 | $ | — | $ | 138,610,231 | ||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Fixed Income | ||||||||||||||||
Asset-Backed Securities | $ | — | $ | 28,090,379 | $ | 2,192,569 | ** | $ | 30,282,948 | |||||||
Bank Loans | $ | — | $ | 39,848,427 | $ | — | $ | 39,848,427 | ||||||||
Convertible Bonds | $ | — | $ | 20,327,737 | $ | — | $ | 20,327,737 | ||||||||
Corporate Bonds | $ | — | $ | 136,694,536 | $ | 3,580,995 | ** | $ | 140,275,531 | |||||||
Government Securities & Agency Issue | $ | — | $ | 15,098,241 | $ | — | $ | 15,098,241 | ||||||||
Mortgage-Backed Securities | $ | — | $ | 241,719,435 | $ | 997,943 | (1) | $ | 242,717,378 | |||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Total Fixed Income | $ | — | $ | 481,778,755 | $ | 6,771,507 | ** | $ | 488,550,262 | |||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Purchased Options | $ | 1,779,308 | $ | 563,859 | — | $ | 2,343,167 | |||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Total Investments in Securities in Assets | $ | 397,820,578 | $ | 624,325,133 | $ | 8,743,319 | ** | $ | 1,030,889,030 | |||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Short Sales | ||||||||||||||||
Common Stocks | $ | (106,333,567 | ) | $ | — | $ | (8 | )** | $ | (106,333,575 | ) | |||||
Exchange-Traded Funds | $ | (19,764,477 | ) | $ | 397,820,578 | $ | — | $ | (19,764,477 | ) | ||||||
Corporate Bonds | $ | — | $ | (2,259,252 | ) | $ | — | $ | (2,259,252 | ) | ||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Total Short Sales | $ | (126,098,044 | ) | $ | (2,259,252 | ) | $ | (8 | )** | $ | (128,357,304 | ) | ||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Total Investments in Securities in Liabilities | $ | (126,098,044 | ) | $ | (2,259,252 | ) | $ | (8 | )** | $ | (128,357,304 | ) | ||||
|
| |||||||||||||||
Other Financial Instruments* | ||||||||||||||||
Forwards Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts | $ | 895,470 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 895,470 | ||||||||
Futures | $ | (396,062 | ) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (396,062 | ) | ||||||
Swaps - Credit Default | $ | — | $ | (36,346 | ) | $ | — | $ | (36,346 | ) | ||||||
Swaps - Total Return | $ | — | $ | (1,090 | ) | $ | — | $ | (1,090 | ) | ||||||
Written Options | $ | (102,262 | ) | $ | (390 | ) | $ | — | $ | (102,652 | ) |
(a) | See Fund’s Schedule of Investments for sector classifications. |
* | Other financial instruments are derivative instruments not reflected in the Schedule of Investments, such as futures, forward foreign currency exchange, swaps contracts and written options. Futures, forward foreign currency exchange and swap contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument, while written options are valued at fair value. |
** | Significant unobservable inputs were used in determining the value of portfolio securities for the Alternative Strategies Fund. |
(1) | These securities were priced by a pricing service; however, the Advisor/Sub-Advisor used their fair value procedures based on other available inputs which more accurately reflected the current fair value of these securities. |
Notes to Financial Statements | 97 |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Funds Trust
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
The following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value for the Alternative Strategies Fund:
Description | Balance as of December 31, 2013 | Purchase | Realized Gain (Loss) | Amortization | Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | Sales | Transfers Level 3* | Transfers out of Level 3* | Balance as of December 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stocks | $ | 178,624 | $ | 797,695 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (129,667 | )** | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 846,652 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Limited Partnerships | $ | 578,294 | $ | 529,372 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 23,661 | ** | $ | (6,167 | )(1) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,125,160 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Equity | $ | 756,918 | $ | 1,327,067 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (106,006 | ) | $ | (6,167 | ) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,971,812 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed Income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Asset-Backed Securities | $ | — | $ | 2,192,569 | $ | — | $ | 256 | $ | (256 | )** | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 2,192,569 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate Bonds | $ | 1,090,998 | $ | 2,172,784 | $ | 956 | $ | 4,779 | $ | 22,029 | ** | $ | (35,475 | ) | $ | 324,924 | $ | — | $ | 3,580,995 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage-Backed Securities | $ | 1,352,338 | $ | 84,052 | $ | 369,277 | $ | 3,893 | $ | 65,664 | ** | $ | (1,043,569 | ) | $ | 294,579 | $ | (128,291 | ) | $ | 997,943 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Fixed Income | $ | 2,443,336 | $ | 4,449,405 | $ | 370,233 | $ | 8,928 | $ | 87,437 | $ | (1,079,044 | ) | $ | 619,503 | $ | (128,291 | ) | $ | 6,771,507 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Investments In Securities | $ | 3,200,254 | $ | 5,776,472 | $ | 370,233 | $ | 8,928 | $ | (18,569 | ) | $ | (1,085,211 | ) | $ | 619,503 | $ | (128,291 | ) | $ | 8,743,319 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Short Sales | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stocks | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (8 | ) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (8 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Short Sales | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (8 | ) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (8 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
* | The amount of transfers in or out are reflected at the securities’ fair value at the end of the period. |
** | The amounts represent the total change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in the Statements of Operations attributable to Level 3 investments still held at December 31, 2014. |
(1) | The amount represents a return of capital. |
98 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Funds Trust
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
The following table summarizes the significant quantitative inputs and assumptions used for items categorized as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2014.
Asset Categories | Fair Value at December 31, 2014 | Valuation Techniques | Unobservable Inputs*** | Ranges | Average | |||||||
Common Stocks | $ | 637,797 | N/A | Underlying asset appraisals and operating statements | N/A | N/A | ||||||
152,295 | Valuation Model for auction value of spectrum rights | Estimated Multiples, Estimated transaction expenses, estimated taxes and outstanding shares | $2.40-4.45 | $2.95 | ||||||||
56,560 | Discounted Present Value of future receivable | N/A | 0.07-0.08 0.15-0.16 | N/A N/A | ||||||||
Limited Partnership | 1,125,160 | N/A** | Underlying asset appraisals and operating statements | N/A | N/A | |||||||
Asset-Backed Securities | 2,192,569 | Cash Flow Model | Bid side pricing | N/A | 100 | |||||||
Corporate Bonds | 3,256,071 | Underwriting and Funding | Private Financing, Project progress reports, maintenance of collateral and yield | N/A | 100 | |||||||
324,924 | Discount to similar securities | Broker Quotes of similar securities | 111.63-114.00 | 112.813 | ||||||||
Mortgage-Backed Securities | 659,505 | Pricing Model* | Cash Flow and Discounted Broker Quotes | 42.50-50.74 47.63-63.09 | 46.62 55.36 | |||||||
338,438 | Discount to round lot pricing | Round lot prices with discount based on size of position | N/A | N/A | ||||||||
Short Sales | (8 | ) | Discounted Present Value of future receivable | N/A | 0.07-0.08 | N/A |
* | The Pricing Model technique for Level 3 securities involves preparing a proprietary broker price opinion (BPO) model using valuation information provided by the loan servicer based on local market resources and sales trends published by the National Association of Realtors, and a broker, and then applying an appropriate discount to that valuation. The discount reflects market conditions such as lack of liquidity of the investment, the costs associated with foreclosure and liquidation, the historical performance of the loan pool and the characteristics of the remaining loans including whether or not the loans are performing. |
** | No adjustments were made to the NAV provided by the administrator of the Limited Partnerships. Adjustments to the NAV would be considered if the practical expedient NAV was not as of Fund’s measurement date; it was probable that the Limited Partnerships would be sold at a value materially different than the reported expedient NAV; or it was determined in accordance with the Fund’s valuation procedures that the Limited Partnerships are not being reported at fair value. |
*** | Significant increases and decreases on the unobservable inputs used to determine fair value of Level 3 assets could result in significantly higher or lower fair value measurements. |
Note 7 – Other Derivative Information
At December 31, 2014, the Funds are invested in derivative contracts which are reflected in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as follows:
International Fund
Derivative Assets | Derivative Liabilities | |||||||||||||||
Risk | Statements of Assets and Liabilities Location | Fair Value Amount | Statements of Assets and Liabilities Location | Fair Value Amount | ||||||||||||
Currency | Unrealized gain on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | $ | 7,222,593 | Unrealized loss on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | $ | (471,278 | ) | |||||||||
|
Notes to Financial Statements | 99 |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Funds Trust
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
Alternative Strategies Fund | ||||||||||||||||
Derivative Assets | Derivative Liabilities | |||||||||||||||
Risk | Statements of Assets and Liabilities Location | Fair Value Amount | Statements of Assets and Liabilities Location | Fair Value Amount | ||||||||||||
Currency | Unrealized gain on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | $ | 1,284,362 | Unrealized loss on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | $ | (388,892 | ) | |||||||||
Investments in securities(1) | 527,547 | Written options | (390 | ) | ||||||||||||
Interest rate | Investments in securities(1) | 36,312 | Written options | — | ||||||||||||
Credit | Unrealized gain on swaps* | 369,152 | Unrealized loss on swaps* | (405,498 | ) | |||||||||||
Equity | Unrealized gain on swaps | — | Unrealized loss on swaps | (1,090 | ) | |||||||||||
Unrealized gain on futures contracts** | — | Unrealized loss on futures contracts** | (396,062 | ) | ||||||||||||
Investments in securities | 1,779,308 | Written options | (102,262 | ) | ||||||||||||
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||
Total | $ | 3,996,681 | $ | (1,294,194 | ) | |||||||||||
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||
(1) Generally, the Statements of Assets and Liabilities location for “Purchased Options” is “Investments in securities”.
* Includes cumulative appreciation/depreciation on centrally cleared swaps.
** Includes cumulative appreciation/depreciation on futures contracts described previously. Only current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. |
|
For the year ended December 31, 2014, the effect of derivative contracts in the Funds’ Statements of Operations were as follows:
Equity Fund
Statements of Operations | ||||||||||||||
Risk | Derivative Type | Net Realized Gain (Loss) | Net Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) | Quarterly Average(a) | ||||||||||
Currency | Forward foreign currency exchange contracts(1) | $ | — | $ | 18,526 | 1,378,713 |
(a) | Quarterly average notional values are based on the average of quarterly end notional balances for the year ended December 31, 2014. |
(1) | Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are included in Foreign currency transactions in the Statements of Operations. |
International Fund
Statements of Operations | ||||||||||||||||||
Risk | Derivative Type | Net Realized Gain (Loss) | Net Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) | Quarterly Average(a) | ||||||||||||||
Currency | Forward foreign currency exchange contracts(1) | $1,166,705 | $8,750,622 | 86,995,219 | ||||||||||||||
Purchased option contracts(2) | (897,156 | ) | 127,351 | 40,626,000 | ||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||
Total | $269,549 | $8,877,973 | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
(a) | Quarterly average notional values are based on the average of quarterly end notional balances for the year ended December 31, 2014. |
(1) | Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are included in Foreign currency transactions in the Statements of Operations. |
(2) | Generally, the Statements of Operations location for “Purchased Options” is “Investments in securities”. |
100 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Funds Trust
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
Alternative Strategies Fund
Statements of Operations | ||||||||||||||||
Risk | Derivative Type | Net Realized Gain (Loss) | Net Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) | Quarterly Average | ||||||||||||
Currency | Forward foreign currency exchange contracts(1) | $ | 2,667,061 | $ | 924,742 | 76,057,933 | (a) | |||||||||
Purchased option contracts(2) | 1,026,398 | 270,372 | 9,760,000 | (a) | ||||||||||||
Written option contracts | — | 45,970 | 2,440,000 | (a) | ||||||||||||
Interest rate | Swap contracts | 72,000 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Future contracts | (1,997,693 | ) | (542,956 | ) | 28,025,949 | (a) | ||||||||||
Purchased option contracts(2) | — | (29,409 | ) | 46,800,000 | (a) | |||||||||||
Credit | Swap contracts | (839,695 | ) | 106,923 | 19,956,160 | (a)(c) | ||||||||||
Equity | Swap contracts | 338,862 | (1,090 | ) | 978,135 | (a)(c) | ||||||||||
Future contracts | (1,765,912 | ) | (123,648 | ) | 9,412,068 | (a) | ||||||||||
Purchased option contracts(2) | (3,214,344 | ) | (846,291 | ) | 13,218 | (b) | ||||||||||
Written option contracts | 1,431,404 | (1,909 | ) | 5,497 | (b) | |||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | (2,281,919 | ) | $ | (197,296 | ) | ||||||||||
|
(a) | Quarterly average notional values are based on the average of quarterly end notional balances for the year ended December 31, 2014. |
(b) | Quarterly average contracts are based on the average of quarterly end contracts for the year ended December 31, 2014. |
(c) | Notional amount is denoted in local currency. |
(1) | Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are included in Foreign currency transactions in the Statements of Operations. |
(2) | Generally, the Statements of Operations location for “Purchased Options” is “Investments in securities”. |
The Funds are subject to various Master Netting Arrangements, which govern the terms of certain transactions with select counterparties. The Master Netting Arrangements allow the Funds to close out and net their total exposure to a counterparty in the event of a default with respect to all the transactions governed under a single agreement with a counterparty. The Master Netting Arrangements also specify collateral posting arrangements at pre-arranged exposure levels. Under the Master Netting Arrangements, collateral is routinely transferred if the total net exposure to certain transactions (net of existing collateral already in place) governed under the relevant Master Netting Arrangement with a counterparty in a given account exceeds a specified threshold depending on the counterparty and the type of Master Netting Arrangement.
The following tables represent the ASU 2013-01 disclosure related to offsetting assets and liabilities for each of the Funds as of December 31, 2014:
Equity Fund
Assets: | Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||
Gross Amounts Presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | Financial Instruments | Securities Collateral (Pledged) Received | Cash Collateral (Pledged) Received | Net Amount | ||||||||||||||||
Description | ||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase Agreements | $ | 20,197,000 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 20,197,000 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
$ | 20,197,000 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 20,197,000 | |||||||||||
|
|
Notes to Financial Statements | 101 |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Funds Trust
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
International Fund | ||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||
Gross Amounts Presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | Financial Instruments | Securities Collateral (Pledged) Received | Cash Collateral (Pledged) Received | Net Amount | ||||||||||||||||
Description | ||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase Agreements | $ | 75,099,000 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 75,099,000 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
$ | 75,099,000 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 75,099,000 | |||||||||||
|
|
International Fund
Derivative Assets | Derivative Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Counterparty | Options Purchased | Swaps | Forward Currency Contracts | Total | Swaps | Forward Currency Contracts | Options | Total | Net Derivative Asset (Liabilities) | Collateral (Received) Pledged | Net Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
State Street Bank and Trust | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 7,222,593 | $ | 7,222,593 | $ | — | $ | (471,278 | ) | $ | — | $ | (471,278 | ) | $ | 6,751,315 | $ | — | $ | 6,751,315 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 7,222,593 | $ | 7,222,593 | $ | — | $ | (471,278 | ) | $ | — | $ | (471,278 | ) | $ | 6,751,315 | $ | — | $ | 6,751,315 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Smaller Companies Fund
Assets: | Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||
Gross Amounts Presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | Financial Instruments | Securities Collateral (Pledged) Received | Cash Collateral (Pledged) Received | Net Amount | ||||||||||||||||
Description | ||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase Agreements | $ | 8,887,000 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 8,887,000 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
$ | 8,887,000 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 8,887,000 | |||||||||||
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| |||||||||||||||||||
Alternative Strategies Fund | ||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||
Gross Amounts Presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | Financial Instruments | Securities Collateral (Pledged) Received | Cash Collateral (Pledged) Received | Net Amount | ||||||||||||||||
Description | ||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase Agreements | $ | 126,711,000 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 126,711,000 | ||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
$ | 126,711,000 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 126,711,000 | |||||||||||
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|
102 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Funds Trust
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
Alternative Strategies Fund
Derivative Assets | Derivative Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Counterparty | Options Purchased | Swaps | Forward Currency Contracts | Total | Futures(1) | Swaps | Forward Currency Contracts | Options Written | Total | Net Derivative Asset (Liabilities) | Collateral (Received) Pledged | Net Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bank of America N.A. | $ | 36,312 | $ | 357,384 | $ | 68,940 | $ | 462,636 | $ | — | $ | (26,350 | ) | $ | (137,456 | ) | $ | — | $ | (163,806 | ) | $ | 298,830 | $ | (298,830 | ) | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
Barclays Bank Plc | — | — | 7,728 | 7,728 | — | — | (73,583 | ) | — | (73,583 | ) | (65,855 | ) | — | (65,855 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Citibank N.A. | 374,822 | — | — | 374,822 | — | — | (7,759 | ) | — | (7,759 | ) | 367,063 | — | 367,063 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. | — | 8,508 | — | 8,508 | — | (148,053 | ) | — | — | (148,053 | ) | (139,545 | ) | 139,545 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit Suisse International | — | — | 1,024,329 | 1,024,329 | — | — | (159,292 | ) | — | (159,292 | ) | 865,037 | (865,037 | ) | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc. | 152,725 | — | — | 152,725 | — | (71,931 | ) | — | (390 | ) | (72,321 | ) | 80,404 | — | 80,404 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Goldman Sachs & Co. | 847,572 | — | 183,365 | 1,030,937 | — | — | (10,802 | ) | (75,807 | ) | (86,609 | ) | 944,328 | — | 944,328 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Goldman Sachs International | — | — | — | — | — | (1,090 | ) | — | — | (1,090 | ) | (1,090 | ) | 1,090 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
JP Morgan Chase Bank NA | — | — | — | — | (396,062 | ) | — | — | — | (396,062 | ) | (396,062 | ) | 396,062 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley & Co. | 931,736 | — | — | 931,736 | — | — | — | (26,455 | ) | (26,455 | ) | 905,281 | — | 905,281 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley Capital Services, Inc. | — | — | — | — | — | (153,734 | ) | — | — | (153,734 | ) | (153,734 | ) | 153,734 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 2,343,167 | $ | 365,892 | $ | 1,284,362 | $ | 3,993,421 | $ | (396,062 | ) | $ | (401,158 | ) | $ | (388,892 | ) | $ | (102,652 | ) | $ | (1,288,764 | ) | $ | 2,704,657 | $ | (473,436 | ) | $ | 2,231,221 | ||||||||||||||||||
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(1) | Includes cumulative appreciation/depreciation on futures contracts described previously. Only current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statements of assets and liabilities. |
Note 8 – Unfunded Loan Commitment
At December 31, 2014, unfunded loan commitment for the Alternative Strategies Fund was as follows:
Borrower | Unfunded Commitment | |||
College Terrace | $ | 209,251 | ||
801 S. Broadway | 150,857 | |||
Pacific City Retail | 36,111 | |||
Echo Brickell | 231,409 | |||
365 Bond St. | 370,997 | |||
SLS Hotel | 330,751 | |||
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Total | $ | 1,329,376 | ||
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Notes to Financial Statements | 103 |
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Litman Gregory Funds Trust
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
Note 9 – Income Taxes and Distributions to Shareholders
As of December 31, 2014, the components of accumulated earnings (losses) for income tax purposes were as follows:
Equity Fund | International Fund | Smaller Companies Fund | Alternatives Strategies Fund | |||||||||||||
Tax cost of Investments | $ | 311,277,310 | $ | 1,427,836,038 | $ | 70,229,684 | $ | 989,871,178 | ||||||||
Gross Tax Unrealized Appreciation | 113,288,408 | 207,122,688 | 11,814,023 | 62,677,209 | ||||||||||||
Gross Tax Unrealized Depreciation | (5,095,288 | ) | (125,195,790 | ) | (8,739,977 | ) | (21,659,357 | ) | ||||||||
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Net Tax unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | 108,193,120 | 81,926,898 | 3,074,046 | 41,017,852 | ||||||||||||
Net Tax unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts, foreign currency, swaps, futures, & short sales | (2,863 | ) | (134,010 | ) | — | (5,189,133 | ) | |||||||||
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Net Tax unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | 108,190,257 | 81,792,888 | 3,074,046 | 35,828,719 | ||||||||||||
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Undistributed Ordinary Income | 601,076 | 20,533,954 | — | 2,404,869 | ||||||||||||
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Undistributed Long-Term Capital Gains | 5,754,084 | — | — | 3,902,427 | ||||||||||||
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Capital Loss Carry Forward | — | (89,568,027 | ) | (20,195,302 | ) | — | ||||||||||
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Current Year Ordinary Late Year Losses | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
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Post-October Capital Losses | — | — | (402,273 | ) | (8,327,923 | ) | ||||||||||
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Other Accumulated Losses | — | — | — | (25,954 | ) | |||||||||||
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Total accumulated gain/(loss) | $ | 114,545,417 | $ | 12,758,815 | $ | (17,523,529 | ) | $ | 33,782,138 | |||||||
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The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation is attributable primarily to wash sales.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Funds utilized the following amounts of capital loss carryforwards:
Fund | Capital Loss Carryover Utilized | |||
Equity Fund | $ | 2,091,124 | ||
International Fund | 147,311,499 | |||
Smaller Companies Fund | 10,902,816 | |||
Alternatives Strategies Fund | 2,832,362 |
The capital loss carry forwards for each Fund are as follows:
Fund | Capital Loss Carryover | Expires | ||||||
Equity Fund | $ | — | ||||||
International Fund | 89,568,027 | 12/31/17 | ||||||
Smaller Companies Fund | 20,195,302 | 12/31/17 | ||||||
Alternatives Strategies Fund | — |
Additionally, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles require 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. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the following table shows the reclassifications made:
Fund | Undistributed Net Investment | Accumulated Net Realized Gain/(Loss) | Paid In Capital | |||||||||
Equity Fund* | $ | 409,604 | $ | (667,348 | ) | $ | 257,744 | |||||
International Fund* | (1,126,202 | ) | 1,126,201 | 1 | ||||||||
Smaller Companies Fund* | 506,426 | (14,070 | ) | (492,356 | ) | |||||||
Alternatives Strategies Fund* | 3,935,211 | (5,470,800 | ) | 1,535,589 |
* | The permanent differences primarily relate to Paydowns, Partnerships, Foreign currency gains/losses, NOL and equalization adjustments. |
104 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
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Litman Gregory Funds Trust
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
The tax composition of dividends (other than return of capital dividends), for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||||
Fund | Ordinary Income | Long-Term Capital Gain | Ordinary Income | Long-Term Capital Gain | ||||||||||||||
Equity Fund | $ | 10,455,161 | $ | 32,592,367 | $ | 10,055,825 | $ | 4,878,612 | ||||||||||
International Fund | $ | 17,455,894 | $ | — | $ | 16,332,912 | $ | — | ||||||||||
Smaller Companies Fund | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||||
Alternative Strategies Fund | $ | 27,892,987 | $ | 2,664,151 | $ | 15,451,282 | $ | — |
The Funds designated as long-term capital gain dividend, pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 852(b)(3), the amount necessary to reduce the earnings and profits of the Funds related to net capital gain to zero for the tax year ended December 31, 2014.
Net investment income and net realized gains differ for financial statement and tax purposes due to differing treatments of wash sale losses deferred, foreign currency transactions and losses realized subsequent to October 31 on the sale of securities and foreign currencies, late year losses, and PFIC adjustments.
Note 10 – Line of Credit
The Trust has an unsecured $75,000,000 line of credit with the Equity Fund, International Fund and Smaller Companies Fund (the “Three Funds”) expiring on or March 13, 2015. Borrowings under this agreement bear interest at the higher of the federal funds rate or overnight libor plus 1.00% per annum. As compensation for holding the lending commitment available, the Trust pays 0.10% per annum fee on the unused portion of the commitment on the unsecured line, which is allocated among the three Funds based on their relative net assets. The fee is payable quarterly in arrears. The Trust also has a secured $100,000,000 (increased $50,000,000 during the year) line of credit for the Alternative Strategies Fund with its custodian expiring on July 30, 2015. The line of credit is secured by a general security interest in substantially all of the Alternative Strategies Fund’s assets. Borrowings under this agreement bear interest at the higher of the federal funds rate or overnight libor plus 1.10% per annum. As compensation for holding the lending commitment available, the Trust pays 0.15% per annum fee on the unused portion of the commitment on the secured line, which is paid for by the Alternative Strategies Fund. The fee is payable quarterly in arrears. An upfront fee equal to 0.05% of the increased line of credit was paid at closing.
Amounts outstanding to the Three Funds under the Facility at no time shall exceed in the aggregate at any time the least of (a) $75,000,000; (b) 10% of the value of the total assets of each Fund less such Fund’s total liabilities not represented by senior securities less the value of any assets of the Fund pledged to, or otherwise segregated for the benefit of a party other than the Bank and in connection with a liability not reflected in the calculation of the Fund’s total liabilities. Amounts outstanding for the Alternative Strategies Fund at no time shall exceed in the aggregate at any time the lesser of the (a) Borrowing Base, (b) the Facility amount of $100,000,000 and (c) should not have an aggregate amount of outstanding senior securities representing indebtedness the least of (i) 33 1/3% of the Alternative Strategies Fund’s net assets and (ii) the maximum amount that the fund would be permitted to incur pursuant to applicable law.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, the accrued interest expense was $222,477 for Alternative Strategies Fund. For the year ended December 31, 2014, there were no borrowings for the Equity Fund, International Fund and Smaller Companies Fund, and there was no balance outstanding at the end of the year. There was an outstanding balance of $25,000,000 for the Alternative Strategies Fund at December 31, 2014. The average borrowing for the year ended December 31, 2014 for the Alternative Strategies Fund for the period the line was drawn was $24,579,044, at an average borrowing rate of 1.1979%.
Note 11 – Limited Partnership Investment
On June 27, 2012, First Pacific Advisors LLC on behalf the Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund executed an agreement to invest in U.S. Farming Realty Trust II, LP, a limited partnership investment. The capital commitment of this investment is approximately $1.3 million. The remaining commitment as of December 31, 2014 is $206,912.
Note 12 – Principal Risks
Below are summaries of the principal risks of investing in one or more of the Funds, each of which could adversely affect a Fund’s net asset value, yield and total return. Each risk listed below does not necessarily apply to each Fund, and you should read a Fund’s prospectus carefully for a description of the principal risks associated with investing in a particular Fund.
• | Asset-backed securities investment risk. The risk that borrowers may default on the obligations that underlie the asset-backed security and that, during periods of falling interest rates, asset-backed securities may be called or prepaid, which may result in a |
Notes to Financial Statements | 105 |
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Litman Gregory Funds Trust
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
Fund having to reinvest proceeds in other investments at a lower interest rate, and the risk that the impairment of the value of the collateral underlying a security in which a Fund invests (due, for example, to non-payment of loans) will result in a reduction in the value of the security. |
• | Below Investment-Grade Fixed Income Securities Risk. This is the risk of investing in below investment-grade fixed income securities (also known as “junk bonds”), which may be greater than that of higher rated fixed income securities. These securities are rated Ba through C by Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) or BB through D by Standard & Poor’s Rating Group (“S&P”) (or comparably rated by another nationally recognized statistical rating organization), or, if not rated by Moody’s or S&P, are considered by the sub-advisors to be of similar quality. These securities have greater risk of default than higher rated securities. The market value of these securities is more sensitive to corporate developments and economic conditions and can be volatile. Market conditions can diminish liquidity and make accurate valuations difficult to obtain. There is no limit to the Fund’s ability to invest in below investment-grade fixed income securities; however, under normal market conditions, it does not expect to invest more than 50% of its total assets in below investment-grade fixed income securities. |
• | Convertible Securities Risk. This is the risk that the market value of convertible securities may fluctuate due to changes in, among other things, interest rates; other general economic conditions; industry fundamentals; market sentiment; the issuer’s operating results, financial statements, and credit ratings; and the market value of the underlying common or preferred stock. |
• | Credit Risk. This is the risk that the Fund could lose money if the issuer or guarantor of a fixed income security, or the counterparty of a derivatives contract or other transaction, is unable or unwilling (or is perceived to be unable or unwilling) to make timely payment of principal and/or interest, or to otherwise honor its obligations. |
• | Currency Risk. This is the risk that investing in foreign currencies may expose the Fund to fluctuations in currency exchange rates and that such fluctuations in the exchange rates may negatively affect an investment related to a currency or denominated in a foreign currency. The Fund may invest in foreign currencies for investment and hedging purposes. |
• | Debt Securities Risk. This is the risk that the value and liquidity of debt securities may be reduced under certain circumstances. The value of debt securities can fluctuate in response to issuer activity and changes in general economic and credit market conditions, including changes in interest rates. In recent years, dealer capacity in the debt and fixed income markets appears to have undergone fundamental changes, including a reduction in dealer market-making capacity. These changes have the potential to decrease substantially liquidity and increase volatility in the debt and fixed income markets. |
• | Derivatives Risk. This is the risk that an investment in derivatives may not correlate completely to the performance of the underlying securities and may be volatile and that the insolvency of the counterparty to a derivative instrument could cause the Fund to lose all or substantially all of its investment in the derivative instrument, as well as the benefits derived therefrom. |
• | Distressed Companies Risk. The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in securities of distressed companies. Debt obligations of distressed companies typically are unrated, lower rated, in default or close to default and may be difficult to value accurately or may become worthless. |
• | Emerging Markets Risk. The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in emerging market countries. Emerging market countries are those with immature economic and political structures, and investing in emerging markets entails greater risk than in developed markets. Such risks could include those related to government dependence on a few industries or resources, government-imposed taxes on foreign investment or limits on the removal of capital from a country, unstable government, and volatile markets. |
• | Equity Securities Risk. This is the risk that the value of equity securities may fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, due to factors affecting the general market, an entire industry or sector, or particular companies. These factors include, without limitation, adverse changes in economic conditions, the general outlook for corporate earnings, interest rates or investor sentiment; increases in production costs; and significant management decisions. This risk is greater for small- and medium-sized companies, which tend to be more vulnerable to adverse developments than larger companies. |
• | Foreign Investment and Emerging Markets Risks. This is the risk that an investment in foreign (non-U.S.) securities may cause the Fund to experience more rapid and extreme changes in value than a fund that invests exclusively in securities of U.S. companies, due to factors such as currency conversion rate fluctuations, currency blockages, political and economic instability, differences in financial reporting, accounting and auditing standards, nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, and smaller and less-strict regulation of securities markets. These risks are greater in emerging markets. There is no limit to the Fund’s ability to invest in emerging market securities; however, under normal market conditions, it does not expect to invest more than 50% of its total assets in emerging market securities; however, some Funds may invest a portion of their assets in stocks of companies based outside of the United States. |
106 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
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Litman Gregory Funds Trust
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
• | Interest Rate Risk. This is the risk that debt securities will decline in value because of changes in interest rates. A fund with a longer average portfolio duration will be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than a fund with a shorter average portfolio duration. |
• | Leverage Risk. This is the risk that leverage may cause the effect of an increase or decrease in the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities to be magnified and the Fund to be more volatile than if leverage was not used. Leverage may result from certain transactions, including the use of derivatives and borrowing. |
• | Market Risk. As with all mutual funds that invest in common stocks, the value of an individual’s investment will fluctuate daily in response to the performance of the individual stocks held in the Fund. The stock market has been subject to significant volatility recently, which has increased the risks associated with an investment in the Fund. |
• | Merger Arbitrage Risk. This is the risk that a proposed reorganization in which the Fund invests may be renegotiated or terminated. |
• | Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk. This is the risk of investing in mortgaged-backed securities, which includes interest rate risk, prepayment risk and the risk of defaults on the mortgage loans underlying these securities. |
• | Multi-Strategy Management Risk. This is the risk that the Fund could experience overlapping security transactions as a result of having different portfolio managers using different strategies to manage the Fund’s assets. Certain portfolio managers may be purchasing securities at the same time other portfolio managers may be selling those same securities, which may lead to higher transaction expenses compared to a fund using a single investment strategy. |
• | Multi-Style Management Risk. Because portions of the Fund’s assets are managed by different portfolio managers using different styles, the Fund could experience overlapping security transactions. Certain portfolio managers may be purchasing securities at the same time other portfolio managers may be selling those same securities, which may lead to higher transaction expenses compared to a Fund using a single investment management style. |
• | Non-Diversification Risk. A probable result of non-diversification is that increases or decreases in the value of any of the individual securities owned by the Fund may have a greater impact on the Fund’s net asset value and total return than would be the case in a diversified fund holding a larger number of securities. This may make the Fund’s performance more volatile than would be the case if it had a diversified investment portfolio. |
• | Portfolio Turnover Risk. This is the risk that the Alternative Strategies Fund may experience high portfolio turnover rates as a result of its investment strategies. High portfolio turnover rates may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when shares of the Alternative Strategies Fund are held in a taxable account. |
• | High portfolio turnover involves correspondingly greater expenses to the Fund, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs on the sale of securities and reinvestments in other securities, which may result in adverse tax consequences to the Fund’s shareholders. |
• | Smaller Companies Risk. The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in the securities of small- and mid-sized companies. Securities of small and mid-cap companies are generally more volatile and less liquid than the securities of large-cap companies. This is because smaller companies may be more reliant on a few products, services or key personnel, which can make it riskier than investing in larger companies with more diverse product lines and structured management. |
• | Short Sale Risk. This is the risk that the value of a security the Fund sells short does not go down as expected. The risk of loss is theoretically unlimited if the value of the security sold short continues to increase. In addition, short sales may cause the Fund to be compelled, at a time disadvantageous to it, to buy the security previously sold short, thus resulting in a loss. To meet current margin requirements, the Fund is required to deposit with the broker additional cash or securities so that the total deposit with the broker is maintained daily at 150% of the current market value of the securities sold short. |
• | Unfavorable Tax Treatment Risk. This is the risk that a material portion of the Alternative Strategies Fund’s return could be in the form of net investment income or short-term capital gains, some of which may be distributed to shareholders and taxed at ordinary income tax rates. |
Note 13 – Fund Reorganizations
As of the close of business on June 20, 2013 and December 19, 2013, respectively, pursuant to Agreements and Plans of Reorganization previously approved by the Funds’ Board of Trustees, all of the assets, subject to the liabilities, of the Litman Gregory Masters Value Fund (the “Value Fund”) and Litman Gregory Masters Focused Opportunities Fund (the “Focused Opportunities Fund”), respectively, were transferred to the Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund (the “Equity Fund”). The Board determined that the reorganizations were in the best interest of the Value Fund and Focused Opportunities Funds’ shareholders, and did not dilute the
Notes to Financial Statements | 107 |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Funds Trust
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
interests of existing shareholders. Shareholders of the Value Fund and Focused Opportunities Fund received 0.9795 and 0.8525 Institutional Class shares, respectively, of the Equity Fund, which is equivalent in aggregate net asset value to the value of their shares of the Value Fund and the Focused Opportunities Fund. The reorganizations qualified as a tax-free reorganization to the Litman Gregory Masters Funds’ shareholders. For financial reporting purposes, the acquiring fund is deemed to be the accounting survivor and as a result, the financial statements and financial highlights do not reflect the operations of the acquired funds. The assets received and shares issued by the Equity Fund were recorded at fair value; however, the cost basis of the investments received from the Value Fund and Focused Opportunities Fund were carried forward to align ongoing reporting of the Equity Fund’s realized and unrealized gains and losses with amounts distributable to shareholders for tax purposes. Information with respect to the net assets and other relevant operating data for the acquired funds on the merger date are included below:
Equity Fund and Value Fund Reorganization
Acquired Fund | Litman Gregory Masters Value Fund | |||
Net Assets | $ | 67,851,847 | ||
Shares Outstanding | 4,554,457 | |||
Net Asset Value | $ | 14.90 | ||
Investments at fair value | $ | 10,658,482 | ||
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | $ | 8,433,400 | ||
Undistributed net investment income | — | |||
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) | — | |||
Tax capital loss carryforward | — | |||
Acquired Fund | Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund | |||
Net Assets immediately prior to merger | 280,971,536 | |||
Net Assets immediately after merger | 348,823,383 | |||
Fund Shares Issued in exchange for acquired fund | 4,461,002 | |||
Exchange rate for shares issued | 0.9795 |
Equity Fund and Focused Opportunities Fund Reorganization
Acquired Fund | Litman Gregory Masters Focus Opportunities Fund | |||
Net Assets | $ | 51,170,208 | ||
Shares Outstanding | 3,430,098 | |||
Net Asset Value | $ | 14.92 | ||
Investments at fair value | $ | 19,032,831 | ||
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | $ | (7,247,266 | ) | |
Undistributed net investment income | — | |||
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) | — | |||
Tax capital loss carryforward | — | |||
Acquired Fund | Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund | |||
Net Assets immediately prior to merger | $ | 362,565,763 | ||
Net Assets immediately after merger | $ | 413,735,971 | ||
Fund Shares Issued in exchange for acquired fund | 2,924,012 | |||
Exchange rate for shares issued | 0.8525 |
108 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
Table of Contents
Litman Gregory Funds Trust
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
Assuming the acquisitions had been completed on January 1, 2013, the beginning of the annual reporting period of the Funds, the Fund’s pro forma results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013, are as follows:
Acquired Fund | Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund | |||
Net investment loss | $ | (731,951 | ) | |
Net realized and unrealized gain on Investments | $ | 128,827,647 | ||
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Total increase from operations | $ | 128,095,696 | ||
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Note 14 – Subsequent Event
As of the prospectus dated April 30, 2014, the net expense ratios for the Institutional class and Investor class of the International Fund were 1.07% and 1.32%, respectively. As of January 1, 2015, net expense ratios were capped at 0.99% for the Institutional class and 1.24% for the Investor class.
Notes to Financial Statements | 109 |
Table of Contents
OTHER INFORMATION – (Unaudited)
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
The sub-advisors of the Funds vote proxies relating to portfolio securities in accordance with procedures that have been approved by the Board of Trustees of the Funds. You may obtain a description of these procedures, without charge, by calling toll-free, 1-800-960-0188. This information is also available through the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
Proxy Voting Record
Information regarding how the sub-advisors of the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the 12-month period ended December 31 is available, without charge, by calling toll-free, 1-800-960-0188. This information is also available through the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
Form N-Q Disclosure
The Funds file their complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Funds’ Form N-Q is available on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The Funds’ Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. This information is also available, without charge, by calling toll-free, 1-800-960-0188 or by visiting the Funds’ website at http://www.mastersfunds.com.
Householding Mailings
To reduce expenses, the Trust may mail only one copy of the Funds’ prospectus and each annual and semi-annual report to those addresses shared by two or more accounts. If you wish to receive individual copies of these documents, please call us at 1-800-960-0188 (or contact your financial institution). The Trust will begin sending you individual copies thirty days after receiving your request.
Board Consideration of and Continuation and Renewal of Investment Advisory Agreements
At an in-person meeting held on December 3, 2014 (the “Meeting”), the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Litman Gregory Funds Trust (the “Trust”), including the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) (the “Independent Trustees”), considered and approved for an additional one-year term through December 31, 2015 (i) the Unified Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”) between the Trust and Litman Gregory Fund Advisors, LLC (the “Advisor”) with respect to the Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund (the “Equity Fund”), the Litman Gregory Masters International Fund (the “International Fund”), the Litman Gregory Masters Smaller Companies Fund (the “Smaller Companies Fund”) and the Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund (the “Alternative Strategies Fund”) (each of the Equity Fund, the International Fund, the Smaller Companies Fund and the Alternative Strategies Fund, a “Fund,” and collectively, the “Funds”), and (ii) the investment sub-advisory agreements (the “Investment Sub-Advisory Agreements,” and collectively with the Investment Advisory Agreement, the “Advisory Agreements”) between the Advisor and (a) each of Davis Selected Advisers, L.P., Fiduciary Management, Inc., Harris Associates L.P. (“Harris”), Nuance Investments, LLC, Sands Capital Management, LLC and Wells Capital Management Inc. (“Wells”) with respect to the Equity Fund; (b) each of Harris, Lazard Asset Management LLC, Northern Cross, LLC, Thornburg Investment Management, Inc. and Wellington Management Company, LLP with respect to the International Fund; (c) each of Cove Street Capital, LLC, First Pacific Advisers, LLC (“FPA”) and Wells with respect to the Smaller Companies Fund; and (d) each of DoubleLine Capital LP, FPA, Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P., and Water Island Capital, LLC with respect to the Alternative Strategies Fund (each of the foregoing sub-advisors, a “Sub-Advisor,” and collectively, the “Sub-Advisors”). The Board, including the Independent Trustees, also approved (1) the continuation for an additional one-year term through April 30, 2016 of (x) the Restated Contractual Advisory Fee Waiver Agreement between the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and the Advisor (the “Fee Waiver Agreement”); and (y) the Operating Expenses Limitation Agreement between the Trust, on behalf of the Alternative Strategies Fund, and the Advisor (the “Alternative Strategies Fund Expenses Limitation Agreement”); and (2) the initial term from January 1, 2015 through April 30, 2016 of the Operating Expenses Limitation Agreement between the Trust, on behalf of the International Fund, and the Advisor (the “International Fund Expenses Limitation Agreement,” and collectively with the Advisory Agreements, the Fee Waiver Agreement and the Alternative Strategies Fund Expenses Limitation Agreement, the “Agreements”).
Prior to the Meeting, the Independent Trustees had requested detailed information from the Advisor regarding the Funds. The materials provided by the Advisor were extensive, including advisory fee and expense comparisons, performance comparisons, Advisor profitability information, and a summary of compliance programs of the Sub-Advisors. In addition, the Independent Trustees discussed the approval or renewal of the Agreements with representatives of the Advisor and were advised by independent counsel on these and other relevant matters.
110 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
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Litman Gregory Funds Trust
OTHER INFORMATION – (Unaudited) – (Continued)
The Board also noted that it had received extensive information about, and in-person presentations from various members of senior management at the Advisor regarding, the Funds throughout the year, including, without limitation, information on and/or discussion of the Funds’ and each Sub-Advisor’s investment results; portfolio composition; portfolio trading practices; shareholder services; advisory fees and expense comparisons; the Advisor’s financial condition and profitability; compliance monitoring by the Advisor; the personnel at the Advisor and the Sub-Advisors providing investment management, compliance and other services to the Funds; and the Advisor’s process for selecting Sub-Advisors for the Funds as well as the Advisor’s ongoing oversight of the Sub-Advisors.
The information provided to the Board at the Meetings, together with the information provided to the Board throughout the year, formed the primary (but not exclusive) basis for the Board’s determinations. The Board did not identify any single issue or particular datum point that, in isolation, would be a controlling factor in its decision to approve or renew the Agreements. Rather, the Board considered the total mix of information provided. The following summary describes the key factors considered by the Independent Trustees (as well as the Board).
1. Nature, extent and quality of services
The Advisor, its personnel and its resources. The Independent Trustees considered the depth and quality of the Advisor’s investment management process, including its sophisticated monitoring and oversight of the Sub-Advisors; the experience, capability and integrity of its senior management and other personnel; the low turnover rates of its key personnel; and the overall financial strength and stability of its organization. The Independent Trustees also considered that the Advisor provided personnel to serve as officers of the Trust, including the Trust’s chief compliance officer (“CCO”), and that the services of the CCO were provided at a nominal cost to the Trust. The Independent Trustees discussed the high level of sub-advisor due diligence continually being undertaken by the Advisor. The Independent Trustees also noted the high quality of the non-advisory management services provided by the Advisor, such as responsiveness to shareholder inquiries and requests of the Board as well as the preparation of shareholder communications. In addition, the Independent Trustees noted that, because the Advisor is a significant shareholder in the Funds, the Advisor has an additional incentive to ensure that the Funds perform well for the shareholders. The Independent Trustees also noted that the members of senior management of the Advisor, including those members of the Board who are “interested persons” of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act, as well as the Independent Trustees themselves have made significant investments in the Funds.
The Independent Trustees also considered the Advisor’s policies, procedures and systems to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations and its adherence to those programs; its efforts to keep the Board informed; and its attention dedicated to matters that may involve potential conflicts of interest with a Fund. The Independent Trustees noted the extent and effectiveness of the Advisor’s compliance operations and the Advisor’s oversight of the Sub-Advisors’ and other service providers’ compliance operations.
The Independent Trustees then reviewed various materials relating to the Sub-Advisors, including copies of each Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement; copies of the Form ADV for each Sub-Advisor; information on assets of the Funds managed and fees charged by each Sub-Advisor; a summary of the compliance programs of the Sub-Advisors; and an oral report by the CCO on each Sub-Advisor’s commitment to compliance. The Independent Trustees also considered the Advisor’s lengthy and extensive due diligence process for selecting and monitoring each Sub-Advisor.
The Independent Trustees concluded that the nature, overall quality, and extent of the services provided and to be provided by the Advisor and the Sub-Advisors are fully satisfactory.
2. Investment results
The Independent Trustees reviewed the short-term and long-term performance of each Fund on both an absolute basis and in comparison to peer funds and benchmark indices. They also considered information regarding the selection, and discussed the appropriateness, of such peer funds and benchmark indices. The Independent Trustees considered the overall performance of the Funds as well as the performance of each Sub-Advisor within each Fund as compared to each Sub-Advisor’s own comparable mutual fund(s) (if applicable). The Independent Trustees focused on longer-term performance, which they believe is more important than short, isolated periods for purposes of evaluating each Fund’s success in meeting its investment objective.
In particular, the Independent Trustees relied upon, among others, a report assembled by Keil Fiduciary Strategies LLC (“KFS”) (not affiliated with the Advisor) (the “KFS Report”). The Independent Trustees noted that KFS, and not the Advisor, selected the peer funds used in the KFS Report and that the Advisor had supplemented the KFS Report with additional performance comparisons.
For the Equity Fund, the Independent Trustees compared its investment results for its Institutional shares to a number of benchmarks, including (1) the Russell 3000 Index (the “Equity Market Benchmark”); (2) the Morningstar Large Growth Category (the “Equity Morningstar Category”); and (3) the KFS Peer Group for the Equity Fund (together with the Equity Morningstar Category, the “Equity Fund Benchmarks”). The Independent Trustees noted that, with respect to multi-year periods, the Equity Fund outperformed the Equity Fund Benchmarks for the one-year and fifteen-year periods ended September 30, 2014 and outperformed the Equity Market Benchmark for the fifteen-year period ended September 30, 2014. The Independent Trustees further noted that, with respect
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to single-year periods ended September 30, the Equity Fund outperformed the Equity Fund Benchmarks in seven of the last fifteen years and outperformed the Equity Market Benchmark in six of the last fifteen years. The Independent Trustees found that the performance of the Institutional shares of the Equity Fund was in the second quintile of the Equity Morningstar Category for the one-year and fifteen-year periods ended September 30, 2014, the third quintile for the three-year and five-year periods ended September 30, 2014, and the fifth quintile for the ten-year period ended September 30, 2014 (the first quintile being the best performing funds and the fifth quintile being the worst performing funds).
For the International Fund, the Independent Trustees compared its investment results for its Institutional shares to (1) the Russell Global ex-U.S. Index (the “International Market Benchmark”); (2) the Morningstar Foreign Large Blend Category (the “International Morningstar Category”); and (3) the KFS Peer Group for the International Fund (together with the International Morningstar Category, the “International Fund Benchmarks”). The Independent Trustees noted that, with respect to multi-year periods, the International Fund outperformed the International Market Benchmark and the International Fund Benchmarks for the three-year, five-year, ten-year and fifteen-year periods ended September 30, 2014. The Independent Trustees further noted that, with respect to single-year periods ended September 30, the International Fund outperformed the International Fund Benchmarks in six of the last fifteen years, four of those by a significant margin, and outperformed the International Market Benchmark in six of the last fifteen years. The Independent Trustees found that the performance of the Institutional shares of the International Fund was in the fourth quintile of the International Morningstar Category for the one-year period ended September 30, 2014, the second quintile for the three-year and five-year periods ended September 30, 2014, and the first quintile for the ten-year and fifteen-year periods ended September 30, 2014.
For the Smaller Companies Fund, the Independent Trustees compared its investment results for its Institutional shares to (1) the Russell 2000 Index (the “Smaller Companies Market Benchmark”); (2) the Morningstar Small Growth Category (the “Smaller Companies Morningstar Category”); and (3) the KFS Peer Group for the Smaller Companies Fund (together with the Smaller Companies Morningstar Category, the “Smaller Companies Fund Benchmarks”). The Independent Trustees noted that, with respect to multi-year periods, the Smaller Companies Fund outperformed the Smaller Companies Fund Benchmarks for the one-year, three-year and five-year periods ended September 30, 2014 and outperformed the Smaller Companies Market Benchmark for the three-year and five-year periods ended September 30, 2014. The Independent Trustees further noted that, with respect to single-year periods ended September 30, the Smaller Companies Fund outperformed the Smaller Companies Fund Benchmarks in four of the last ten years and outperformed the Smaller Companies Market Benchmark in five of the last ten years. The Independent Trustees found that the performance of the Institutional shares of the Smaller Companies Fund was in the third quintile of the Smaller Companies Morningstar Category for the one-year period ended September 30, 2014, the first quintile for the three-year period ended September 30, 2014, the second quintile for the five-year period ended September 30, 2014 and the fourth quintile for the ten-year period ended September 30, 2014.
For the Alternative Strategies Fund, the Independent Trustees compared its investment results for its Institutional shares to (1) the Russell 1000 Index (the “Alternative Strategies Market Benchmark”); (2) the Morningstar Multi-Alternative Category (the “Alternative Strategies Morningstar Category”); and (3) the KFS Peer Group for the Alternative Strategies Fund (together with the Alternative Strategies Morningstar Category, the “Alternative Strategies Fund Benchmarks”). The Independent Trustees noted that, with respect to multi-year periods, the Alternative Strategies Fund outperformed the Alternative Strategies Fund Benchmarks, but underperformed the Alternative Strategies Market Benchmark, for the one-year and three-year periods ended September 30, 2014. The Independent Trustees further noted that, with respect to single-year periods ended September 30, the Alternative Strategies Fund outperformed the Alternative Strategies Fund Benchmarks, but underperformed the Alternative Strategies Market Benchmark, for each of the last three years. The Independent Trustees took into account that the Alternative Strategies Fund is designed not to replicate the equity markets and that for the periods reviewed it is expected to lag the Alternative Strategies Market Benchmark, which is equity centric. The Independent Trustees found that the performance of the Institutional shares of the Alternative Strategies Fund was in the second quintile of the Alternative Strategies Morningstar Category for the one-year period ended September 30, 2014 and the first quintile for the three-year period ended September 30, 2014.
The Independent Trustees noted that the performance of the Sub-Advisors for the same Fund varies over time and noted and acknowledged the Advisor’s detailed monitoring of the Sub-Advisors’ investment results, particularly those Sub-Advisors that were experiencing periods of underperformance. The Independent Trustees noted and considered the comments by the Advisor with respect to underperforming Sub-Advisors, discussions at Board meetings throughout the year regarding the potential sources of underperformance and actions taken by the Advisor in response to underperformance by certain Sub-Advisors. The Independent Trustees considered the Advisor’s process for terminating Sub-Advisors and noted the Advisor’s continued willingness to terminate Sub-Advisors if the Advisor determined that the termination would be in the best interest of a Fund and its shareholders. The Independent Trustees also noted and considered the Advisor’s ability to attract and retain world-class investment managers to serve as Sub-Advisors to the Funds, as well as the Advisor’s extensive screening process before hiring a Sub-Advisor.
The Trustees noted the difficulty of fairly benchmarking the Funds in terms of performance. Ultimately, the Independent Trustees concluded that they were satisfied with the Funds’ overall performance records. The Independent Trustees further concluded that the
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Advisor was applying appropriate discipline and oversight to ensure that each Fund adhered to its stated investment objective and strategies, and the performance of the Sub-Advisors supported the decision to renew the Advisory Agreements.
3. Advisory fees and total expenses
The Independent Trustees reviewed the advisory fees and total expenses of each Fund and compared them with the advisory fees and total expenses of funds in the KFS Peer Group for each Fund. The Independent Trustees noted that the KFS Peer Group for each Fund was selected independently by KFS using a selection methodology designed to identify those funds most comparable to each Fund. The Independent Trustees further noted that in selecting the KFS Peer Group for each Fund, KFS considered various screening criteria, including, without limitation, fund type, category as determined by Morningstar, Inc., load/sales charge type, average net assets, and fund attributes. The Independent Trustees then discussed various areas in which the Funds are different from the funds included in the KFS Peer Groups, including the minimum investment requirements and distribution channels.
The Independent Trustees noted that according to the KFS Report, the total expenses of each Fund are higher than the average or the median of the total expenses of the funds in the KFS Peer Group for such Fund. The Independent Trustees observed that each Fund is among the three funds included in the Fund’s KFS Peer Group that have the highest advisory fees except for the Alternative Strategies Fund, which has an advisory fee that is comparable to the average and the median of the KFS Peer Group for the Alternative Strategies Fund, although other expenses of each Fund are more competitive with the funds in the KFS Peer Group for each Fund. The Independent Trustees agreed that the Funds’ use of the manager of managers structure is the primary contributor to the relatively high advisory fees, noting that a number of the funds in the KFS Peer Group for each Fund do not use the manager of managers structure. The Independent Trustees noted that the higher advisory fees allow shareholders of the Funds to have access to Sub-Advisors to which they otherwise might not have access and that the higher fees are fully justified by the long-term performance results of the Funds.
The Independent Trustees also noted the Advisor’s continued willingness to waive fees or reimburse operating expenses to maintain a competitive fee structure for each Fund and to pass through savings from fee breakpoints in any Sub-Advisor’s fee schedule to the applicable Fund’s shareholders. The Independent Trustees noted that the Fee Waiver Agreement was most recently amended effective May 20, 2013 to further increase the amount of fee waivers for certain Funds under the Fee Waiver Agreement. With respect to the Alternative Strategies Fund, the Independent Trustees noted that the Advisor has been waiving a portion of the advisory fee payable by the Fund and/or reimbursing a portion of the Fund’s operating expenses each year since its inception in order to ensure that its operating expenses do not exceed the operating expense cap specified in the Alternative Strategies Fund Expenses Limitation Agreement. With respect to the International Fund, the Independent Trustees took into account the new proposed operating expense cap (0.99% and 1.24% of average daily net assets of the Institutional Class and Investor Class, respectively) pursuant to the International Fund Expenses Limitation Agreement.
The Independent Trustees noted the United States Supreme Court’s guidance in Jones v. Harris Associates on the relevance of comparisons of advisory fees charged by the Advisor to other similarly managed separate accounts such as pension funds or other institutional investors. The Advisor presented to the Independent Trustees the advisory fees the Advisor and its affiliates charge their separately managed accounts and private investment funds (collectively, the “Other Accounts”). The Advisor explained, to the Independent Trustees’ satisfaction, various factors that contribute to the different fee schedules between the Funds and the Other Accounts, including the fact that the products the Advisor and its affiliates offer for the Funds (i.e., concentrated sub-portfolios managed by a selection of Sub-Advisors) and the Other Accounts are drastically different; that the services the Advisor and its affiliates provide for the Funds (i.e., the assembly and monitoring of the Sub-Advisors) are not readily available on the market; that the Other Accounts have much higher minimum investment requirements as compared to those of the Funds; and that certain compliance obligations and liquidity requirements are only applicable to the Funds and not the Other Accounts.
The Independent Trustees noted that the sub-advisory fees payable to the Sub-Advisors are separately negotiated with the Advisor and are paid out of the advisory fees the Advisor receives from the Funds. Given the existence of arm’s length bargaining between the Advisor and each Sub-Advisor, the Independent Trustees did not engage in an extensive discussion of sub-advisory fees and expenses.
Based on such review, the Independent Trustees concluded that the advisory fees and the total expenses of the Funds are reasonable in relation to the services the Funds receive from the Advisor and the Sub-Advisors.
4. The Advisor’s financial information
The Independent Trustees reviewed information regarding the Advisor’s costs of managing the Funds and information regarding the profitability of the Advisor. The Independent Trustees also considered the extent to which economies of scale may be realized as each Fund grows and whether advisory fee levels reflect economies of scale if the Funds grow in size. The Independent Trustees also noted that the Advisor had voluntarily forgone profits to subsidize the Funds when they were at lower asset levels.
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The Advisor’s Costs and Profitability. The Independent Trustees noted that the Advisor appeared to be providing products that are competitively priced with other funds, especially funds with multiple sub-advisors. The Independent Trustees reviewed the total advisory fees, the amounts paid by the Advisor to the various Sub-Advisors, the general cost of the services provided by the Advisor and the Advisor’s retained portion of the total advisory fee. The Independent Trustees took note of information provided on advisory fees waived by the Advisor, noting that the Advisor had waived more than $4 million and $3.6 million of advisory fees payable under the Investment Advisory Agreement during the periods January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013 and January 1, 2014 through September 30, 2014, respectively, and that the Advisor follows a policy of not charging advisory fees on unallocated cash. The Independent Trustees also noted that the Advisor had agreed not to seek recoupment of any advisory fees waived under the Fee Waiver Agreement. The Independent Trustees also considered the Advisor’s continued willingness to invest in staff dedicated to the Funds, including several new hires in the research and marketing teams during the past few years. The Independent Trustees received information that assured them that the Advisor was financially sound and able to honor its sponsorship commitments to the Funds and that the Advisor’s expected profits under the Advisory Agreement are in the range of reasonableness for the mutual fund management industry. The Independent Trustees did not engage in an analysis of Fund-by-Fund profitability given the integrated nature of the Advisor’s management of the Funds.
The Independent Trustees did not engage in an extended analysis of Sub-Advisor profitability given the arm’s length nature of the bargaining between the Advisor and each Sub-Advisor and the difficulty in interpreting profitability information with respect to each Sub-Advisor due to, among others, the use of disparate accounting conventions, disparate ownership structures, and the fact that each Sub-Advisor managed only a portion of each Fund. The Independent Trustees also reviewed information regarding the structure and manner in which the Advisor’s and the Sub-Advisors’ investment professionals are compensated and how the compensation structures are designed to attract and retain high caliber personnel and to promote the long-term performance of the Funds.
Economies of Scale. The Independent Trustees noted that the Advisor has continued to take steps to reduce expenses of the Funds, including agreeing to amendments to the breakpoints in its fee schedules to provide for higher fee waivers, negotiating favorable terms with service providers and providing certain support services to the Funds on a cost only basis, which represents a sharing of economies of scale. The Independent Trustees also noted that the Advisor completed two tax-free reorganization transactions in 2013, in each of which transactions the assets of an underperforming series of the Trust that has experienced significant net outflows were transferred to the Equity Fund. The Independent Trustees agreed that such reorganizations were in the best interests of the impacted shareholders and helped preserve the assets of the two underperforming series within the Trust complex. In addition, the Independent Trustees took note of the investments in the Funds made by the Other Accounts, which help reduce costs for the Funds by increasing the asset base of the Funds. The Independent Trustees also took favorable note of the Advisor’s efforts to invest in its advisory organization to ensure strong research, analytic and marketing capabilities.
Ancillary Benefits. The Independent Trustees considered other actual and potential financial benefits to the Advisor, noting that the Advisor does not have any affiliates that materially benefit from the Advisor’s relationship to the Funds.
5. Conclusions
Based on their review, including their non-exclusive consideration of each of the factors referred to above, the Independent Trustees (as well as the Board) concluded that the Agreements are fair and reasonable to each Fund and its shareholders, that each Fund’s shareholders received or would receive reasonable value in return for the advisory fees and other amounts paid to the Advisor, and that the renewal or approval, as applicable, of the Agreements would be in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders. Each of the factors discussed above supported such approval.
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees of
Litman Gregory Funds Trust
We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of investments in securities, securities sold short, financial futures contracts, swaps, options written and forward foreign currency exchange contracts of the Litman Gregory Funds Trust comprising Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund, Litman Gregory Masters International Fund, Litman Gregory Masters Smaller Companies Fund and Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund (the “Funds”) as of December 31, 2014, and the related statements of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the three years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. The financial highlights for the periods ended prior to December 31, 2012, were audited by other auditors whose report dated February 27, 2012, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial highlights.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2014, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds constituting Litman Gregory Funds Trust as of December 31, 2014, the results of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the three years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Our audit was conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on each Fund’s financial statements and financial highlights as a whole. The information presented on pages 2 through 13, 16 through 22, 26 through 32, and 34 through 49, which is the responsibility of the Funds’ management, is presented for purposes of additional analysis and is not a required part of the basic financial statements. Such information has not been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the financial statements, and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or provide any assurance on it.
COHEN FUND AUDIT SERVICES, LTD.
Cleveland, Ohio
February 27, 2015
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The ABX Indexes
The ABX Indexes serve as a benchmark of the market for securities backed by home loans issued to borrowers with weak credit. The ABX 2006-2 AAA is an asset-backed index that tracks AAA-rated bonds issued prior to the second half of 2006. The ABX 2007-1 AAA is an asset-backed index that tracks AAA-rated bonds issued prior to the first half of 2007.
Barclays Aggregate Bond Index
Barclays Aggregate Bond Index is a market capitalization-weighted index, meaning the securities in the index are weighted according to the market size of each bond type. Most U.S. traded investment grade bonds are represented. The index includes U.S. treasury securities (non TIPS), government agency bonds, mortgage backed bonds, corporate bonds, and a small amount of foreign bonds traded in the U.S.
CDX
CDX is a series of credit default swap indexes, used to hedge credit risk or to take a position on a basket of credit entities.
The Custom Equity Index
The Custom Equity Index is composed of a 70% weighting in the Russell 1000 Index, a 20% weighting in the Russell 2000 Index, and a 10% weighting in the MSCI EAFE Index. The Russell 1000 Index measures the performance of the large-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe. It is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index and includes approximately 1000 of the largest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. The Russell 1000 represents approximately 92% of the U.S. market. The Russell 2000 Index measures the performance of the 2,000 smallest companies in the Russell 3000 Index. The MSCI EAFE Index measures the performance of all of the publicly traded stocks in 22 developed non-U.S. markets.
The FTSE Global All Cap ex U.S. Index
The FTSE Global All Cap ex U.S. Index is part of a range of indices designed to help U.S. investors benchmark their international investments. The index comprises large, mid and small cap stocks globally excluding the U.S. The index is derived from the FTSE Global Equity Index Series (GEIS), which covers 98% of the world’s investable market capitalization.
The HFRI Event Driven Index:
Consists of investment managers who maintain positions in companies currently or prospectively involved in corporate transactions of a wide variety including but not limited to mergers, restructurings, financial distress, tender offers, shareholder buybacks, debt exchanges, security issuance or other capital structure adjustments. Security types can range from most senior in the capital structure to most junior or subordinated, and frequently involve additional derivative securities. Event driven exposure includes a combination of sensitivities to equity markets, credit markets and idiosyncratic, company specific developments.
The HFRI Event Driven Merger Arbitrage Index:
Consists of merger arbitrage strategies which employ an investment process primarily focused on opportunities in equity and equity related instruments of companies which are currently engaged in a corporate transaction. Merger arbitrage involves primarily announced transactions, typically with limited or no exposure to situations which pre-, post-date or situations in which no formal announcement is expected to occur. Opportunities are frequently presented in cross border, collared and international transactions which incorporate multiple geographic regulatory institutions, with typically involve minimal exposure to corporate credits. Merger arbitrage strategies typically have over 75% of positions in announced transactions over a given market cycle.
LIBOR
LIBOR stands for London Interbank Offered Rate. It’s an index that is used to set the cost of various variable-rate loans.
Morningstar Category Averages:
Each Morningstar Category Average is representative of funds with similar investment objectives.
The MSCI All Country World ex U.S. Index
The MSCI All Country World ex U.S. Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets, excluding the United States.
The MSCI All Country World ex U.S. Growth Index
The MSCI All Country World ex U.S. Growth Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets, excluding the United States. It includes companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values.
The MSCI All Country World ex U.S. Value Index
The MSCI All Country World ex U.S. Value Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets, excluding the United States. It includes companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values.
The MSCI EAFE Index (Europe, Australasia, Far East)
The MSCI EAFE Index (Europe, Australasia, Far East) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the US & Canada. As of May 27, 2010 the MSCI EAFE Index consisted of the following 22 developed market country indices: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
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INDEX DEFINITIONS – (Continued)
The MSCI World ex U.S. Index
The MSCI World ex U.S. Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the United States.
The Russell 1000 Index
The Russell 1000 Index measures the performance of the large-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe. It is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index and includes approximately 1000 of the largest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. The Russell 1000 represents approximately 92% of the U.S. market.
The Russell 1000 Growth Index
The Russell 1000 Growth Index measures the performance of the large-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 1000 companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values.
The Russell 2000 Index
The Russell 2000 Index measures the performance of the 2,000 largest companies in the Russell 3000 Index.
The Russell 2000 Value Index
The Russell 2000 Value Index measures the performance of small-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 2000 companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values.
The Russell 3000 Index
The Russell 3000 Index measures the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. companies as measured by total market capitalization, and represents about 98% of the U.S. stock market.
The Russell 3000 Value Index
The Russell 3000 Value Index is a broad based index that measures the performance of those companies within the 3,000 largest U.S. companies, based on total market capitalization, that have lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth rates.
The Russell Global ex-U.S. Large-Cap Index
The Russell Global ex-U.S. Large-Cap Index offers investors access to the large-cap segment of the global equity market, excluding companies assigned to the United States. The Russell Global ex U.S. Large Cap Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the large-cap segment and is completely reconstituted annually to accurately reflect the changes in the market over time.
The S&P 500 Index
The S&P 500 Index is widely regarded as the standard for measuring large-cap stock performance, and consists of 500 stocks that represent a sample of the leading companies in leading industries.
S&P Global Ex-U.S. LargeMidCap Index
S&P Global Ex-U.S. LargeMidCap Index is a broad based index that represents the largest 80% of investable companies in 52 developed and emerging market countries.
The SPDR S&P 500 ETF
The SPDR S&P 500 ETF consists of 500 of the largest U.S. companies, and it is one of the most heavily traded securities in the world. It tracks the S&P 500 Index, and fund follows a full replication strategy, holding every stock in the index.
The Vanguard 500 Index Fund
The Vanguard 500 Index Fund invests in 500 of the largest U.S. companies, which span many different industries and account for about three-fourths of the U.S. stock market’s value. This fund tracks the S&P 500 Index as closely as possible.
VIX
VIX is a trademarked ticker symbol for the Chicago Board Options Exchange Market Volatility Index, a popular measure of the implied volatility of S&P 500 index options. Often referred to as the fear index or the fear gauge, it represents one measure of the market’s expectation of stock market volatility over the next 30 day period.
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Indices are unmanaged, do not incur fees, and cannot be invested in directly.
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INDUSTRY TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
1. | Active Share measures the degree of difference between a fund portfolio and its benchmark index. |
2. | Alpha is an annualized return measure of how much better or worse a fund’s performance is relative to an index of funds in the same category, after allowing for differences in risk. |
3. | Alt-A, or Alternative A-paper, is a type of U.S. mortgage that, for various reasons, is considered riskier than A-paper, or “prime”, and less risky than “subprime,” the riskiest category. |
4. | A basis point is a value equaling one one-hundredth of a percent (1/100 of 1%). |
5. | Beta is a measure of the volatility, or systematic risk, of a security or a portfolio in comparison to the market as a whole. |
6. | Book value is the net asset value of a company, calculated by subtracting total liabilities and intangible assets from total assets. |
7. | Cash flow measures the cash generating capability of a company by adding non-cash charges (e.g., depreciation) and interest expense to pretax income. |
8. | Capex (capital expenditures) are expenditures creating future benefits. |
9. | Collateralized Loan Obligation (CLO) is a security backed by a pool of debt, often low-rated corporate loans. Collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) are similar to collateralized mortgage obligations, except for the different type of underlying loan. |
10. | Combined ratio is a formula used by insurance companies to relate premium income to claims, administration and dividend expenses. It is used in the annual statement filed by an insurer with the state insurance department. It is calculated by dividing the sum of incurred losses and expenses by earned premium. |
11. | Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is the rate of growth of a number, compounded over several years. |
12. | Conditional pre-payment rate is a loan prepayment rate that is equal to the proportion of the principal of a pool of loans that is assumed to be paid off prematurely in each period. |
13. | Correlation is a statistical measure of how two securities move in relation to each other. |
14. | Credit default swaps are swaps designed to transfer the credit exposure of fixed income products between parties. A credit default swap is also referred to as a credit derivative contract, where the purchaser of the swap makes payments up until the maturity date of a contract. Payments are made to the seller of the swap. In return, the seller agrees to pay off a third party debt if this party defaults on the loan. |
15. | Discounted cash flow is calculated by multiplying future cash flows by discount factors to obtain present values. |
16. | Diversification is the spreading of risk by putting assets in several categories of investments. |
17. | Dividend yield is the return on an investor’s capital investment that a company pays out to its shareholders in the form of dividends. It is calculated by taking the amount of dividends paid per share over the course of a year and dividing by the stock’s price. |
18. | Drawdown is the peak-to-trough decline during a specific record period of an investment, fund or commodity. |
19. | Dry powder refers to cash reserves kept on hand to cover future obligations or purchase assets, if conditions are favorable. |
20. | Duration is a measure of the sensitivity of the price (the value of principal) of a fixed-income investment to a change in interest rates. Duration is expressed as a number of years. Rising interest rates mean falling bond prices, while declining interest rates mean rising bond prices. |
21. | Earnings per share (EPS) is calculated by taking the total earnings divided by the number of shares outstanding |
22. | EBITDA is a company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. |
23. | E-Mini Futures Are an electronically traded futures contract on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange that represents a portion of the normal futures contracts. |
24. | Enterprise value is calculated by adding a corporation’s market capitalization, preferred stock, and outstanding debt together and then subtracting out the cash and cash equivalents. |
25. | EV/EBITDA is the enterprise value of a company divided by earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. |
26. | EV/Sales is the ratio of enterprise value of a company divided by the total sales of the company for a particular period, usually one year. |
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27. | Free cash flow is the amount of cash a company has after expenses, debt service, capital expenditures, and dividends. |
28. | Futures are financial contracts obligating the buyer to purchase an asset (or the seller to sell an asset), such as a physical commodity or a financial instrument, at a predetermined future date and price. Futures contracts detail the quality and quantity of the underlying asset; they are standardized to facilitate trading on a futures exchange. |
29. | “Growth” stocks are generally considered to be stocks of companies with high expected earnings growth compared to “value” stocks. Because of this higher expected growth, growth stocks tend to be priced at a higher multiple of their current earnings than value stocks. However, the premium paid for growth stocks compared to value stocks can vary dramatically depending on the market environment. |
30. | Inverse floater (or inverse floating rate note) is a bond or other type of debt whose coupon rate has an inverse relationship to a benchmark rate. |
31. | The Leuthold Group is an independent, quantitative and contrarian institutional research firm based in Minneapolis, MN. Their proprietary databases enable them to do historical studies not found at any other shop on or off of Wall Street. |
32. | Margin of safety is a principle of investing in which an investor only purchases securities when the market price is significantly below its intrinsic value. |
33. | MBA Refinance index is a weekly measurement put together by the Mortgage Bankers Association, a national real estate finance industry association, to predict mortgage activity and loan prepayments based on the number of mortgage refinance applications submitted. |
34. | The Merrill Option Volatility Expectations Index (MOVE©) reflects a market estimate of future Treasury bond yield volatility. The MOVE index is a yield curve weighted index of the normalized implied volatility on 1-month Treasury options. The MOVE Index reports the average implied volatility across a wide range of outstanding options on the two-year, five-year, 10-year, and 30-year U.S. Treasury securities. |
35. | One basis point equals 1/100th of 1 percent. |
36. | Operating cash flow is calculated by summing net profit, depreciation, change in accruals, and change in accounts payable, minus change in accounts receivable, minus change in inventories. |
37. | Options are financial derivatives that represent a contract sold by one party (option writer) to another party (option holder). The contract offers the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy (call) or sell (put) a security or other financial asset at an agreed-upon price (the strike price) during a certain period of time or on a specific date (exercise date). |
38. | Pair-wise correlation is the average of the correlations of each managers’ performance with each of the other managers on the fund. |
39. | Personal consumption expenditure is the measure of actual and imputed expenditures of households, and includes data pertaining to durable and non-durable goods and services. It is essentially a measure of goods and services targeted towards individuals and consumed by individuals. |
40. | Present value is the current worth of a future sum of money or stream of cash flows given a specified rate of return. |
41. | Price to book ratio is calculated by dividing the current market price of a stock by the book value per share. |
42. | Price to earnings ratio is a common tool for comparing the prices of different common stocks and is calculated by dividing the current market price of a stock by the earnings per share. Similarly, multiples of earnings and cash flow are means of expressing a company’s stock price relative to its earnings per share or cash flow per share, and are calculated by dividing the current stock price by its earnings per share or cash per share. Forecasted earnings growth is the projected rate that a company’s earnings are estimated to grow in a future period. |
43. | Price to sales (P/S) ratio is a tool for calculating a stock’s valuation relative to other companies, calculated by dividing a stock’s current price by its revenue per share. |
44. | Prime is a classification of borrowers, rates, or holdings in the lending market that are considered to be of high quality. |
45. | Principal only securities are a type of fixed-income security where the holder is only entitled to receive regular cash flows that are derived from incoming principal repayments on an underlying loan pool. |
46. | Private market value is the value of a company if each of its parts were independent, publicly traded entities. |
47. | Return on capital (ROC) is a measure of how effectively a company uses the money (borrowed or owned) invested in its operations. It is calculated by dividing net income by invested capital. |
Industry Terms and Definitions | 119 |
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Litman Gregory Funds Trust
INDUSTRY TERMS AND DEFINITIONS – (Continued)
48. | Return on equity (ROE) is a measure of how well a company used reinvested earnings to generate additional earnings. Expressed as a percentage, it is calculated by dividing net worth at the beginning of the period into net income for the period after preferred stock dividends but before common stock dividends. |
49. | Return on investment capital (ROIC) is calculated by subtracting dividends from net income and dividing by total capital. |
50. | Sharpe ratio is the measure of a fund’s return relative to its risk. The Sharpe ratio uses standard deviation to measure a fund’s risk-adjusted returns. The higher a fund’s Sharpe ratio, the better a fund’s returns have been relative to the risk it has taken on. Because it uses standard deviation, the Sharpe ratio can be used to compare risk-adjusted returns across all fund categories. |
51. | Short (or short position) is the sale of a borrowed security, commodity, or currency with the expectation that the asset will fall in value. |
52. | Spot price is the current price at which a particular security can be bought or sold at a specified time and place. |
53. | Standard deviation is a statistical measure of the historical volatility of a mutual fund or portfolio, usually computed using 36 monthly returns. |
54. | Subprime refers to the credit quality of particular borrowers, who have weakened credit histories and a greater risk of loan default than prime borrowers. The market for lenders and borrowers of subprime credit includes the business of subprime mortgages, subprime auto loans and subprime credit cards, as well as various securitization products that use subprime debt as collateral. |
55. | Swaps, traditionally, are the exchange of one security for another to change the maturity (bonds), quality of issues (stocks or bonds), or because investment objectives have changed. Recently, swaps have grown to include currency swaps and interest rate swaps. |
56. | Tracking error is the monitoring the performance of a portfolio, usually to analyze the extent to which its price movements conform or deviate from those of a benchmark. |
57. | Treasury yield is the return on investment, expressed as a percentage, on the U.S. government’s debt obligations (bonds, notes, and bills). |
58. | Upside/downside capture is a statistical measure that shows whether a given fund has outperformed—gained more or lost less than—a broad market benchmark during periods of market strength and weakness, and if so, by how much. |
59. | Yield to Maturity is the rate of return anticipated on a bond if it is held until the maturity date. |
120 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
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TAX INFORMATION – (Unaudited)
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, 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:
Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund | 44.23 | % | ||
Litman Gregory Masters International Fund | 100.00 | % | ||
Litman Gregory Masters Smaller Companies Fund | N/A | |||
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund | 19.73 | % |
For corporate shareholders, the percent of ordinary income distributions qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 was as follows:
Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund | 32.01 | % | ||
Litman Gregory Masters International Fund | 0.00 | % | ||
Litman Gregory Masters Smaller Companies Fund | 0.00 | % | ||
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund | 9.93 | % |
Pursuant to Internal Revenue Section 852(b), the following Funds paid distributions, which have been designated as capital gains distributions for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund | $ | 32,842,600 | ||
Litman Gregory Masters International Fund | N/A | |||
Litman Gregory Masters Smaller Companies Fund | N/A | |||
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund | 4,189,461 |
Additional Information Applicable to Foreign Shareholders Only:
The percent of ordinary dividend distributions for the year ended December 31, 2014, which are designated as interest-related dividends under Internal Revenue Code Section 871 (k)(1)(C) is as follows:
Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund | N/A | |||
Litman Gregory Masters International Fund | N/A | |||
Litman Gregory Masters Smaller Companies Fund | N/A | |||
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund | 65.60 | % |
The percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions that are designated as short-term capital gain distributions under Internal Revenue Section 871(k)(2)(C) for each Fund were as follows (unaudited):
Litman Gregory Masters Equity Fund | 100.00 | % | ||
Litman Gregory Masters International Fund | 0.00 | % | ||
Litman Gregory Masters Smaller Companies Fund | 0.00 | % | ||
Litman Gregory Masters Alternative Strategies Fund | 14.81 | % |
For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Litman Gregory Masters International Fund earned foreign source income and paid foreign taxes which they intend to pass through to their shareholders pursuant to Section 853 of the Internal Revenue Code as follows:
Creditable Foreign Taxes Paid | Per Share Amount | Portion of Ordinary Income Distribution Derived from foreign Sourced Income | ||
$2,524,700 | $0.0340 | 100% |
Tax Information | 121 |
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TRUSTEE AND OFFICER INFORMATION
Background information for the Trustees and Officers of the Trust is presented below. All Trustees oversee the Litman Gregory Masters Funds. The SAI includes additional information about the Trust’s Trustees and is available, without charge, by calling 1-800-960-0188.
Name, Address and Year of Birth | Position(s) Held with Trust | Term of Office and Length of Time Served | Principal Occupation(s) During the Past 5 Years | Other Directorships Held by Trustee | ||||
Julie Allecta 4 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563 (born 1946) | Trustee | Term: Open Ended Time Served: Since 2013 | Director, Northern California Association of Botanical Artists since 2014, Director, Audubon Canyon Ranch, Inc. since 2009; Vice President and Director, WildCare Bay Area since 2007, Partner, Paul Hastings LLP from 1999 to 2009. | Forward Funds | ||||
Frederick August Eigenbrod, Jr. PhD 4 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563 (born 1941) | Trustee | Term: Open Ended Time Served: Since inception | Vice President, RoutSource Consulting Services (organizational planning and development) since 2002. | None | ||||
Taylor M. Welz 4 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563 (born 1959) | Trustee | Term: Open Ended Time Served: Since inception | CPA/PFS, CFP. President, CCO & Sole Owner, Welz Financial Services, Inc., since 2007. Partner and Chief Compliance Officer, Bowman & Company LLP (certified public accountants) from 1987 to 2007. | None | ||||
Harold M. Shefrin, PhD 4 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563 (born 1948) | Trustee | Term: Open Ended Time Served: Since inception | Professor, Department of Finance, Santa Clara University, since 1979. | SA Funds – Investment Trust | ||||
Kenneth E. Gregory* 4 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563 (born 1957) | Trustee and Chairman of the Board | Term: Open Ended Time Served: Since inception | President of the Litman Gregory Fund Advisors, LLC since 2000; President of Litman Gregory Research, Inc. (publishers) since 2000, Managing Member of Litman Gregory Asset Management, LLC (investment advisors) since 2000, Officer of Litman Gregory Analytics, LLC (web based publisher of financial research), from 2000 to 2006. | None | ||||
Steven Savage | Secretary | Term: Open Ended Time Served: Since 2014 | Managing Partner, Litman Gregory Fund Advisors, LLC since 2010; Partner of Litman Gregory Fund Advisors LLC, from 2003-2010. | None | ||||
Jeremy DeGroot* 4 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563 (born 1963) | President and Trustee | Term: Open Ended Time Served: President since 2014 and Trustee since 2008 | Chief Investment Officer of Litman Gregory Asset Management, LLC since 2008 and Co-Chief Investment Officer of Litman Gregory Asset Management, LLC from 2003 to 2008. | None | ||||
John Coughlan 4 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563 (born 1956) | Treasurer and Chief Compliance Officer | Term: Open Ended Time Served: Treasurer since inception and Chief Compliance Officer since 2004 | Chief Operating Officer and Chief Compliance Officer, Litman Gregory Fund Advisors, LLC since 2004 and Chief Financial Officer of Litman Gregory Asset Management, LLC. | None |
* | Denotes Trustees who are “interested persons” of the Trust under the 1940 Act. |
122 | Litman Gregory Funds Trust |
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The Funds may collect non-public personal information about you from the following sources:
• | Information we receive about you on applications or other forms; |
• | Information you give us orally; and |
• | Information about your transactions with us. |
We do not disclose any non-public personal information about our shareholders or former shareholders without the shareholder’s authorization, except as required or permitted by applicable law or in response to inquiries from governmental authorities. We restrict access to your personal and account information to our employees who need to know that information to provide products and services to you and to the employees of our affiliates. We also may disclose that information to non-affiliated third parties (such as to brokers or custodians) only as permitted or required by applicable law and only as needed for us to provide agreed services to you. We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to guard your non-public personal information.
If you hold shares of the Funds through a financial intermediary, such as a broker-dealer, bank, or trust company, the privacy policy of your financial intermediary would govern how your non-public personal information would be shared with non-affiliated third parties.
Privacy Notice | 123 |
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Advisor:
Litman Gregory Fund Advisors, LLC
Orinda, CA 94563
Distributor:
ALPS Distributors, Inc.
1290 Broadway, Suite 1100
Denver, CO 80203
Transfer Agent:
BFDS
P.O. Box 219922
Kansas City, MO 64121-9922
1-800-960-0188
For Overnight Delivery:
Masters Funds
C/O BFDS
330 W. 9th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
Investment Professionals:
Registered Investment Advisors, broker/dealers, and other investment professionals may contact Fund Services at 1-925-254-8999.
Prospectus:
To request a current prospectus, statement of additional information, or an IRA application, call 1-800-960-0188.
Shareholder Inquiries:
To request action on your existing account, contact the Transfer agent, BFDS, at 1-800-960-0188, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday.
24-Hour Automated Information:
For access to automated reporting of daily prices, account balances and transaction activity, call 1-800-960-0188, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please have your Fund number (see below) and account number ready in order to access your account information.
Fund Information:
Fund | Symbol | CUSIP | Fund Number | |||||||||
Equity Fund | ||||||||||||
Institutional Class | MSEFX | 53700T108 | 305 | |||||||||
Investor Class | MSENX | 53700T504 | 475 | |||||||||
International Fund | ||||||||||||
Institutional Class | MSILX | 53700T207 | 306 | |||||||||
Investor Class | MNILX | 53700T603 | 476 | |||||||||
Smaller Companies Fund | MSSFX | 53700T306 | 308 | |||||||||
Alternative Strategies Fund | ||||||||||||
Institutional Class | MASFX | 53700T801 | 421 | |||||||||
Investor Class | MASNX | 53700T884 | 447 |
Website:
www.mastersfunds.com
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Item 2. Code of Ethics.
The registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer.
The registrant has not made any amendments to its code of ethics during the period covered by this report.
The registrant has not granted any waivers from any provisions of the code of ethics during the period covered by this report.
The registrant undertakes to provide to any person without charge, upon request, a copy of its code of ethics by mail when they call the registrant at 1-800-960-0188.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
The registrant’s board of trustees (the “board”) has determined that Harold M. Shefrin, the Chairman of the board’s audit committee, is the “audit committee financial expert” and Mr. Shefrin has been deemed to be “independent” for purposes of this Item 3.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
The registrant has engaged its principal accountant to perform audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services during the past two fiscal years. “Audit services” refer to performing an audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years. “Audit-related services” refer to the assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit. “Tax services” refer to professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning. The following table details the aggregate fees billed or expected to be billed for each of the last two fiscal years for audit fees, audit-related fees, tax fees and other fees by the principal accountant.
Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd. | Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd. | |||||||
FYE 12/31/2014 | FYE 12/31/2013 | |||||||
Audit Fees | $ 108,500 | $ | 97,500 | |||||
Audit-Related Services | $ 0 | $ | 0 | |||||
Tax Fees | $ 18,000 | $ | 18,000 | |||||
All Other Fees | $ 0 | $ | 0 |
The audit committee has adopted pre-approval policies and procedures that require the audit committee to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services of the registrant, including services provided to any entity affiliated with the registrant.
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The percentage of fees billed by the principal accountant applicable to non-audit services pursuant to waiver of pre-approval requirement were as follows:
Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd. | Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd. | |||
FYE 12/31/2014 | FYE 12/31/2013 | |||
Audit-Related Fees | 0% | 0% | ||
Tax Fees | 0% | 0% | ||
All Other Fees | 0% | 0% |
All of the principal accountant’s hours spent on auditing the registrant’s financial statements were attributed to work performed by full-time permanent employees of the principal accountant. The following table indicates the non-audit fees billed or expected to be billed by the registrant’s accountant for services to the registrant and to the registrant’s investment adviser (and any other controlling entity, etc.—not sub-adviser) for the last two years. The audit committee of the board of trustees/directors has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence and has concluded that the provision of such non-audit services by the accountant has not compromised the accountant’s independence.
Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd. | Cohen Fund Audit Services, Ltd. | |||||
Non-Audit Related Fees | FYE 12/31/2014 | FYE 12/31/2013 | ||||
Registrant | $ 2,500 | None | ||||
Registrant’s Investment Adviser | None | None |
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
Not applicable to registrants who are not listed issuers (as defined in Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).
Item 6. Investments.
(a) The complete Schedule of Investments is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.
(b) Not applicable.
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.
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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 since the registrant last provided disclosure in response to this Item 10.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
(a) The registrant’s President/Principal Executive Officer and Treasurer/Principal Financial Officer 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 timely 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 have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Item 12. Exhibits
(a)(1) Not applicable because the Code of Ethics is provided free of charge, upon request, as described in Item 2 of this Form N-CSR.
(a)(2) Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached as exhibits hereto.
(a)(3) Not applicable to open-end investment companies.
(b) Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached as exhibits hereto.
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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.
LITMAN GREGORY FUNDS TRUST | ||
By: | /s/ Jeremy DeGroot | |
Jeremy DeGroot | ||
President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
Date: | March 6, 2015 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By: | /s/ Jeremy DeGroot | |
Jeremy DeGroot | ||
President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
Date: | March 6, 2015 |
By: | /s/ John Coughlan | |
John Coughlan | ||
Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer | ||
Date: | March 6, 2015 |