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: 811-22747
ALPS SERIES TRUST
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
1290 Broadway, Suite 1100, Denver, Colorado 80203
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
303.623.2577
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Christopher A. Moore, Esq., Secretary
ALPS Series Trust
1290 Broadway, Suite 1100
Denver, CO 80203
(Name and address of agent for service)
Date of fiscal year end:September 30
Date of reporting period:October 1, 2018 – March 31, 2019
Item 1. | Reports to Stockholders. |
Table of Contents
Portfolio Updates | 1 |
Disclosure of Fund Expenses | 5 |
Portfolio of Investments | 6 |
Statements of Assets and Liabilities | 12 |
Statements of Operations | 13 |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets | 14 |
Financial Highlights | 16 |
Notes to Financial Statements | 20 |
Additional Information | 27 |
Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Funds’ annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Funds’ website at www.americanindependence.com, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.
Beginning on January 1, 2019, you may, notwithstanding the availability of shareholder reports online, elect to receive all future shareholder reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. If you invest directly with a Fund, you can call 1-888-266-8787 to let the Fund know you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports.
If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from a Fund electronically anytime by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by enrolling at www.americanindependence.com.
American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund | Portfolio Update |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Average Annual Total Returns(as of March 31, 2019) | ||||
1 Year | 3 Year | 5 Year | Since Inception* | |
American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund - Institutional Class | -0.92% | 5.88% | 4.80% | 5.00% |
American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund - Class A | -1.34% | 5.50% | 4.41% | 4.62% |
MSCI All Country World Index(a) | 2.60% | 10.67% | 6.45% | 7.13% |
60% MSCI ACWI / 40% Bloomberg Barclays US Agg Bond Index(b) | 3.59% | 7.27% | 5.11% | 5.58% |
The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and value of the Fund shares will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Fund performance current to the most recent month-end is available by calling (833) 287-7933 or by visiting www.americanindependence.com.
* | The Fund commenced operations on September 20, 2013. The Predecessor Fund, American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund, managed by Manifold Fund Advisors, LLC, was reorganized into the American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund on September 24, 2018. Manifold Partners, LLC has been the Fund’s investment adviser since September 24, 2018, with Lee Capital Management, L.P. serving as sub-adviser. Fund performance prior to September 24, 2018 is reflective of the past performance of the Predecessor Fund. |
(a) | The MSCI All Country World Index (“ACWI”) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets. The MSCI ACWI consists of 46 country indexes comprising 23 developed and 23 emerging market country indexes. |
(b) | The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, MBS (agency fixed-rate and hybrid ARM pass-throughs), ABS, and CMBS (agency and non-agency). The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. |
Indices are not actively managed and do not reflect deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.
The returns shown above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemption of Fund shares.
The total annual operating expenses and total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or reimbursement you may pay as an investor in the Fund’s Institutional Class and Class A shares (as reported in the January 28, 2019 Prospectus) are 1.44% and 1.27% and 1.69% and 1.52%, respectively. The Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit expenses through January 31, 2021.
Performance of $3,000,000 Initial Investment(as of March 31, 2019)
The graph shown above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $3,000,000 in the Institutional Class. Due to differing expenses, performance of Class A will vary. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Returns do not reflect the deduction of fees, sales charges, or taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 1 |
American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund | Portfolio Update |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Portfolio Diversification(% of Net Assets as of March 31, 2019)
2 | www.americanindependence.com |
American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund | Portfolio Update |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Average Annual Total Returns(as of March 31, 2019) | ||||
1 Year | 5 Year | 10 Year | Since Inception* | |
American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund - Institutional Class | 3.76% | 2.86% | 3.45% | 4.55% |
American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund – Class A | 3.53% | 2.50% | 3.07% | 3.11% |
Bloomberg Barclays US Municipal Bond: 7 Year (6-8) Index(a) | 5.67% | 3.11% | 4.05% | 2.56% |
The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and value of the Fund shares will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Fund performance current to the most recent month-end is available by calling (833) 287-7933 or by visiting www.americanindependence.com.
* | The Fund commenced operations on May 22, 2007. The Predecessor Fund, American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, managed by Manifold Fund Advisors, LLC, was reorganized into the American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund on September 24, 2018. Manifold Partners, LLC has been the Fund’s investment adviser since September 24, 2018, with Carret Asset Management, LLC serving as sub-adviser. Fund performance prior to September 24, 2018, is reflective of the past performance of the Predecessor Fund. |
(a) | The Bloomberg Barclays 7-Year Municipal Bond Index is a total return performance benchmark for the investment-grade, geographically unrestricted 7-year tax-exempt bond market, consisting of municipal bonds with maturities of 6 to 8 years. |
Indices are not actively managed and do not reflect deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.
The returns shown above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemption of Fund shares.
The total annual operating expenses and total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or reimbursement you may pay as an investor in the Fund’s Institutional Class and Class A shares (as reported in the January 28, 2019 Prospectus) are 0.57% and 0.48% and 0.82% and 0.73%, respectively. The Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit expenses through January 31, 2021.
Performance of $3,000,000 Initial Investment(as of March 31, 2019)
The graph shown above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $3,000,000 in the Institutional Class. Due to differing expenses, performance of Class A will vary. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Returns do not reflect the deduction of fees, sales charges, or taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 3 |
American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund | Portfolio Update |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Portfolio Diversification(% of Net Assets as of March 31, 2019)
4 | www.americanindependence.com |
American Independence Funds | Disclosure of Fund Expenses |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Examples.As a shareholder of the American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund or American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including applicable redemption fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees and other Fund expenses. The following examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested on October 1, 2018 and held through March 31, 2019.
Actual Expenses.The first line under each class in 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 “Expenses Paid During Period October 1, 2018 – March 31, 2019” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes.The second line under each class in the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not each 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 each Fund and other mutual 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 Fund costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as redemption fees. Therefore, the second line under each class in the table below 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 transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
Beginning Account Value October 1, 2018 | Ending Account Value March 31, 2019 | Expense Ratio(a) | Expenses Paid During Period October 1, 2018 - March 31, 2019(b) | |
American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund | ||||
Institutional Class | ||||
Actual | $ 1,000.00 | $ 991.60 | 0.95% | $ 4.72 |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,020.19 | 0.95% | $ 4.78 |
Class A | ||||
Actual | $ 1,000.00 | $ 989.90 | 1.20% | $ 5.95 |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,018.95 | 1.20% | $ 6.04 |
American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund | ||||
Institutional Class | ||||
Actual | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,035.40 | 0.48% | $ 2.44 |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,022.54 | 0.48% | $ 2.42 |
Class A | ||||
Actual | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,035.10 | 0.73% | $ 3.70 |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $ 1,000.00 | $ 1,021.29 | 0.73% | $ 3.68 |
(a) | Each Fund's expense ratios have been annualized based on the Fund's actual expenses for the 6 month period ending March 31, 2019. |
(b) | Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio shown above for the applicable class, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (182), divided by 365. |
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 5 |
American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Shares | Value (Note 2) | |||||||
EXCHANGE TRADED PRODUCTS (95.60%) | ||||||||
International Equity Exchange Traded Products (28.51%) | ||||||||
Global X Scientific Beta Asia ex-Japan ETF | 10,200 | $ | 252,042 | |||||
Global X Scientific Beta Europe ETF | 1,000 | 24,110 | ||||||
Global X Scientific Beta Japan ETF | 1,000 | 27,380 | ||||||
iShares Europe ETF | 66,000 | 2,863,740 | ||||||
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF | 44,100 | 1,892,772 | ||||||
iShares MSCI Japan ETF | 100 | 5,472 | ||||||
iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF | 19,600 | 899,640 | ||||||
Total International Equity Exchange Traded Products | 5,965,156 | |||||||
International Fixed-Income Exchange Traded Products (30.71%) | ||||||||
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF(a) | 115,200 | 6,424,704 | ||||||
U.S. Equity Exchange Traded Products (36.38%) | ||||||||
Global X Scientific Beta US ETF | 26,600 | 842,973 | ||||||
SPDR Doubleline Total Return Tactical ETF(a) | 125,400 | 6,063,090 | ||||||
SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust | 2,500 | 706,200 | ||||||
Total U.S. Equity Exchange Traded Products | 7,612,263 | |||||||
TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED PRODUCTS (Cost $19,666,908) | 20,002,123 |
7-Day Yield | Shares | Value (Note 2) | ||||||||||
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (3.16%) | ||||||||||||
Money Market Fund | ||||||||||||
Federated Government Obligations Fund, Premier Shares | 2.327 | % | 661,912 | $ | 661,912 | |||||||
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $661,912) | 661,912 | |||||||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (98.76%) (Cost $20,328,820) | $ | 20,664,035 | ||||||||||
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (1.24%) | 259,006 | |||||||||||
NET ASSETS (100.00%) | $ | 20,923,041 |
(a) | Represents an investment greater than 25% of the Fund's net assets. Performance of the Fund may be adversely impacted by concentrated investments in securities. The financial statements and portfolio holdings for these securities can be found at www.sec.gov. |
Summary of Abbreviations
ETF - Exchange Traded Funds
See Notes to Financial Statements.
6 | www.americanindependence.com |
American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount | Value (Note 2) | |||||||
MUNICIPAL BONDS (97.74%) | ||||||||
Education (30.38%) | ||||||||
Barton Community College, Certificate Participation Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 12/01/2032 | $ | 555,000 | $ | 605,677 | ||||
4.000%, 12/01/2034 | 250,000 | 269,290 | ||||||
Bourbon County Unified School District No. 234-Fort Scott, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2025 | 355,000 | 408,246 | ||||||
Butler County Unified School District No. 385 Andover, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 09/01/2030 | 690,000 | 769,343 | ||||||
4.000%, 09/01/2031 | 500,000 | 552,135 | ||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2032 | 750,000 | 898,905 | ||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2034 | 2,000,000 | 2,381,440 | ||||||
Butler County Unified School District No. 490 El Dorado, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 09/01/2036 | 500,000 | 536,455 | ||||||
Dodge City Community College, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
5.125%, 04/01/2030 | 250,000 | 258,785 | ||||||
Douglas County Unified School District No. 497 Lawrence, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 09/01/2031 | 1,500,000 | 1,680,465 | ||||||
4.000%, 09/01/2033 | 500,000 | 535,160 | ||||||
Finney County Unified School District No. 457 Garden City, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 09/01/2031 | 500,000 | 544,405 | ||||||
Ford County Unified School District No. 443 Dodge City, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 03/01/2034 | 1,000,000 | 1,088,100 | ||||||
Franklin County Unified School District No. 290 Ottawa, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 09/01/2040 | 250,000 | 262,433 | ||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2031 | 1,715,000 | 1,992,813 | ||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2032 | 150,000 | 173,905 | ||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2033 | 1,000,000 | 1,158,270 | ||||||
Geary County Unified School District No. 475, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 09/01/2038 | 2,000,000 | 2,117,320 | ||||||
Hutchinson Community College & Area Vocational School, Certificate Participation Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 10/01/2037 | 1,700,000 | 1,745,084 | ||||||
Johnson & Miami Counties Unified School District No. 230 Spring Hills, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 09/01/2033 | 1,000,000 | 1,086,180 | ||||||
4.000%, 09/01/2035 | 1,000,000 | 1,075,690 | ||||||
5.250%, 09/01/2029 | 1,500,000 | 1,626,885 | ||||||
Johnson County Unified School District No. 233 Olathe, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 09/01/2031 | 1,000,000 | 1,103,680 | ||||||
4.000%, 09/01/2033 | 905,000 | 979,184 | ||||||
4.000%, 09/01/2035 | 790,000 | 850,119 | ||||||
4.000%, 09/01/2036 | 480,000 | 514,478 | ||||||
Johnson County Unified School District No. 512 Shawnee Mission, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
5.000%, 10/01/2032 | 1,000,000 | 1,174,390 | ||||||
Kansas Development Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 05/01/2034 | 1,000,000 | 1,047,810 | ||||||
Leavenworth County Unified School District No. 453, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 09/01/2036 | 1,000,000 | 1,078,450 | ||||||
5.250%, 09/01/2023 | 60,000 | 60,924 | ||||||
Leavenworth County Unified School District No. 458, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2029 | 395,000 | 400,676 | ||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2030 | 215,000 | 218,090 | ||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2038 | 1,000,000 | 1,164,060 | ||||||
Rice County Unified School District No. 376 Sterling, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
5.250%, 09/01/2035 | 500,000 | 507,825 | ||||||
Riley County Unified School District No. 383 Manhattan-Ogden, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2023 | 1,000,000 | 1,013,910 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 7 |
American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount | Value (Note 2) | |||||||
Education (continued) | ||||||||
Scott County Unified School District No. 466 Scott City, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 09/01/2037 | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,042,030 | ||||
Sedgwick County Unified School District No. 259 Wichita, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
3.000%, 10/01/2021 | 500,000 | 516,045 | ||||||
Sedgwick County Unified School District No. 260 Derby, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
5.000%, 10/01/2029 | 340,000 | 380,151 | ||||||
Sedgwick County Unified School District No. 261 Haysville, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
5.000%, 11/01/2019 | 20,000 | 20,057 | ||||||
5.000%, 11/01/2023 | 5,000 | 5,013 | ||||||
Sedgwick County Unified School District No. 262 Valley Center, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 09/01/2030 | 500,000 | 537,295 | ||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2033 | 750,000 | 852,967 | ||||||
Sedgwick County Unified School District No. 264 Clearwater, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 09/01/2029 | 530,000 | 584,458 | ||||||
Sedgwick County Unified School District No. 265 Goddard, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
5.000%, 10/01/2024 | 370,000 | 431,868 | ||||||
Sedgwick County Unified School District No. 266 Maize, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2021 | 500,000 | 542,190 | ||||||
Seward County Unified School District No. 480 Liberal, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2029 | 2,390,000 | 2,792,237 | ||||||
Shawne County Unified School District No. 437 Auburn - Washburn, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
3.950%, 09/01/2028 | 825,000 | 853,050 | ||||||
Sumner County Unified School District No. 353 Wellington, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2026 | 230,000 | 258,348 | ||||||
Washburn University/Topeka, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 07/01/2041 | 330,000 | 345,424 | ||||||
5.000%, 07/01/2035 | 500,000 | 573,680 | ||||||
Wyandotte County Unified School District No. 500 Kansas City, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2030 | 500,000 | 596,515 | ||||||
Total Education | 42,211,910 | |||||||
General Obligation (30.17%) | ||||||||
Ashland Public Building Commission, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 09/01/2019 | 100,000 | 100,623 | ||||||
4.000%, 09/01/2020 | 110,000 | 112,269 | ||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2035 | 720,000 | 766,843 | ||||||
City of Abilene, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
4.300%, 09/01/2027 | 150,000 | 155,830 | ||||||
4.600%, 09/01/2030 | 500,000 | 521,525 | ||||||
City of Abilene, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 12/01/2029 | 325,000 | 362,801 | ||||||
4.000%, 12/01/2031 | 445,000 | 488,516 | ||||||
City of Dodge City, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 06/01/2024 | 230,000 | 253,007 | ||||||
City of Haysville, Certificate Participation Bonds | ||||||||
4.125%, 11/01/2032 | 460,000 | 470,235 | ||||||
City of Junction City, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
4.500%, 09/01/2031 | 1,000,000 | 1,032,090 | ||||||
City of Lawrence, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 09/01/2030 | 470,000 | 528,012 | ||||||
4.000%, 09/01/2031 | 445,000 | 495,285 | ||||||
City of Leawood, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2025 | 665,000 | 798,279 | ||||||
City of Manhattan, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
5.000%, 11/01/2025 | 570,000 | 683,994 | ||||||
City of Merriam, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
5.000%, 10/01/2027 | 1,670,000 | 2,084,828 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
8 | www.americanindependence.com |
American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount | Value (Note 2) | |||||||
General Obligation (continued) | ||||||||
City of Newton, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 09/01/2023 | $ | 250,000 | $ | 272,448 | ||||
City of Olathe, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 10/01/2028 | 1,315,000 | 1,496,154 | ||||||
5.000%, 10/01/2024 | 535,000 | 612,773 | ||||||
City of Park City, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
5.375%, 12/01/2025 | 5,000 | 5,072 | ||||||
City of Phillipsburg, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
4.500%, 10/01/2028 | 545,000 | 563,399 | ||||||
City of Shawnee, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 12/01/2027 | 425,000 | 471,992 | ||||||
City of Topeka, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
4.500%, 08/15/2030 | 450,000 | 454,451 | ||||||
City of Wichita, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 06/01/2026 | 475,000 | 492,523 | ||||||
4.000%, 06/01/2027 | 780,000 | 809,234 | ||||||
4.000%, 12/01/2029 | 250,000 | 262,250 | ||||||
4.000%, 06/01/2030 | 820,000 | 932,020 | ||||||
5.000%, 12/01/2025 | 500,000 | 602,795 | ||||||
County of Clay, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 10/01/2036 | 750,000 | 797,363 | ||||||
County of Johnson, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
3.000%, 09/01/2030 | 400,000 | 405,880 | ||||||
4.000%, 09/01/2028 | 1,125,000 | 1,259,494 | ||||||
County of Scott, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
5.000%, 04/01/2028 | 500,000 | 517,205 | ||||||
Crawford County Public Building Commission, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
5.375%, 09/01/2024 | 1,300,000 | 1,320,410 | ||||||
Johnson County Public Building Commission, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 09/01/2024 | 500,000 | 517,290 | ||||||
4.000%, 09/01/2029 | 650,000 | 731,315 | ||||||
4.000%, 09/01/2031 | 1,500,000 | 1,661,955 | ||||||
4.500%, 09/01/2027 | 955,000 | 1,017,132 | ||||||
Kansas Development Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 10/01/2020 | 250,000 | 258,353 | ||||||
4.750%, 09/01/2034 | 360,000 | 364,291 | ||||||
5.000%, 04/01/2025 | 800,000 | 892,280 | ||||||
5.000%, 04/01/2026 | 1,485,000 | 1,653,874 | ||||||
5.000%, 11/01/2029 | 2,060,000 | 2,099,326 | ||||||
5.000%, 04/01/2031 | 1,000,000 | 1,104,200 | ||||||
5.000%, 04/01/2034 | 2,000,000 | 2,201,300 | ||||||
5.250%, 11/15/2021 | 1,300,000 | 1,329,091 | ||||||
5.500%, 11/15/2022 | 1,000,000 | 1,024,221 | ||||||
Overland Park Transportation Development District, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
5.900%, 04/01/2032 | 975,000 | 998,576 | ||||||
Unified Government of Greeley County, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 12/01/2029 | 250,000 | 271,148 | ||||||
4.000%, 12/01/2032 | 100,000 | 106,038 | ||||||
Wyandotte County-Kansas City Unified Government, General Obligation Unlimited Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 08/01/2029 | 685,000 | 776,900 | ||||||
4.000%, 08/01/2030 | 1,560,000 | 1,705,963 | ||||||
4.000%, 08/01/2031 | 930,000 | 985,707 | ||||||
5.000%, 08/01/2029 | 1,000,000 | 1,045,370 | ||||||
Wyandotte County-Kansas City Unified Government, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
4.875%, 10/01/2028 | 400,000 | 390,060 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 9 |
American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount | Value (Note 2) | |||||||
General Obligation (continued) | ||||||||
5.000%, 12/01/2023 | $ | 570,000 | $ | 647,925 | ||||
Total General Obligation | 41,911,915 | |||||||
Health Care (10.29%) | ||||||||
Allen County Public Building Commission, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
5.150%, 12/01/2036 | 500,000 | 563,480 | ||||||
City of Manhattan, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
5.000%, 11/15/2029 | 680,000 | 743,736 | ||||||
City of Olathe, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 09/01/2030 | 450,000 | 470,594 | ||||||
City of Wichita, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
4.750%, 11/15/2024 | 810,000 | 825,909 | ||||||
5.000%, 11/15/2029 | 1,570,000 | 1,705,114 | ||||||
County of Franklin, Certificate Participation Bonds | ||||||||
4.750%, 09/01/2021 | 465,000 | 465,576 | ||||||
Kansas Development Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 04/01/2024 | 230,000 | 235,313 | ||||||
4.500%, 04/01/2022 | 225,000 | 231,316 | ||||||
5.000%, 02/01/2022 | 555,000 | 569,891 | ||||||
5.000%, 11/15/2027 | 1,000,000 | 1,019,540 | ||||||
5.000%, 04/01/2029 | 650,000 | 671,645 | ||||||
5.000%, 11/15/2032 | 1,500,000 | 1,630,350 | ||||||
5.000%, 11/15/2034 | 350,000 | 379,753 | ||||||
5.000%, 05/15/2035 | 330,000 | 331,350 | ||||||
5.250%, 01/01/2025 | 200,000 | 205,214 | ||||||
5.250%, 11/15/2030 | 250,000 | 255,300 | ||||||
5.375%, 03/01/2030 | 1,000,000 | 1,031,040 | ||||||
Lyon County Public Building Commission, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
5.000%, 12/01/2035 | 1,335,000 | 1,531,165 | ||||||
Pawnee County Public Building Commission, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 02/15/2031 | 145,000 | 149,243 | ||||||
University of Kansas Hospital Authority, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2028 | 250,000 | 293,625 | ||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2030 | 350,000 | 405,832 | ||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2031 | 500,000 | 576,860 | ||||||
Total Health Care | 14,291,846 | |||||||
Housing (2.48%) | ||||||||
La Cygne Public Building Commission, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
5.000%, 11/01/2029 | 375,000 | 381,630 | ||||||
Pratt County Public Building Commission, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
3.250%, 12/01/2032 | 655,000 | 655,242 | ||||||
Topeka Public Building Commission, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
5.000%, 06/01/2027 | 2,355,000 | 2,408,058 | ||||||
Total Housing | 3,444,930 | |||||||
Transportation (8.47%) | ||||||||
Kansas Turnpike Authority, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 09/01/2026 | 1,000,000 | 1,029,660 | ||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2032 | 500,000 | 622,645 | ||||||
State of Kansas Department of Transportation, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2023 | 200,000 | 229,040 | ||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2024 | 500,000 | 586,185 | ||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2028 | 1,500,000 | 1,852,875 | ||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2029 | 1,000,000 | 1,177,790 | ||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2031 | 2,000,000 | 2,420,900 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
10 | www.americanindependence.com |
American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount | Value (Note 2) | |||||||
Transportation (continued) | ||||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2034 | $ | 3,260,000 | $ | 3,848,925 | ||||
Total Transportation | 11,768,020 | |||||||
Utilities (15.95%) | ||||||||
City of Lawrence Water & Sewage System, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 11/01/2038 | 1,000,000 | 1,057,810 | ||||||
City of Olathe Water & Sewer System, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
4.000%, 07/01/2024 | 250,000 | 276,613 | ||||||
City of Topeka Combined Utility, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
3.375%, 08/01/2032 | 1,335,000 | 1,344,786 | ||||||
3.500%, 08/01/2033 | 2,285,000 | 2,302,252 | ||||||
4.000%, 08/01/2026 | 2,600,000 | 2,740,400 | ||||||
4.500%, 08/01/2033 | 650,000 | 655,206 | ||||||
City of Wichita Water & Sewer Utility, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
3.250%, 10/01/2031 | 1,070,000 | 1,079,427 | ||||||
4.000%, 10/01/2029 | 1,000,000 | 1,037,480 | ||||||
4.000%, 10/01/2030 | 1,000,000 | 1,037,480 | ||||||
5.000%, 10/01/2025 | 1,000,000 | 1,079,780 | ||||||
5.000%, 10/01/2028 | 2,650,000 | 2,857,362 | ||||||
Kansas Power Pool, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
5.000%, 12/01/2019 | 600,000 | 612,480 | ||||||
5.000%, 12/01/2023 | 200,000 | 217,248 | ||||||
5.000%, 12/01/2028 | 700,000 | 814,457 | ||||||
Kansas Rural Water Finance Authority, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
4.100%, 09/01/2034 | 270,000 | 274,344 | ||||||
Wyandotte County-Kansas City Unified Government Utility System, Revenue Bonds | ||||||||
4.250%, 09/01/2023 | 500,000 | 510,905 | ||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2027 | 1,300,000 | 1,396,837 | ||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2031 | 1,350,000 | 1,560,790 | ||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2032 | 1,090,000 | 1,193,528 | ||||||
5.000%, 09/01/2033 | 100,000 | 114,417 | ||||||
Total Utilities | 22,163,602 | |||||||
TOTAL MUNICIPAL BONDS (Cost $132,436,111) | 135,792,223 |
7-Day Yield | Shares | Value (Note 2) | ||||||||||
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (1.97%) | ||||||||||||
Money Market Fund | ||||||||||||
Federated Treasury Obligations Fund, Institutional Shares | 2.297 | % | 2,739,289 | $ | 2,739,289 | |||||||
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $2,739,289) | 2,739,289 | |||||||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (99.71%) (Cost $135,175,400) | $ | 138,531,512 | ||||||||||
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (0.29%) | 401,147 | |||||||||||
NET ASSETS (100.00%) | $ | 138,932,659 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 11 |
American Independence Funds | Statements of Assets and Liabilities |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE GLOBAL TACTICAL ALLOCATION FUND | AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE KANSAS TAX- EXEMPT BOND FUND | |||||||
ASSETS: | ||||||||
Investments, at value (Cost $20,328,820 and $135,175,400) | $ | 20,664,035 | $ | 138,531,512 | ||||
Receivable for investments sold | 414,945 | – | ||||||
Receivable for shares sold | 65,050 | 64,342 | ||||||
Dividends and interest receivable | 6,952 | 1,358,558 | ||||||
Other assets | 16,465 | 29,455 | ||||||
Total Assets | 21,167,447 | 139,983,867 | ||||||
LIABILITIES: | ||||||||
Distributions payable | – | 315,566 | ||||||
Payable for administration and transfer agency fees | 40,088 | 29,375 | ||||||
Payable for investments purchased | 84,368 | 612,410 | ||||||
Payable for shares redeemed | 68,778 | 13,078 | ||||||
Payable to adviser | 4,098 | 21,549 | ||||||
Payable for distribution and service fees | 1,635 | 856 | ||||||
Payable for printing | 760 | 53 | ||||||
Payable for professional fees | 27,997 | 41,767 | ||||||
Payable for trustees' fees and expenses | 131 | – | ||||||
Payable to Chief Compliance Officer fees | 3,622 | 5,260 | ||||||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | 12,929 | 11,294 | ||||||
Total Liabilities | 244,406 | 1,051,208 | ||||||
NET ASSETS | $ | 20,923,041 | $ | 138,932,659 | ||||
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF: | ||||||||
Paid-in capital (Note 5) | $ | 21,714,415 | $ | 135,284,886 | ||||
Total distributable earnings | (791,374 | ) | 3,647,773 | |||||
NET ASSETS | $ | 20,923,041 | $ | 138,932,659 | ||||
PRICING OF SHARES | ||||||||
Institutional Class: | ||||||||
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share | $ | 9.68 | $ | 10.77 | ||||
Net Assets | $ | 14,013,014 | $ | 134,875,817 | ||||
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding | 1,448,080 | 12,517,516 | ||||||
Class A : | ||||||||
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share | $ | 9.60 | $ | 10.78 | ||||
Net Assets | $ | 6,910,027 | $ | 4,056,842 | ||||
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding | 719,603 | 376,462 | ||||||
Maximum offering price per share(a) | $ | 10.19 | $ | 11.26 |
(a) | Net Asset Value/100% minus maximum sales charge of net asset value, 5.75% and 4.25% respectively for the Funds, adjusted to the nearest cent. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
12 | www.americanindependence.com |
American Independence Funds | Statements of Operations |
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE GLOBAL TACTICAL ALLOCATION FUND | AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE KANSAS TAX- EXEMPT BOND FUND | |||||||
INVESTMENT INCOME: | ||||||||
Dividends | $ | 324,040 | $ | 21,764 | ||||
Interest | – | 2,209,821 | ||||||
Total Investment Income | 324,040 | 2,231,585 | ||||||
EXPENSES: | ||||||||
Investment advisory fees (Note 6) | 114,442 | 202,455 | ||||||
Administration fees | 19,945 | 99,171 | ||||||
Distribution fees | ||||||||
Class A | 11,962 | 5,232 | ||||||
Custody fees | 37 | 2,316 | ||||||
Legal fees | 1,744 | 6,150 | ||||||
Audit and tax fees | 6,501 | 6,967 | ||||||
Transfer agent fees | 40,383 | 16,272 | ||||||
Trustees fees and expenses | 1,616 | 6,598 | ||||||
Registration and filing fees | 15,110 | 10,049 | ||||||
Printing fees | 2,192 | 5,054 | ||||||
Chief Compliance Officer fees | 6,252 | 21,703 | ||||||
Insurance fees | 31 | 139 | ||||||
Other expenses | 3,440 | 5,803 | ||||||
Total Expenses | 223,655 | 387,909 | ||||||
Less fees waived/reimbursed by investment adviser (Note 6) | ||||||||
Institutional Class | (45,560 | ) | (55,444 | ) | ||||
Class A | (22,320 | ) | (3,318 | ) | ||||
Total fees waived/reimbursed by investment adviser | (67,880 | ) | (58,762 | ) | ||||
Net Expenses | 155,775 | 329,147 | ||||||
NET INVESTMENT INCOME | 168,265 | 1,902,438 | ||||||
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS: | ||||||||
Net realized gain/(loss) on: | ||||||||
Investments | (941,413 | ) | 348,547 | |||||
Net realized gain/(loss) | (941,413 | ) | 348,547 | |||||
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on: | ||||||||
Investments | 4,492 | 2,546,101 | ||||||
Net change | 4,492 | 2,546,101 | ||||||
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS | (936,921 | ) | 2,894,648 | |||||
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | $ | (768,656 | ) | $ | 4,797,086 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 13 |
American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund | Statements of Changes in Net Assets |
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Period Ended September 30, 2018(a) | For the Year Ended October 31, 2017 | ||||||||||
OPERATIONS: | ||||||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 168,265 | $ | 1,247,186 | $ | 1,961,191 | ||||||
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments | (941,413 | ) | 10,693,162 | 3,920,283 | ||||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments | 4,492 | (10,162,136 | ) | 9,660,783 | ||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | (768,656 | ) | 1,778,212 | 15,542,257 | ||||||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(b) | ||||||||||||
Institutional Class | (3,844,973 | ) | (2,800,890 | ) | (720,260 | ) | ||||||
Class A(c) | (1,803,990 | ) | (2,261,503 | ) | (563,180 | ) | ||||||
Class C(c) | – | (145,462 | ) | (17,786 | ) | |||||||
Total distributions | (5,648,963 | ) | (5,207,855 | ) | (1,301,226 | ) | ||||||
BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (Note 5): | ||||||||||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||||||
Shares sold | 1,925,466 | 24,535,873 | 30,834,298 | |||||||||
Dividends reinvested | 2,987,525 | 1,859,235 | 490,606 | |||||||||
Shares redeemed | (17,882,573 | ) | (65,522,791 | ) | (11,783,964 | ) | ||||||
Net increase/(decrease) from beneficial share transactions | (12,969,582 | ) | (39,127,683 | ) | 19,540,940 | |||||||
Class A(c) | ||||||||||||
Shares sold | 41,989 | 9,225,330 | 24,876,625 | |||||||||
Dividends reinvested | 1,662,406 | 1,790,835 | 281,975 | |||||||||
Shares redeemed | (4,773,398 | ) | (59,181,296 | ) | (26,350,301 | ) | ||||||
Net decrease from beneficial share transactions | (3,069,003 | ) | (48,165,131 | ) | (1,191,701 | ) | ||||||
Class C(c) | ||||||||||||
Shares sold | – | 221,432 | 540,680 | |||||||||
Dividends reinvested | – | 116,345 | 15,079 | |||||||||
Shares redeemed | – | (4,373,476 | ) | (2,146,016 | ) | |||||||
Net decrease from beneficial share transactions | – | (4,035,699 | ) | (1,590,257 | ) | |||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets | (22,456,204 | ) | (94,758,156 | ) | 31,000,013 | |||||||
NET ASSETS: | ||||||||||||
Beginning of period | 43,379,245 | 138,137,401 | 107,137,388 | |||||||||
End of period | $ | 20,923,041 | $ | 43,379,245 | $ | 138,137,401 |
(a) | Effective September 24, 2018, the American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund merged with and into a clone series of ALPS Series Trust. The Funds were previously advised by Manifold Fund Advisors, LLC. In connection with the merger, the fiscal year-end changed from October 31 to September 30. |
(b) | For the prior year ended October 31, 2017, American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund had Total Distributions consisting of Net Investment Income of $1,301,226, and Net Realized Gains of $0 and Net Assets included accumulated net investment income of $798,190. |
(c) | Class C shares were merged into Class A on September 24, 2018. The amounts presented represent the results of the Class A shares for the periods prior to the merger and the results of the combined share class for the period subsequent the merger. As a result of the merger, Shareholder equity in Class A increased by $2,040,463 and 172,662 shares. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
14 | www.americanindependence.com |
American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund | Statements of Changes in Net Assets |
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Period Ended September 30, 2018(a) | For the Year Ended October 31, 2017 | ||||||||||
OPERATIONS: | ||||||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 1,902,438 | $ | 3,968,031 | $ | 5,370,631 | ||||||
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments | 348,547 | 1,077,483 | (244,507 | ) | ||||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments | 2,546,101 | (5,413,242 | ) | (3,649,118 | ) | |||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | 4,797,086 | (367,728 | ) | 1,477,006 | ||||||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS(b) | ||||||||||||
Institutional Class | (2,351,966 | ) | (3,771,175 | ) | (5,057,517 | ) | ||||||
Class A(c) | (69,985 | ) | (180,929 | ) | (294,193 | ) | ||||||
Class C(c) | – | (8,545 | ) | (18,921 | ) | |||||||
Total distributions | (2,421,951 | ) | (3,960,649 | ) | (5,370,631 | ) | ||||||
BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (Note 5): | ||||||||||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||||||
Shares sold | 9,694,981 | 28,106,930 | 28,351,865 | |||||||||
Dividends reinvested | 476,921 | 384,039 | 453,721 | |||||||||
Shares redeemed | (10,837,330 | ) | (58,543,555 | ) | (48,557,589 | ) | ||||||
Net decrease from beneficial share transactions | (665,428 | ) | (30,052,586 | ) | (19,752,003 | ) | ||||||
Class A(c) | ||||||||||||
Shares sold | 8,749 | 651,534 | 381,419 | |||||||||
Dividends reinvested | 54,872 | 113,411 | 164,729 | |||||||||
Shares redeemed | (824,199 | ) | (7,251,264 | ) | (374,573 | ) | ||||||
Net increase/(decrease) from beneficial share transactions | (760,578 | ) | (6,486,319 | ) | 171,575 | |||||||
Class C(c) | ||||||||||||
Shares sold | – | 27,246 | 1,536 | |||||||||
Dividends reinvested | – | 4,246 | 8,118 | |||||||||
Shares redeemed | – | (710,429 | ) | (459,797 | ) | |||||||
Net decrease from beneficial share transactions | – | (678,937 | ) | (450,143 | ) | |||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets | 949,129 | (41,546,219 | ) | (23,924,196 | ) | |||||||
NET ASSETS: | ||||||||||||
Beginning of period | 137,983,530 | 179,529,749 | 203,453,945 | |||||||||
End of period | $ | 138,932,659 | $ | 137,983,530 | $ | 179,529,749 |
(a) | Effective September 24, 2018, the American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund merged with and into a clone series of ALPS Series Trust. The Funds were previously advised by Manifold Fund Advisors, LLC. In connection with the merger, the fiscal year-end changed from October 31 to September 30. |
(b) | For the prior year ended October 31, 2017, American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund had Total Distributions consisting of Net Investment Income of $5,370,631, and Net Realized Gains of $0 and Net Assets included accumulated net investment income of $72,211. |
(c) | Class C shares were merged into Class A on September 24, 2018. The amounts presented represent the results of the Class A shares for the periods prior to the merger and the results of the combined share class for the period subsequent the merger. As a result of the merger, Shareholder equity in Class A increased by $342,954 and 32,402 shares. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 15 |
American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund | Financial Highlights |
Institutional Class | For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented |
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Period Ended September 30, 2018(a) | For the Year Ended October 31, 2017 | For the Year Ended October 31, 2016 | For the Year Ended October 31, 2015 | For the Year Ended October 31, 2014 | For the Period Ended October 31, 2013(b) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | $ | 11.83 | $ | 12.09 | $ | 10.68 | $ | 10.52 | $ | 10.69 | $ | 10.18 | $ | 10.00 | ||||||||||||||
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income(c) | 0.06 | 0.17 | 0.22 | 0.26 | 0.32 | 0.21 | 0.01 | (d) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments | (0.19 | ) | 0.01 | (e) | 1.34 | 0.09 | (0.10 | ) | 0.35 | 0.17 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total from investment operations | (0.13 | ) | 0.18 | 1.56 | 0.35 | 0.22 | 0.56 | 0.18 | ||||||||||||||||||||
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
From net investment income | (0.16 | ) | (0.15 | ) | (0.15 | ) | (0.19 | ) | (0.39 | ) | (0.05 | ) | – | |||||||||||||||
From net realized gains on investments | (1.86 | ) | (0.29 | ) | – | – | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Distributions | (2.02 | ) | (0.44 | ) | (0.15 | ) | (0.19 | ) | (0.39 | ) | (0.05 | ) | – | |||||||||||||||
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE | (2.15 | ) | (0.26 | ) | 1.41 | 0.16 | (0.17 | ) | 0.51 | 0.18 | ||||||||||||||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD | $ | 9.68 | $ | 11.83 | $ | 12.09 | $ | 10.68 | $ | 10.52 | $ | 10.69 | $ | 10.18 | ||||||||||||||
TOTAL RETURN(f) | (0.84 | %) | 1.53 | % | 14.78 | % | 3.34 | % | 2.10 | % | 5.52 | % | 1.80 | % | ||||||||||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (in 000s) | $ | 14,013 | $ | 31,417 | $ | 72,454 | $ | 45,813 | $ | 20,028 | $ | 6,329 | $ | 6,934 | ||||||||||||||
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver | 1.39 | %(g) | 1.42 | %(g) | 1.23 | % | 1.27 | % | 1.33 | % | 1.73 | % | 10.18 | %(g) | ||||||||||||||
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver | 0.95 | %(g) | 1.01 | %(g) | 0.95 | % | 0.95 | % | 0.94 | % | 0.90 | % | 0.90 | %(g) | ||||||||||||||
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver | 1.18 | %(g) | 1.52 | %(g) | 1.93 | % | 2.48 | % | 2.98 | % | 2.00 | % | 6.14 | %(g)(h) | ||||||||||||||
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(i) | 227 | % | 193 | % | 138 | % | 129 | % | 98 | % | 166 | % | 19 | % |
(a) | Effective September 24, 2018, the American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund merged with and into a clone series of ALPS Series Trust. The Funds were previously advised by Manifold Fund Advisors, LLC. In connection with the merger, the fiscal year-end changed from October 31 to September 30. |
(b) | Commenced operations on September 20, 2013. |
(c) | Per share amounts are based upon average shares outstanding, unless otherwise noted. |
(d) | Calculated based on ending shares outstanding during the period. |
(e) | Realized and unrealized gains and losses per share in this caption are balancing amounts necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per share for the period and may not reconcile with the aggregate gains and losses in the Statement of Operations due to share transactions for the period. |
(f) | Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. |
(g) | Annualized. |
(h) | Due to the short life of the Fund and significant cash inflows into the Institutional Class at the end of the year in question; the ratio of net investment income is not indicative of future results. |
(i) | Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
16 | www.americanindependence.com |
American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund | Financial Highlights |
Class A | For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented |
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Period Ended September 30, 2018(a)(b) | For the Year Ended October 31, 2017 | For the Year Ended October 31, 2016 | For the Year Ended October 31, 2015 | For the Year Ended October 31, 2014 | For the Period Ended October 31, 2013(c) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | $ | 11.75 | $ | 12.04 | $ | 10.64 | $ | 10.50 | $ | 10.65 | $ | 10.18 | $ | 10.00 | ||||||||||||||
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income(d) | 0.05 | 0.14 | 0.18 | 0.23 | 0.29 | 0.24 | 0.00 | (e)(f) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments | (0.20 | ) | 0.00 | (e)(g) | 1.33 | 0.08 | (0.10 | ) | 0.27 | 0.18 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total from investment operations | (0.15 | ) | 0.14 | 1.51 | 0.31 | 0.19 | 0.51 | 0.18 | ||||||||||||||||||||
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
From net investment income | (0.14 | ) | (0.14 | ) | (0.11 | ) | (0.17 | ) | (0.34 | ) | (0.04 | ) | – | |||||||||||||||
From net realized gains on investments | (1.86 | ) | (0.29 | ) | – | – | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||||||
Total Distributions | (2.00 | ) | (0.43 | ) | (0.11 | ) | (0.17 | ) | (0.34 | ) | (0.04 | ) | – | |||||||||||||||
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE | (2.15 | ) | (0.29 | ) | 1.40 | 0.14 | (0.15 | ) | 0.47 | 0.18 | ||||||||||||||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD | $ | 9.60 | $ | 11.75 | $ | 12.04 | $ | 10.64 | $ | 10.50 | $ | 10.65 | $ | 10.18 | ||||||||||||||
TOTAL RETURN(h) | (1.01 | %) | 1.19 | % | 14.34 | % | 2.99 | % | 1.75 | % | 5.07 | % | 1.80 | % | ||||||||||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (in 000s) | $ | 6,910 | $ | 11,962 | $ | 61,546 | $ | 56,135 | $ | 38,019 | $ | 21,684 | $ | 3,876 | ||||||||||||||
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver | 1.67 | %(i) | 1.91 | %(i) | 1.73 | % | 1.77 | % | 1.75 | % | 2.23 | % | 10.77 | %(i) | ||||||||||||||
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver | 1.20 | %(i) | 1.37 | %(i) | 1.33 | % | 1.33 | % | 1.28 | % | 1.28 | % | 1.28 | %(i) | ||||||||||||||
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver | 0.96 | %(i) | 1.25 | %(i) | 1.59 | % | 2.23 | % | 2.70 | % | 2.32 | % | 0.25 | %(i)(j) | ||||||||||||||
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(k) | 227 | % | 193 | % | 138 | % | 129 | % | 98 | % | 166 | % | 19 | % |
(a) | Effective September 24, 2018, the American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund merged with and into a clone series of ALPS Series Trust. The Funds were previously advised by Manifold Fund Advisors, LLC. In connection with the merger, the fiscal year-end changed from October 31 to September 30. |
(b) | Class C shares were merged into Class A on September 24, 2018. The amounts presented represent the results of the Class A shares for the periods prior to the merger and the results of the combined share class for the period subsequent to the merger. |
(c) | Commenced operations on September 20, 2013. |
(d) | Per share amounts are based upon average shares outstanding, unless otherwise noted. |
(e) | Less than $0.005 per share. |
(f) | Calculated based on ending shares outstanding during the period. |
(g) | Realized and unrealized gains and losses per share in this caption are balancing amounts necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per share for the period and may not reconcile with the aggregate gains and losses in the Statement of Operations due to share transactions for the period. |
(h) | Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. |
(i) | Annualized. |
(j) | Due to the short life of the Fund and significant cash inflows into the Institutional Class at the end of the year in question; the ratio of net investment income is not indicative of future results. |
(k) | Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 17 |
American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund | Financial Highlights |
Institutional Class | For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented |
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Period Ended September 30, 2018(a) | For the Year Ended October 31, 2017 | For the Year Ended October 31, 2016 | For the Year Ended October 31, 2015 | For the Year Ended October 31, 2014 | For the Year Ended October 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | $ | 10.59 | $ | 10.88 | $ | 11.09 | $ | 11.11 | $ | 11.16 | $ | 10.80 | $ | 11.28 | ||||||||||||||
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income(b) | 0.15 | 0.27 | 0.32 | 0.33 | 0.35 | 0.37 | (c) | 0.35 | (c) | |||||||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments | 0.22 | (0.29 | ) | (0.21 | ) | (0.02 | ) | (0.05 | ) | 0.36 | (0.48 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Total from investment operations | 0.37 | (0.02 | ) | 0.11 | 0.31 | 0.30 | 0.73 | (0.13 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
From net investment income | (0.15 | ) | (0.27 | ) | (0.32 | ) | (0.33 | ) | (0.35 | ) | (0.37 | ) | (0.35 | ) | ||||||||||||||
From net realized gains on investments | (0.04 | ) | – | – | – | – | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total Distributions | (0.19 | ) | (0.27 | ) | (0.32 | ) | (0.33 | ) | (0.35 | ) | (0.37 | ) | (0.35 | ) | ||||||||||||||
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE | 0.18 | (0.29 | ) | (0.21 | ) | (0.02 | ) | (0.05 | ) | 0.36 | (0.48 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD | $ | 10.77 | $ | 10.59 | $ | 10.88 | $ | 11.09 | $ | 11.11 | $ | 11.16 | $ | 10.80 | ||||||||||||||
TOTAL RETURN(d) | 3.54 | % | (0.15 | %) | 1.04 | % | 2.80 | % | 2.70 | % | 6.89 | % | (1.13 | %) | ||||||||||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (in 000s) | $ | 134,876 | $ | 133,235 | $ | 167,374 | $ | 190,780 | $ | 181,983 | $ | 183,423 | $ | 232,502 | ||||||||||||||
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver | 0.56 | %(e) | 0.75 | %(e) | 0.61 | % | 0.60 | % | 0.60 | % | 0.58 | % | 0.55 | % | ||||||||||||||
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver | 0.48 | %(e) | 0.56 | %(e) | 0.48 | % | 0.48 | % | 0.48 | % | 0.48 | % | 0.48 | % | ||||||||||||||
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver | 2.83 | %(e) | 2.80 | %(e) | 2.95 | % | 2.94 | % | 3.12 | % | 3.39 | % | 3.20 | % | ||||||||||||||
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(f) | 5 | % | 14 | % | 9 | % | 10 | % | 13 | % | 1 | % | 8 | % |
(a) | Effective September 24, 2018, the American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund merged with and into a clone series of ALPS Series Trust. The Funds were previously advised by Manifold Fund Advisors, LLC. In connection with the merger, the fiscal year-end changed from October 31 to September 30. |
(b) | Per share amounts are based upon average shares outstanding, unless otherwise noted. |
(c) | Calculated based on ending shares outstanding during the period. |
(d) | Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. |
(e) | Annualized. |
(f) | Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
18 | www.americanindependence.com |
American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund | Financial Highlights |
Class A | For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented |
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Period Ended September 30, 2018(a)(b) | For the Year Ended October 31, 2017 | For the Year Ended October 31, 2016 | For the Year Ended October 31, 2015 | For the Year Ended October 31, 2014 | For the Year Ended October 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | $ | 10.59 | $ | 10.88 | $ | 11.09 | $ | 11.11 | $ | 11.16 | $ | 10.80 | $ | 11.28 | ||||||||||||||
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income(c) | 0.14 | 0.24 | 0.28 | 0.29 | 0.31 | 0.33 | (d) | 0.31 | (d) | |||||||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments | 0.23 | (0.29 | ) | (0.21 | ) | (0.02 | ) | (0.05 | ) | 0.36 | (0.48 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Total from investment operations | 0.37 | (0.05 | ) | 0.07 | 0.27 | 0.26 | 0.69 | (0.17 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: | �� | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
From net investment income | (0.14 | ) | (0.24 | ) | (0.28 | ) | (0.29 | ) | (0.31 | ) | (0.33 | ) | (0.31 | ) | ||||||||||||||
From net realized gains on investments | (0.04 | ) | – | – | – | – | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total Distributions | (0.18 | ) | (0.24 | ) | (0.28 | ) | (0.29 | ) | (0.31 | ) | (0.33 | ) | (0.31 | ) | ||||||||||||||
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE | 0.19 | (0.29 | ) | (0.21 | ) | (0.02 | ) | (0.05 | ) | 0.36 | (0.48 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD | $ | 10.78 | $ | 10.59 | $ | 10.88 | $ | 11.09 | $ | 11.11 | $ | 11.16 | $ | 10.80 | ||||||||||||||
TOTAL RETURN(e) | 3.51 | % | (0.51 | %) | 0.65 | % | 2.41 | % | 2.34 | % | 6.47 | % | (1.52 | %) | ||||||||||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (in 000s) | $ | 4,057 | $ | 4,748 | $ | 11,462 | $ | 11,509 | $ | 10,620 | $ | 10,186 | $ | 9,815 | ||||||||||||||
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver | 0.89 | %(f) | 1.25 | %(f) | 1.11 | % | 1.10 | % | 1.03 | % | 1.08 | % | 1.05 | % | ||||||||||||||
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver | 0.73 | %(f) | 0.94 | %(f) | 0.87 | % | 0.87 | % | 0.83 | % | 0.87 | % | 0.87 | % | ||||||||||||||
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver | 2.58 | %(f) | 2.43 | %(f) | 2.56 | % | 2.55 | % | 2.76 | % | 3.00 | % | 2.82 | % | ||||||||||||||
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(g) | 5 | % | 14 | % | 9 | % | 10 | % | 13 | % | 1 | % | 8 | % |
(a) | Effective September 24, 2018, the American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund merged with and into a clone series of ALPS Series Trust. The Funds were previously advised by Manifold Fund Advisors, LLC. In connection with the merger, the fiscal year-end changed from October 31 to September 30. |
(b) | Class C shares were merged into Class A on September 24, 2018. The amounts presented represent the results of the Class A shares for the periods prior to the merger and the results of the combined share class for the period subsequent to the merger. |
(c) | Per share amounts are based upon average shares outstanding, unless otherwise noted. |
(d) | Calculated based on ending shares outstanding during the period. |
(e) | Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. |
(f) | Annualized. |
(g) | Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 19 |
American Independence Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
1. ORGANIZATION
ALPS Series Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”). The Trust consists of multiple separate portfolios or series. This semi-annual report describes the American Independence Global Tactical Allocation Fund ("Global Tactical Allocation Fund") and American Independence Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund (each individually “Fund” or collectively “Funds”). The Global Tactical Allocation Fund’s primary investment objective is to seek to provide long-term capital appreciation. The Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund’s primary investment objective is to preserve capital while producing current income for the investor that is exempt from both federal and Kansas state income taxes. The Funds currently offer Institutional Class Shares and Class A Shares. Each share class has identical rights to earnings, assets and voting privileges, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. The Board of Trustees (“Board”) may establish additional funds and classes of shares at any time in the future without shareholder approval.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for investment companies (“U.S. GAAP”). The Funds are considered registered investment companies under U.S. GAAP and follow the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to registered investment companies in the Financial Accounting Standards BoardAccounting Standards CodificationTopic 946. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds in preparation of their financial statements.
Investment Valuation:The Funds generally value their securities based on market prices determined at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading.
For equity securities and shares of registered investment companies that are traded on an exchange, the market price is usually the closing sale or official closing price on that exchange. In the case of equity securities not traded on an exchange, or if such closing prices are not otherwise available, the securities are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and ask prices on such day.
The market price for debt obligations is generally the price supplied by an independent third-party pricing service approved by the Board, which may use a matrix, formula or other objective method that takes into consideration quotations from dealers, market transactions in comparable investments, market indices and yield curves. If vendors are unable to supply a price, or if the price supplied is deemed to be unreliable, the market price may be determined using quotations received from one or more broker-dealers that make a market in the security.
Most securities listed on a foreign exchange are valued either at the last sale price at the close of the exchange on which the security is principally traded or at fair value (see description below). Foreign securities, currencies, and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. Dollars at the exchange rate of said currencies against the U.S. Dollar, as of Valuation Time, as provided by an independent pricing service approved by the Board.
Redeemable securities issued by open-end registered investment companies are valued at the investment company’s applicable net asset value, with the exception of exchange-traded open-end investment companies, which are priced as equity securities.
When such prices or quotations are not available, or when the Fair Value Committee appointed by the Board believes that they are unreliable, securities may be priced using fair value procedures approved by the Board.
Fair Value Measurements:The Funds disclose the classification of their fair value measurements following a three-tier hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on the best information available.
20 | www.americanindependence.com |
American Independence Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Funds’ investments as of the end of the reporting period. When inputs used fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The designated input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with these investments. These inputs are categorized in the following hierarchy under applicable financial accounting standards:
Level 1 – | Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments, unrestricted assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date; | |
Level 2 – | Quoted prices which are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable (either directly or indirectly); and | |
Level 3 – | Significant unobservable prices or inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date. |
The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of March 31, 2019:
Investments in Securities at Value* | Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices | Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs | Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs | Total | ||||||||||||
International Equity Exchange Traded Products | $ | 5,965,156 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 5,965,156 | ||||||||
International Fixed-Income Exchange Traded Products | 6,424,704 | – | – | 6,424,704 | ||||||||||||
U.S. Equity Exchange Traded Products | 7,612,263 | – | – | 7,612,263 | ||||||||||||
Short Term Investments | 661,912 | – | – | 661,912 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 20,664,035 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 20,664,035 |
Investments in Securities at Value* | Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices | Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs | Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs | Total | ||||||||||||
Municipal Bonds | $ | – | $ | 135,792,223 | $ | – | $ | 135,792,223 | ||||||||
Short Term Investments | 2,739,289 | – | – | 2,739,289 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 2,739,289 | $ | 135,792,223 | $ | – | $ | 138,531,512 |
* | For a detailed Sector breakdown, see the accompanying Portfolio of Investments. |
There were no Level 3 securities held in either of the Funds at March 31, 2019.
Securities Purchased on a When-Issued Basis:Each Fund may purchase securities on a “when-issued” basis. When-issued securities are securities purchased for delivery beyond the normal settlement date at a stated price and/or yield, thereby involving the risk that the price and/or yield obtained may be more or less than those available in the market when delivery takes place. At the time a Fund makes the commitment to purchase a security on a when-issued basis, the Fund records the transaction and reflects the value of the security in determining net asset value. Normally, the settlement date occurs within one month of the purchase. No payment is made by the Fund and no interest accrues to the Fund during the period between purchase and settlement.
Cash & Cash Equivalents:The Funds consider their investment in a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insured interest bearing account to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus any accrued interest. The Funds maintain cash balances, which, at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Funds maintain these balances with a high-quality financial institution.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 21 |
American Independence Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Concentration of Credit Risk:The Fund places its cash with a banking institution, which is insured by FDIC. The FDIC limit is $250,000. At various times throughout the year, the amount on deposit may exceed the FDIC limit and subject the Fund to a credit risk. The Funds do not believe that such deposits are subject to any unusual risk associated with investment activities.
The Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund invests primarily in debt obligations issued by the State of Kansas and its respective political subdivisions, agencies and public authorities. The Fund is more susceptible to economic and political factors adversely affecting issuers of Kansas specific municipal securities than are municipal bond funds that are not concentrated in these issuers to the same extent.
Trust Expenses:Some expenses of the Trust can be directly attributed to a Fund. Expenses that cannot be directly attributed to a Fund are apportioned among all funds in the Trust based on average net assets of each fund, including Trustees’ fees and expenses.
Fund Expenses:Some expenses can be directly attributed to a Fund and are apportioned among the classes based on average net assets of each class.
Class Expenses:Expenses that are specific to a class of shares are charged directly to that share class. Fees provided under the distribution (Rule 12b-1) and/or shareholder service plans for a particular class of each Fund are charged to the operations of such class.
Federal Income Taxes:The Funds intend to comply with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and intend to distribute substantially all of their net taxable income and net capital gains, if any, each year so that it will not be subject to excise tax on undistributed income and gains. The Funds are not subject to income taxes to the extent such distributions are made.
As of and during the six month period ended March 31, 2019, the Funds did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying financial statements. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to tax liabilities as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations. The Funds file U.S. federal, state and local income tax returns as required. The Funds’ tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return for federal purposes and four years for most state returns. The Funds’ administrator has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years and has concluded that, as of March 31, 2019, no provision for income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements related to these tax positions.
Investment Transactions and Investment Income:Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the investments are purchased or sold (trade date basis for financial reporting purposes). Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are reported on an identified cost basis. Interest income, which includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, is accrued and recorded as earned based on the effective yield method. Dividend income and realized gain distributions from underlying investments are recognized on the ex-dividend date. All of the realized and unrealized gains and losses and net investment income are allocated daily to each class in proportion to its average daily net assets.
Distributions to Shareholders:Distributions from net investment income for the Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund are declared daily and paid monthly. Distributions from net investment income, if any, for the Global Tactical Allocation Fund are declared and paid quarterly. Distributions from net realized capital gains, if any, are distributed at least annually. Income dividend distributions are derived from interest, dividends and other income the Funds receive from their investments, including short- term capital gains. Long term capital gain distributions are derived from gains realized when a Fund sells a security it has owned for more than one year. A Fund may make additional distributions and dividends at other times if its portfolio manager or managers believe doing so may be necessary for the Fund to avoid or reduce taxes. Net investment income/(loss) and net realized gain/(loss) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes.
3. TAX BASIS INFORMATION
Tax Basis of Distributions to Shareholders:The character of distributions made during the period from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Also, due to the timing of dividend distributions, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the fiscal year in which the income or realized gain were recorded by the Funds. The amounts and characteristics of tax basis distributions are estimated at the time of distribution and composition of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) are finalized at fiscal year-end. Accordingly, tax basis balances have not been determined as of the date of the semi-annual report.
22 | www.americanindependence.com |
American Independence Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
The tax character of distributions paid by the Funds for the fiscal periods or years ended September 30, 2018, October 31, 2017 and October 31, 2016 respectively, were as follows:
Ordinary Income | Tax-Exempt Income | Long-Term Capital Gains | ||||||||||
Global Tactical Allocation Fund | $ | 5,006,179 | $ | – | $ | 201,676 | ||||||
Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund | 49,064 | 3,911,585 | – | |||||||||
Ordinary Income | Tax-Exempt Income | Long-Term Capital Gains | ||||||||||
Global Tactical Allocation Fund | $ | 1,301,226 | $ | – | $ | – | ||||||
Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund | – | 5,370,631 | – | |||||||||
Ordinary Income | Tax-Exempt Income | Long-Term Capital Gains | ||||||||||
Global Tactical Allocation Fund | $ | 1,234,579 | $ | – | $ | – | ||||||
Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund | 308 | 5,687,453 | – |
Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation on Investments:As of March 31, 2019, the aggregate costs of investments, gross unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) and net unrealized appreciation for Federal tax purposes were as follows:
Global Tactical Allocation Fund | Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund | |||||||
Gross unrealized appreciation (excess of value over tax cost) | $ | 310,466 | $ | 3,457,791 | ||||
Gross unrealized depreciation (excess of tax cost over value) | (9,380 | ) | (101,679 | ) | ||||
Net unrealized appreciation | $ | 301,086 | $ | 3,356,112 | ||||
Cost of investments for income tax purposes | $ | 20,362,949 | $ | 135,175,400 |
4. SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of securities, excluding short-term securities, during the six month period ended March 31, 2019 were as follows:
Purchases of Securities | Proceeds from Sales of Securities | |||||||
Global Tactical Allocation Fund | $ | 37,087,802 | $ | 53,512,973 | ||||
Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund | 6,784,253 | 9,576,501 |
5. BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
The capitalization of the Trust consists of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with no par value per share. Holders of the shares of the Funds have one vote for each share held and a proportionate fraction of a vote for each fractional share. All shares issued and outstanding are fully paid and are transferable and redeemable at the option of the shareholder. Shares have no pre-emptive rights. Neither the Funds nor any of their creditors have the right to require shareholders to pay any additional amounts solely because the shareholder owns the shares.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 23 |
American Independence Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Transactions in common shares were as follows:
For the Period Ended March 31, 2019 | For the Period Ended September 30, 2018(a) | For the Year Ended October 31, 2017 | ||||||||||
Global Tactical Allocation Fund | ||||||||||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||||||
Shares sold | 193,205 | 2,040,221 | 2,718,628 | |||||||||
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders | 309,163 | 156,547 | 45,399 | |||||||||
Shares redeemed | (1,709,381 | ) | (5,533,403 | ) | (1,062,820 | ) | ||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding | (1,207,013 | ) | (3,336,635 | ) | 1,701,207 | |||||||
Class A | ||||||||||||
Shares sold | 3,923 | 774,392 | 2,203,305 | |||||||||
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders | 173,463 | 151,407 | 26,027 | |||||||||
Shares redeemed | (475,514 | ) | (5,018,761 | ) | (2,395,818 | ) | ||||||
Net decrease in shares outstanding | (298,128 | ) | (4,092,962 | ) | (166,486 | ) | ||||||
Class C | ||||||||||||
Shares sold | – | 18,642 | 48,482 | |||||||||
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders | – | 10,002 | 1,324 | |||||||||
Shares redeemed | – | (377,558 | ) | (196,239 | ) | |||||||
Net decrease in shares outstanding | – | (348,914 | ) | (146,433 | ) | |||||||
Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund | ||||||||||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||||||
Shares sold | 910,529 | 2,618,566 | 2,598,718 | |||||||||
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders | 45,038 | 35,603 | 41,610 | |||||||||
Shares redeemed | (1,022,968 | ) | (5,458,564 | ) | (4,458,454 | ) | ||||||
Net decrease in shares outstanding | (67,401 | ) | (2,804,395 | ) | (1,818,126 | ) | ||||||
Class A | ||||||||||||
Shares sold | 821 | 61,220 | 34,999 | |||||||||
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders | 5,164 | 10,574 | 15,117 | |||||||||
Shares redeemed | (77,996 | ) | (677,021 | ) | (34,278 | ) | ||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding | (72,011 | ) | (605,227 | ) | 15,838 | |||||||
Class C | ||||||||||||
Shares sold | – | 2,509 | 142 | |||||||||
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders | – | 396 | 745 | |||||||||
Shares redeemed | – | (66,742 | ) | (42,133 | ) | |||||||
Net decrease in shares outstanding | – | (63,837 | ) | (41,246 | ) |
(a) | Effective September 24, 2018, the Predecessor Kansas Fund and Predecessor GTA Fund merged with and into clone series of ALPS Series Trust. The Funds were previously advised by Manifold Fund Advisors, LLC. In connection with the merger, the fiscal year-end changed from October 31 to September 30. |
Control is defined by the 1940 Act as the beneficial ownership, either directly or through one or more controlled companies, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a company. Approximately 27% of the shares outstanding of the Global Tactical Allocation Fund are owned by one omnibus account. Approximately 95% of the shares outstanding of the Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund are owned by one omnibus account.
6. MANAGEMENT AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Investment Advisory:Manifold Partners LLC (“Adviser” or "Manifold Partners"), subject to the authority of the Board, is responsible for the overall management and administration of the Funds’ business affairs. The Adviser manages the investments of the Funds in accordance with each Fund’s investment objective, policies and limitations and investment guidelines established jointly by the Adviser and the Board.
24 | www.americanindependence.com |
American Independence Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement (“Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser, the Global Tactical Allocation Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee of 0.75% based on the Fund’s average daily net assets, and the Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee of 0.30% based on the Fund’s average daily net assets. The management fees are paid on a monthly basis. The initial term of the Advisory Agreement is two years and the Board may extend the Advisory Agreement for additional one-year terms by approval at an in-person meeting called for the purpose of considering such matters. The Board and shareholders of the Funds may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 30 days’ prior written notice. The Adviser may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 60 days’ prior written notice.
Pursuant to a fee waiver letter agreement (“Fee Waiver Agreement”), the Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the amount of the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses, exclusive of interest, dividend expense on short sales/interest expense, taxes, brokerage commissions, other investment related costs, acquired fund fees and expenses, distribution service fees (i.e., Rule 12b-1 fees), shareholder service fee, and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of business, for the Global Tactical Allocation Fund and Kansas Fund to 0.95% and 0.48%, respectively, of each Fund’s average daily net assets for Institutional Class shares and Class A shares. The Fee Waiver Agreement is in effect through January 31, 2021. The Adviser will be permitted to recover, on a class-by-class basis, expenses it has borne through the Fee Waiver Agreement only to the extent that each Fund's expenses in later periods do not exceed the lesser of: (1) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser waives or limits the expenses; or (2) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser seeks to recover the expenses; provided, however, that the Fund will not be obligated to reimburse any such expenses borne by the Adviser more than three years after the date on which the fee or expense was waived or limited or assumed and paid by the Adviser, as calculated on a monthly basis. The Adviser may not discontinue this waiver without the approval by the Trust's Board. Fees waived or reimbursed for the six month period ended March 31, 2019 are disclosed in the Statements of Operations.
Lee Capital Management, L.P. is the Sub-Adviser (“Sub-Adviser”) to the Global Tactical Allocation Fund.
Carret Asset Management, LLC is the Sub-Adviser (“Sub-Adviser”) to the Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund.
Administrator:ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS”) (an affiliate of ALPS Distributors, Inc.) serves as administrator to the Funds. The Funds have agreed to pay expenses incurred in connection with its administrative activities. Pursuant to the Administration, Bookkeeping and Pricing Services Agreement with the Trust, ALPS will provide operational services to the Funds including, but not limited to, fund accounting and fund administration, and will generally assist in the Funds’ operations. The Funds’ administration fee is accrued on a daily basis and paid monthly. The officers and an Interested Trustee of the Trust are employees of ALPS. ALPS is reimbursed by the Funds for certain out of pocket expenses.
Transfer Agent:ALPS serves as transfer agent for the Funds under a Transfer Agency and Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Funds plus fees for open accounts and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.
Compliance Services:ALPS provides services as the Funds’ Chief Compliance Officer to monitor and test the policies and procedures of each Fund in conjunction with requirements under Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act pursuant to a Chief Compliance Officer Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Funds and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.
Distribution:ALPS Distributors, Inc. (“Distributor”) (an affiliate of ALPS) acts as the principal underwriter of each Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with the Trust. Shares of each Fund are offered on a continuous basis through the Distributor, as agent of the Funds. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any particular amount of shares of the Funds and is not entitled to any compensation for its services as the Fund’s principal underwriter pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.
Each Fund has adopted a shareholder services plan (“Shareholder Services Plan”) for its Class A Shares. Under the Shareholder Services Plan each Fund is authorized to pay banks and their affiliates and other institutions, including broker-dealers and Fund affiliates (“Participating Organizations”), an aggregate fee in an amount not to exceed on an annual basis 0.25% of the average daily net asset value of each Fund’s Class A Shares to Participating Organizations as compensation for providing shareholder service activities, which do not include distribution services, pursuant to an agreement with a Participating Organization. Each Fund can pay distribution and service fees at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of its Class A share assets. As of March 31, 2019, both Funds assessed the full 0.25% of distribution fees.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 25 |
American Independence Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
7. TRUSTEES
As of March 31, 2019, there were four Trustees, three of whom are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”). Effective October 1, 2018, the Independent Trustees of the Trust will receive a quarterly retainer of $8,000, plus $4,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair will receive a quarterly retainer of $1,250 and the Independent Chair will receive a quarterly retainer of $2,500. Previously, the Independent Trustees of the Trust received a quarterly retainer of $6,000, plus $4,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair received a quarterly retainer of $1,250 and the Independent Chair received a quarterly retainer of $2,500. The Independent Trustees are also reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings.
8. INDEMNIFICATIONS
Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts with service providers that may contain general indemnification clauses which may permit indemnification to the extent permissible under applicable law. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as such exposure would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.
9. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, which changes the fair value measurement disclosure requirements of FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. The update to Topic 820 includes new, eliminated, and modified disclosure requirements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods. Early adoption is permitted for any eliminated or modified disclosures. The Funds have elected to early adopt the eliminated and modified disclosures effective with the financial statements prepared as of March 31, 2019.
10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Subsequent events after the date of the Statements of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that there were no subsequent events to report through the issuance of these financial statements.
26 | www.americanindependence.com |
American Independence Funds | Additional Information |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
1. PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND VOTING RECORD
A description of the policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, (i) by calling the Funds (toll-free) at 1-833-287-7933 or (ii) on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) at http://www.sec.gov.
Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling the Funds (toll-free) at 1-833-287-7933 or (ii) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
2. PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
The Funds file their complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Funds’ Forms N-Q are available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov.
3. SHAREHOLDER PROXY RESULTS
At a Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Kansas Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, held on April 2, 2019, shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 2, 2019 voted to approve the following proposals:
Proposal 1: To approve a new Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement among the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, Manifold Partners LLC and Carret Asset Management, LLC.
Shares Voted In Favor | Shares Voted Against or Abstentions | |||||||
11,954,603 | 10,465 |
Proposal 2: To authorize Manifold to enter into and materially amend investment sub-advisory agreements in the future with affiliated or unaffiliated sub-advisers, with the approval of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, but without obtaining Shareholder approval:
Shares Voted In Favor | Shares Voted Against or Abstentions | |||||||
11,954,603 | 10,465 |
4. DISCLOSURE REGARDING RENEWAL AND APPROVAL OF FUND ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The Board of Trustees (“Board”) of the ALPS Series Trust met in person on February 11, 2019 to evaluate, among other things, to determine whether approving the new investment sub-advisory agreement and interim sub-advisory agreement (the “New Sub-Advisory Agreements”) among the Trust (on behalf of the Fund), Manifold Partners LLC (“Adviser” or “Manifold”) and Carret Asset Management, LLC (“Sub-Adviser” or “Carret”) was in the best interests of the Fund’s shareholders. At this Board meeting and throughout the consideration process, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, was advised by counsel.
Carret served as the investment sub-adviser to the Fund and was responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s assets. On February 14, 2019, GB Capital LLC, the parent company of Carret, pursuant to an agreement entered into with Morningstar Japan K.K. (“Morningstar”), a subsidiary of SBI Holdings, Inc., sold a 67% interest in Carret Holdings Inc. to Morningstar, by means of a stock sale (“Transaction”). The Transaction is deemed to result in a “change in control” of Carret for the purpose of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”) and under the terms of the 1940 Act and resulted in the automatic termination of the then current investment sub-advisory agreement with Carret (“Terminated Agreement”).
In voting to approve the New Sub-Advisory Agreements, the Board did not identify any single factor as all-important or controlling. The following summary does not identify all the matters considered by the Board but provides a summary of the principal matters the Board considered.
Nature, Extent, and Quality of the Services:The Trustees recalled their relatively recent initial approval of the then current investment sub-advisory agreement during which they evaluated the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Kansas Fund. The Trustees reviewed and considered Carret’s history as an asset manager and its performance generally under the then current agreement. The Trustees also recalled the research and decision-making processes utilized by Carret, including the methods adopted to seek to achieve compliance with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Fund.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 27 |
American Independence Funds | Additional Information |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
The Trustees reviewed the background and experience of Carret’s management relating to the Fund, including the qualifications, background and responsibilities of the portfolio managers primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management, and noted that the Transaction would not result in a change in portfolio managers. They also discussed the resources of Carret devoted to research and analysis of actual and potential investments. They considered the Trust’s experience with Carret, including the Carret’s responsiveness and compliance record.
Investment Sub-Advisory Fee Rate:The Trustees reviewed and considered the proposed annual sub-advisory fee to be paid by the Trust on behalf of the Kansas Fund to Carret, noting that the fees would not change as a result of the Transaction. The Trustees considered the information they received when the then current investment sub-advisory agreement was recently approved, comparing Fund’s contractual annual advisory fees and overall expenses with those of funds in the expense group and universe of funds provided by FUSE, an independent provider of investment company data, which screened retail and institutional funds with similar strategies and comparable fee structures of Fund and excluded all others. Each FUSE peer group consisted of the Fund and several other funds identified by FUSE using similar strategies with comparable fee structures. The Board discussed the other comparable accounts managed by Carret, and the fee structure and servicing requirements for these products.
Performance:The Trustees recalled their discussion of performance of the predecessor fund to the Fund when the then current investment sub-advisory agreement was originally approved. They reviewed performance information for the Fund through December 31, 2018 as included in the Board Materials, noting that for the one-year period ended December 31, 2018, the Fund had performed in line with the relevant Barclays Municipal Bond Indices.
Profitability:The Trustees received and considered actual and estimated profitability analyses provided by Carret when the then current investment sub-advisory agreement was originally approved, as well as Carret’s confirmation that profitability had not materially changed since the last approval. The Trustees considered the profits, if any, realized and anticipated to be realized by Carret relating to the operation of the Fund. The Trustees then considered the financial condition of Carret.
Economies of Scale:The Trustees considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to the Fund would be passed along to the shareholders under the New Sub-Advisory Agreement. The Trustees noted that Carret indirectly contributes to the expense limitation provided by Manifold because the annual sub-advisory fee of 0.15% is reduced by an amount equal to one half of Manifold’s fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement. They agreed that the expense limitation agreement was a benefit to shareholders and, based on current asset levels, adequately addressed the issue.
Other Benefits to the Adviser:The Trustees reviewed and considered any other incidental benefits derived or to be derived by Carret from its relationship with the Fund.
The Board summarized its deliberations with respect to the Interim Sub-Advisory Agreement and the New Sub-Advisory Agreement with Carret. In evaluating Carret and the fees to be charged under the proposed Interim Sub-Advisory Agreement and the New Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Trustees concluded that no single factor reviewed by the Trustees was identified by the Trustees to be determinative as the principal factor in whether to approve the Interim Sub-Advisory Agreement or the New Sub-Advisory Agreement. Further, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the process. The Trustees, including all the Independent Trustees, concluded that:
• | the Kansas Fund’s contractual sub-advisory fee was not unreasonable; |
• | the nature, extent and quality of services to be rendered by Carret under the proposed Interim Sub-Advisory Agreement and New Sub-Advisory Agreement were adequate; |
• | bearing in mind the relatively short performance history of the Fund, the performance of the Fund was acceptable; |
• | the estimated profitability of Carret relating to the management of the Fund was not unreasonable, and would remain so after the Transaction; and |
• | there were no material economies of scale or other material incidental benefits accruing to Carret because of its relationship with the Fund. |
Based on its evaluation of the considerations, the Board unanimously voted to approve the New Sub-Advisory Agreements.
28 | www.americanindependence.com |
This material must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.
The American Independence Funds are distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc
Table of Contents
Portfolio Update | |
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund | 2 |
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund | 4 |
Disclosure of Fund Expenses | 6 |
Portfolios of Investments | |
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund | 8 |
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund | 10 |
Statements of Assets and Liabilities | 13 |
Statements of Operations | 15 |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets | |
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund | 16 |
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund | 17 |
Financial Highlights | 18 |
Notes to Financial Statements | 22 |
Additional Information | 35 |
Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Funds’ annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Funds’ website at www.beacontrust.com and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.
Beginning on January 1, 2019, you may, notwithstanding the availability of shareholder reports online, elect to receive all future shareholder reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. If you invest directly with a Fund, you can call 1-844-894-9222 to let the Fund know you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports.
If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from a Fund electronically anytime by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by enrolling at www.beacontrust.com.
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund | Portfolio Update |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Performance of a Hypothetical $10,000 Initial Investment(at Inception* through March 31, 2019)
The graph shown above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Institutional Class. Due to differing expenses, performance of Class A will vary. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All returns reflect reinvested dividends, but do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
Performance(as of March 31, 2019)
1 Month | 3 Month | 6 Month | YTD | 1 Year | Since Inception* | |
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund – Class A | 2.03% | 14.82% | -1.22% | 14.82% | – | 3.45% |
CBOE S&P 500 BuyWrite Index | 1.76% | 6.77% | -4.78% | 6.77% | – | -1.19% |
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund – Institutional Class | 2.14% | 14.90% | -1.02% | 14.90% | 9.87% | 8.24% |
CBOE S&P 500 BuyWrite Index | 1.76% | 6.77% | -4.78% | 6.77% | 3.29% | 2.94% |
The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and value of the Fund shares will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Fund performance current to the most recent month end is available by calling (844) 814-9222 or by visiting www.beacontrust.com.
* | Inception date of October 2, 2017 for Institutional Class. Inception date of June 8, 2018 for Class A. |
The Cboe S&P 500 BuyWrite Index (BXM) is a benchmark index designed to track the performance of a hypothetical buy-write strategy on the S&P 500 Index. The BXM is a passive total return index based on (1) buying an S&P 500 stock index portfolio, and (2) “writing” (or selling) the near-term S&P 500 Index (SPXSM) “covered” call option, generally on the third Friday of each month. The SPX call written will have about one month remaining to expiration, with an exercise price just above the prevailing index level (i.e., slightly out of the money). The SPX call is held until expiration and cash settled, at which time a new one-month, near-the-money call is written.
2 | www.beacontrust.com |
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund | Portfolio Update |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Returns of less than 1 year are cumulative.
Indices are not actively managed and do not reflect a deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.
The returns shown above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemption of Fund shares.
The total annual operating expenses and total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or reimbursement you may pay as an investor in the Fund’s Institutional Class shares (as reported in the January 28, 2019 Prospectus), are 1.35% and 1.35%, respectively. The Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit expenses through January 31, 2020.
Top Ten Holdings(as a % of Net Assets)*
Option Contract | Expiration Date | Strike Price | |
S&P 500 Mini Index | 9/13/2019 | 0.01 | 11.29% |
S&P 500 Mini Index | 6/14/2019 | 0.01 | 10.73% |
S&P 500 Mini Index | 5/14/2019 | 0.01 | 10.63% |
S&P 500 Mini Index | 07/12/2019 | 0.01 | 10.14% |
S&P 500 Mini Index | 8/14/2019 | 0.01 | 10.01% |
S&P 500 Mini Index | 10/14/2019 | 0.01 | 9.98% |
S&P 500 Mini Index | 11/14/2019 | 0.01 | 8.45% |
S&P 500 Mini Index | 12/13/2019 | 0.01 | 8.20% |
S&P 500 Mini Index | 1/14/2020 | 0.01 | 8.20% |
S&P 500 Mini Index | 4/12/2019 | 0.01 | 4.73% |
Top Ten Holdings | 92.36% |
Asset Allocation(as a % of Net Assets)*
Purchased Option Contracts | 101.58% |
Written Option Conctracts | (2.85)% |
Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities | 1.27% |
Total | 100.00% |
* | Holdings are subject to change, and may not reflect the current or future position of the portfolio. |
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 3 |
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund | Portfolio Update |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Performance of a Hypothetical $10,000 Initial Investment(at Inception* through March 31, 2019)
The graph shown above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Institutional Class. Due to differing expenses, performance of the Class A will vary. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All returns reflect reinvested dividends, but do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
Performance(as of March 31, 2019)
1 Month | 3 Month | 6 Month | YTD | 1 Year | Since Inception* | |
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund – Class A | 1.32% | 9.42% | 1.32% | 9.42% | – | 3.93% |
CBOE S&P 500 BuyWrite Index | 1.76% | 6.77% | -4.78% | 6.77% | – | -1.19% |
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund – Institutional Class | 1.32% | 9.40% | 1.42% | 9.40% | 7.74% | 6.05% |
CBOE S&P 500 BuyWrite Index | 1.76% | 6.77% | -4.78% | 6.77% | 3.29% | 2.94% |
The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and value of the Fund shares will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Fund performance current to the most recent month end is available by calling (844) 894-9222 or by visiting www.beacontrust.com.
* | Inception date of October 2, 2017 for Institutional Class. Inception date of June 8, 2018 for Class A. |
The Cboe S&P 500 BuyWrite Index (BXM) is a benchmark index designed to track the performance of a hypothetical buy-write strategy on the S&P 500 Index. The BXM is a passive total return index based on (1) buying an S&P 500 stock index portfolio, and (2) “writing” (or selling) the near-term S&P 500 Index (SPXSM) “covered” call option, generally on the third Friday of each month. The SPX call written will have about one month remaining to expiration, with an exercise price just above the prevailing index level (i.e., slightly out of the money). The SPX call is held until expiration and cash settled, at which time a new one-month, near-the-money call is written.
4 | www.beacontrust.com |
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund | Portfolio Update |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Returns of less than 1 year are cumulative.
Indices are not actively managed and do not reflect a deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.
The returns shown above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemption of Fund shares.
The total annual operating expenses and total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or reimbursement you may pay as an investor in the Fund’s Institutional Class shares (as reported in the January 28, 2019 Prospectus), 1.31% and 1.31%, respectively. The Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit expenses through January 31, 2020.
Top Ten Holdings(as a % of Net Assets)*
Option Contract | Expiration Date | Strike Price | |
S&P 500 Mini Index | 10/14/2019 | 35.96 | 9.74% |
S&P 500 Mini Index | 1/14/2020 | 36.12 | 9.70% |
S&P 500 Mini Index | 12/13/2019 | 33.90 | 9.55% |
S&P 500 Mini Index | 05/14/2019 | 35.30 | 9.40% |
S&P 500 Mini Index | 07/12/2019 | 36.50 | 8.93% |
S&P 500 Mini Index | 8/14/2019 | 36.50 | 8.92% |
S&P 500 Mini Index | 9/13/2019 | 37.80 | 8.91% |
S&P 500 Mini Index | 4/12/2019 | 34.90 | 8.40% |
S&P 500 Mini Index | 6/14/2019 | 36.12 | 8.14% |
S&P 500 Mini Index | 2/14/2020 | 36.70 | 5.48% |
Top Ten Holdings | 87.17% |
Asset Allocation(as a % of Net Assets)*
Purchased Option Contracts | 106.19% |
Written Option Conctracts | (7.95)% |
Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities | 1.76% |
Total | 100.00% |
* | Holdings are subject to change, and may not reflect the current or future position of the portfolio. |
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 5 |
Beacon Trust Funds | Disclosure of Fund Expenses |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Example. As a shareholder of the Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund or Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund (the “Funds”), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. The following examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a Fund 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 on October 1, 2018 and held through March 31, 2019.
Actual Expenses. The first line under each class in the following table 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 “Expenses Paid During Period October 1, 2018 – March 31, 2019” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes. The second line under each class in the following table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on a Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in a Fund and other mutual 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 Fund costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, the second line under each class in the table below 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 transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
6 | www.beacontrust.com |
Beacon Trust Funds | Disclosure of Fund Expenses |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Beginning Account Value October 1, 2018 | Ending Account Value March 31, 2019 | Expense Ratio(a) | Expenses Paid During Period October 1, 2018 - March 31, 2019(b) | |
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund | ||||
Class A | ||||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 987.80 | 1.42% | $ 7.04 |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,017.85 | 1.42% | $ 7.14 |
Class I | ||||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 989.80 | 1.20% | $ 5.95 |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,018.95 | 1.20% | $ 6.04 |
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund | ||||
Class A | ||||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,013.20 | 1.40% | $ 7.03 |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,017.95 | 1.40% | $ 7.04 |
Class I | ||||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,014.20 | 1.18% | $ 5.93 |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,019.05 | 1.18% | $ 5.94 |
(a) | The Fund’s expense ratios have been annualized based on the Fund’s most recent fiscal half-year expenses. |
(b) | Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio shown above for the applicable class, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (182), divided by 365. |
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 7 |
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Counterparty | Expiration Date | Strike Price | Contracts | Notional Value | Value (Note 2) | ||||||||||||
PURCHASED OPTION CONTRACTS- (101.58%) | |||||||||||||||||
Call Option Contracts (101.58%) | |||||||||||||||||
S&P 500® Mini Index: | |||||||||||||||||
Jefferies | 04/12/2019 | 0.01 | 200 | $ | 5,668,800 | $ | 5,665,781 | ||||||||||
Jefferies | 04/12/2019 | 268.35 | 200 | 5,668,800 | 307,960 | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 05/14/2019 | 0.01 | 450 | 12,754,800 | 12,732,563 | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 05/14/2019 | 270.50 | 450 | 12,754,800 | 678,512 | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 06/14/2019 | 0.01 | 455 | 12,896,520 | 12,856,615 | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 06/14/2019 | 276.97 | 455 | 12,896,520 | 523,106 | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 07/12/2019 | 0.01 | 430 | 12,187,920 | 12,140,114 | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 07/12/2019 | 279.74 | 430 | 12,187,920 | 474,289 | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 08/14/2019 | 0.01 | 425 | 12,046,200 | 11,982,676 | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 08/14/2019 | 281.20 | 425 | 12,046,200 | 492,870 | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 09/13/2019 | 0.01 | 480 | 13,605,120 | 13,517,020 | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 09/13/2019 | 270.25 | 115 | 3,259,560 | 238,193 | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 09/13/2019 | 289.57 | 365 | 10,345,560 | 285,428 | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 10/14/2019 | 0.01 | 425 | 12,046,200 | 11,958,077 | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 10/14/2019 | 276.20 | 425 | 12,046,200 | 743,747 | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 11/14/2019 | 0.01 | 360 | 10,203,840 | 10,117,137 | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 11/14/2019 | 261.10 | 360 | 10,203,840 | 1,081,816 | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 12/13/2019 | 277.00 | 200 | 5,668,800 | 378,401 | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 12/13/2019 | 260.97 | 150 | 4,251,600 | 464,337 | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 12/13/2019 | 0.01 | 350 | 9,920,400 | 9,824,028 | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 01/14/2020 | 277.00 | 120 | 3,401,280 | 240,106 | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 01/14/2020 | 0.01 | 350 | 9,920,400 | 9,815,433 | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 01/14/2020 | 282.00 | 230 | 6,519,120 | 383,570 | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 02/14/2020 | 0.01 | 160 | 4,535,040 | 4,481,077 | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 02/14/2020 | 282.00 | 160 | 4,535,040 | 281,838 | ||||||||||||
231,570,480 | 121,664,694 | ||||||||||||||||
TOTAL PURCHASED OPTION CONTRACTS (Cost $117,501,983) | 231,570,480 | 121,664,694 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
8 | www.beacontrust.com |
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
7 Day Yield | Shares | Value (Note 2) | ||||||||||
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (1.43%) | ||||||||||||
Money Market Funds | ||||||||||||
BlackRock Liquidity Funds, T-Fund Portfolio- Institutional Class(a) | 1.806 | % | 978,330 | 978,330 | ||||||||
Invesco Short-Term Investments Trust Government & Agency Portfolio- Institutional Class | 2.316 | % | 730,391 | 730,391 | ||||||||
1,708,721 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $1,708,721) | 1,708,721 | |||||||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (103.01%) (Cost $119,210,704) | $ | 123,373,415 | ||||||||||
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-3.01%) | (3,607,382 | ) | ||||||||||
NET ASSETS (100.00%) | $ | 119,766,033 |
(a) | All or a portion is held as collateral at broker for written options. |
WRITTEN OPTION CONTRACTS (2.85%)
Counterparty | Expiration Date | Strike Price | Contracts | Premiums Received | Notional Value | Value (Note 2) | ||||||||||||||
Call Option Contracts- (2.85%) | ||||||||||||||||||||
S&P 500® Mini Index | ||||||||||||||||||||
Jefferies | 04/12/19 | $ | 291.25 | (400) | $ | 265,080 | $ | (11,337,600 | ) | $ | (6,100 | ) | ||||||||
Jefferies | 05/14/19 | 292.50 | (900) | 527,131 | (25,509,600 | ) | (119,529 | ) | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 06/14/19 | 299.59 | (910) | 470,198 | (25,793,040 | ) | (77,659 | ) | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 07/12/19 | 301.00 | (860) | 480,482 | (24,375,840 | ) | (116,453 | ) | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 08/14/19 | 303.32 | (850) | 486,798 | (24,092,400 | ) | (146,101 | ) | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 09/13/19 | 292.57 | (230) | 156,555 | (6,519,120 | ) | (144,942 | ) | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 09/13/19 | 311.03 | (730) | 414,422 | (20,691,120 | ) | (74,013 | ) | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 10/14/19 | 300.16 | (850) | 597,299 | (24,092,400 | ) | (361,103 | ) | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 11/14/19 | 283.53 | (720) | 424,585 | (20,407,680 | ) | (984,458 | ) | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 12/13/19 | 284.12 | (300) | 186,805 | (8,503,200 | ) | (427,065 | ) | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 12/13/19 | 297.78 | (400) | 219,075 | (11,337,600 | ) | (278,240 | ) | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 01/14/20 | 299.16 | (240) | 137,681 | (6,802,560 | ) | (176,208 | ) | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 01/14/20 | 301.54 | (460) | 241,357 | (13,038,240 | ) | (293,235 | ) | ||||||||||||
Jefferies | 02/14/20 | 303.15 | (320) | 175,898 | (9,070,080 | ) | (209,974 | ) | ||||||||||||
TOTAL WRITTEN OPTION CONTRACTS | $ | 4,783,366 | $ | (231,570,480 | ) | $ | (3,415,080 | ) |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 9 |
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Counterparty | Expiration Date | Strike Price | Contracts | Notional Value | Value (Note 2) | |||||||||||
PURCHASED OPTION CONTRACTS- (106.19%) | ||||||||||||||||
Call Option Contracts (103.30%) | ||||||||||||||||
S&P 500® Mini Index: | ||||||||||||||||
Jefferies | 04/12/2019 | 34.90 | 1,025 | $ | 29,052,600 | $ | 25,464,256 | |||||||||
Jefferies | 04/12/2019 | 267.60 | 1,025 | 29,052,600 | 1,652,705 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 05/14/2019 | 35.30 | 1,150 | 32,595,600 | 28,492,863 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 05/14/2019 | 270.80 | 1,150 | 32,595,600 | 1,704,314 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 06/14/2019 | 36.12 | 1,000 | 28,344,000 | 24,663,747 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 06/14/2019 | 276.97 | 1,000 | 28,344,000 | 1,149,683 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 07/12/2019 | 36.50 | 1,100 | 31,178,400 | 27,070,051 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 07/12/2019 | 280.00 | 1,100 | 31,178,400 | 1,193,683 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 08/14/2019 | 36.50 | 1,100 | 31,178,400 | 27,036,479 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 08/14/2019 | 281.40 | 1,100 | 31,178,400 | 1,261,181 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 09/13/2019 | 37.80 | 1,105 | 31,320,120 | 26,987,339 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 09/13/2019 | 289.70 | 1,105 | 31,320,120 | 856,481 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 10/14/2019 | 35.96 | 1,200 | 34,012,800 | 29,505,659 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 10/14/2019 | 276.95 | 1,200 | 34,012,800 | 2,036,415 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 11/14/2019 | 35.03 | 550 | 15,589,200 | 13,559,146 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 11/14/2019 | 270.50 | 550 | 15,589,200 | 1,249,133 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 11/14/2019 | 260.69 | 610 | 17,289,840 | 1,853,318 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 11/14/2019 | 33.90 | 610 | 17,289,840 | 15,106,235 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 12/13/2019 | 33.90 | 1,170 | 33,162,480 | 28,940,805 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 12/13/2019 | 260.69 | 1,170 | 33,162,480 | 3,648,048 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 01/14/2020 | 276.70 | 1,200 | 34,012,800 | 2,425,865 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 01/14/2020 | 36.12 | 1,200 | 34,012,800 | 29,399,619 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 02/14/2020 | 282.75 | 680 | 19,273,920 | 1,165,167 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 02/14/2020 | 36.70 | 680 | 19,273,920 | 16,600,145 | |||||||||||
674,020,320 | 313,022,337 | |||||||||||||||
Put Option Contracts (2.89%) | ||||||||||||||||
S&P 500® Mini Index: | ||||||||||||||||
Jefferies | 04/12/2019 | 267.60 | 1,025 | 29,052,600 | 17,849 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 05/14/2019 | 270.80 | 1,150 | 32,595,600 | 210,930 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 06/14/2019 | 276.97 | 1,000 | 28,344,000 | 447,878 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 07/12/2019 | 280.00 | 1,100 | 31,178,400 | 722,818 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 08/14/2019 | 281.40 | 1,100 | 31,178,400 | 919,436 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 09/13/2019 | 289.70 | 1,105 | 31,320,120 | 1,398,624 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 10/14/2019 | 276.95 | 1,200 | 34,012,800 | 1,076,333 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 11/14/2019 | 270.50 | 550 | 15,589,200 | 449,147 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 11/14/2019 | 260.69 | 610 | 17,289,840 | 376,508 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 12/13/2019 | 260.69 | 1,170 | 33,162,480 | 802,603 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 01/14/2020 | 276.70 | 1,200 | 34,012,800 | 1,363,491 | |||||||||||
Jefferies | 02/14/2020 | 282.75 | 680 | 19,273,920 | 957,828 | |||||||||||
337,010,160 | 8,743,445 | |||||||||||||||
TOTAL PURCHASED OPTION CONTRACTS(Cost $318,190,756) | 1,011,030,480 | 321,765,782 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
10 | www.beacontrust.com |
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
7 Day Yield | Shares | Value (Note 2) | ||||||||||
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (1.89%) | ||||||||||||
Money Market Funds | ||||||||||||
BlackRock Liquidity Funds, T-Fund Portfolio- Institutional Class(a) | 1.806 | % | 634,719 | 634,719 | ||||||||
Invesco Short-Term Investments Trust Government & Agency Portfolio- Institutional Class | 2.316 | % | 5,079,848 | 5,079,847 | ||||||||
5,714,566 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $5,714,566) | 5,714,566 | |||||||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (108.08%) (Cost $323,905,322) | $ | 327,480,348 | ||||||||||
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-8.08%) | (24,471,162 | ) | ||||||||||
NET ASSETS (100.00%) | $ | 303,009,186 |
(a) | All or a portion is held as collateral at broker for written options. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 11 |
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
WRITTEN OPTION CONTRACTS (7.95%)
Counterparty | Expiration Date | Strike Price | Contracts | Premiums Received | Notional Value | Value (Note 2) | ||||||||||||||||
Put Option Contracts- (1.04%) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
S&P 500® Mini Index | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Jefferies | 04/12/19 | $ | 240.84 | (1,025) | $ | 897,861 | $ | (29,052,600 | ) | $ | (165 | ) | ||||||||||
Jefferies | 05/14/19 | 243.72 | (1,150) | 890,909 | (32,595,600 | ) | (26,058 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Jefferies | 06/14/19 | 249.27 | (1,000) | 747,702 | (28,344,000 | ) | (102,181 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Jefferies | 07/12/19 | 252.00 | (1,100) | 804,058 | (31,178,400 | ) | (207,525 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Jefferies | 08/14/19 | 253.26 | (1,100) | 889,577 | (31,178,400 | ) | (313,552 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Jefferies | 09/13/19 | 260.73 | (1,105) | 791,961 | (31,320,120 | ) | (112,910 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Jefferies | 10/14/19 | 249.26 | (1,200) | 1,085,649 | (34,012,800 | ) | (457,812 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Jefferies | 11/14/19 | 243.45 | (550) | 530,584 | (15,589,200 | ) | (206,896 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Jefferies | 11/14/19 | 234.62 | (610) | 470,737 | (17,289,840 | ) | (177,145 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Jefferies | 12/13/19 | 234.62 | (1,170) | 967,247 | (33,162,480 | ) | (392,993 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Jefferies | 01/14/20 | 249.03 | (1,200) | 905,644 | (34,012,800 | ) | (675,392 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Jefferies | 02/14/20 | 254.48 | (680) | 477,834 | (19,273,920 | ) | (487,081 | ) | ||||||||||||||
9,459,763 | (337,010,160 | ) | (3,159,710 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Call OptionContracts- (6.91%) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
S&P 500® Mini Index | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Jefferies | 04/12/19 | 280.25 | (2,050) | 2,197,523 | (58,105,200 | ) | (970,664 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Jefferies | 05/14/19 | 283.13 | (2,300) | 2,126,828 | (65,191,200 | ) | (1,258,204 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Jefferies | 06/14/19 | 289.25 | (2,000) | 2,043,414 | (56,688,000 | ) | (776,790 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Jefferies | 07/12/19 | 292.00 | (2,200) | 2,158,117 | (62,356,800 | ) | (891,364 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Jefferies | 08/14/19 | 293.89 | (2,200) | 2,234,565 | (62,356,800 | ) | (1,014,809 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Jefferies | 09/13/19 | 302.10 | (2,210) | 2,025,932 | (62,640,240 | ) | (598,441 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Jefferies | 10/14/19 | 291.07 | (2,400) | 2,711,308 | (68,025,600 | ) | (1,974,345 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Jefferies | 11/14/19 | 285.49 | (1,100) | 1,321,877 | (31,178,400 | ) | (1,370,673 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Jefferies | 11/14/19 | 272.55 | (1,220) | 1,252,583 | (34,579,680 | ) | (2,585,471 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Jefferies | 12/13/19 | 273.33 | (2,340) | 2,475,045 | (66,324,960 | ) | (5,035,671 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Jefferies | 01/14/20 | 288.81 | (2,400) | 2,432,898 | (68,025,600 | ) | (3,006,554 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Jefferies | 02/14/20 | 294.12 | (1,360) | 1,309,277 | (38,547,840 | ) | (1,438,847 | ) | ||||||||||||||
24,289,367 | (674,020,320 | ) | (20,921,833 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL WRITTEN OPTION CONTRACTS | $ | 33,749,130 | $ | (1,011,030,480 | ) | $ | (24,081,543 | ) |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
12 | www.beacontrust.com |
Beacon Trust Funds | Statements of Assets and Liabilities |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
BEACON ACCELERATED RETURN STRATEGY FUND | BEACON PLANNED RETURN STRATEGY FUND | |||||||
ASSETS: | ||||||||
Investments, at value (Cost $119,210,704 and $323,905,322) | $ | 123,373,415 | $ | 327,480,348 | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 6,800 | 14,183 | ||||||
Dividends and interest receivable | 95 | 354 | ||||||
Other assets | 20,002 | 37,653 | ||||||
Total Assets | 123,400,312 | 327,532,538 | ||||||
LIABILITIES: | ||||||||
Written options, at value (premiums received $4,783,366 and $33,749,130) | 3,415,080 | 24,081,543 | ||||||
Payable for administration and transfer agency fees | 16,670 | 39,095 | ||||||
Payable for shares redeemed | 50,000 | 41,281 | ||||||
Payable to adviser | 101,999 | 261,276 | ||||||
Payable for distribution and service fees | 31,775 | 69,642 | ||||||
Payable for professional fees | 13,819 | 19,701 | ||||||
Payable for trustees’ fees and expenses | 28 | 73 | ||||||
Payable to Chief Compliance Officer fees | 897 | 1,562 | ||||||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | 4,011 | 9,179 | ||||||
Total Liabilities | 3,634,279 | 24,523,352 | ||||||
NET ASSETS | $ | 119,766,033 | $ | 303,009,186 | ||||
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF: | ||||||||
Paid-in capital (Note 5) | $ | 124,362,019 | $ | 300,452,375 | ||||
Total distributable earnings | (4,595,986 | ) | 2,556,811 | |||||
NET ASSETS | $ | 119,766,033 | $ | 303,009,186 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 13 |
Beacon Trust Funds | Statements of Assets and Liabilities |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
BEACON ACCELERATED RETURN STRATEGY FUND | BEACON PLANNED RETURN STRATEGY FUND | |||||||
PRICING OF SHARES | ||||||||
Class A : | ||||||||
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share | $ | 9.53 | $ | 9.99 | ||||
Net Assets | $ | 10,342 | $ | 10,390 | ||||
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding | 1,085 | 1,040 | ||||||
Maximum offering price per share (NAV/0.95, based on maximum sales charge of 5.00% of the offering price) | $ | 10.03 | $ | 10.52 | ||||
Institutional Class : | ||||||||
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share | $ | 9.56 | $ | 10.01 | ||||
Net Assets | $ | 119,755,691 | $ | 302,998,796 | ||||
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding | 12,532,682 | 30,267,975 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
14 | www.beacontrust.com |
Beacon Trust Funds | Statements of Operations |
For the Period Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
BEACON ACCELERATED RETURN STRATEGY FUND | BEACON PLANNED RETURN STRATEGY FUND | |||||||
INVESTMENT INCOME: | ||||||||
Dividends | $ | 33,161 | $ | 67,628 | ||||
Total Investment Income | 33,161 | 67,628 | ||||||
EXPENSES: | ||||||||
Investment advisory fees (Note 8) | 628,642 | 1,568,394 | ||||||
Administration fees | 51,900 | 128,478 | ||||||
Shareholder service fees | ||||||||
Institutional Class | 4,359 | 25,638 | ||||||
Distribution fees | ||||||||
Class A | 12 | 13 | ||||||
Custody fees | 2,399 | 2,614 | ||||||
Legal fees | 5,019 | 11,993 | ||||||
Audit and tax fees | 9,541 | 9,633 | ||||||
Transfer agent fees | 14,110 | 30,473 | ||||||
Trustees fees and expenses | 6,207 | 15,453 | ||||||
Registration and filing fees | 18,591 | 23,755 | ||||||
Printing fees | 2,397 | 6,138 | ||||||
Chief Compliance Officer fees | 4,475 | 10,484 | ||||||
Insurance fees | 2,051 | 6,283 | ||||||
Offering costs | 233 | 230 | ||||||
Other expenses | 2,733 | 4,136 | ||||||
Total Expenses | 752,669 | 1,843,715 | ||||||
NET INVESTMENT LOSS | (719,508 | ) | (1,776,087 | ) | ||||
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS AND WRITTEN OPTIONS: | ||||||||
Net realized gain/(loss) on: | ||||||||
Investments | (1,301,930 | ) | (2,190,418 | ) | ||||
Written options | 3,373,829 | 13,141,533 | ||||||
Net realized gain | 2,071,899 | 10,951,115 | ||||||
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on: | ||||||||
Investments | (12,601,695 | ) | (40,000,574 | ) | ||||
Written options | 6,653,352 | 33,382,547 | ||||||
Net change | (5,948,343 | ) | (6,618,027 | ) | ||||
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS AND WRITTEN OPTIONS | (3,876,444 | ) | 4,333,088 | |||||
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | $ | (4,595,952 | ) | $ | 2,557,001 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 15 |
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund | Statement of Changes in Net Assets |
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Period Ended September 30, 2018(a) | |||||||
OPERATIONS: | ||||||||
Net investment loss | $ | (719,508 | ) | $ | (1,773,483 | ) | ||
Net realized gain on investments and written options | 2,071,899 | 9,097,658 | ||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and written options | (5,948,343 | ) | 11,479,340 | |||||
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | (4,595,952 | ) | 18,803,515 | |||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS | ||||||||
Class A(b) | (1,311 | ) | – | |||||
Institutional Class | (17,982,239 | ) | (870,244 | ) | ||||
Total distributions | (17,983,550 | ) | (870,244 | ) | ||||
BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (Note 6): | ||||||||
Class A(b) | ||||||||
Shares sold | – | 10,000 | ||||||
Dividends reinvested | 1,311 | – | ||||||
Net increase from beneficial share transactions | 1,311 | 10,000 | ||||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||
Shares sold | 19,760,888 | 151,518,922 | ||||||
Dividends reinvested | 17,459,214 | 153,524 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (49,404,169 | ) | (15,087,426 | ) | ||||
Net increase/(decrease) from beneficial share transactions | (12,184,067 | ) | 136,585,020 | |||||
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets | (34,762,258 | ) | 154,528,291 | |||||
NET ASSETS: | ||||||||
Beginning of period | 154,528,291 | – | ||||||
End of period | $ | 119,766,033 | $ | 154,528,291 |
(a) | Commenced operations on October 2, 2017. |
(b) | Commenced operations on June 11, 2018. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
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Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund | Statement of Changes in Net Assets |
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Period Ended September 30, 2018(a) | |||||||
OPERATIONS: | ||||||||
Net investment loss | $ | (1,776,087 | ) | $ | (4,140,058 | ) | ||
Net realized gain on investments and written options | 10,951,115 | 9,765,102 | ||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and written options | (6,618,027 | ) | 19,860,640 | |||||
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | 2,557,001 | 25,485,684 | ||||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS | ||||||||
Class A(b) | (762 | ) | – | |||||
Institutional Class | (24,405,566 | ) | (1,129,696 | ) | ||||
Total distributions | (24,406,328 | ) | (1,129,696 | ) | ||||
BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (Note 6): | ||||||||
Class A(b) | ||||||||
Shares sold | – | 10,000 | ||||||
Dividends reinvested | 762 | – | ||||||
Net increase from beneficial share transactions | 762 | 10,000 | ||||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||
Shares sold | 19,560,409 | 370,673,094 | ||||||
Dividends reinvested | 21,646,863 | 293,880 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (67,954,708 | ) | (43,727,775 | ) | ||||
Net increase/(decrease) from beneficial share transactions | (26,747,436 | ) | 327,239,199 | |||||
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets | (48,596,001 | ) | 351,605,187 | |||||
NET ASSETS: | ||||||||
Beginning of period | 351,605,187 | – | ||||||
End of period | $ | 303,009,186 | $ | 351,605,187 |
(a) | Commenced operations on October 2, 2017. |
(b) | Commenced operations on June 11, 2018. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 17 |
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund – Class A | Financial Highlights |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Period Presented
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Period Ended September 30,2018(a) | |||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | $ | 11.29 | $ | 10.78 | ||||
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS: | ||||||||
Net investment loss(b) | (0.07 | ) | (0.05 | ) | ||||
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments | (0.28 | ) | 0.56 | |||||
Total from investment operations | (0.35 | ) | 0.51 | |||||
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: | ||||||||
From net realized gains on investments | (1.41 | ) | – | |||||
Total Distributions | (1.41 | ) | – | |||||
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE | (1.76 | ) | 0.51 | |||||
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD | $ | 9.53 | $ | 11.29 | ||||
TOTAL RETURN(c) | (1.22 | %) | 4.73 | % | ||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: | ||||||||
Net assets, end of period (in 000s) | $ | 10 | $ | 10 | ||||
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS | ||||||||
Operating expenses(d) | 1.42 | %(e) | 1.61 | %(e) | ||||
Net investment loss | (1.37 | %)(e) | (1.57 | %)(e) | ||||
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(f)(g) | 0 | % | 0 | % |
(a) | Commenced operations on June 11, 2018. |
(b) | Calculated using the average shares method. |
(c) | Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. |
(d) | According to the Fund’s shareholder services plan with respect to the Fund’s Class A shares,any amount of fees accrued according to the plan but not paid during the Fund’s fiscal year for such service activities shall be reimbursed to the Fund as soon as practical. Fees were reimbursed to the Fund during the period ended March 31, 2019 and period ended September 30, 2018, respectively, in the amount of 0.11% (annualized) and 0.11% (annualized) of average net assets of Class A shares. |
(e) | Annualized. |
(f) | Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized. |
(g) | All securities whose maturity or expiration date at time of acquisition were one year or lessare excluded from the portfolio turnover calculation. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
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Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund – Institutional Class | Financial Highlights |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Period Presented
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Period Ended September 30, 2018(a) | |||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | $ | 11.30 | $ | 10.00 | ||||
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS: | ||||||||
Net investment loss(b) | (0.06 | ) | (0.13 | ) | ||||
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments | (0.27 | ) | 1.49 | |||||
Total from investment operations | (0.33 | ) | 1.36 | |||||
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: | ||||||||
From net realized gains on investments | (1.41 | ) | (0.06 | ) | ||||
Total Distributions | (1.41 | ) | (0.06 | ) | ||||
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE | (1.74 | ) | 1.30 | |||||
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD | $ | 9.56 | $ | 11.30 | ||||
TOTAL RETURN(c) | (1.02 | %) | 13.70 | % | ||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: | ||||||||
Net assets, end of period (in 000s) | $ | 119,756 | $ | 154,518 | ||||
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS | ||||||||
Operating expenses(d) | 1.20 | %(e) | 1.29 | %(e) | ||||
Net investment loss | (1.15 | %)(e) | (1.25 | %)(e) | ||||
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(f)(g) | 0 | % | 0 | % |
(a) | Commenced operations on October 2, 2017. |
(b) | Calculated using the average shares method. |
(c) | Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. |
(d) | According to the Fund’s shareholder services plan with respect to the Fund’s Class I shares, any amount of fees accrued according to the plan but not paid during the Fund’s fiscal year for such service activities shall be reimbursed to the Fund as soon as practical. Fees were reimbursed to the Fund during the period ended March 31, 2019 and period ended September 30, 2018, respectively, in the amount of 0.06% (annualized) and 0.06% (annualized) of average net assets of Class I shares. |
(e) | Annualized. |
(f) | Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized. |
(g) | All securities whose maturity or expiration date at time of acquisition were one year or less are excluded from the portfolio turnover calculation. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 19 |
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund – Class A | Financial Highlights |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Period Presented
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Period Ended September 30, 2018(a) | |||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | $ | 10.72 | $ | 10.45 | ||||
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS: | ||||||||
Net investment loss(b) | (0.07 | ) | (0.05 | ) | ||||
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments | 0.14 | 0.32 | ||||||
Total from investment operations | 0.07 | 0.27 | ||||||
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: | ||||||||
From net realized gains on investments | (0.80 | ) | – | |||||
Total Distributions | (0.80 | ) | – | |||||
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE | (0.73 | ) | 0.27 | |||||
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD | $ | 9.99 | $ | 10.72 | ||||
TOTAL RETURN(c) | 1.32 | % | 2.58 | % | ||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: | ||||||||
Net assets, end of period (in 000s) | $ | 10 | $ | 10 | ||||
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS | ||||||||
Operating expenses(d) | 1.40 | %(e) | 1.56 | %(e) | ||||
Net investment loss | (1.35 | %)(e) | (1.53 | %)(e) | ||||
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(f)(g) | 0 | % | 0 | % |
(a) | Commenced operations on June 11, 2018. |
(b) | Calculated using the average shares method. |
(c) | Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. |
(d) | According to the Fund’s shareholder services plan with respect to the Fund’s Class A shares, any amount of fees accrued according to the plan but not paid during the Fund’s fiscal year for such service activities shall be reimbursed to the Fund as soon as practical. Fees were reimbursed to the Fund during the period ended March 31, 2019 and period ended September 30, 2018, respectively, in the amount of 0.11% (annualized) and 0.11% (annualized) of average net assets of Class A shares. |
(e) | Annualized. |
(f) | Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized. |
(g) | All securities whose maturity or expiration date at time of acquisition were one year or less are excluded from the portfolio turnover calculation. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
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Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund – Institutional Class | Financial Highlights |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Period Presented
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Period Ended September 30, 2018(a) | |||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | $ | 10.73 | $ | 10.00 | ||||
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS: | ||||||||
Net investment loss(b) | (0.14 | ) | (0.13 | ) | ||||
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments | 0.22 | 0.89 | ||||||
Total from investment operations | 0.08 | 0.76 | ||||||
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: | ||||||||
From net realized gains on investments | (0.80 | ) | (0.03 | ) | ||||
Total Distributions | (0.80 | ) | (0.03 | ) | ||||
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE | (0.72 | ) | 0.73 | |||||
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD | $ | 10.01 | $ | 10.73 | ||||
TOTAL RETURN(c) | 1.42 | % | 7.64 | % | ||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: | ||||||||
Net assets, end of period (in 000s) | $ | 302,999 | $ | 351,595 | ||||
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS | ||||||||
Operating expenses(d) | 1.18 | %(e) | 1.25 | %(e) | ||||
Net investment loss | (1.13 | %)(e) | (1.23 | %)(e) | ||||
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(f)(g) | 0 | % | 0 | % |
(a) | Commenced operations on October 2, 2017. |
(b) | Calculated using the average shares method. |
(c) | Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. |
(d) | According to the Fund’s shareholder services plan with respect to the Fund’s Class I shares, any amount of fees accrued according to the plan but not paid during the Fund’s fiscal year for such service activities shall be reimbursed to the Fund as soon as practical. Fees were reimbursed to the Fund during the period ended March 31, 2019 and period ended September 30, 2018, respectively, in the amount of 0.06% (annualized) and 0.06% (annualized) of average net assets of Class I shares. |
(e) | Annualized. |
(f) | Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized. |
(g) | All securities whose maturity or expiration date at time of acquisition were one year or less are excluded from the portfolio turnover calculation. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 21 |
Beacon Trust Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
1. ORGANIZATION
ALPS Series Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust consists of multiple separate portfolios or series. This semi-annual report describes the Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund and the Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”). The Funds are non-diversified and the primary investment objectives are to deliver capital appreciation and generate positive alpha for the Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund, and capital preservation and capital appreciation for the Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund. The Funds currently offer Class A shares and Institutional Class shares. Each share class of the Funds has identical rights to earnings, assets and voting privileges, except for class-specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) may establish additional funds and classes of shares at any time in the future without shareholder approval.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for investment companies (“U.S. GAAP”). The Funds are considered investment companies under U.S. GAAP and follow the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies in the Financial Accounting Standards BoardAccounting Standards Codification Topic 946. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds in preparation of their financial statements.
Investment Valuation: The Funds generally value their securities based on market prices determined at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading.
FLEX Options are customized option contracts available through the Chicago Board Options Exchange (“CBOE”). Flexible Exchange Options are valued based on prices supplied by an independent third-party pricing service, which utilizes pricing models that incorporate various inputs such as interest rates, credit spreads currency exchange rates and volatility measurements for in-the-money, at-the-money, and out-of-money contracts on a given strike price.
Redeemable securities issued by open-end registered investment companies are valued at the investment company’s applicable net asset value (“NAV”), with the exception of exchange-traded open-end investment companies, which are priced as equity securities. Money market funds, representing short-term investments, are valued at their net asset value.
When such prices or quotations are not available, or when the Fair Value Committee appointed by the Board believes that they are unreliable, securities may be priced using fair value procedures approved by the Board.
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Beacon Trust Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Fair Value Measurements: The Funds disclose the classification of their fair value measurements following a three-tier hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on the best information available.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Funds’ investments as of the end of the reporting period. When inputs used fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The designated input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with these investments. These inputs are categorized in the following hierarchy under applicable financial accounting standards:
Level 1 – | Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments, unrestricted assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date; |
Level 2 – | Quoted prices which are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable (either directly or indirectly); and |
Level 3 – | Significant unobservable prices or inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date. |
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 23 |
Beacon Trust Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of March 31, 2019:
BEACON ACCELERATED RETURN STRATEGY FUND
Investments in Securities at Value | Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices | Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs | Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs | Total | ||||||||||||
Purchased Options | – | 121,664,694 | – | 121,664,694 | ||||||||||||
Short Term Investments | 1,708,721 | – | – | 1,708,721 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 1,708,721 | $ | 121,664,694 | $ | – | $ | 123,373,415 | ||||||||
Valuation Inputs | ||||||||||||||||
Other Financial Instruments | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||
Written Options | $ | – | $ | (3,415,080 | ) | $ | – | $ | (3,415,080 | ) | ||||||
TOTAL | $ | – | $ | (3,415,080 | ) | $ | – | $ | (3,415,080 | ) |
BEACON PLANNED RETURN STRATEGY FUND
Investments in Securities at Value | Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices | Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs | Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs | Total | ||||||||||||
Purchased Options | – | 321,765,782 | – | 321,765,782 | ||||||||||||
Short Term Investments | 5,714,566 | – | – | 5,714,566 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 5,714,566 | $ | 321,765,782 | $ | – | $ | 327,480,348 | ||||||||
Valuation Inputs | ||||||||||||||||
Other Financial Instruments | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||
Written Options | $ | – | $ | (24,081,543 | ) | $ | – | $ | (24,081,543 | ) | ||||||
TOTAL | $ | – | $ | (24,081,543 | ) | $ | – | $ | (24,081,543 | ) |
There were no Level 3 securities held during the period.
Cash & Cash Equivalents: The Funds consider their investment in a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insured interest bearing account to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus any accrued interest. The Funds maintains cash balances, which, at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Funds maintains these balances with a high quality financial institution.
Concentration of Credit Risk: The Funds place their cash with a banking institution, which is insured by FDIC. The FDIC limit is $250,000. At various times throughout the year, the amount on deposit may exceed the FDIC limit and subject the Funds to a credit risk. The Funds do not believe that such deposits are subject to any unusual risk associated with investment activities.
24 | www.beacontrust.com |
Beacon Trust Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Offering Costs: The Funds incurred offering costs during the period ended March 31, 2019. These offering costs, including fees for printing initial prospectuses, legal and registration fees, are being amortized over the first twelve months from the inception date of the Funds. Amounts amortized through March 31, 2019 are expensed in the Funds’ Statements of Operations and amounts that remain to be amortized are shown on the Funds’ Statements of Assets and Liabilities.
Trust Expenses: Some expenses of the Trust can be directly attributed to a Fund. Expenses that cannot be directly attributed to a Fund are apportioned among all funds in the Trust based on average net assets of each fund.
Fund Expenses: Some expenses can be directly attributed to a Fund and are apportioned among the classes based on average net assets of each class.
Class Expenses: Expenses that are specific to a class of shares are charged directly to that share class. Fees provided under the distribution and services plan for a particular class of a Fund are charged to the operations of such class.
Federal Income Taxes: The Funds comply with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and intend to distribute substantially all of their net taxable income and net capital gains, if any, each year so that they will not be subject to excise tax on undistributed income and gains. The Funds are not subject to income taxes to the extent such distributions are made.
As of and during the period ended March 31, 2019, the Funds did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying financial statements. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to tax liabilities as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations. The Funds file U.S. federal, state and local income tax returns as required. The Funds’ tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return for federal purposes and four years for most state returns. The Funds’ administrator has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions and has concluded that as of March 31, 2019, no provision for income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements related to these tax positions.
Investment Transactions and Investment Income: Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the investments are purchased or sold (trade date basis) for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are reported on an identified cost basis. Interest income, which includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, is accrued and recorded as earned. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date, or for certain foreign securities, as soon as information is available to a Fund. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends are paid (a portion of which may be reclaimable) or provided for in accordance with the applicable country’s tax rules and rates and are disclosed in the Statements of Operations. All of the realized and unrealized gains and losses and net investment income are allocated daily to each class in proportion to its average daily net assets.
Distributions to Shareholders: The Funds normally pay dividends, if any, and distribute capital gains, if any, on an annual basis. Income dividend distributions are derived from interest, dividends and other income the Funds receive from their investments, including short- term capital gains. Long-term capital gain distributions are derived from gains realized when a Fund sells a security it has owned for more than one year. A Fund may make additional distributions and dividends at other times if its portfolio manager or managers believe doing so may be necessary for the Fund to avoid or reduce taxes. Net investment income/(loss) and net realized gain/(loss) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 25 |
Beacon Trust Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
3. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
The Funds’ investment objectives permit the Funds to enter into various types of derivatives contracts, including, but not limited to, futures contracts, forward foreign currency contracts, currency swaps and purchased and written options. In doing so, the Funds may employ strategies in differing combinations to permit it to increase, decrease, or change the level or types of exposure to market factors. Central to those strategies are features inherent in derivatives that make them more attractive for this purpose than equity or debt securities; they require little or no initial cash investment, they can focus exposure on only certain selected risk factors, and they may not require the ultimate receipt or delivery of the underlying security (or securities) to the contract. This may allow the Funds to pursue their objectives more quickly and efficiently than if they were to make direct purchases or sales of securities capable of affecting a similar response to market factors.
Risk of Investing in Derivatives: The Funds’ use of derivatives can result in losses due to unanticipated changes in the market risk factors and the overall market. In instances where the Funds are using derivatives to decrease, or hedge, exposures to market risk factors for securities held by the Funds, there are also risks that those derivatives may not perform as expected resulting in losses for the combined or hedged positions.
Derivatives may have little or no initial cash investment relative to their market value exposure and therefore can produce significant gains or losses in excess of their cost. This use of embedded leverage allows the Funds to increase their market value exposure relative to their net assets and can substantially increase the volatility of the Funds’ performance.
Additional associated risks from investing in derivatives also exist and potentially could have significant effects on the valuation of the derivative and the Funds. Typically, the associated risks are not the risks that the Funds are attempting to increase or decrease exposure to, per their investment objectives, but are the additional risks from investing in derivatives.
Examples of these associated risks are liquidity risk, which is the risk that the Funds will not be able to sell or close out the derivative in a timely manner, and counterparty credit risk, which is the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligation to the Funds. In addition, use of derivatives may increase or decrease exposure to the following risk factors:
Equity Risk: Equity risk relates to the change in value of equity securities as they relate to increases or decreases in the general market. Associated risks can be different for each type of derivative.
Option Contracts: Each Fund may enter into options transactions for hedging purposes and for nonhedging purposes such as seeking to enhance return. Each Fund may write covered put and call options on any stocks or stock indices, currencies traded on domestic and foreign securities exchanges, or futures contracts on stock indices, interest rates and currencies traded on domestic and, to the extent permitted by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, foreign exchanges. A call option on an asset written by a Fund obligates the Fund to sell the specified asset to the holder (purchaser) at a stated price (the exercise price) if the option is exercised before a specified date (the expiration date). A put option on an asset written by a Fund obligates the Fund to buy the specified asset from the purchaser at the exercise price if the option is exercised before the expiration date. Premiums received when writing options are recorded as liabilities and are subsequently adjusted to the current value of the options written. Premiums received from writing options that expire are treated as realized gains. Premiums received from writing options, which are either exercised or closed, are offset against the proceeds received or amount paid on the transaction to determine realized gains or losses.
26 | www.beacontrust.com |
Beacon Trust Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
The Funds use FLEX Options, which are customized equity or index option contracts that trade on an exchange, but that provide investors with the ability to customize key contract terms like exercise prices, styles and expiration dates. Like standardized exchange-traded options, FLEX Options are guaranteed for settlement by The Options Clearing Corporation (“OCC”), a market clearinghouse. The OCC guarantees performance by each of the counterparties to the FLEX Options, becoming the “buyer for every seller and the seller for every buyer,” protecting clearing members and options traders from counterparty risk. FLEX Options provide investors with the ability to customize key terms, while achieving price discovery in competitive, transparent auctions markets and avoiding the counterparty exposure of Over-the-Counter (“OTC”) options positions. The Funds bear the risk that the OCC will be unable or unwilling to perform its obligations under the FLEX Options contracts. Additionally, FLEX Options may be less liquid than certain other securities such as standardized options. In a less liquid market for the FLEX Options, the Funds may have difficulty closing out certain FLEX Options positions at desired times and prices.
Purchased Options: When the Funds purchase an option, an amount equal to the premium paid by the Funds are recorded as an investment and is subsequently adjusted to the current value of the option purchased. If an option expires on the stipulated expiration date or if the Funds enter into a closing sale transaction, a gain or loss is realized. If a call option is exercised, the cost of the security acquired is increased by the premium paid for the call. If a put option is exercised, a gain or loss is realized from the sale of the underlying security, and the proceeds from such sale are decreased by the premium originally paid. Purchased options are non-income producing securities.
Written Options: When the Funds write an option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Funds are recorded as a liability and is subsequently adjusted to the current value of the option written. Premiums received from writing options that expire unexercised are treated by the Funds on the expiration date as realized gain from written options. The difference between the premium and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain, or if the premium is less than the amount paid for the closing purchase transaction, as a realized loss. If a call option is exercised, the premium is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security in determining whether the Funds have realized a gain or loss. If a put option is exercised, the premium reduces the cost basis of the securities purchased by the Funds. The Funds, as writers of an option, bear the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security underlying the written option.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 27 |
Beacon Trust Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
The average option contract notional amount during the period ended March 31, 2019, is noted below for each of the Funds.
Derivative Type | Unit of Measurement | Monthly Average | ||||
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund | ||||||
Purchased Option Contracts | Notional value ofcontracts outstanding | $ | 239,635,782 | |||
Written Option Contracts | Notional value of contracts outstanding | $ | 239,635,782 |
Derivative Type | Unit of Measurement | Monthly Average | ||||
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund | ||||||
Purchased Option Contracts | Notional value of contracts outstanding | $ | 1,029,720,585 | |||
Written Option Contracts | Notional value of contracts outstanding | $ | 1,029,720,585 |
Derivative Instruments: The following tables disclose the amounts related to the Funds’ use of Derivative instruments.
The effect of derivative instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of March 31, 2019:
Risk Exposure | Statements of Assets and Liabilities Location | Fair Value of Asset Derivatives | Statements of Assets and Liabilities Location | Fair Value of Liability Derivatives | ||||||||
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund | ||||||||||||
Equity Contracts (Purchased Options/ Written Options) | Investments, at value | $ | 121,664,694 | Written Options, at value | $ | 3,415,080 | ||||||
$ | 121,664,694 | $ | 3,415,080 | |||||||||
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund | ||||||||||||
Equity Contracts (Purchased Options/ Written Options) | Investments, at value | $ | 321,765,782 | Written Options, at value | $ | 24,081,543 | ||||||
$ | 321,765,782 | $ | 24,081,543 |
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Beacon Trust Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
The effect of derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations for the period ended March 31, 2019:
Risk Exposure | Statements of Operations Location | Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income | Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income | |||||||
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund | ||||||||||
Equity Contracts (Purchased Options) | Net realized gain/(loss) on investments/Net change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) on investments | $ | (1,301,450 | ) | $ | (12,601,695 | ) | |||
Equity Contracts (Written Options) | Net realized gain/(loss) on written option contracts/Net change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) on written option contracts | 3,373,829 | 6,653,352 | |||||||
Total | $ | 2,072,379 | $ | (5,948,343 | ) | |||||
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund | ||||||||||
Equity Contracts (Purchased Options) | Net realized gain/(loss) on investments/Net change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) on investments | $ | (2,189,068 | ) | $ | (40,000,574 | ) | |||
Equity Contracts (Written Options) | Net realized gain/(loss) on written option contracts/Net change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) on written option contracts | 13,141,533 | 33,382,547 | |||||||
Total | $ | 10,952,465 | $ | (6,618,027 | ) |
4. TAX BASIS INFORMATION
Tax Basis of Distributions to Shareholders: The character of distributions made during the period from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from its ultimate characterization for Federal income tax purposes. Also, due to the timing of dividend distributions, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the fiscal year in which the income or realized gain were recorded by the Funds. The amounts and characteristics of tax basis distributions and composition of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) are finalized at fiscal year-end. Accordingly, tax basis balances have not been determined as of the date of the semi-annual report.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 29 |
Beacon Trust Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation on Investments and Derivative Instruments: As of March 31, 2019, the aggregate costs of investments, gross unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) and net unrealized appreciation of instruments and derivative instruments for Federal tax purposes were as follows:
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund | Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund | |||||||
Gross unrealized appreciation (excess of value over tax cost) | $ | 7,879,263 | $ | 31,285,127 | ||||
Gross unrealized depreciation (excess of tax cost over value) | (2,348,266 | ) | (18,042,514 | ) | ||||
Net unrealized appreciation | $ | 5,530,997 | $ | 13,242,613 | ||||
Cost of investments for income tax purposes | $ | 119,210,704 | $ | 323,905,322 |
The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal period ended September 30, 2018, were as follows:
Ordinary Income | Long-Term Capital Gains | |||||||
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund | $ | 101,843 | $ | 768,401 | ||||
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund | – | 1,129,696 |
5. SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of securities, excluding short-term securities, during the period ended March 31, 2019 were as follows:
Purchases of Securities | Proceeds from Sales of Securities | |||||||
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund | $ | – | $ | – | ||||
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund | – | – |
6. BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
The capitalization of the Trust consists of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with no par value per share. Holders of the shares of the Funds have one vote for each share held and a proportionate fraction of a vote for each fractional share. All shares issued and outstanding are fully paid and are transferable and redeemable at the option of the shareholder. Shares have no pre-emptive rights. Neither the Funds nor any of their creditors have the right to require shareholders to pay any additional amounts solely because the shareholder owns the shares.
Shares redeemed within 60 days of purchase may incur a 2.00% short-term redemption fee deducted from the redemption amount. For the period ended March 31, 2019, the redemption fees charged by the Funds, if any, are presented in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.
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Beacon Trust Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Transactions in common shares were as follows:
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Period Ended September 30, 2018 | |||||||
Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund | ||||||||
Class A(a) | ||||||||
Shares sold | – | 927 | ||||||
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders | 158 | – | ||||||
Shares redeemed | – | – | ||||||
Net increase in shares outstanding | 158 | 927 | ||||||
Institutional Class(b) | ||||||||
Shares sold | 1,973,094 | 15,086,370 | ||||||
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders | 2,098,463 | 14,805 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (5,208,234 | ) | (1,431,816 | ) | ||||
Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding | (1,136,677 | ) | 13,669,359 | |||||
�� | ||||||||
Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund | ||||||||
Class A(a) | ||||||||
Shares sold | – | 957 | ||||||
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders | 83 | – | ||||||
Shares redeemed | – | – | ||||||
Net increase in shares outstanding | 83 | 957 | ||||||
Institutional Class(b) | ||||||||
Shares sold | 2,074,775 | 37,004,843 | ||||||
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders | 2,368,366 | 28,840 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (6,940,052 | ) | (4,268,797 | ) | ||||
Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding | (2,496,911 | ) | 32,764,886 |
(a) | Commenced operations June 11, 2018. |
(b) | Commenced operations October 2, 2017. |
Control is defined by the 1940 Act as the beneficial ownership, either directly or through one or more controlled companies, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a company. Approximately 96% of the outstanding shares of the Beacon Accelerated Return Fund are held by one omnibus account. Approximately 85% of the outstanding shares of the Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund are owned by one omnibus account. Share transaction activities of these shareholders could have a material impact on the Funds.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 31 |
Beacon Trust Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
7. MANAGEMENT AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Investment Advisory: Beacon Investment Advisory Services, Inc. (the “Adviser”), subject to the authority of the Board, is responsible for the management of the Funds’ portfolios. The Adviser manages the investments of the Funds in accordance with the Funds’ investment objectives, policies and limitations and investment guidelines established jointly by the Adviser and the Board.
Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser, each Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee that is based on the Fund’s average daily net assets. The management fee is paid on a monthly basis. The contractual management fee rate is 1.00% for the Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund and Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund. The initial term of the Advisory Agreement is two years. The Board may extend the Advisory Agreement for additional one-year terms. The Board and shareholders of a Fund may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 30 days’ written notice. The Adviser may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 60 days’ notice.
Pursuant to a fee waiver letter agreement (the “Fee Waiver Agreement”), the Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the amount of each Fund’s Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses, exclusive of Rule 12b-1 Fees, Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, brokerage expenses, interest expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses to an annual rate of 1.40% of the Beacon Accelerated Return Strategy Fund’s average daily net assets for each of the Class A shares and the Institutional Class shares and 1.40% of the Beacon Planned Return Strategy Fund’s average daily net assets for the Class A shares and the Institutional Class shares. The Fee Waiver Agreement is in effect through January 31, 2020. The Adviser may not terminate the Fee Waiver Agreement without the approval of the Trust’s Board. The Adviser will be permitted to recover, on a class-by-class basis, expenses it has borne through the Fee Waiver Agreement only to the extent that the Fund’s expenses in later periods do not exceed the lesser of: (1) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser waives or limits the expenses; or (2) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser seeks to recover the expenses; provided, however, that the Funds will not be obligated to reimburse any such expenses borne by the Adviser more than three years after the date on which the fee or expense was waived or limited or assumed and paid by the Adviser, as calculated on a monthly basis. There were no fees waived or reimbursed for the period ended March 31, 2019.
Administrator: ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS”) (an affiliate of ALPS Distributors, Inc.) serves as administrator to each Fund. The Funds have agreed to pay expenses incurred in connection with its administrative activities. Pursuant to the Administration, Bookkeeping and Pricing Services Agreement with the Trust, ALPS will provide operational services to the Funds including, but not limited to, fund accounting and fund administration and generally assist in each Fund’s operations. Each Fund’s administration fee is accrued on a daily basis and paid monthly. The officers and an Interested Trustee of the Trust are employees of ALPS. Administration fees paid by the Funds for the period ended March 31, 2019 are disclosed in the Statements of Operations. ALPS is reimbursed by the Funds for certain out-of-pocket expenses.
Transfer Agent: ALPS serves as transfer agent for each Fund under a Transfer Agency and Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Funds plus fees for open accounts and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.
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Beacon Trust Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Compliance Services: ALPS provides services as each Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer to monitor and test the policies and procedures of each Fund in conjunction with requirements under Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act pursuant to a Chief Compliance Officer Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Funds and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.
Distribution: ALPS Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”) (an affiliate of ALPS) acts as the principal underwriter of each Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with the Trust. Shares of each Fund are offered on a continuous basis through the Distributor, as agent of the Funds. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any particular amount of shares and is not entitled to any compensation for its services as the Funds’ principal underwriter pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.
Each Fund has adopted a Distribution and Services Plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for their Class A shares. The Plan allows the Funds to use Class A assets to pay fees in connection with the distribution and marketing of Class A shares and/or the provision of shareholder services to Class A shareholders. The Plan permits payment for services in connection with the administration of plans or programs that use Class A shares of the Funds, if any, as their funding medium and for related expenses. The Plan permits the Funds to make total payments at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to its Class A shares. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s Class A assets, if any, on an ongoing basis, over time they will increase the cost of an investment in the Class A shares, if any, and Class A Plan fees may cost an investor more than other types of sales charges. Plan fees are shown as distribution and service fees on the Statements of Operations.
Each Fund has adopted a shareholder services plan (“Shareholder Services Plan”) for its Class A shares and Institutional Class. Under the Shareholder Services Plan each Fund is authorized to pay banks and their affiliates and other institutions, including broker-dealers and Fund affiliates (“Participating Organizations”), an aggregate fee in an amount not to exceed on an annual basis 0.15% of the average daily net assets of each Fund’s Class A shares and Institutional Class shares, respectively, to Participating Organizations as compensation for providing shareholder service activities, which do not include distribution services, pursuant to an agreement with a Participating Organization.
8. TRUSTEES
As of March 31, 2019, there were four Trustees, three of whom are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”). Effective October 1, 2018, the Independent Trustees of the Trust will receive a quarterly retainer of $8,000, plus $4,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair will receive a quarterly retainer of $1,250 and the Independent Chair will receive a quarterly retainer of $2,500. Previously, the Independent Trustees of the Trust received a quarterly retainer of $6,000, plus $4,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair received a quarterly retainer of $1,250 and the Independent Chair received a quarterly retainer of $2,500. The Independent Trustees are also reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 33 |
Beacon Trust Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
9. INDEMNIFICATIONS
Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts with service providers that may contain general indemnification clauses which may permit indemnification to the extent permissible under applicable law. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.
10. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, which changes the fair value measurement disclosure requirements of FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. The update to Topic 820 includes new, eliminated, and modified disclosure requirements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods. Early adoption is permitted for any eliminated or modified disclosures. The Funds have elected to early adopt the eliminated and modified disclosures effective with the financial statements prepared as of March 31, 2019.
11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Subsequent events after the date of the Statements of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that there were no subsequent events to report through the issuance of these financial statements.
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Beacon Trust Funds | Additional Information |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
1. PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND VOTING RECORD
A description of the policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, (i) by calling the Funds (toll-free) at 1-844-894-9222 or (ii) on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) at http://www.sec.gov.
Information regarding how each Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling the Funds (toll-free) at 1-844-894-9222 or (ii) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
2. PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
The Funds file their complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Funds’ Forms N-Q are available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 35 |
This material must be preceded by a prospectus.
The Beacon Funds are distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc.
Table of Contents
Shareholder Letter | 2 |
Portfolio Update | |
Clarkston Partners Fund | 6 |
Clarkston Fund | 9 |
Clarkston Founders Fund | 12 |
Disclosure of Fund Expenses | 15 |
Portfolios of Investments | |
Clarkston Partners Fund | 17 |
Clarkston Fund | 19 |
Clarkston Founders Fund | 21 |
Statements of Assets and Liabilities | 23 |
Statements of Operations | 24 |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets | |
Clarkston Partners Fund | 25 |
Clarkston Fund | 26 |
Clarkston Founders Fund | 27 |
Financial Highlights | 28 |
Notes to Financial Statements | 41 |
Additional Information | 52 |
Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Funds’ annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Funds’ website at www.clarkstonfunds.com and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.
Beginning on January 1, 2019, you may, notwithstanding the availability of shareholder reports online, elect to receive all future shareholder reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. If you invest directly with a Fund, you can call 1-844-680-6562 to let the Fund know you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports.
If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from a Fund electronically anytime by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by enrolling at www.clarkstonfunds.com.
Clarkston Funds | Shareholder Letter |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Dear Shareholder:
The Investment Principles of Clarkston Capital
We are proud to say that our investment principles have remained constant since we first developed them in 2005. There are four principles or requirements for inclusion of a business in a Clarkston Fund’s portfolio. The first three are quality principles; requirements for inclusion on the Clarkston Bench. The fourth principle is valuation; the driver for movement from the Bench to purchase in a Fund. The principles that govern our philosophy are:
1. | Financial:We would rather a business put cash in the bank at the end of the year than into depreciating fixed assets that sit on the shop floor, and therefore, we look for businesses that generate lots of free cash flow. We identify these types of businesses utilizing Cash Returns on Net Operating Assets (CRONOA), which tells us how much cash a business generates per dollar of net operating assets deployed into the business. We want to own businesses that generate consistently high CRONOA over extended periods of time. |
2. | Business:We want an “understandable” business and one with a stable-to-rising CRONOA. All else equal, a company with a stable or rising CRONOA will generate more cash in the future than a company with a declining CRONOA. We focus our time evaluating competitive advantages, or barriers that prevent other firms from competing away attractive CRONOA, and the sustainability of those competitive advantages. |
3. | Management:The first two principles help us identify businesses that we believe can generate attractive and protected streams of future cash flows. When we find these businesses, we prefer to own them for long periods of time. Mismanagement is a big risk for these businesses. We look for management teams who are candid, who understand their businesses, and who allocate capital for the benefit of owners of their businesses. |
4. | Valuation:We conduct our valuation analysis only after we have agreed that a business meets the first three “quality” principles. No business, even a “Clarkston Quality” business, is worth an infinite amount. Once we find a business that meets principles 1 through 3, we wait patiently to invest when the price is at a level that we consider to be comfortably lower than our estimate of intrinsic value. |
Two Types of Businesses: Re-Investors and Capital Returners
The Management principle, because of its subjectivity, has been difficult to execute, but it’s also the one where we have learned the most. An important observation we have made, as it relates to capital allocation, has been our tendency to invest in one of two types of businesses: Re-Investors and Capital Returners. Re-Investors typically operate in larger addressable markets and possess limited market share. They have ample opportunities to reinvest capital back into their core operations and therefore grow more rapidly. Capital Returners typically operate in smaller mature “niche” markets and possess a large share of the end market. They have fewer growth opportunities and therefore, we believe returning capital to shareholders should be a vital component of their strategy. Note that many organizations operate as both Re-Investors and Capital Returners in separate business units.
Given the same financial attributes and business economics, we would rather invest in a company with greater investment opportunities and a more rapid growth profile. The business that invests a greater amount of capital at the same attractive CRONOA rate will generate more free cash flow than one that invests less. We seek to invest in Re-Investors when valuations are attractive, but this is not always the case.
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Clarkston Funds | Shareholder Letter |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
The challenges with Re-Investors are threefold: First, few businesses can deploy all their cash earnings back into the business for growth. Those that do today will not grow at above-average rates forever. Eventually, the growth rate of all good businesses approaches the growth rate of GDP. Second, Re-Investors attract competition due to the attractiveness of high CRONOA and high growth rates, which drives down the CRONOA overtime. This phenomenon has been magnified in an environment where there is too much capital (i.e., venture capital and large corporate-disruptive enterprises like Amazon) chasing too few Re-Investors. The third challenge is that Re-Investors are rarely cheap. Businesses that possess superior economics attract investors, who typically drive prices upward toward the value of the business. When growth slows, the shares revalue at lower valuations and investors that bought based on rapid growth get burned. We work very hard to avoid these situations.
After ten years of robust market returns, there are fewer and fewer opportunities to find Re-Investors at attractive prices. Over the past several years, we have had better luck finding mispriced Capital Returners. Capital Returners have the potential to become good performing investments and may offer less risk when acquired at attractive valuations.
Capital Returners and Micro-Niche Businesses
Ironically, most Capital Returners were once Re-Investors. They are “retired” Re-Investors whose end market growth slowed, leaving the business with attractive CRONOA but little need for reinvestment. We refer to these as “micro-niche businesses.”
Typically, micro-niche businesses operate in an industry characterized by maturing end markets with low single-digit to slightly negative unit growth. This limited end-market growth serves as a natural barrier to entrants because most organizations would rather chase fast-growing end markets. If a business dares to enter, it is forced to grow by stealing costly share from incumbents, as the market offers no organic growth. The total addressable market is relatively small, which serves as a built-in entry barrier for larger, financially strong competitors who are reluctant to invest in a market that could not have a meaningful effect on their existing profit pool. The industry has become an oligopoly; a hint that incumbents likely possess a form of competitive advantage. Often, this advantage is economies of scale; a product of a mature industry with limited growth and few experienced competitors. Ideally, the incumbent firms compete rationally, resulting in pricing actions at or above the level of inflation. Because growth and competition are muted, there is limited need for reinvestment back into the business. Therefore, incumbents generate lots of capital that in most cases should be returned to shareholders.
Capital Returners include uniform rental companies, medical waste companies, long-term care pharmacies, consumer products firms, and tool manufacturers.
Understanding the Capital Allocation Strategy of Capital Returners
We have found that the transition from Re-Investor to Capital Returner can be challenging. In very few cases does management get it right the first time. Most firms take longer than anticipated to transition. Some firms are forced to replace management. There is also a small group that never successfully transitions. Following is a list of some things we have learned about Capital Returners over the years:
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 3 |
Clarkston Funds | Shareholder Letter |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
1. | Management (and eventually all stakeholders) must accept that the business is no longer a growth company; a difficult task given the negative bias against slow-growth businesses. Additionally, executives are programmed early in their MBA studies to develop strategy and grow businesses. Management must be willing to set aside these strategic growth skills and transition to an investor mindset with strict attention to capital allocation. |
2. | Focus should transition from demand to supply: Rapidly growing businesses focus on forecasting demand and designing strategies to capture growth. Less attention is paid to the costs of acquiring customers, integration, and capacity required to meet growth needs. As demand levels off, businesses must refocus their attention to the supply side of the equation. Excess capacity can lead to lower industry-wide pricing, which wreaks havoc on margins when coupled with reduced volumes. Lastly, management should focus on efficient operations, the cash cycle (the time it takes to turn raw materials into cash), constant cost improvement, and integrating past acquisitions. |
3. | Reinvestment should focus on strengthening the core competitive advantages: Management should allocate capital to strengthening the competitive advantages, and thwarting off competition, new entrants, or disruptive technologies. |
4. | Mergers and acquisitions should be limited to smaller businesses or parts of businesses that can be tucked-in to the company’s existing business or emerging technologies that can improve efficiency. We have seen some successful mergers and acquisitions of businesses that are adjacent to a company’s existing business, but the risks are higher. New platforms rarely work. |
5. | Shareholders benefit from a transition in the capital allocation strategy from reinvestment to capital returns: Slow growth mature businesses that force investment for growth typically destroy shareholder value by growing with incrementally poor CRONOA. Once basic reinvestment needs are met, shareholders benefit more if excess free cash flow is returned via dividends and/or share repurchases. There is no shame in returning capital to shareholders for reallocation elsewhere. We believe that the optimal allocation to dividends versus share repurchases is a function of the company and the allocation skills of the management team. |
6. | The Board of Directors must be independent and engaged: Board tenure requires a delicate mix of both experience and fresh ideas. Too much company experience may stifle progress and change. Management incentives need to be long-term focused and aligned with a capital return strategy. The Board needs to hold management accountable and make changes to the Chief Executive Officer role if necessary. |
7. | Portfolio Optimization: Business segments that do not fit within the current capital allocation strategy of the parent (different customers, suppliers, or culture) should be pruned. Oftentimes, these types of businesses are starved for capital and perform much better under the umbrella of another parent or as a stand-alone business. |
Investing Successfully in Capital Returners
After leaving one’s ego at the door, as one will not be bragging about owning Capital Returners at cocktail parties, there are two additional requirements involved with investing in these businesses. If one possesses the diligence to gather the appropriate information and the patience to wait out the transition, Capital Returners can be rewarding long-term investments.
4 | www.clarkstonfunds.com |
Clarkston Funds | Shareholder Letter |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
The information gathering process with Capital Returners is arduous and requires diligence; one must be willing to do the work to earn an informational edge. It requires several calls with management and as many visits as necessary to begin to understand what drives management. It can take several meetings to really understand their motivations and the culture of the business as well as understand whether that fits with the optimal capital allocation strategy. One hard-learned lesson for us: management can say one thing, but it does not mean they will follow through on that.
The transition from Re-Investor to Capital Returner is challenging for any organization and typically takes longer than most shareholders are willing to wait. The shareholder base will likely turn over. Growth investors will become frustrated with slowing growth and dump shares. It will take time for value investors to get comfortable with the business and valuation before they begin to accumulate shares. Therefore, there may be a “transitional” period when few investors want to own shares. It is during this period that we might get to buy shares at attractive prices.
When an investor has done the necessary due diligence on a business, including understanding management and their goals for allocating capital, practiced discipline in purchasing at an attractive valuation with a margin of safety, and demonstrated patience through the life of the investment, the investor has the potential to be rewarded by owning a business that was once a Re-Investor then became a Capital Returner.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey A. Hakala, CFA, CPA | Jerry W. Hakala, CFA |
The Clarkston Bench is the list of businesses that we have determined meet our quality standards and are eligible for portfolio inclusion when the price of the stock meets our valuation standards.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the monetary value of all the finished goods and services produced within a country’s borders in a specific time period.
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a graduate degree earned at a university that provides theoretical and practical training to help graduates gain a better understanding of general business management functions.
Margin of safety is a principle of investing in which an investor only purchases securities when their market price is significantly below their intrinsic value.
Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views and information discussed in this letter are as of the date of publication, are subject to change, and may not reflect the writer’s current views. The views expressed are those of Clarkston Capital Partners, LLC, the investment adviser to the Clarkston Funds, and represent an assessment of market conditions at a specific point in time, are opinions only and should not be relied upon as investment advice regarding a particular investment or markets in general. The information provided does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell specific securities or investment vehicles. It should not be assumed that any investment will be profitable or will equal the performance of any securities or any sectors mentioned in this letter. The subject matter contained in this letter has been derived from several sources believed to be reliable and accurate at the time of compilation. Neither the Clarkston Funds nor Clarkston Capital Partners, LLC accepts any liability for losses, either direct or consequential, caused by the use of this information.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 5 |
Clarkston Partners Fund | Portfolio Update |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Top Ten Holdings(as a % of Net Assets)*
Stericycle, Inc. | 7.90 | % | ||
Willis Towers Watson PLC | 6.07 | % | ||
The Western Union Co. | 6.06 | % | ||
Brown & Brown, Inc. | 5.33 | % | ||
Legg Mason, Inc. | 4.52 | % | ||
Nielsen Holdings PLC | 4.36 | % | ||
LPL Financial Holdings, Inc. | 4.01 | % | ||
CDK Global, Inc. | 3.32 | % | ||
Actuant Corp. | 3.06 | % | ||
CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc. | 2.70 | % | ||
Top Ten Holdings | 47.33 | % |
Sector Allocation(as a % of Net Assets)*
Financial Services | 33.78 | % | ||
Producer Durables | 21.00 | % | ||
Consumer Discretionary | 9.80 | % | ||
Consumer Staples | 6.75 | % | ||
Technology | 5.19 | % | ||
Materials & Processing | 1.92 | % | ||
Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Net Assets | 21.56 | % | ||
Total | 100.00 | % |
* | Holdings are subject to change, and may not reflect the current or future position of the portfolio. |
6 | www.clarkstonfunds.com |
Clarkston Partners Fund | Portfolio Update |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Performance of a Hypothetical $25,000 Initial Investment(at Inception* through March 31, 2019)
The graph shown above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $25,000 in the Institutional Class. Due to differing expenses, performance of the Founders Class will vary. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All returns reflect reinvested dividends, but do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
Average Annual Total Returns(as of March 31, 2019)
3 Month | 6 Month | 1 Year | 3 Year | Since Inception* | |
Clarkston Partners Fund – Founders Class | 10.78% | -1.20% | 2.18% | 8.99% | 8.81% |
Clarkston Partners Fund – Institutional Class | 10.72% | -1.17% | 2.06% | 8.88% | 8.67% |
Russell 2500TM Index TR | 15.82% | -5.59% | 4.48% | 12.56% | 10.06% |
The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and value of the Fund shares will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Fund performance current to the most recent month end is available by calling (844) 680-6562 or by visiting www.clarkstonfunds.com.
* | Fund’s inception date is September 15, 2015. |
The Russell 2500TM Index TR measures the performance of the small- to mid-cap segment of the U.S. equity universe, commonly referred to as “smid” cap. The Russell 2500TM Index TR is a subset of the Russell 3000® Index. It includes approximately 2,500 of the smallest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. The Russell 2500TM Index TR is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the small- to mid-cap segment. The Russell 3000® Index measures the performance of the largest 3,000 U.S. companies representing approximately 98% of the investable U.S. equity market.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 7 |
Clarkston Partners Fund | Portfolio Update |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Frank Russell Company (“Russell”) is the source and owner of the trademarks, service marks and copyrights related to the Russell Indexes. Russell® is a trademark of Frank Russell Company. Neither Russell nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the Russell Indexes or underlying data and no party may rely on any Russell Indexes and/or underlying data contained in this communication. No further distribution of Russell Data is permitted without Russell’s express written consent. Russell does not promote, sponsor or endorse the content of this communication.
Returns of less than 1 year are cumulative.
Indices are not actively managed and do not reflect a deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.
The returns shown above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemption of Fund shares.
The total annual operating expenses and total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or reimbursement you may pay as an investor in the Fund’s Founders Class and Institutional Class shares (as reported in the January 28, 2019 Prospectus), are 0.94% and 0.85% and 1.10% and 1.00%, respectively. The Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit expenses through January 31, 2020.
8 | www.clarkstonfunds.com |
Clarkston Fund | Portfolio Update |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Top Ten Holdings(as a % of Net Assets)*
General Electric Co. | 7.14 | % | ||
The Procter & Gamble Co. | 6.52 | % | ||
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV | 5.44 | % | ||
The Western Union Co. | 4.77 | % | ||
PepsiCo, Inc. | 4.61 | % | ||
Cisco Systems, Inc. | 4.46 | % | ||
Microsoft Corp. | 4.44 | % | ||
Diageo PLC | 4.00 | % | ||
International Business Machines Corp. | 3.98 | % | ||
Johnson & Johnson | 3.94 | % | ||
Top Ten Holdings | 49.30 | % |
Sector Allocation(as a % of Net Assets)*
Consumer Staples | 29.25 | % | ||
Financial Services | 23.25 | % | ||
Producer Durables | 13.31 | % | ||
Technology | 12.87 | % | ||
Health Care | 7.78 | % | ||
Consumer Discretionary | 4.55 | % | ||
Materials & Processing | 0.99 | % | ||
Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Net Assets | 8.00 | % | ||
Total | 100.00 | % |
* | Holdings are subject to change, and may not reflect the current or future position of the portfolio. |
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 9 |
Clarkston Fund | Portfolio Update |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Performance of a Hypothetical $10,000 Initial Investment(at Inception* through March 31, 2019)
The graph shown above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Institutional Class. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All returns reflect reinvested dividends, but do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
Average Annual Total Returns(as of March 31, 2019)
3 Month | 6 Month | 1 Year | 3 Year | Since Inception* | |
Clarkston Fund – Institutional Class | 13.88% | 3.11% | 7.97% | 8.19% | 8.19% |
Russell 1000® Index TR | 14.00% | -1.75% | 9.30% | 13.30% | 13.30% |
The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and value of the Fund shares will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Fund performance current to the most recent month-end is available by calling (844) 680-6562 or by visiting www.clarkstonfunds.com.
* | Fund’s inception date is April 1, 2016. |
The Russell 1000® Index TR 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 1,000 of the largest securities based on a combination of their market cap and current index membership. The Russell 1000® Index TR represents approximately 92% of the U.S. market. The Russell 1000® Index TR is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the large-cap segment and is completely reconstituted annually to ensure new and growing equities are reflected.
Frank Russell Company (“Russell”) is the source and owner of the trademarks, service marks and copyrights related to the Russell Indexes. Russell® is a trademark of Frank Russell Company. Neither Russell nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the Russell Indexes or underlying data and no party may rely on any Russell Indexes and/or underlying data contained in this communication. No further distribution of Russell Data is permitted without Russell’s express written consent. Russell does not promote, sponsor or endorse the content of this communication.
10 | www.clarkstonfunds.com |
Clarkston Fund | Portfolio Update |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Returns of less than 1 year are cumulative.
Indices are not actively managed and do not reflect a deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.
The returns shown above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemption of Fund shares.
The total annual operating expenses and total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or reimbursement you may pay as an investor in the Fund’s Institutional Class shares (as reported in the January 28, 2019 Prospectus), are 0.98% and 0.70%, respectively. The Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit expenses through January 31, 2020.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 11 |
Clarkston Founders Fund | Portfolio Update |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Top Ten Holdings(as a % of Net Assets)*
Stericycle, Inc. | 8.03 | % | ||
The Western Union Co. | 6.11 | % | ||
Willis Towers Watson PLC | 5.82 | % | ||
Brown & Brown, Inc. | 4.88 | % | ||
Nielsen Holdings PLC | 4.18 | % | ||
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. | 3.99 | % | ||
Legg Mason, Inc. | 3.81 | % | ||
Sysco Corp. | 3.50 | % | ||
CDK Global, Inc. | 3.03 | % | ||
McKesson Corp. | 2.91 | % | ||
Top Ten Holdings | 46.26 | % |
Sector Allocation(as a % of Net Assets)*
Financial Services | 31.26 | % | ||
Producer Durables | 17.85 | % | ||
Consumer Staples | 8.58 | % | ||
Consumer Discretionary | 5.82 | % | ||
Technology | 4.91 | % | ||
Health Care | 3.89 | % | ||
Materials & Processing | 2.13 | % | ||
Cash, Cash Equivalents, & Other Net Assets | 25.56 | % | ||
Total | 100.00 | % |
* | Holdings are subject to change, and may not reflect the current or future position of the portfolio. |
12 | www.clarkstonfunds.com |
Clarkston Founders Fund | Portfolio Update |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Performance of a Hypothetical $10,000 Initial Investment(at Inception* through March 31, 2019)
The graph shown above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Institutional Class. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All returns reflect reinvested dividends, but do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
Average Annual Total Returns(as of March 31, 2019)
3 Month | 6 Month | 1 Year | Since Inception* | |
Clarkston Founders Fund – Institutional Class | 10.82% | -0.19% | 2.52% | 6.09% |
Russell Midcap® Index TR | 16.54% | -1.38% | 6.47% | 9.90% |
The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and value of the Fund shares will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Fund performance current to the most recent month end is available by calling (844) 680-6562 or by visiting www.clarkstonfunds.com.
* | Fund’s inception date is January 31, 2017. |
The Russell Midcap® Index is a market capitalization weighted index that measures the performance of the mid-capitalization sector of the U.S. equity market and includes approximately 800 of the smallest issuers in the Russell 1000® Index. The Russell 1000® Index includes the 1,000 largest stocks in the Russell 3000® Index, which consists of the 3,000 largest U.S. public companies.
Frank Russell Company (“Russell”) is the source and owner of the trademarks, service marks and copyrights related to the Russell Indexes. Russell® is a trademark of Frank Russell Company. Neither Russell nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the Russell Indexes or underlying data and no party may rely on any Russell Indexes and/or underlying data contained in this communication. No further distribution of Russell Data is permitted without Russell’s express written consent. Russell does not promote, sponsor or endorse the content of this communication.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 13 |
Clarkston Founders Fund | Portfolio Update |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Returns of less than 1 year are cumulative.
Indices are not actively managed and do not reflect a deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.
The returns shown above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemption of Fund shares.
The total annual operating expenses and total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or reimbursement you may pay as an investor in the Fund’s Institutional Class shares (as reported in the January 28, 2019 Prospectus), are 1.26% and 0.95%, respectively. The Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit expenses through January 31, 2020.
14 | www.clarkstonfunds.com |
Clarkston Funds | Disclosure of Fund Expenses |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Example.As a shareholder of the Clarkston Partners Fund, Clarkston Fund, or Clarkston Founders Fund (the “Funds”), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. The following examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a Fund 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 on October 1, 2018 and held through March 31, 2019.
Actual Expenses.The first line under each class in the following table 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 “Expenses Paid During Period October 1, 2018 – March 31, 2019” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes.The second line under each class in the following table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on a Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in a Fund and other mutual 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 Fund costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, the second line under each class in the table below 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 transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 15 |
Clarkston Funds | Disclosure of Fund Expenses |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Beginning Account Value October 1, 2018 | Ending Account Value March 31, 2019 | Expense Ratio(a) | Expenses Paid During Period October 1, 2018 - March 31, 2019(b) | |
Clarkston Partners Fund | ||||
Founders Class | ||||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 988.00 | 0.85% | $ 4.21 |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,020.69 | 0.85% | $ 4.28 |
Institutional Class | ||||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 988.30 | 0.97% | $ 4.81 |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,020.09 | 0.97% | $ 4.89 |
Clarkston Fund | ||||
Institutional Class | ||||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,031.10 | 0.67% | $ 3.39 |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,021.59 | 0.67% | $ 3.38 |
Clarkston Founders Fund | ||||
Institutional Class | ||||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $ 998.10 | 0.90% | $ 4.48 |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,020.44 | 0.90% | $ 4.53 |
(a) | Each Fund's expense ratios have been annualized based on the Fund's most recent fiscal half-year expenses. |
(b) | Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio shown above for the applicable class, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (182), divided by 365. |
16 | www.clarkstonfunds.com |
Clarkston Partners Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Shares | Value (Note 2) | |||||||
COMMON STOCK (78.44%) | ||||||||
Consumer Discretionary (9.80%) | ||||||||
John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Class A | 433,307 | $ | 19,160,836 | |||||
KAR Auction Services, Inc. | 180,000 | 9,235,800 | ||||||
Matthews International Corp., Class A | 510,000 | 18,844,500 | ||||||
Nielsen Holdings PLC | 1,600,000 | 37,872,000 | ||||||
Total Consumer Discretionary | 85,113,136 | |||||||
Consumer Staples (6.75%) | ||||||||
McCormick & Co., Inc. | 100,000 | 15,063,000 | ||||||
Molson Coors Brewing Co., Class B | 382,000 | 22,786,300 | ||||||
Post Holdings, Inc.(a) | 190,000 | 20,786,000 | ||||||
Total Consumer Staples | 58,635,300 | |||||||
Financial Services (33.78%) | ||||||||
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. | 166,000 | 17,780,260 | ||||||
Artisan Partners Asset Management, Inc., Class A | 685,000 | 17,241,450 | ||||||
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. | 200,000 | 20,738,000 | ||||||
Brown & Brown, Inc. | 1,570,000 | 46,330,700 | ||||||
Legg Mason, Inc. | 1,435,000 | 39,275,950 | ||||||
LPL Financial Holdings, Inc. | 500,000 | 34,825,000 | ||||||
Markel Corp.(a) | 12,000 | 11,954,880 | ||||||
The Western Union Co. | 2,850,000 | 52,639,500 | ||||||
Willis Towers Watson PLC | 300,000 | 52,695,000 | ||||||
Total Financial Services | 293,480,740 | |||||||
Materials & Processing (1.92%) | ||||||||
Fastenal Co. | 260,000 | 16,720,600 | ||||||
Producer Durables (21.00%) | ||||||||
Actuant Corp., Class A | 1,090,000 | 26,563,300 | ||||||
CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc. | 270,000 | 23,487,300 | ||||||
Graco, Inc. | 165,000 | 8,170,800 | ||||||
Hillenbrand, Inc. | 330,000 | 13,704,900 | ||||||
Landstar System, Inc. | 205,000 | 22,424,950 | ||||||
Stericycle, Inc.(a) | 1,262,000 | 68,678,040 | ||||||
Waters Corp.(a) | 77,000 | 19,381,670 | ||||||
Total Producer Durables | 182,410,960 | |||||||
Technology (5.19%) | ||||||||
CDK Global, Inc. | 490,000 | 28,821,800 |
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 17 |
Clarkston Partners Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Shares | Value (Note 2) | |||||||
Technology (continued) | ||||||||
IHS Markit, Ltd.(a) | 300,000 | $ | 16,314,000 | |||||
Total Technology | 45,135,800 | |||||||
TOTAL COMMON STOCK (Cost $575,249,337) | 681,496,536 | |||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (78.44%) (Cost $575,249,337) | $ | 681,496,536 | ||||||
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (21.56%) | 187,327,651 | |||||||
NET ASSETS (100.00%) | $ | 868,824,187 |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund’s industry classifications refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indices or ratings group indices and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may use a different classification system or may combine industry sub-classifications for reporting ease. Industries are shown as a percent of the Fund's net assets. (Unaudited)
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
18 | www.clarkstonfunds.com |
Clarkston Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Shares | Value (Note 2) | |||||||
COMMON STOCK (92.00%) | ||||||||
Consumer Discretionary (4.55%) | ||||||||
Nielsen Holdings PLC | 75,500 | $ | 1,787,085 | |||||
The Walt Disney Co. | 3,500 | 388,605 | ||||||
Total Consumer Discretionary | 2,175,690 | |||||||
Consumer Staples (29.25%) | ||||||||
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV, Sponsored ADR | 31,000 | 2,603,070 | ||||||
Diageo PLC, Sponsored ADR | 11,700 | 1,914,237 | ||||||
Mondelez International, Inc., Class A | 15,000 | 748,800 | ||||||
Nestle SA, Sponsored, ADR | 17,500 | 1,668,100 | ||||||
PepsiCo, Inc. | 18,000 | 2,205,900 | ||||||
Sysco Corp. | 26,000 | 1,735,760 | ||||||
The Procter & Gamble Co. | 30,000 | 3,121,500 | ||||||
Total Consumer Staples | 13,997,367 | |||||||
Financial Services (23.25%) | ||||||||
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. | 9,700 | 1,038,967 | ||||||
American Express Co. | 17,000 | 1,858,100 | ||||||
Capital One Financial Corp. | 12,800 | 1,045,632 | ||||||
Markel Corp.(a) | 275 | 273,966 | ||||||
Mastercard, Inc., Class A | 3,500 | 824,075 | ||||||
T Rowe Price Group, Inc. | 3,000 | 300,360 | ||||||
The Charles Schwab Corp. | 18,000 | 769,680 | ||||||
The Western Union Co. | 123,500 | 2,281,045 | ||||||
US Bancorp | 18,500 | 891,515 | ||||||
Willis Towers Watson PLC | 10,500 | 1,844,325 | ||||||
Total Financial Services | 11,127,665 | |||||||
Health Care (7.78%) | ||||||||
AmerisourceBergen Corp. | 7,550 | 600,376 | ||||||
Johnson & Johnson | 13,500 | 1,887,165 | ||||||
McKesson Corp. | 5,100 | 597,006 | ||||||
Medtronic PLC | 7,000 | 637,560 | ||||||
Total Health Care | 3,722,107 | |||||||
Materials & Processing (0.99%) | ||||||||
Fastenal Co. | 7,400 | 475,894 | ||||||
Producer Durables (13.31%) | ||||||||
3M Co. | 500 | 103,890 | ||||||
CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc. | 9,500 | 826,405 | ||||||
General Electric Co. | 342,000 | 3,416,580 | ||||||
Paychex, Inc. | 8,500 | 681,700 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 19 |
Clarkston Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Shares | Value (Note 2) | |||||||
Producer Durables (continued) | ||||||||
United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B | 12,000 | $ | 1,340,881 | |||||
Total Producer Durables | 6,369,456 | |||||||
Technology (12.87%) | ||||||||
Cisco Systems, Inc. | 39,500 | 2,132,605 | ||||||
International Business Machines Corp. | 13,500 | 1,904,850 | ||||||
Microsoft Corp. | 18,000 | 2,122,920 | ||||||
Total Technology | 6,160,375 | |||||||
TOTAL COMMON STOCK (Cost $39,601,586) | 44,028,554 | |||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (92.00%) (Cost $39,601,586) | $ | 44,028,554 | ||||||
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (8.00%) | 3,827,498 | |||||||
NET ASSETS (100.00%) | $ | 47,856,052 |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund’s industry classifications refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indices or ratings group indices and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may use a different classification system or may combine industry sub-classifications for reporting ease. Industries are shown as a percent of the Fund's net assets. (Unaudited)
See Notes to Financial Statements.
20 | www.clarkstonfunds.com |
Clarkston Founders Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Shares | Value (Note 2) | |||||||
COMMON STOCK (74.44%) | ||||||||
Consumer Discretionary (5.82%) | ||||||||
LKQ Corp.(a) | 21,000 | $ | 595,980 | |||||
Nielsen Holdings PLC | 64,000 | 1,514,880 | ||||||
Total Consumer Discretionary | 2,110,860 | |||||||
Consumer Staples (8.58%) | ||||||||
McCormick & Co., Inc. | 5,300 | 798,339 | ||||||
Molson Coors Brewing Co., Class B | 17,500 | 1,043,875 | ||||||
Sysco Corp. | 19,000 | 1,268,440 | ||||||
Total Consumer Staples | 3,110,654 | |||||||
Financial Services (31.26%) | ||||||||
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. | 13,500 | 1,445,985 | ||||||
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. | 7,800 | 808,782 | ||||||
Brown & Brown, Inc. | 60,000 | 1,770,600 | ||||||
FactSet Research Systems, Inc. | 1,500 | 372,405 | ||||||
Legg Mason, Inc. | 50,500 | 1,382,185 | ||||||
Markel Corp.(a) | 500 | 498,120 | ||||||
The Charles Schwab Corp. | 17,000 | 726,920 | ||||||
The Western Union Co. | 120,000 | 2,216,400 | ||||||
Willis Towers Watson PLC | 12,000 | 2,107,800 | ||||||
Total Financial Services | 11,329,197 | |||||||
Health Care (3.89%) | ||||||||
AmerisourceBergen Corp. | 4,500 | 357,840 | ||||||
McKesson Corp. | 9,000 | 1,053,540 | ||||||
Total Health Care | 1,411,380 | |||||||
Materials & Processing (2.13%) | ||||||||
Fastenal Co. | 12,000 | 771,720 | ||||||
Producer Durables (17.85%) | ||||||||
CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc. | 10,000 | 869,900 | ||||||
Cintas Corp. | 3,000 | 606,330 | ||||||
Paychex, Inc. | 11,000 | 882,200 | ||||||
Roper Technologies, Inc. | 1,300 | 444,561 | ||||||
Stericycle, Inc.(a) | 53,500 | 2,911,470 | ||||||
Waters Corp.(a) | 3,000 | 755,130 | ||||||
Total Producer Durables | 6,469,591 | |||||||
Technology (4.91%) | ||||||||
CDK Global, Inc. | 18,700 | 1,099,934 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 21 |
Clarkston Founders Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Shares | Value (Note 2) | |||||||
Technology (continued) | ||||||||
IHS Markit, Ltd.(a) | 12,500 | $ | 679,750 | |||||
Total Technology | 1,779,684 | |||||||
TOTAL COMMON STOCK (Cost $24,590,891) | 26,983,086 | |||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (74.44%) (Cost $24,590,891) | $ | 26,983,086 | ||||||
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (25.56%) | 9,262,774 | |||||||
NET ASSETS (100.00%) | $ | 36,245,860 |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund’s industry classifications refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indices or ratings group indices and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may use a different classification system or may combine industry sub-classifications for reporting ease. Industries are shown as a percent of the Fund's net assets. (Unaudited)
See Notes to Financial Statements.
22 | www.clarkstonfunds.com |
Clarkston Funds | Statements of Assets and Liabilities |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Clarkston Partners Fund | Clarkston Fund | Clarkston Founders Fund | ||||||||||
ASSETS: | ||||||||||||
Investments, at value (Cost $575,249,337, $39,601,586 and $24,590,891) | $ | 681,496,536 | $ | 44,028,554 | $ | 26,983,086 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 186,206,074 | 3,754,781 | 9,265,706 | |||||||||
Receivable for shares sold | 1,413,720 | 52,190 | 24,990 | |||||||||
Dividends and interest receivable | 1,052,976 | 46,886 | 42,645 | |||||||||
Other assets | 46,482 | 30,741 | 13,899 | |||||||||
Total Assets | 870,215,788 | 47,913,152 | 36,330,326 | |||||||||
LIABILITIES: | ||||||||||||
Payable for administration and transfer agency fees | 113,308 | 13,402 | 8,423 | |||||||||
Payable for shares redeemed | 505,784 | – | 40,538 | |||||||||
Payable to adviser | 533,881 | 10,077 | 15,012 | |||||||||
Payable for distribution and service fees | 152,656 | 18,149 | 9,737 | |||||||||
Payable for printing | 5,026 | 43 | 121 | |||||||||
Payable for professional fees | 35,158 | 12,360 | 8,526 | |||||||||
Payable for trustees' fees and expenses | 16,926 | 929 | 676 | |||||||||
Payable to Chief Compliance Officer fees | 7,805 | 352 | 293 | |||||||||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | 21,057 | 1,788 | 1,140 | |||||||||
Total Liabilities | 1,391,601 | 57,100 | 84,466 | |||||||||
NET ASSETS | $ | 868,824,187 | $ | 47,856,052 | $ | 36,245,860 | ||||||
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF: | ||||||||||||
Paid-in capital (Note 5) | $ | 757,608,849 | $ | 43,960,457 | $ | 33,942,976 | ||||||
Total distributable earnings | 111,215,338 | 3,895,595 | 2,302,884 | |||||||||
NET ASSETS | $ | 868,824,187 | $ | 47,856,052 | $ | 36,245,860 | ||||||
PRICING OF SHARES | ||||||||||||
Founders Class: | ||||||||||||
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share | $ | 12.23 | N/A | N/A | ||||||||
Net Assets | $ | 420,067,577 | N/A | N/A | ||||||||
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding | 34,341,914 | N/A | N/A | |||||||||
Institutional Class: | ||||||||||||
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share | $ | 12.19 | $ | 11.62 | $ | 11.06 | ||||||
Net Assets | $ | 448,756,610 | $ | 47,856,052 | $ | 36,245,860 | ||||||
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding | 36,818,197 | 4,116,703 | 3,277,144 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 23 |
Clarkston Funds | Statements of Operations |
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Clarkston Partners Fund | Clarkston Fund | Clarkston Founders Fund | ||||||||||
INVESTMENT INCOME: | ||||||||||||
Dividends | $ | 9,594,362 | $ | 454,822 | $ | 336,662 | ||||||
Foreign taxes withheld | – | (7,269 | ) | – | ||||||||
Total Investment Income | 9,594,362 | 447,553 | 336,662 | |||||||||
EXPENSES: | ||||||||||||
Investment advisory fees (Note 6) | 3,271,062 | 81,469 | 123,659 | |||||||||
Administration fees | 250,768 | 10,695 | 10,801 | |||||||||
Shareholder service fees | ||||||||||||
Institutional Class | 254,109 | 20,003 | 16,959 | |||||||||
Custody fees | 38,245 | 3,097 | 2,501 | |||||||||
Legal fees | 33,235 | 1,223 | 1,271 | |||||||||
Audit and tax fees | 7,796 | 4,115 | 7,476 | |||||||||
Transfer agent fees | 75,727 | 13,117 | 13,061 | |||||||||
Trustees fees and expenses | 36,584 | 1,408 | 1,416 | |||||||||
Registration and filing fees | 34,961 | 8,902 | 11,276 | |||||||||
Printing fees | 16,213 | 2,242 | 563 | |||||||||
Chief Compliance Officer fees | 23,558 | 860 | 922 | |||||||||
Insurance fees | 8,673 | 333 | 415 | |||||||||
Other expenses | 7,024 | 3,067 | 2,121 | |||||||||
Total Expenses | 4,057,955 | 150,531 | 192,441 | |||||||||
Less fees waived by investment adviser (Note 6) | ||||||||||||
Founders Class | (164,997 | ) | N/A | N/A | ||||||||
Institutional Class | (163,421 | ) | (40,607 | ) | (43,527 | ) | ||||||
Total fees waived by investment adviser (Note 6) | (328,418 | ) | (40,607 | ) | (43,527 | ) | ||||||
Net Expenses | 3,729,537 | 109,924 | 148,914 | |||||||||
NET INVESTMENT INCOME | 5,864,825 | 337,629 | 187,748 | |||||||||
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS: | ||||||||||||
Net realized gain/(loss) on: | ||||||||||||
Investments | 1,926,464 | 339,461 | (178,021 | ) | ||||||||
Net realized gain/(loss) | 1,926,464 | 339,461 | (178,021 | ) | ||||||||
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on: | ||||||||||||
Investments | (21,988,904 | ) | 454,490 | (63,935 | ) | |||||||
Net change | (21,988,904 | ) | 454,490 | (63,935 | ) | |||||||
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS | (20,062,440 | ) | 793,951 | (241,956 | ) | |||||||
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | $ | (14,197,615 | ) | $ | 1,131,580 | $ | (54,208 | ) |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
24 | www.clarkstonfunds.com |
Clarkston Partners Fund | Statements of Changes in Net Assets |
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Year Ended September 30, 2018 | |||||||
OPERATIONS: | ||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 5,864,825 | $ | 4,408,691 | ||||
Net realized gain on investments | 1,926,464 | 45,315,879 | ||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments | (21,988,904 | ) | 12,796,620 | |||||
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | (14,197,615 | ) | 62,521,190 | |||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS | ||||||||
Founders Class | (26,457,456 | ) | (5,470,612 | ) | ||||
Institutional Class | (24,254,843 | ) | (4,232,656 | ) | ||||
Total distributions | (50,712,299 | ) | (9,703,268 | ) | ||||
BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (Note 5): | ||||||||
Founders Class | ||||||||
Shares sold | 25,702,414 | 45,054,690 | ||||||
Dividends reinvested | 831,516 | 187,284 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (17,238,596 | ) | (26,289,800 | ) | ||||
Net increase from beneficial share transactions | 9,295,334 | 18,952,174 | ||||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||
Shares sold | 94,332,646 | 168,049,486 | ||||||
Dividends reinvested | 23,711,613 | 3,956,110 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (68,743,902 | ) | (133,503,789 | ) | ||||
Net increase from beneficial share transactions | 49,300,357 | 38,501,807 | ||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets | (6,314,223 | ) | 110,271,903 | |||||
NET ASSETS: | ||||||||
Beginning of period | 875,138,410 | 764,886,507 | ||||||
End of period | $ | 868,824,187 | $ | 875,138,410 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 25 |
Clarkston Fund | Statements of Changes in Net Assets |
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Year Ended September 30, 2018 | |||||||
OPERATIONS: | ||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 337,629 | $ | 488,069 | ||||
Net realized gain on investments | 339,461 | 818,342 | ||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments | 454,490 | 542,726 | ||||||
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | 1,131,580 | 1,849,137 | ||||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS | ||||||||
Institutional Class | (1,800,994 | ) | (400,570 | ) | ||||
Total distributions | (1,800,994 | ) | (400,570 | ) | ||||
BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (Note 5): | ||||||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||
Shares sold | 4,583,749 | 8,817,309 | ||||||
Dividends reinvested | 1,794,252 | 398,503 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (3,323,351 | ) | (8,398,319 | ) | ||||
Acquisition (Note 9) | 13,797,848 | – | ||||||
Net increase from beneficial share transactions | 16,852,498 | 817,493 | ||||||
Net increase in net assets | 16,183,084 | 2,266,060 | ||||||
NET ASSETS: | ||||||||
Beginning of period | 31,672,968 | 29,406,908 | ||||||
End of period | $ | 47,856,052 | $ | 31,672,968 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
26 | www.clarkstonfunds.com |
Clarkston Founders Fund | Statements of Changes in Net Assets |
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Year Ended September 30, 2018 | |||||||
OPERATIONS: | ||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 187,748 | $ | 179,693 | ||||
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments | (178,021 | ) | 477,317 | |||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments | (63,935 | ) | 1,228,620 | |||||
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | (54,208 | ) | 1,885,630 | |||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS | ||||||||
Institutional Class | (685,991 | ) | (111,451 | ) | ||||
Total distributions | (685,991 | ) | (111,451 | ) | ||||
BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (Note 5): | ||||||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||
Shares sold | 4,637,693 | 11,412,364 | ||||||
Dividends reinvested | 685,991 | 111,451 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (2,538,205 | ) | (3,244,063 | ) | ||||
Net increase from beneficial share transactions | 2,785,479 | 8,279,752 | ||||||
Net increase in net assets | 2,045,280 | 10,053,931 | ||||||
NET ASSETS: | ||||||||
Beginning of period | 34,200,580 | 24,146,649 | ||||||
End of period | $ | 36,245,860 | $ | 34,200,580 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 27 |
Clarkston Partners Fund – Founders Class | Financial Highlights |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | ||||
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS: | ||||
Net investment income(b) | ||||
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments | ||||
Total from investment operations | ||||
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: | ||||
From net investment income | ||||
From net realized gains on investments | ||||
Total Distributions | ||||
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE | ||||
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD | ||||
TOTAL RETURN(d) | ||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: | ||||
Net assets, end of period (in 000s) | ||||
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS | ||||
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver | ||||
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver | ||||
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver | ||||
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(g) |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
28 | www.clarkstonfunds.com |
Clarkston Partners Fund – Founders Class | Financial Highlights |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Year Ended September 30, 2018 | For the Year Ended September 30, 2017 | For the Year Ended September 30, 2016 | For the Period Ended September 30, 2015(a) | ||||||||||||||
$ | 13.29 | $ | 12.39 | $ | 11.11 | $ | 9.70 | $ | 10.00 | |||||||||
0.09 | 0.08 | 0.05 | 0.06 | 0.00 | (c) | |||||||||||||
(0.36 | ) | 0.99 | 1.37 | 1.37 | (0.30 | ) | ||||||||||||
(0.27 | ) | 1.07 | 1.42 | 1.43 | (0.30 | ) | ||||||||||||
(0.09 | ) | (0.04 | ) | (0.06 | ) | (0.02 | ) | – | ||||||||||
(0.70 | ) | (0.13 | ) | (0.08 | ) | – | – | |||||||||||
(0.79 | ) | (0.17 | ) | (0.14 | ) | (0.02 | ) | – | ||||||||||
(1.06 | ) | 0.90 | 1.28 | 1.41 | (0.30 | ) | ||||||||||||
$ | 12.23 | $ | 13.29 | $ | 12.39 | $ | 11.11 | $ | 9.70 | |||||||||
(1.20 | %) | 8.70 | % | 12.86 | % | 14.73 | %(e) | (3.00 | %) | |||||||||
$ | 420,068 | $ | 445,516 | $ | 397,474 | $ | 308,607 | $ | 126,281 | |||||||||
0.93 | %(f) | 0.94 | % | 0.96 | % | 1.02 | % | 1.81 | %(f) | |||||||||
0.85 | %(f) | 0.85 | % | 0.85 | % | 0.85 | % | 0.85 | %(f) | |||||||||
1.49 | %(f) | 0.60 | % | 0.40 | % | 0.62 | % | 0.05 | %(f) | |||||||||
1 | % | 23 | % | 13 | % | 16 | % | 0 | % |
(a) | Commenced operations on September 16, 2015. |
(b) | Calculated using the average shares method. |
(c) | Less than $0.005 per share. |
(d) | Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. |
(e) | In 2016, the Fund's total return consists of a voluntary/unvoluntary reimbursement by the adviser for a realized investment loss. Excluding this item, total return would not change as the impact is less than 0.005%. |
(f) | Annualized. |
(g) | Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 29 |
Clarkston Partners Fund – Institutional Class | Financial Highlights |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD |
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS: |
Net investment income/(loss)(b) |
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments |
Total from investment operations |
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: |
From net investment income |
From net realized gains on investments |
Total Distributions |
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE |
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD |
TOTAL RETURN(d) |
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: |
Net assets, end of period (in 000s) |
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS |
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver |
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver |
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver |
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(h) |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
30 | www.clarkstonfunds.com |
Clarkston Partners Fund – Institutional Class | Financial Highlights |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Year Ended September 30, 2018 | For the Year Ended September 30, 2017 | For the Year Ended September 30, 2016 | For the Period Ended September 30, 2015(a) | ||||||||||||||
$ | 13.24 | $ | 12.36 | $ | 11.09 | $ | 9.70 | $ | 10.00 | |||||||||
0.08 | 0.06 | 0.03 | 0.05 | (0.00 | )(c) | |||||||||||||
(0.34 | ) | 0.99 | 1.37 | 1.35 | (0.30 | ) | ||||||||||||
(0.26 | ) | 1.05 | 1.40 | 1.40 | (0.30 | ) | ||||||||||||
(0.09 | ) | (0.04 | ) | (0.05 | ) | (0.01 | ) | – | ||||||||||
(0.70 | ) | (0.13 | ) | (0.08 | ) | – | – | |||||||||||
(0.79 | ) | (0.17 | ) | (0.13 | ) | (0.01 | ) | – | ||||||||||
(1.05 | ) | 0.88 | 1.27 | 1.39 | (0.30 | ) | ||||||||||||
$ | 12.19 | $ | 13.24 | $ | 12.36 | $ | 11.09 | $ | 9.70 | |||||||||
(1.17 | %) | 8.52 | % | 12.75 | % | 14.47 | %(e) | (3.00 | %) | |||||||||
$ | 448,757 | $ | 429,622 | $ | 367,393 | $ | 242,295 | $ | 24 | |||||||||
1.05 | %(f) | 1.08 | % | 1.09 | % | 1.16 | % | 1.96 | %(f) | |||||||||
0.97 | %(f)(g) | 0.98 | %(g) | 0.98 | %(g) | 1.00 | % | 1.00 | %(f) | |||||||||
1.38 | %(f) | 0.47 | % | 0.27 | % | 0.46 | % | (0.10 | %)(f) | |||||||||
1 | % | 23 | % | 13 | % | 16 | % | 0 | % |
(a) | Commenced operations on September 16, 2015. |
(b) | Calculated using the average shares method. |
(c) | Less than $0.005 per share. |
(d) | Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. |
(e) | In 2016, the Fund's total return consists of a voluntary/unvoluntary reimbursement by the adviser for a realized investment loss. Excluding this item, total return would not change as the impact is less than 0.005%. |
(f) | Annualized. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 31 |
Clarkston Partners Fund – Institutional Class | Financial Highlights |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented
(g) | According to the Fund's shareholder services plan with respect to the Fund's Institutional shares, any amount of fees accrued according to the plan but not paid during the Fund's fiscal year for such service activities shall be reimbursed to the Fund as soon as practical. Fees were reimbursed to the Fund during period ended March 31, 2019 and the years ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively, in the amount of 0.03% (annualized), 0.02% and 0.02% of average net assets of Institutional shares. |
(h) | Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
32 | www.clarkstonfunds.com |
Page Intentionally Left Blank
Clarkston Fund – Institutional Class | Financial Highlights |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD |
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS: |
Net investment income(b) |
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments |
Total from investment operations |
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: |
From net investment income |
From net realized gains on investments |
Total Distributions |
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE |
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD |
TOTAL RETURN(d) |
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: |
Net assets, end of period (in 000s) |
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS |
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver |
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver |
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver |
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(g) |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
34 | www.clarkstonfunds.com |
Clarkston Fund – Institutional Class | Financial Highlights |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Year Ended September 30, 2018 | For the Year Ended September 30, 2017 | For the Period Ended September 30, 2016(a) | |||||||||||
$ | 11.99 | $ | 11.46 | $ | 10.52 | $ | 10.00 | |||||||
0.12 | 0.19 | 0.16 | 0.08 | |||||||||||
0.16 | 0.49 | 0.90 | 0.44 | |||||||||||
0.28 | 0.68 | 1.06 | 0.52 | |||||||||||
(0.26 | ) | (0.15 | ) | (0.10 | ) | – | ||||||||
(0.39 | ) | (0.00 | )(c) | (0.02 | ) | – | ||||||||
(0.65 | ) | (0.15 | ) | (0.12 | ) | – | ||||||||
(0.37 | ) | 0.53 | 0.94 | 0.52 | ||||||||||
$ | 11.62 | $ | 11.99 | $ | 11.46 | $ | 10.52 | |||||||
3.11 | % | 5.99 | % | 10.13 | % | 5.20 | % | |||||||
$ | 47,856 | $ | 31,673 | $ | 29,407 | $ | 20,173 | |||||||
0.95 | %(e) | 0.93 | % | 1.04 | % | 1.48 | %(e) | |||||||
0.67 | %(e)(f) | 0.65 | %(f) | 0.65 | %(f) | 0.70 | %(e) | |||||||
2.07 | %(e) | 1.60 | % | 1.41 | % | 1.36 | %(e) | |||||||
5 | % | 11 | % | 5 | % | 0 | % |
(a) | Commenced operations on April 4, 2016. |
(b) | Calculated using the average shares method. |
(c) | Less than $0.005 per share. |
(d) | Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. |
(e) | Annualized. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 35 |
Clarkston Fund – Institutional Class | Financial Highlights |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented
(f) | According to the Fund's shareholder services plan with respect to the Fund's Institutional shares, any amount of fees accrued according to the plan but not paid during the Fund's fiscal year for such service activities shall be reimbursed to the Fund as soon as practical. Fees were reimbursed to the Fund for the period ended March 31, 2019 and the years ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively, in the amount of 0.03% (annualized), 0.05% and 0.05% of average net assets of Institutional shares. |
(g) | Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
36 | www.clarkstonfunds.com |
Page Intentionally Left Blank
Clarkston Founders Fund – Institutional Class | Financial Highlights |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD |
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS: |
Net investment income(b) |
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments |
Total from investment operations |
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: |
From net investment income |
From net realized gains on investments |
Total Distributions |
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE |
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD |
TOTAL RETURN(c) |
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: |
Net assets, end of period (in 000s) |
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS |
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver |
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver |
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver |
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(f) |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
38 | www.clarkstonfunds.com |
Clarkston Founders Fund – Institutional Class | Financial Highlights |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Year Ended September 30, 2018 | For the Period Ended September 30, 2017(a) | ||||||||
$ | 11.34 | $ | 10.64 | $ | 10.00 | |||||
0.06 | 0.07 | 0.02 | ||||||||
(0.11 | ) | 0.67 | 0.62 | |||||||
(0.05 | ) | 0.74 | 0.64 | |||||||
(0.08 | ) | (0.04 | ) | – | ||||||
(0.15 | ) | – | – | |||||||
(0.23 | ) | (0.04 | ) | – | ||||||
(0.28 | ) | 0.70 | 0.64 | |||||||
$ | 11.06 | $ | 11.34 | $ | 10.64 | |||||
(0.19 | %) | 7.01 | % | 6.40 | % | |||||
$ | 36,246 | $ | 34,201 | $ | 24,147 | |||||
1.17 | %(d) | 1.22 | % | 1.46 | %(d) | |||||
0.90 | %(d) | 0.91 | %(e) | 0.92 | %(d)(e) | |||||
1.14 | %(d) | 0.59 | % | 0.29 | %(d) | |||||
2 | % | 9 | % | 4 | % |
(a) | Commenced operations on February 1, 2017. |
(b) | Calculated using the average shares method. |
(c) | Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. |
(d) | Annualized. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 39 |
Clarkston Founders Fund – Institutional Class | Financial Highlights |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented
(e) | According to the Fund's shareholder services plan with respect to the Fund's Institutional shares, any amount of fees accrued according to the plan but not paid during the Fund's fiscal year for such service activities shall be reimbursed to the Fund as soon as practical. Fees were reimbursed to the Fund during the period ended March 31, 2019 and the year ended September 30, 2017 and the year ended September 30, 2018, respectively, in the amount of 0.05% (annualized), 0.03% and 0.04% of average net assets of Institutional shares. |
(f) | Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
40 | www.clarkstonfunds.com |
Clarkston Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
1. ORGANIZATION
ALPS Series Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust consists of multiple separate portfolios or series. This semi-annual report describes the Clarkston Partners Fund, the Clarkston Fund and the Clarkston Founders Fund (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”). The Funds are non-diversified and the primary investment objectives are to achieve long-term capital appreciation. The Clarkston Partners Fund currently offers Founders Class shares and Institutional Class shares, and the Clarkston Fund and the Clarkston Founders Fund currently offer Institutional Class shares. Each share class of the Clarkston Partners Fund has identical rights to earnings, assets and voting privileges, except for class-specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) may establish additional funds and classes of shares at any time in the future without shareholder approval.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for investment companies (“U.S. GAAP”). The Funds are considered investment companies under U.S. GAAP and follow the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies in the Financial Accounting Standards BoardAccounting Standards CodificationTopic 946. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds in preparation of their financial statements.
Investment Valuation:The Funds generally value their securities based on market prices determined at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading.
Securities traded on a registered U.S. securities exchange (including exchange-traded derivatives other than futures and futures options) are valued based on the last sale price of the security reported on the principal exchange on which it is traded, prior to the time when the Funds’ assets are valued. In the case of equity securities not traded on an exchange, or if such closing prices are not otherwise available, the securities are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and ask prices on such day.
Redeemable securities issued by open-end registered investment companies are valued at the investment company’s applicable net asset value (“NAV”), with the exception of exchange-traded open-end investment companies, which are priced as equity securities.
When such prices or quotations are not available, or when the Fair Value Committee appointed by the Board believes that they are unreliable, securities may be priced using fair value procedures approved by the Board.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 41 |
Clarkston Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Fair Value Measurements:The Funds disclose the classification of their fair value measurements following a three-tier hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on the best information available.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Funds’ investments as of the end of the reporting period. When inputs used fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The designated input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with these investments. These inputs are categorized in the following hierarchy under applicable financial accounting standards:
Level 1 – | Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments, unrestricted assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date; |
Level 2 – | Quoted prices which are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable (either directly or indirectly); and |
Level 3 – | Significant unobservable prices or inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date. |
The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of March 31, 2019:
Clarkston Partners Fund
Investments in Securities at Value | Level 1 - Unadjusted Quoted Prices | Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs | Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs | Total | ||||||||||||
Common Stocks | ||||||||||||||||
Consumer Discretionary | $ | 85,113,136 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 85,113,136 | ||||||||
Consumer Staples | 58,635,300 | – | – | 58,635,300 | ||||||||||||
Financial Services | 293,480,740 | – | – | 293,480,740 | ||||||||||||
Materials & Processing | 16,720,600 | – | – | 16,720,600 | ||||||||||||
Producer Durables | 182,410,960 | – | – | 182,410,960 | ||||||||||||
Technology | 45,135,800 | – | – | 45,135,800 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 681,496,536 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 681,496,536 |
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Clarkston Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Clarkston Fund
Investments in Securities at Value | Level 1 - Unadjusted Quoted Prices | Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs | Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs | Total | ||||||||||||
Common Stocks | ||||||||||||||||
Consumer Discretionary | $ | 2,175,690 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 2,175,690 | ||||||||
Consumer Staples | 13,997,367 | – | – | 13,997,367 | ||||||||||||
Financial Services | 11,127,665 | – | – | 11,127,665 | ||||||||||||
Health Care | 3,722,107 | – | – | 3,722,107 | ||||||||||||
Materials & Processing | 475,894 | – | – | 475,894 | ||||||||||||
Producer Durables | 6,369,456 | – | – | 6,369,456 | ||||||||||||
Technology | 6,160,375 | – | – | 6,160,375 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 44,028,554 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 44,028,554 |
Clarkston Founders Fund
Investments in Securities at Value | Level 1 - Unadjusted Quoted Prices | Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs | Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs | Total | ||||||||||||
Common Stocks | ||||||||||||||||
Consumer Discretionary | $ | 2,110,860 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 2,110,860 | ||||||||
Consumer Staples | 3,110,654 | – | – | 3,110,654 | ||||||||||||
Financial Services | 11,329,197 | – | – | 11,329,197 | ||||||||||||
Health Care | 1,411,380 | – | – | 1,411,380 | ||||||||||||
Materials & Processing | 771,720 | – | – | 771,720 | ||||||||||||
Producer Durables | 6,469,591 | – | – | 6,469,591 | ||||||||||||
Technology | 1,779,684 | – | – | 1,779,684 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 26,983,086 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 26,983,086 |
There were no Level 3 securities held during the year.
Cash & Cash Equivalents:The Funds consider their investment in a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured interest bearing account to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus any accrued interest. The Funds maintain cash balances, which, at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Funds maintain these balances with a high quality financial institution.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 43 |
Clarkston Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Concentration of Credit Risk: Each Fund places its cash with a banking institution, which is insured by Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The FDIC limit is $250,000. At various times throughout the period, the amount on deposit may exceed the FDIC limit and subject the Fund to a credit risk. The Funds do not believe that such deposits are subject to any unusual risk associated with investment activities.
Trust Expenses:Some expenses of the Trust can be directly attributed to a Fund. Expenses that cannot be directly attributed to a Fund are apportioned among all funds in the Trust based on average net assets of each fund.
Fund Expenses:Some expenses can be directly attributed to a Fund and are apportioned among the classes based on average net assets of each class.
Class Expenses:Expenses that are specific to a class of shares are charged directly to that share class. Fees provided under the shareholder service plan for a particular class of a Fund are charged to the operations of such class.
Federal Income Taxes:The Funds comply with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and intend to distribute substantially all of their net taxable income and net capital gains, if any, each year so that they will not be subject to federal income or excise tax on undistributed income and gains. The Funds are not subject to income taxes to the extent such distributions are made.
As of and during the six months ended March 31, 2019, the Funds did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying financial statements. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to tax liabilities as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations. The Funds file U.S. federal, state and local income tax returns as required. The Funds’ tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return for federal purposes and four years for most state returns. The Funds’ administrator has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years and has concluded that as of March 31, 2019, no provision for income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements related to these tax positions.
Investment Transactions and Investment Income:Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the investments are purchased or sold (trade date basis) for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are reported on an identified cost basis. Interest income, which includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, is accrued and recorded as earned. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date, or for certain foreign securities, as soon as information is available to a Fund. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends are paid (a portion of which may be reclaimable) or provided for in accordance with the applicable country’s tax rules and rates and are disclosed in the Statements of Operations. All of the realized and unrealized gains and losses and net investment income are allocated daily to each class in proportion to its average daily net assets.
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Clarkston Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Distributions to Shareholders:The Funds normally pay dividends, if any, and distribute capital gains, if any, on an annual basis. Income dividend distributions are derived from interest, dividends and other income the Funds receive from their investments, including short-term capital gains. Long-term capital gain distributions are derived from gains realized when a Fund sells a security it has owned for more than one year. A Fund may make additional distributions and dividends at other times if its portfolio manager or managers believe doing so may be necessary for the Fund to avoid or reduce taxes. Net investment income/(loss) and net realized gain/(loss) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes.
3. TAX BASIS INFORMATION
Tax Basis of Distributions to Shareholders:The character of distributions made during the period from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from its ultimate characterization for Federal income tax purposes. Also, due to the timing of dividend distributions, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the fiscal year in which the income or realized gain were recorded by the Funds. The amounts and characteristics of tax basis distributions and composition of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) are finalized at fiscal year-end. Accordingly, tax basis balances have not been determined as of the date of the semi-annual report.
The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018, were as follows:
Ordinary Income | Long-Term Capital Gains | |||||||
Clarkston Partners Fund | $ | 2,206,133 | $ | 7,497,135 | ||||
Clarkston Fund | 400,570 | – | ||||||
Clarkston Founders Fund | 111,451 | – |
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 45 |
Clarkston Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation on Investments:As of March 31, 2019, the aggregate costs of investments, gross unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) and net unrealized appreciation for Federal tax purposes were as follows:
Clarkston Partners Fund | Clarkston Fund | Clarkston Founders Fund | ||||||||||
Gross unrealized appreciation (excess of value over tax cost) | $ | 149,007,206 | $ | 8,327,653 | $ | 3,997,595 | ||||||
Gross unrealized depreciation (excess of tax cost over value) | (43,006,336 | ) | (3,900,685 | ) | (1,605,400 | ) | ||||||
Net unrealized appreciation | $ | 106,000,870 | $ | 4,426,968 | $ | 2,392,195 | ||||||
Cost of investments for income tax purposes | $ | 575,495,666 | $ | 39,601,586 | $ | 24,590,891 |
4. SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of securities, excluding short-term securities, during the six months ended March 31, 2019 were as follows:
Purchases of Securities | Proceeds from Sales of Securities | |||||||
Clarkston Partners Fund | $ | 99,144,131 | $ | 4,651,590 | ||||
Clarkston Fund | 15,710,579 | 1,605,513 | ||||||
Clarkston Founders Fund | 4,464,412 | 397,480 |
5. BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
The capitalization of the Trust consists of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with no par value per share. Holders of the shares of the Funds have one vote for each share held and a proportionate fraction of a vote for each fractional share. All shares issued and outstanding are fully paid and are transferable and redeemable at the option of the shareholder. Shares have no pre-emptive rights. Neither the Funds nor any of their creditors have the right to require shareholders to pay any additional amounts solely because the shareholder owns the shares.
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Clarkston Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Transactions in common shares were as follows:
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Year Ended September 30, 2018 | |||||||
Clarkston Partners Fund | ||||||||
Founders Class | ||||||||
Shares sold | 2,163,355 | 3,460,916 | ||||||
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders | 77,350 | 14,712 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (1,431,641 | ) | (2,019,083 | ) | ||||
Net increase in shares outstanding | 809,064 | 1,456,545 | ||||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||
Shares sold | 7,922,143 | 13,016,378 | ||||||
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders | 2,211,904 | 311,259 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (5,754,811 | ) | (10,603,468 | ) | ||||
Net increase in shares outstanding | 4,379,236 | 2,724,169 | ||||||
Clarkston Fund | ||||||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||
Shares sold | 294,119 | 754,271 | ||||||
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders | 171,825 | 33,601 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (292,255 | ) | (712,502 | ) | ||||
Acquisition (Note 9) | 1,301,165 | – | ||||||
Net increase in shares outstanding | 1,474,854 | 75,370 | ||||||
Clarkston Founders Fund | ||||||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||
Shares sold | 430,338 | 1,025,855 | ||||||
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders | 70,430 | 10,050 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (240,122 | ) | (288,005 | ) | ||||
Net increase in shares outstanding | 260,646 | 747,900 |
Control is defined by the 1940 Act as the beneficial ownership, either directly or through one or more controlled companies, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a company. Approximately 46% of the outstanding shares of the Clarkston Partners Fund are held by one record shareholder that owns shares on behalf of its underlying beneficial owners. Approximately 79% of the outstanding shares of the Clarkston Fund are owned by one omnibus account. Approximately 96% of the outstanding shares of the Clarkston Founders Fund are owned by two omnibus accounts. Share transaction activities of these shareholders could have a material impact on the Funds.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 47 |
Clarkston Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
6. MANAGEMENT AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Investment Advisory:Clarkston Capital Partners, LLC (“Clarkston” or the “Adviser”), subject to the authority of the Board, is responsible for the management of the Funds’ portfolios. The Adviser manages the investments of the Funds in accordance with the Funds’ investment objectives, policies and limitations and investment guidelines established jointly by the Adviser and the Board.
Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser, each Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee that is based on each Fund’s average daily net assets. The management fee is paid on a monthly basis. The contractual management fee rates are 0.80%, 0.50% and 0.75% for the Clarkston Partners Fund, the Clarkston Fund and the Clarkston Founders Fund, respectively. The initial term of the Advisory Agreement is two years. The Board may extend the Advisory Agreement for additional one-year terms. The Board and shareholders of a Fund may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 30 days’ written notice. The Adviser may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 60 days’ notice.
Pursuant to a fee waiver letter agreement (the “Fee Waiver Agreement”), the Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the amount of each Fund’s Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses, exclusive of shareholder servicing fees, brokerage expenses, interest expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses and extraordinary expenses to an annual rate of 0.85% of the Clarkston Partners Fund’s average daily net assets for each of the Founders Class shares and the Institutional Class shares, 0.55% of the Clarkston Fund’s average daily net assets for the Institutional Class shares and 0.80% of the Clarkston Founders Fund’s average daily net assets for the Institutional Class shares. The Fee Waiver Agreement is in effect through January 31, 2020. The Adviser may not terminate the Fee Waiver Agreement without the approval of the Trust’s Board. The Adviser will be permitted to recover, on a class-by-class basis, expenses it has borne through the Fee Waiver Agreement only to the extent that the Fund’s expenses in later periods do not exceed the lesser of: (1) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser waives or limits the expenses; or (2) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser seeks to recover the expenses; provided, however, that the Funds will not be obligated to reimburse any such expenses borne by the Adviser more than three years after the date on which the fee or expense was waived or limited or assumed and paid by the Adviser, as calculated on a monthly basis.
For the six months ended March 31, 2019, the fee waivers and/or reimbursements were $164,997, $163,421, $40,607, and $43,527 for the Clarkston Partners Fund Founders Class, Clarkston Partners Fund Institutional Class, Clarkston Fund Institutional Class, and Clarkston Founders Fund Institutional Class, respectively.
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Clarkston Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
As of March 31, 2019, the balances of recoupable expenses for each Fund were as follows:
Expiring in 2019 | Expiring in 2020 | Expiring in 2021 | Expiring in 2022 | |||||||||||||
Clarkston Partners Fund | ||||||||||||||||
Founders | $ | 232,225 | $ | 389,579 | $ | 399,992 | $ | 164,997 | ||||||||
Institutional | 197,417 | 349,038 | 361,957 | 163,421 | ||||||||||||
Clarkston Fund | ||||||||||||||||
Institutional | 64,723 | 101,949 | 84,677 | 40,607 | ||||||||||||
Clarkston Founders Fund | ||||||||||||||||
Institutional | – | 73,077 | 95,166 | 43,527 |
Administrator:ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (ALPS) (an affiliate of ALPS Distributors, Inc.) serves as administrator to each Fund. The Funds have agreed to pay expenses incurred in connection with their administrative activities. Pursuant to the Administration, Bookkeeping and Pricing Services Agreement with the Trust, ALPS provides operational services to the Funds including, but not limited to, fund accounting and fund administration and generally assists in each Fund’s operations. Each Fund’s administration fee is accrued on a daily basis and paid monthly. The officers and an Interested Trustee of the Trust are employees of ALPS. Administration fees paid by the Funds for the six months ended March 31, 2019 are disclosed in the Statements of Operations. ALPS is reimbursed by the Funds for certain out-of-pocket expenses.
Transfer Agent:ALPS serves as transfer agent for each Fund under a Transfer Agency and Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Funds plus fees for open accounts and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.
Compliance Services:ALPS provides services as each Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer to monitor and test the policies and procedures of each Fund in conjunction with requirements under Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act pursuant to a Chief Compliance Officer Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Funds and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.
Distribution:ALPS Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”) (an affiliate of ALPS) acts as the principal underwriter of each Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with the Trust. Shares of each Fund are offered on a continuous basis through the Distributor, as agent of the Funds. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any particular amount of shares and is not entitled to any compensation for its services as the Funds’ principal underwriter pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.
Each Fund has adopted a shareholder services plan (“Shareholder Services Plan”) for its Institutional Class. Under the Shareholder Services Plan each Fund is authorized to pay banks and their affiliates and other institutions, including broker-dealers and Fund affiliates (“Participating Organizations”), an aggregate fee in an amount not to exceed on an annual basis 0.15% of the average daily net asset value of each Fund’s Institutional Class shares to Participating Organizations as compensation for providing shareholder service activities, which do not include distribution services, pursuant to an agreement with a Participating Organization.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 49 |
Clarkston Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
7. TRUSTEES
Effective October 1, 2018, the Independent Trustees of the Trust will receive a quarterly retainer of $8,000, plus $4,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair will receive a quarterly retainer of $1,250 and the Independent Chair will receive a quarterly retainer of $2,500. Previously, the Independent Trustees of the Trust received a quarterly retainer of $6,000, plus $4,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair received a quarterly retainer of $1,250 and the Independent Chair received a quarterly retainer of $2,500. The Independent Trustees are also reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings.
8. INDEMNIFICATIONS
Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts with service providers that may contain general indemnification clauses which may permit indemnification to the extent permissible under applicable law. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.
9. FUND REORGANIZATION
At a special meeting of shareholders held on March 13, 2019, the shareholders of Clarkston Select Fund (the “Acquired Fund”), a former series of the Trust, approved the reorganization, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the “Plan”), of the Acquired Fund into the Clarkston Fund (“Acquiring Fund”). For accounting and financial reporting purposes, the Acquiring Fund is the accounting survivor. The Board of Trustees of the Trust had previously approved the Plan providing for the reorganization.
The purpose of the Reorganization was to combine two funds with substantially identical investment objectives and similar principal investment strategies and policies.
Following the completion of the reorganization on March 15, 2019, and pursuant to the terms of the Plan, Institutional Class shareholders of the Acquired Fund became shareholders of the Clarkston Fund and received Institutional Class shares, respectively, of the Clarkston Fund. The reorganization qualified as a tax-free “reorganization” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
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Clarkston Funds | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
As of the close of business on March 15, 2019, assets of the Acquired Fund were acquired by the Acquiring Fund in exchange for shares of the Acquiring Fund and the assumption by the Acquiring Fund of the liabilities of the Acquired Fund. On the Reorganization date, the Acquiring Fund and the Acquired Fund reported the following financial information:
Acquiring Fund | Shares Outstanding of Acquiring Fund | Net Assets of Acquiring Fund | Acquired Fund | Acquired Fund Shares Exchanged | Net Assets of Acquired Fund Exchanged | |||||||||||||
Clarkston Fund | 2,899,370 | 33,634,424 | Select Fund | 1,301,165 | 13,797,848 |
The investment portfolio value and unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) as of the Reorganization Date of the Acquired Fund was as follows:
Acquired Fund | Portfolio Value | Unrealized Appreciation of Acquired Fund | ||||||
Select Fund | $ | 12,640,986 | $ | 621,303 |
Immediately following the Reorganization the net assets of the combined Acquiring Fund were $47,432,272.
As a result of the Reorganization, 1,189,405 Shares were issued in the Acquiring Fund.
Assuming the acquisition had been completed on October 1, 2018, the beginning of the annual reporting period of the Acquiring Fund, the Acquiring Fund’s pro forma results of operations for the period ended March 31, 2019, are as follows:
Pro Forma (unaudited) | ||||
Net Investment Income | $ | 516,263 | ||
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments | 2,241,727 | |||
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | $ | 2,757,990 |
10. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, which changes the fair value measurement disclosure requirements of FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. The update to Topic 820 includes new, eliminated, and modified disclosure requirements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods. Early adoption is permitted for any eliminated or modified disclosures. The Funds have elected to early adopt the eliminated and modified disclosures effective with the financial statements prepared as of March 31, 2019.
11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Subsequent events after the date of the Statements of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that there were no subsequent events to report through the issuance of these financial statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 51 |
Clarkston Funds | Additional Information |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
1. PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND VOTING RECORD
A description of the policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, (i) by calling the Funds (toll-free) at 1-844-680-6562 or (ii) on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) at http://www.sec.gov.
Information regarding how each Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling the Funds (toll-free) at 1-844-680-6562 or (ii) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
2. PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
The Funds file their complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Funds’ Forms N-Q are available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov.
3. SHAREHOLDER PROXY RESULTS
At a Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Predecessor Fund, held at the offices of ALPS Fund Services, Inc., at 1290 Broadway, Suite 1100, Denver, CO 80203 on March 13, 2019, shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 21, 2018 voted to approve the following proposals:
Proposal 1: To approve an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization for the Predecessor Clarkston Select Fund.
Shares Voted In Favor | Shares Voted Against or Abstentions | ||||||||
1,192,146 | 0 |
Proposal 2: To approve a new Investment Advisory Agreement for the Predecessor Clarkston Select Fund.
Shares Voted In Favor | Shares Voted Against or Abstentions | ||||||||
1,192,146 | 0 |
4. DISCLOSURE REGARDING RENEWAL AND APPROVAL OF FUND ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The Board of Trustees (“Board” or “Trustees”) of the Trust met in person on November 29, 2018 to evaluate, among other things, whether approving the new investment advisory agreement and interim advisory agreement (the “New Advisory Agreements”) by and between the Trust and Clarkston Capital, with respect to the Clarkston Funds, was in the best interests of the Funds’ shareholders. At this Board meeting and throughout the consideration process, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, was advised by independent counsel.
52 | www.clarkstonfunds.com |
Clarkston Funds | Additional Information |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Clarkston Capital served as the investment adviser to the Funds and was responsible for the day-to-day management of each Fund’s assets; Clarkson Capital proposed a transaction (“Transaction”) deemed to result in a “change in control” of Clarkson Capital for the purpose of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”) and under the terms of the 1940 Act and resulted in the automatic termination of the then current investment advisory agreement with Clarkson Capital (“Terminated Agreement”).
In voting to approve the New Advisory Agreements, the Board did not identify any single factor as all-important or controlling. The following summary does not identify all the matters considered by the Board but provides a summary of the principal matters the Board considered.
Investment Advisory Fee Rate:The Trustees reviewed and considered the proposed annual advisory fee to be paid by the Trust on behalf of each Clarkston Fund to Clarkston Capital, noting that the fees would not change as a result of the transaction.
The Trustees considered the information they received when the current investment advisory agreement was recently renewed, comparing each Clarkston Fund’s contractual annual advisory fees and overall expenses with those of funds in the expense group and universe of funds provided by FUSE, an independent provider of investment company data, which screened retail and institutional funds with similar strategies and comparable fee structures as the Clarkston Funds, and excluded all others. Each FUSE peer group consisted of the applicable Clarkston Fund and several other funds identified by FUSE using similar strategies with comparable fee structures.
The Trustees also noted that Clarkston Capital managed other institutional and strategic accounts, and model delivery service clients, using investment strategies similar to the strategies of the Clarkston Funds, and reviewed the fee structures for, and services rendered to, such clients. Bearing in mind the limitations of comparing different types of accounts and the different levels of service typically associated with such accounts, the Trustees noted that the fee structures applicable to Clarkston Capital’s other clients employing a comparable strategy to any Clarkston Fund were not indicative of any unreasonableness with respect to the advisory fee payable by such Clarkston Fund.
Nature, Extent and Quality of the Services under the Investment Advisory Agreement:The Trustees recalled their recent renewal of the current investment advisory agreement during which they evaluated the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Clarkston Funds. The Trustees reviewed and considered Clarkston Capital’s personnel, its history as an asset manager and its performance. The Trustees also discussed the research and decision-making processes utilized by Clarkston Capital, including the methods adopted to seek to achieve compliance with the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Clarkston Funds.
The Trustees reviewed the background and experience of Clarkston Capital’s management relating to the Clarkston Funds, including the qualifications, background and responsibilities of the portfolio managers primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management, and noted that the Transaction would not result in a change in portfolio managers. They also discussed the resources of Clarkston Capital devoted to research and analysis of actual and potential investments. They considered the Trust’s experience with Clarkston Capital, including Clarkston Capital’s responsiveness and compliance record.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 53 |
Clarkston Funds | Additional Information |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Performance:The Trustees recalled their discussion of performance of each Clarkston Fund when the current investment advisory agreement was recently renewed. They reviewed performance information for each Clarkston Fund through September 30, 2018 provided by Clarkston Capital, including sector allocations and attribution results. They noted that the performance of each Fund trailed the relevant benchmark index since inception and further noted the relatively short performance period for all the Clarkston Funds, especially the Clarkston Founders Fund and the Clarkston Select Fund. They discussed information provided related to the upside and downside capture ratio of the Partners Fund, as well as recent cash position of the strategy, and how that information reflects the risk of investing in the Funds. They considered the adviser’s confidence that the valuations of the companies in the portfolios would be realized over the long term.
The Adviser’s Profitability:The Trustees received and considered actual and estimated profitability analyses provided by Clarkston Capital when the current investment advisory agreement was recently renewed, as well as Clarkston Capital’s confirmation that profitability has not materially changed since the last renewal. The Trustees considered the profits, if any, realized and anticipated to be realized by Clarkston Capital relating to the operation of each Clarkston Fund. The Trustees then considered the financial condition of Clarkston Capital. They concluded that any profits would remain reasonable after the Transaction.
Economies of Scale:The Trustees considered whether economies of scale in the provision of services to each Clarkston Fund would be passed along to the shareholders under the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Trustees concluded that the expense limitation agreement provided by Clarkston Capital was a benefit to shareholders and, based on current asset levels, adequately addressed the issue.
Other Benefits to the Adviser:The Trustees reviewed and considered any other incidental benefits derived or to be derived by Clarkston Capital from its relationship with each Clarkston Fund, including research services.
The Board summarized its deliberations with respect to the Investment Advisory Agreement with Clarkston Capital. In evaluating Clarkston Capital and the fees to be charged under the proposed Investment Advisory Agreement, the Trustees concluded that no single factor reviewed by the Trustees was identified by the Trustees to be determinative as the principal factor in whether to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement. Further, the Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel throughout the process. The Trustees, including all the Independent Trustees, concluded that:
• | each Clarkston Fund’s contractual advisory fee was not unreasonable; |
• | the nature, extent and quality of services to be rendered by Clarkston Capital under the proposed Investment Advisory Agreement were adequate; |
• | bearing in mind the relatively short performance history of the Clarkston Funds, the performance of each Clarkston Fund was acceptable; |
• | the estimated profitability of Clarkston Capital relating to the management of each Clarkston Fund was not unreasonable; and |
54 | www.clarkstonfunds.com |
Clarkston Funds | Additional Information |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
• | there were no material economies of scale or other material incidental benefits accruing to Clarkston Capital because of its relationship with each Clarkston Fund. |
Based on the Trustees’ deliberations and their evaluation of the information described above, the Trustees, including all the Independent Trustees, concluded that Clarkston Capital’s compensation for investment advisory services is consistent with the best interests of each Clarkston Fund and its shareholders.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 55 |
This material must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.
The Clarkston Funds are distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc.
Table of Contents
Shareholder Letter | 1 |
Portfolio Update | 3 |
Disclosure of Fund Expenses | 5 |
Portfolio of Investments | 6 |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 10 |
Statement of Operations | 11 |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets | 12 |
Statement of Cash Flows | 13 |
Financial Highlights | 14 |
Notes to Financial Statements | 17 |
Additional Information | 25 |
Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Fund’s website at www.ddjfunds.com, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.
Beginning on January 1, 2019, you may, notwithstanding the availability of shareholder reports online, elect to receive all future shareholder reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. If you invest directly with the Fund, you can call 1-844-363-4898 to let the Fund know you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports.
If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically anytime by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by enrolling at www.ddjfunds.com.
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund | Shareholder Letter |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Message from the President: 6-Month Review as of 3/31/19
The past six months has been a relatively volatile period for the leveraged credit market. While high yield bonds experienced their best performance to start a year since 2003, this strong performance came on the heels of a considerable market sell-off to end 2018. This steep decline in markets was attributed to investor concerns about slowing global growth, brewing trade tensions between the U.S. and China, and a hawkish Federal Reserve.
However, in today’s environment, China and the U.S. appear to be moving closer to an agreement, helping to ease global economic growth concerns, while the Fed has turned dovish, providing markets with the fuel to extend this historically long market cycle a bit further. Over the past six months, the high yield bond market produced a modest gain, lagging investment grade credit and U.S. Treasuries, but outperforming bank loans and most equity indices.
Our base case scenario assumes that market volatility will continue, as investors digest the latest data and accordingly reset expectations regarding global economic growth, the future path of Fed rate hikes, and developments on trade negotiations, amongst other factors. An additional disruptive factor could be Britain’s ability to exit the European Union in an orderly fashion with any disorderly exit potentially straining global economic growth. Depending on whether events meet or miss investors’ expectations, the leveraged credit market has the potential to experience large in/outflows, further exacerbating periods of volatility.
From our perspective, increasing trade tensions and monetary policy mishaps present the greatest risks to the overall health of the leveraged credit market going forward. Tension between the U.S. and its primary trading partners was one of the biggest risks in 2018, and DDJ expects that the same will hold true for the remainder of 2019, with a particular focus on trade negotiations between the U.S. and China. In addition, the risk of a Fed mistake is higher than it has been for some time, and we believe that the Fed’s recent emphasis on a data-dependent approach to future monetary policy is appropriate in the current environment.
Turning our attention to the Fund’s performance, during the six-months ending March 31, 2019, the Fund lagged the BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Non-Financials Index. The benchmark fluctuated considerably during the period and while the Fund exhibited strong relative performance in the fourth quarter of 2018 as a result of its off-benchmark bank loan and off-the-run the high yield bond holdings, those same characteristics caused the Fund to lag the benchmark considerably to start 2019.
In addition, the weakest performing sector in the fourth quarter of 2018, Energy, was also the strongest performing sector in Q1 2019. However, in the aggregate, Energy sector high yield bonds lagged the benchmark. As result, the Fund’s relative performance was enhanced by its underweight to the Energy sector.
That being said, security selection drove Fund performance during the period. As such, certain of the Fund’s positions lagged the market during the past six-months and accordingly detracted from absolute and relative performance. These positions were primarily CCC rated high yield bonds and bank loans in the Technology & Electronics, Automotive, Basic Industry and Healthcare sectors.
Short-term performance is what often makes headlines; however, long-term alpha generation takes patience and strict adherence to a time-tested investment philosophy and process. We at DDJ Capital Management do not let market “noise” influence our performance objectives. As such, we will continue to invest the Fund in leveraged credit instruments that offer a yield premium and that our research has shown provide a better fundamental risk profile than that of the overall high yield benchmark. It is our belief that this combination of targeting excess yield together with intensive due diligence undertaken to minimize downside risk will result in long-term outperformance by the Fund both on an absolute and risk-adjusted basis.
Sincerely,
David J. Breazzano
President, Chief Investment Officer and Co-Portfolio Manager
DDJ Capital Management, LLC
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 1 |
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund | Shareholder Letter |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
The ICE BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Index is maintained by ICE BofA Merrill Lynch and comprises U.S. dollar denominated below investment grade corporate debt publicly issued in the U.S. domestic market.
Alpha: the excess return of an individual investment or the Fund in aggregate relative to the return on the specified benchmark.
Coupon: The stated interest rate paid on a bond. Coupon payments for high yield bonds are typically made semi-annually.
Leveraged Loan: A commercial loan provided to a borrower by a group of lenders that has an investment grade rating.
Spread: The yield of a bond minus the yield of the government bond that matches the maturity (or appropriate call date) of the bond.
Yield: The yield is the income return on an investment, such as interest or dividends received from holding a particular security.
Yield Premium: As referenced in this letter, refers to the yield of individual investments in the Fund, or the yield of the Fund in aggregate, being higher than the yield of the Fund’s benchmark.
The views and information discussed in this commentary are as of the date of publication, are subject to change, and may not reflect the writer’s current views. The views expressed are those of the Adviser only, and represent an assessment of market conditions at a specific point in time, are opinions only and should not be relied upon as investment advice regarding a particular investment or markets in general. Such information does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell specific securities or investment vehicles. It should not be assumed that any investment will be profitable or will equal the performance of the fund(s) or any securities or any sectors mentioned in this letter. The subject matter contained in this letter has been derived from several sources believed to be reliable and accurate at the time of compilation. Neither the Fund nor the Adviser accepts any liability for losses either direct or consequential caused by the use of this information.
Credit ratings are measured on a scale that generally ranges from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). All Fund securities except for those labeled “Not Rated” and “Other” have been rated by Moody’s, S&P or Fitch, which are each a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (“NRSRO”). All Index securities except for those labeled “Not Rated” have been rated by Moody’s or S&P. Credit ratings are subject to change. One cannot invest directly into an index.
Not FDIC Insured – No Bank Guarantee – May Lose Value
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
ALPS Distributors, Inc. is not affiliated with DDJ Capital Management, LLC, the investment adviser to the Fund.
2 | www.ddjcap.com |
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund | Portfolio Update |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Average Annual Total Returns(as of March 31, 2019)
3 Month | 6 Month | 1 Year | 3 Year | Since Inception* | |
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund – Institutional Class | 4.50% | 1.21% | 1.83% | 8.85% | 6.58% |
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund – Class I | 4.51% | 1.20% | 2.09% | 8.89% | 6.61% |
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund – Class II | 4.28% | 0.93% | 1.42% | 8.48% | 6.23% |
ICE BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Index(a) | 7.40% | 2.39% | 5.94% | 8.69% | 5.76% |
ICE BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Non-Financial Index(b) | 7.37% | 2.30% | 5.96% | 8.80% | 5.71% |
The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and value of the Fund shares will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Fund performance current to the most recent month-end is available by calling (844) 363-4898 or by visiting www.ddjfunds.com.
* | Fund’s inception date is July 16, 2015. |
(a) | Effective April 2, 2019, the benchmark of the Fund is the ICE BofAML US High Yield Index, maintained by ICE BofA Merrill Lynch and comprised of U.S. dollar denominated below investment grade corporate debt publicly issued in the U.S. domestic market. DDJ Capital Management, LLC (the “Adviser”) believes that the new benchmark is a more appropriate benchmark for the Fund as it is more representative of the broad high yield market against which potential investors in the Fund typically measure high yield mutual funds, including the Fund. |
(b) | The ICE BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Non-Financial Index is a subset of The BofA Merrill Lynch US High Yield Index but that excludes all securities of financial issuers. |
Returns of less than 1 year are cumulative.
Indices are not actively managed and do not reflect deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.
The returns shown above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemption of Fund shares.
The total annual operating expenses and total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or reimbursement you may pay as an investor in the Fund’s Institutional Class, Class I and Class II shares (as reported in the January 28, 2019 Prospectus) are 3.81% and 0.79%, 3.14% and 0.89% and 3.89% and 1.14% respectively. The Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit expenses through January 31, 2020.
Performance of $10,000 Initial Investment(as of March 31, 2019)
The graph shown above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All returns reflect reinvested dividends, but do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 3 |
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund | Portfolio Update |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Top Ten Holdings(as a % of Net Assets)* | ||||
Asurion LLC | 4.37 | % | ||
Alliant Holdings Intermediate LLC / Alliant Holdings Co.-Issuer | 3.46 | % | ||
GTT Communications, Inc. | 2.63 | % | ||
One Call Corp. | 2.58 | % | ||
Carlson Travel, Inc. | 2.42 | % | ||
MH Sub I LLC | 2.23 | % | ||
Century Aluminum Co. | 2.21 | % | ||
Vizient, Inc. | 2.16 | % | ||
U.S. Renal Care, Inc. | 2.14 | % | ||
Northwest Acquisitions ULC / Dominion Finco, Inc. | 1.99 | % | ||
Top Ten Holdings | 26.19 | % |
* | Holdings are subject to change, and may not reflect the current or future position of the portfolio. Tables present indicative values only. |
Portfolio Composition(as a % of Net Assets)*
4 | www.ddjcap.com |
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund | Disclosure of Fund Expenses |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Examples.As a shareholder of the DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund (the “Fund”), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including applicable redemption fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees and other Fund expenses. The following examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested on October 1, 2018 and held through March 31, 2019.
Actual Expenses.The first line under each class in 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 “Expenses Paid During Period October 1, 2018 - March 31, 2019” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes.The second line under each class in 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 mutual 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 Fund costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as redemption fees. Therefore, the second line under each class in the table below 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 transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
Beginning Account Value October 1, 2018 | Ending Account Value March 31, 2019 | Expense Ratio(a) | Expense Paid During Period October 1, 2018 - March 31, 2019(b) | |
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund | ||||
Institutional Class | ||||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,012.10 | 0.79% | $3.96 |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,020.99 | 0.79% | $3.98 |
Class I | ||||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,012.00 | 0.75% | $3.76 |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,021.19 | 0.75% | $3.78 |
Class II | ||||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,010.40 | 1.14% | $5.71 |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,019.25 | 1.14% | $5.74 |
(a) | Each Fund's expense ratios have been annualized based on the Fund's most recent fiscal half-year expenses. |
(b) | Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio shown above for the applicable class, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (182), divided by 365. |
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 5 |
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Shares | Value (Note 2) | |||||||
COMMON STOCKS (1.93%) | ||||||||
Consumer Discretionary (0.38%) | ||||||||
American Tire Distributor(a)(b)(c)(d)(e) | 2,940 | $ | 62,887 | |||||
Materials (1.55%) | ||||||||
Real Alloy Holding, Inc.(a)(b)(c)(d)(e) | 3 | 112,496 | ||||||
Specialty Steel Holdco, Inc.(a)(c)(d)(e) | 1 | 141,569 | ||||||
Total Materials | 254,065 | |||||||
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $299,737) | 316,952 |
Rate | Maturity Date | Principal Amount | Value (Note 2) | |||||||||
BANK LOANS (33.47%) | ||||||||||||
Communications (3.33%) | ||||||||||||
MH Sub I LLC, Series Amendment No. 2 Initial(f)(g) | 1M US L + 7.50%, 1.00% Floor | 9/15/2025 | $ | 370,000 | $ | 365,375 | ||||||
Ten-X LLC, Series Senior Secured(a)(d)(e)(f) | 1M US L + 8.00%, 1.00% Floor | 9/29/2025 | 180,000 | 180,000 | ||||||||
Total Communications | 545,375 | |||||||||||
Consumer Discretionary (0.25%) | ||||||||||||
American Tire Distributors, Inc., Series Initial(a)(f)(h) | Cash L + 6.50 + PIK 1.50%, 1.00% Floor | 9/2/2024 | 17,094 | 15,338 | ||||||||
American Tire Distributors, Inc., Series Initial (DIP)(a)(f)(h) | Cash L + 6.00 + PIK 1.0%, 1.00% Floor | 9/1/2023 | 25,705 | 25,351 | ||||||||
Total Consumer Discretionary | 40,689 | |||||||||||
Consumer, Cyclical (4.63%) | ||||||||||||
DexKo Global, Inc., Series B(e)(f) | 3M US L + 8.25% | 7/24/2025 | 190,000 | 189,050 | ||||||||
KUEHG Corp, Series Tranche B(f) | 3M US L + 8.25%, 1.00% Floor | 8/22/2025 | 70,000 | 70,000 | ||||||||
Parq Holdings LP, Series Closing Date(f) | 3M US L + 7.50%, 1.00% Floor | 12/17/2020 | 227,584 | 227,299 | ||||||||
Truck Hero, Inc., Series Initial(f) | 1M US L + 3.75% | 4/22/2024 | 49,873 | 48,206 | ||||||||
Truck Hero, Inc., Series Initial(f) | 1M US L + 8.25%, 1.00% Floor | 4/21/2025 | 230,000 | 224,250 | ||||||||
Total Consumer, Cyclical | 758,805 | |||||||||||
Consumer, Non-cyclical (9.21%) | ||||||||||||
Aveanna Healthcare LLC, Series Initial(f) | 1M US L + 8.00%, 1.00% Floor | 3/17/2025 | 120,000 | 114,900 | ||||||||
Aveanna Healthcare LLC, Series Initial New(e)(f) | 1M US L + 5.50%, 1.00% Floor | 3/18/2024 | 129,439 | 126,527 | ||||||||
Dentalcorp Health Services ULC, Series Delayed Draw(e)(f) | 1M US L + 7.50%, 1.00% Floor | 6/8/2026 | 14,840 | 14,691 | ||||||||
Dentalcorp Perfect Smile ULC(e)(f) | L +7.5% | 6/8/2026 | 130,000 | 128,700 | ||||||||
Lanai Holdings III, Inc., Series Initial(a)(e)(f) | 3M US L + 8.50%, 1.00% Floor | 8/28/2023 | 160,000 | 144,000 | ||||||||
Learning Care Group No. 2, Inc., Series Initial(a)(e)(f) | 2M US L + 7.50%, 1.00% Floor | 3/13/2026 | 110,000 | 109,450 | ||||||||
One Call Corp., Series Extended(a)(f) | 1M US L + 5.25%, 1.00% Floor | 11/27/2022 | 129,632 | 110,620 | ||||||||
Packaging Coordinators Midco, Inc., Series Initial(e)(f) | 3M US L + 8.75%, 1.00% Floor | 7/1/2024 | 160,000 | 159,600 | ||||||||
Parfums Holding Co., Inc., Series Initial(f) | 3M US L + 8.75%, 1.00% Floor | 6/30/2025 | 130,000 | 130,650 | ||||||||
U.S. Renal Care, Inc., Series Initial(f) | 3M US L + 4.25%, 1.00% Floor | 12/30/2022 | 119,357 | 119,320 | ||||||||
U.S. Renal Care, Inc., Series Senior Secured(f) | 3M US L + 8.00%, 1.00% Floor | 12/29/2023 | 350,000 | 351,533 | ||||||||
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical | 1,509,991 | |||||||||||
Financials (4.88%) | ||||||||||||
Asurion LLC, Series Replacement B-2(f)(g) | 1M US L + 6.50% | 8/4/2025 | 705,000 | 716,382 | ||||||||
Zest Acquisition Corp., Series Initial(e)(f) | 3M US L + 7.50%, 1.00% Floor | 3/13/2026 | 90,000 | 84,375 | ||||||||
Total Financials | 800,757 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
6 | www.ddjcap.com |
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Rate | Maturity Date | Principal Amount | Value (Note 2) | |||||||||
Health Care (1.54%) | ||||||||||||
Dentalcorp Health Services ULC, Series Initial(e)(f)(i) | 1M US L + 7.50%, 1.00% Floor | 6/8/2026 | $ | 85,160 | $ | 84,309 | ||||||
National Mentor Holdings, Inc., Series Initial(e)(f) | 1M US L + 8.50%, 1.00% Floor | 3/8/2027 | 90,000 | 88,650 | ||||||||
Regionalcare Hospital Partners Holdings, Inc., Series B(f) | 1M US L + 4.50% | 11/16/2025 | 79,800 | 79,089 | ||||||||
Total Health Care | 252,048 | |||||||||||
Industrials (3.84%) | ||||||||||||
Deliver Buyer, Inc., Series Senior Secured(f) | 3M US L + 5.00%, 1.00% Floor | 5/1/2024 | 139,242 | 138,198 | ||||||||
Engineered Machinery Holdings, Inc., Series Initial(f) | 3M US L + 7.25%, 1.00% Floor | 7/18/2025 | 165,812 | 163,187 | ||||||||
Utex Industries, Inc., Series Initial(f)(g) | 1M US L + 7.25%, 1.00% Floor | 5/20/2022 | 290,000 | 270,184 | ||||||||
Utex Industries, Inc. - Initial Loan (First Lien), Series Initial(f)(g) | 1M US L + 4.00%, 1.00% Floor | 5/21/2021 | 59,843 | 57,655 | ||||||||
Total Industrials | 629,224 | |||||||||||
Materials (0.04%) | ||||||||||||
Miami Valley Steel Service, Inc., Series Senior Secured(a)(d)(e)(f) | 3M US L + 9.00%, 1.00% Floor | 1/20/2023 | 6,990 | 6,990 | ||||||||
Technology (5.75%) | ||||||||||||
Dun & Bradstreet Corp., Series Initial Borrowing(f) | 1M US L + 5.00% | 2/6/2026 | 150,000 | 148,594 | ||||||||
Evergreen Skills Lux S.A R.L., Series Initial(f) | 1M US L + 4.75%, 1.00% Floor | 4/28/2021 | 370,285 | 312,520 | ||||||||
Evergreen Skills Lux S.A R.L., Series Initial(f) | 1M US L + 8.25%, 1.00% Floor | 4/28/2022 | 59,990 | 24,896 | ||||||||
Masergy Holdings, Inc., Series Initial(f) | 3M US L + 7.50%, 1.00% Floor | 12/16/2024 | 125,585 | 123,388 | ||||||||
Optiv, Inc., Series Initial(e)(f) | 1M US L + 7.25%, 1.00% Floor | 1/31/2025 | 50,000 | 47,375 | ||||||||
Peak 10 Holding Corp., Series Initial(f) | 3M US L + 7.25%, 1.00% Floor | 8/1/2025 | 140,000 | 123,900 | ||||||||
TierPoint LLC, Series Initial(f) | 1M US L + 7.25%, 1.00% Floor | 5/5/2025 | 170,000 | 161,712 | ||||||||
Total Technology | 942,385 | |||||||||||
TOTAL BANK LOANS (Cost $5,559,730) | 5,486,264 | |||||||||||
HIGH YIELD BONDS AND NOTES (62.88%) | ||||||||||||
Basic Materials (4.67%) | ||||||||||||
Big River Steel LLC / BRS Finance Corp.(j) | 7.250% | 9/1/2025 | 130,000 | 136,214 | ||||||||
Cornerstone Chemical Co.(j) | 6.750% | 8/15/2024 | 320,000 | 302,400 | ||||||||
Northwest Acquisitions ULC / Dominion Finco, Inc.(g)(j) | 7.125% | 11/1/2022 | 370,000 | 326,525 | ||||||||
Total Basic Materials | 765,139 | |||||||||||
Communications (6.41%) | ||||||||||||
CCO Holdings LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp.(j) | 5.000% | 2/1/2028 | 70,000 | 69,387 | ||||||||
CenturyLink, Inc., Series G | 6.875% | 1/15/2028 | 250,000 | 238,125 | ||||||||
Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc., Series A | 6.500% | 11/15/2022 | 70,000 | 72,013 | ||||||||
GTT Communications, Inc.(g)(j) | 7.875% | 12/31/2024 | 490,000 | 431,049 | ||||||||
Townsquare Media, Inc.(j) | 6.500% | 4/1/2023 | 120,000 | 115,350 | ||||||||
ViaSat, Inc.(j) | 5.625% | 9/15/2025 | 130,000 | 125,125 | ||||||||
Total Communications | 1,051,049 | |||||||||||
Consumer, Cyclical (6.64%) | ||||||||||||
Avantor, Inc.(j) | 9.000% | 10/1/2025 | 210,000 | 228,112 | ||||||||
BCD Acquisition, Inc.(j) | 9.625% | 9/15/2023 | 150,000 | 159,750 | ||||||||
Carlson Travel, Inc.(j) | 9.500% | 12/15/2024 | 410,000 | 396,675 | ||||||||
Jack Ohio Finance LLC / Jack Ohio Finance 1 Corp.(j) | 10.250% | 11/15/2022 | 185,000 | 199,338 | ||||||||
Sportsnet(a)(c)(d)(e) | 10.250% | 1/15/2025 | 100,000 | 105,000 | ||||||||
Total Consumer, Cyclical | 1,088,875 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 7 |
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Rate | Maturity Date | Principal Amount | Value (Note 2) | |||||||||
Consumer, Non-cyclical (15.64%) | ||||||||||||
Eagle Holding Co. II LLC(h)(j) | Cash 7.625% + PIK 8.375% | 5/15/2022 | $ | 300,000 | $ | 303,375 | ||||||
High Ridge Brands Co.(j) | 8.875% | 3/15/2025 | 125,000 | 50,625 | ||||||||
Midas Intermediate Holdco II LLC / Midas Intermediate Holdco II | ||||||||||||
Finance, Inc.(j) | 7.875% | 10/1/2022 | 85,000 | 80,537 | ||||||||
MPH Acquisition Holdings, LLC(j) | 7.125% | 6/1/2024 | 280,000 | 280,000 | ||||||||
NVA Holdings, Inc.(j) | 6.875% | 4/1/2026 | 290,000 | 288,187 | ||||||||
One Call Corp., Series AI(a)(d)(e)(h) | 7.500% | 7/1/2024 | 501,912 | 422,861 | ||||||||
Polaris Intermediate Corp.(h)(j) | 8.500% | 12/1/2022 | 250,000 | 247,563 | ||||||||
Simmons Foods, Inc.(j) | 5.750% | 11/1/2024 | 60,000 | 52,950 | ||||||||
Surgery Center Holdings, Inc.(j) | 6.750% | 7/1/2025 | 325,000 | 295,750 | ||||||||
Team Health Holdings, Inc.(j) | 6.375% | 2/1/2025 | 230,000 | 187,738 | ||||||||
Vizient, Inc.(j) | 10.375% | 3/1/2024 | 325,000 | 353,616 | ||||||||
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical | 2,563,202 | |||||||||||
Energy (5.93%) | ||||||||||||
Foresight Energy LLC / Foresight Energy(j) | 11.500% | 4/1/2023 | 380,000 | 309,700 | ||||||||
MEG Energy Corp.(j) | 6.375% | 1/30/2023 | 120,000 | 111,450 | ||||||||
MEG Energy Corp.(j) | 7.000% | 3/31/2024 | 310,000 | 290,625 | ||||||||
Resolute Energy Corp. | 8.500% | 5/1/2020 | 260,000 | 260,000 | ||||||||
Total Energy | 971,775 | |||||||||||
Financials (8.87%) | ||||||||||||
Alliant Holdings Intermediate LLC / Alliant Holdings Co.-Issuer(g)(j) | 8.250% | 8/1/2023 | 550,000 | 566,500 | ||||||||
AssuredPartners, Inc.(j) | 7.000% | 8/15/2025 | 320,000 | 297,600 | ||||||||
NFP Corp.(j) | 6.875% | 7/15/2025 | 210,000 | 201,600 | ||||||||
Uniti Group LP / Uniti Fiber Holdings, Inc. / CSL Capital LLC(j) | 7.125% | 12/15/2024 | 155,000 | 134,075 | ||||||||
Uniti Group LP / Uniti Group Finance, Inc. / CSL Capital LLC | 8.250% | 10/15/2023 | 280,000 | 254,100 | ||||||||
Total Financials | 1,453,875 | |||||||||||
Industrials (9.67%) | ||||||||||||
Apex Tool Group LLC / BC Mountain Finance, Inc.(j) | 9.000% | 2/15/2023 | 170,000 | 164,050 | ||||||||
JPW Industries Holding Corp.(j) | 9.000% | 10/1/2024 | 160,000 | 156,800 | ||||||||
Material Sciences Corp.(a)(c)(d)(e)(f)(h) | L + 8.25 or PIK 2.00% | 1/9/2024 | 107,945 | 107,945 | ||||||||
Optimas OE Solutions Holding LLC / Optimas OE Solutions, Inc.(j) | 8.625% | 6/1/2021 | 180,000 | 167,400 | ||||||||
Plastipak Holdings, Inc.(j) | 6.250% | 10/15/2025 | 280,000 | 263,200 | ||||||||
Titan Acquisition, Ltd. / Titan Co.-Borrower LLC(g)(j) | 7.750% | 4/15/2026 | 280,000 | 242,200 | ||||||||
TransDigm, Inc. | 6.375% | 6/15/2026 | 270,000 | 268,272 | ||||||||
Trident Merger Sub, Inc.(j) | 6.625% | 11/1/2025 | 230,000 | 216,200 | ||||||||
Total Industrials | 1,586,067 | |||||||||||
Materials (4.21%) | ||||||||||||
Century Aluminum Co.(j) | 7.500% | 6/1/2021 | 360,000 | 362,700 | ||||||||
Real Alloy Holding, Inc.(a)(c)(d)(e)(f)(h) | 3M US L +10.00% or PIK L+12.00%, 1.00% Floor | 11/28/2023 | 118,182 | 118,182 | ||||||||
Specialty Steel Holdco, Inc.(a)(c)(d)(e) | 11.620% | 11/15/2022 | 210,000 | 210,000 | ||||||||
Total Materials | 690,882 | |||||||||||
Technology (0.84%) | ||||||||||||
West Corp.(j) | 8.500% | 10/15/2025 | 160,000 | 138,400 | ||||||||
TOTAL HIGH YIELD BONDS AND NOTES (Cost $10,434,823) | 10,309,264 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
8 | www.ddjcap.com |
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Rate | Maturity Date | Principal Amount | Value (Note 2) | |||||||||
Warrant (0.22%) | ||||||||||||
Materials (0.22%) | ||||||||||||
Material Sciences Corp., Strike Price: $0.01, Expires 12/22/2036(a)(b)(c)(d)(e) | 3,369 | 35,473 | ||||||||||
Total Materials | 35,473 | |||||||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (98.50%) (Cost $16,300,278) | $ | 16,147,953 | ||||||||||
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (1.50%) | 246,579 | |||||||||||
NET ASSETS (100.00%) | $ | 16,394,532 |
(a) | Security deemed to be illiquid under the procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. As of March 31, 2019, the market value of illiquid securities in the aggregate was $1,908,162, representing 11.64% of the Fund’s net assets. |
(b) | Non-income producing security. |
(c) | Security deemed to be restricted as of March 31, 2019. As of March 31, 2019, the market value of restricted securities in the aggregate was $893,552, representing 5.45% of the Fund’s net assets. Additional information on restricted securities can be found in the Notes to Quarterly Portfolio of Investments. |
(d) | Fair valued security under the procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. |
(e) | As a result of the use of significant unobservable inputs to determine fair value, these investments have been classified as Level 3 assets. See also note 2 to the financial statements for additional information. |
(f) | Floating or variable rate security. The reference rate is described below. The rate in effect as of March 31, 2019 is based on the reference rate plus the displayed spread as of the securities last reset date. |
(g) | All or a portion of this position has not settled as of March 31, 2019. The interest rate shown represents the stated spread over the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR" or "L") or the applicable LIBOR floor; the Fund will not accrue interest until the settlement date, at which point LIBOR will be established. |
(h) | Payment in-kind. |
(i) | A portion of this position was not funded at March 31, 2019. The Fund had approximately $5,100 in unfunded commitment pursuant to Delayed Draw Term Loan facility. The Portfolio of Investments records this investment as fully funded and accordingly, a corresponding payable for investments purchased has also been recorded which represents the actual unfunded amount on the balance sheet date. |
(j) | Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in the ordinary course of business in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At period end, the aggregate market value of those securities was $8,252,766, representing 50.34% of net assets. |
Investment Abbreviations:
LIBOR - London Interbank Offered Rate
PIK - Payment in-kind
Libor Rates:
1M US L - 1 Month LIBOR as of March 31, 2019 was 2.49%
3M US L - 3 Month LIBOR as of March 31, 2019 was 2.60%
For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund's industry classifications refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indices or ratings group indices, and/or as defined by Fund's management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine industry sub-classifications for reporting ease. Industries are shown as a percentage of the Fund's net assets. (Unaudited)
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 9 |
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund | Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
ASSETS: | ||||
Investments, at value (Cost $16,300,278) | $ | 16,147,953 | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | 542,571 | |||
Receivable for investments sold | 17,771 | |||
Receivable for shares sold | 193,742 | |||
Dividends and interest receivable | 261,321 | |||
Receivable due from adviser | 18,736 | |||
Prepaid expenses | 12,449 | |||
Total Assets | 17,194,543 | |||
LIABILITIES: | ||||
Payable for administration and transfer agency fees | 41,364 | |||
Payable for investments purchased | 736,967 | |||
Payable for shareholder services | ||||
Class I | 358 | |||
Payable for distribution fees | ||||
Class II | 1,816 | |||
Payable for printing | 92 | |||
Payable for professional fees | 12,389 | |||
Payable for trustees' fees and expenses | 355 | |||
Payable to Chief Compliance Officer fees | 4,959 | |||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | 1,711 | |||
Total Liabilities | 800,011 | |||
NET ASSETS | $ | 16,394,532 | ||
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF: | ||||
Paid-in capital (Note 5) | $ | 17,229,424 | ||
Total distributable earnings | (834,892 | ) | ||
NET ASSETS | $ | 16,394,532 | ||
PRICING OF SHARES | ||||
Institutional Class : | ||||
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share | $ | 9.19 | ||
Net Assets | $ | 10,157,222 | ||
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding | 1,105,718 | |||
Class I : | ||||
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share | $ | 9.20 | ||
Net Assets | $ | 731,191 | ||
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding | 79,504 | |||
Class II : | ||||
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share | $ | 9.22 | ||
Net Assets | $ | 5,506,119 | ||
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding | 597,497 | |||
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 8)
See Notes to Financial Statements.
10 | www.ddjcap.com |
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund | Statement of Operations |
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
INVESTMENT INCOME: | ||||
Dividends | $ | 154,085 | ||
Interest | 564,076 | |||
Total Investment Income | 718,161 | |||
EXPENSES: | ||||
Investment advisory fees (Note 6) | 46,070 | |||
Administration fees | 87,696 | |||
Shareholder service fees | ||||
Class II | 1,748 | |||
Distribution fees | ||||
Class II | 4,370 | |||
Custody fees | 2,456 | |||
Legal fees | 3,233 | |||
Audit and tax fees | 9,965 | |||
Transfer agent fees | 25,244 | |||
Trustees fees and expenses | 597 | |||
State registration fees | 22,179 | |||
Printing fees | 2,174 | |||
Chief Compliance Officer fees | 14,959 | |||
Insurance fees | 151 | |||
Other expenses | 5,132 | |||
Total Expenses | 225,974 | |||
Less fees waived/reimbursed by investment adviser | ||||
Institutional Class (Note 6) | (115,552 | ) | ||
Class I | (9,274 | ) | ||
Class II | (43,024 | ) | ||
Net Expenses | 58,124 | |||
NET INVESTMENT INCOME | 660,037 | |||
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS: | ||||
Net realized gain/(loss) on: | ||||
Investments | (415,907 | ) | ||
Net realized loss | (415,907 | ) | ||
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on: | ||||
Investments | (25,026 | ) | ||
Net change | (25,026 | ) | ||
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENTS | (440,933 | ) | ||
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | $ | 219,104 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 11 |
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund | Statements of Changes in Net Assets |
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Year Ended September 30, 2018 | |||||||
OPERATIONS: | ||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 660,037 | $ | 930,299 | ||||
Net realized loss on investments | (415,907 | ) | (302,081 | ) | ||||
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments | (25,026 | ) | (347,937 | ) | ||||
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | 219,104 | 280,281 | ||||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS | ||||||||
Institutional Class | (432,343 | ) | (720,503 | ) | ||||
Class I | (34,192 | ) | (210,379 | ) | ||||
Class II | (173,066 | ) | (67,029 | ) | ||||
Total distributions | (639,601 | ) | (997,911 | ) | ||||
BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (Note 5): | ||||||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||
Shares sold | 1,443,964 | 1,590,038 | ||||||
Dividends reinvested | 233,435 | 664,896 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (4,985 | ) | (158,328 | ) | ||||
Net increase from beneficial share transactions | 1,672,414 | 2,096,606 | ||||||
Class I | ||||||||
Shares sold | – | 7,730,002 | ||||||
Dividends reinvested | 34,192 | 210,379 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | – | (7,688,156 | ) | |||||
Redemption fees | – | 20 | ||||||
Net increase from beneficial share transactions | 34,192 | 252,245 | ||||||
Class II | ||||||||
Shares sold | 4,916,566 | 2,121,691 | ||||||
Dividends reinvested | 154,142 | 67,028 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (780,033 | ) | (1,038,479 | ) | ||||
Redemption fees | 1,185 | 156 | ||||||
Net increase from beneficial share transactions | 4,291,860 | 1,150,396 | ||||||
Net increase in net assets | 5,577,969 | 2,781,617 | ||||||
NET ASSETS: | ||||||||
Beginning of period | 10,816,563 | 8,034,946 | ||||||
End of period | $ | 16,394,532 | $ | 10,816,563 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
12 | www.ddjcap.com |
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund | Statements of Cash Flows |
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||||
Net increase in net assets from operations | $ | 219,104 | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets from operations to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||
Purchases of investment securities | (7,896,415 | ) | ||
Proceeds from disposition of investment securities | 2,336,373 | |||
Amortization of premium and accretion of discount on investments | (8,739 | ) | ||
Net realized loss on investments | 415,907 | |||
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments | 25,026 | |||
(Increase)/Decrease in assets: | ||||
Interest receivable | (86,593 | ) | ||
Receivable due from adviser | 5,336 | |||
Prepaid expenses | 7,358 | |||
Increase/(Decrease) in liabilities: | ||||
Payable for 12b-1 fees | ||||
Class I | (147 | ) | ||
Class II | 1,566 | |||
Payable for administration and transfer agency fees | 14,040 | |||
Payable to trustees' fees and expenses | 350 | |||
Payable to Chief Compliance Officer fees | 2,459 | |||
Payable for professional fees | (7,744 | ) | ||
Other accrued expenses and other liabilities | (2,337 | ) | ||
Net cash used in operating activities | (4,974,456 | ) | ||
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||||
Proceeds from sale of shares | 6,177,288 | |||
Payment on shares redeemed | (783,833 | ) | ||
Cash distributions paid | (217,832 | ) | ||
Net cash provided by financing activities | 5,175,623 | |||
Net change in cash & cash equivalents | 201,167 | |||
Cash & cash equivalents, beginning of period | $ | 341,404 | ||
Cash & cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 542,571 | ||
Non-cash financing activities not included herein consist of reinvestment of distributions of: | $ | 421,769 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 13 |
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund | Financial Highlights |
Institutional Class | For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented |
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Year Ended September 30, 2018 | For the Year Ended September 30, 2017 | For the Year Ended September 30, 2016 | For the Period Ended September 30, 2015(a) | ||||||||||||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | $ | 9.53 | $ | 10.04 | $ | 9.84 | $ | 9.76 | $ | 10.00 | ||||||||||
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income(b) | 0.46 | 0.84 | 0.87 | 0.72 | 0.08 | |||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments | (0.36 | ) | (0.43 | ) | 0.33 | 0.06 | (0.26 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total from investment operations | 0.10 | 0.41 | 1.20 | 0.78 | (0.18 | ) | ||||||||||||||
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: | ||||||||||||||||||||
From net investment income | (0.44 | ) | (0.82 | ) | (0.89 | ) | (0.70 | ) | (0.06 | ) | ||||||||||
From net realized gains on investments | – | (0.10 | ) | (0.11 | ) | – | – | |||||||||||||
Total Distributions | (0.44 | ) | (0.92 | ) | (1.00 | ) | (0.70 | ) | (0.06 | ) | ||||||||||
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE | (0.34 | ) | (0.51 | ) | 0.20 | 0.08 | (0.24 | ) | ||||||||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD | $ | 9.19 | $ | 9.53 | $ | 10.04 | $ | 9.84 | $ | 9.76 | ||||||||||
TOTAL RETURN(c) | 1.21 | % | 4.26 | % | 12.73 | % | 8.41 | % | (1.77 | %) | ||||||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (in 000s) | $ | 10,157 | $ | 8,801 | $ | 7,101 | $ | 7,916 | $ | 2,968 | ||||||||||
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver | 3.37 | %(d) | 3.81 | % | 4.61 | % | 5.19 | % | 14.66 | %(d) | ||||||||||
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver | 0.79 | %(d) | 0.79 | % | 0.79 | % | 0.79 | % | 0.79 | %(d) | ||||||||||
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver | 10.05 | %(d) | 8.56 | % | 8.67 | % | 7.55 | % | 3.71 | %(d) | ||||||||||
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(e) | 18 | % | 147 | % | 86 | % | 72 | % | 4 | % |
(a) | Commenced operations on July 17, 2015. |
(b) | Calculated using the average shares method. |
(c) | Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. |
(d) | Annualized. |
(e) | Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
14 | www.ddjcap.com |
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund | Financial Highlights |
Class I | For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented |
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Year Ended September 30, 2018 | For the Year Ended September 30, 2017 | For the Year Ended September 30, 2016 | For the Period Ended September 30, 2015(a) | ||||||||||||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | $ | 9.54 | $ | 10.04 | $ | 9.84 | $ | 9.76 | $ | 10.00 | ||||||||||
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income(b) | 0.47 | 0.81 | 0.86 | 0.73 | 0.07 | |||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments | (0.37 | ) | (0.39 | ) | 0.33 | 0.05 | (0.24 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total from investment operations | 0.10 | 0.42 | 1.19 | 0.78 | (0.17 | ) | ||||||||||||||
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: | ||||||||||||||||||||
From net investment income | (0.44 | ) | (0.82 | ) | (0.88 | ) | (0.70 | ) | (0.07 | ) | ||||||||||
From net realized gains on investments | – | (0.10 | ) | (0.11 | ) | – | – | |||||||||||||
Total Distributions | (0.44 | ) | (0.92 | ) | (0.99 | ) | (0.70 | ) | (0.07 | ) | ||||||||||
REDEMPTION FEES ADDED TO PAID-IN-CAPITAL (Note 5) | – | 0.00 | (c) | – | – | – | ||||||||||||||
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE | (0.34 | ) | (0.50 | ) | 0.20 | 0.08 | (0.24 | ) | ||||||||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD | $ | 9.20 | $ | 9.54 | $ | 10.04 | $ | 9.84 | $ | 9.76 | ||||||||||
TOTAL RETURN(d) | 1.20 | % | 4.42 | % | 12.63 | % | 8.43 | % | (1.76 | %) | ||||||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (in 000s) | $ | 731 | $ | 723 | $ | 732 | $ | 650 | $ | 98 | ||||||||||
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver | 3.34 | %(e) | 3.04 | % | 4.63 | % | 5.10 | % | 14.74 | %(e) | ||||||||||
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver | 0.75 | %(e)(f) | 0.79 | %(f) | 0.80 | %(f) | 0.89 | % | 0.89 | %(e) | ||||||||||
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver | 10.06 | %(e) | 8.29 | % | 8.66 | % | 7.55 | % | 3.47 | %(e) | ||||||||||
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(g) | 18 | % | 147 | % | 86 | % | 72 | % | 4 | % |
(a) | Commenced operations on July 17, 2015. |
(b) | Calculated using the average shares method. |
(c) | Less than $0.005 per share. |
(d) | Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. |
(e) | Annualized. |
(f) | According to the Fund's shareholder services plan with respect to the Fund's Class I shares, any amount of such payment not paid during the Fund's fiscal year for such services activities shall be reimbursed to the Fund as soon as practical after the end of the fiscal year. Fees were reimbursed to the Fund during the period ended March 31, 2019 and the years ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, in the |
amounts of 0.14%, 0.10% and 0.09% of average net assets of Class I shares. | |
(g) | Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 15 |
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund | Financial Highlights |
Class II | For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Periods Presented |
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Year Ended September 30, 2018 | For the Year Ended September 30, 2017 | For the Year Ended September 30, 2016 | For the Period Ended September 30, 2015(a) | ||||||||||||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | $ | 9.55 | $ | 10.04 | $ | 9.83 | $ | 9.76 | $ | 10.00 | ||||||||||
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income(b) | 0.45 | 0.79 | 0.84 | 0.68 | 0.07 | |||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments | (0.36 | ) | (0.41 | ) | 0.32 | 0.06 | (0.25 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total from investment operations | 0.09 | 0.38 | 1.16 | 0.74 | (0.18 | ) | ||||||||||||||
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: | ||||||||||||||||||||
From net investment income | (0.42 | ) | (0.77 | ) | (0.84 | ) | (0.67 | ) | (0.06 | ) | ||||||||||
From net realized gains on investments | – | (0.10 | ) | (0.11 | ) | – | – | |||||||||||||
Total Distributions | (0.42 | ) | (0.87 | ) | (0.95 | ) | (0.67 | ) | (0.06 | ) | ||||||||||
REDEMPTION FEES ADDED TO PAID-IN-CAPITAL (Note 5) | 0.00 | (c) | 0.00 | (c) | – | – | – | |||||||||||||
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE | (0.33 | ) | (0.49 | ) | 0.21 | 0.07 | (0.24 | ) | ||||||||||||
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD | $ | 9.22 | $ | 9.55 | $ | 10.04 | $ | 9.83 | $ | 9.76 | ||||||||||
TOTAL RETURN(d) | 1.04 | % | 3.97 | % | 12.38 | % | 8.06 | % | (1.80 | %) | ||||||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (in 000s) | $ | 5,506 | $ | 1,292 | $ | 201 | $ | 106 | $ | 98 | ||||||||||
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver | 3.59 | %(e) | 3.83 | % | 4.86 | % | 6.18 | % | 14.99 | %(e) | ||||||||||
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver | 1.14 | %(e)(f) | 1.08 | %(f) | 1.05 | %(f) | 1.14 | % | 1.14 | %(e) | ||||||||||
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver | 9.87 | %(e) | 8.16 | % | 8.41 | % | 7.15 | % | 3.22 | %(e) | ||||||||||
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(g) | 18 | % | 147 | % | 86 | % | 72 | % | 4 | % |
(a) | Commenced operations on July 17, 2015. |
(b) | Calculated using the average shares method. |
(c) | Less than $0.005 per share. |
(d) | Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. |
(e) | Annualized. |
(f) | According to the Fund's shareholder services plan with respect to the Fund's Class II shares, any amount of such payment not paid during the Fund's fiscal year for such services activities shall be reimbursed to the Fund as soon as practical after the end of the fiscal year. Fees were reimbursed to the Fund during the period ended March 31, 2019 and the years ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, in the amounts of 0.00%, 0.06% and 0.09% of average net assets of Class II shares. |
(g) | Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
16 | www.ddjcap.com |
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
1. ORGANIZATION
ALPS Series Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust consists of multiple separate portfolios or series. This semi-annual report describes the DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund (the “Fund”). The Fund is diversified, and its primary investment objective is overall total return consisting of a high level of current income together with long-term capital appreciation. The Fund currently offers Class I shares, Class II shares and Institutional Class shares. Each share class has identical rights to earnings, assets and voting privileges, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) may establish additional funds and classes of shares at any time in the future without shareholder approval.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for investment companies (“U.S. GAAP”). The Fund is considered an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies in the Financial Accounting Standards BoardAccounting Standards Codification Topic 946. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in preparation of its financial statements.
Investment Valuation:The Fund generally values its securities based on market prices determined at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading.
For equity securities and mutual funds that are traded on an exchange, the market price is usually the closing sale or official closing price on that exchange. In the case of equity securities not traded on an exchange, or if such closing prices are not otherwise available, the securities are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and ask prices on such day.
The market price for debt obligations is generally the price supplied by an independent third-party pricing service approved by the Board, which may use a matrix, formula or other objective method that takes into consideration quotations from dealers, market transactions in comparable investments, market indices and yield curves. If vendors are unable to supply a price, or if the price supplied is deemed to be unreliable, the market price may be determined using quotations received from one or more broker-dealers that make a market in the security.
Loans are primarily valued by using a composite loan price from a nationally recognized loan pricing service. The methodology used by the Fund’s nationally recognized loan pricing provider for composite loan prices is to value loans at the mean of the bid and ask prices from one or more third party pricing services or dealers.
Redeemable securities issued by open-end registered investment companies are valued at the investment company’s applicable NAV, with the exception of exchange-traded open-end investment companies, which are priced as equity securities.
When such prices or quotations are not available, or when the Fair Value Committee appointed by the Board believes that they are unreliable, securities may be priced using fair value procedures approved by the Board.
Fair Value Measurements:The Fund discloses the classification of its fair value measurements following a three-tier hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on the best information available.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 17 |
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments as of the end of the reporting period. When inputs used fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The designated input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with these investments. These inputs are categorized in the following hierarchy under applicable financial accounting standards:
Level 1 – | Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments, unrestricted assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date; | |
Level 2 – | Quoted prices which are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable (either directly or indirectly); and | |
Level 3 – | Significant unobservable prices or inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date. |
The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of March 31, 2019:
DDJ OPPORTUNISTIC HIGH YIELD FUND
Investments in Securities at Value* | Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices | Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs | Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs | Total | ||||||||||||
Common Stocks | ||||||||||||||||
Consumer Discretionary | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 62,887 | $ | 62,887 | ||||||||
Materials | – | – | 254,065 | 254,065 | ||||||||||||
Bank Loans | ||||||||||||||||
Communications | – | 365,375 | 180,000 | 545,375 | ||||||||||||
Consumer Discretionary | – | 40,689 | – | 40,689 | ||||||||||||
Consumer, Cyclical | – | 569,755 | 189,050 | 758,805 | ||||||||||||
Consumer, Non-cyclical | – | 827,023 | 682,968 | 1,509,991 | ||||||||||||
Financials | – | 716,382 | 84,375 | 800,757 | ||||||||||||
Health Care | – | 79,089 | 172,959 | 252,048 | ||||||||||||
Industrials | – | 629,224 | – | 629,224 | ||||||||||||
Materials | – | – | 6,990 | 6,990 | ||||||||||||
Technology | – | 895,010 | 47,375 | 942,385 | ||||||||||||
High Yield Bonds and Notes | ||||||||||||||||
Basic Materials | – | 765,139 | – | 765,139 | ||||||||||||
Communications | – | 1,051,049 | – | 1,051,049 | ||||||||||||
Consumer, Cyclical | – | 983,875 | 105,000 | 1,088,875 | ||||||||||||
Consumer, Non-cyclical | – | 2,140,341 | 422,861 | 2,563,202 | ||||||||||||
Energy | – | 971,775 | – | 971,775 | ||||||||||||
Financial | – | 499,200 | – | 499,200 | ||||||||||||
Financials | – | 954,675 | – | 954,675 | ||||||||||||
Industrial | – | 885,650 | – | 885,650 | ||||||||||||
Industrials | – | 592,472 | 107,945 | 700,417 | ||||||||||||
Materials | – | 362,700 | 328,182 | 690,882 | ||||||||||||
Technology | – | 138,400 | – | 138,400 | ||||||||||||
Warrant | ||||||||||||||||
Materials | – | – | 35,473 | 35,473 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | – | $ | 13,467,823 | $ | 2,680,130 | $ | 16,147,953 |
18 | www.ddjcap.com |
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
The Fund recognizes transfers between levels as of the end of the period. For the six months ended March 31, 2019, the Fund did not have any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 securities. The following is a reconciliation of assets in which Level 3 inputs were used in determining value:
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund | Common Stocks | Bank Loans | High Yield Bonds And Notes | Warrant | Total | |||||||||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2018 | $ | 376,551 | $ | 1,751,283 | $ | 550,445 | $ | 19,532 | $ | 2,697,811 | ||||||||||
Accrued discount/ premium | – | 1,723 | 1,115 | – | 2,838 | |||||||||||||||
Realized Gain/(Loss) | – | 3 | – | 22,288 | 22,291 | |||||||||||||||
Change in Unrealized Appreciation/(Depreciation) | (122,133 | ) | (12,444 | ) | (1,292 | ) | 19,816 | (116,053 | ) | |||||||||||
Purchases | 62,534 | 482,363 | 425,538 | – | 970,435 | |||||||||||||||
Sales Proceeds | – | (2,979 | ) | (11,818 | ) | (26,163 | ) | (40,960 | ) | |||||||||||
Transfer into Level 3 | – | 131,750 | – | – | 131,750 | |||||||||||||||
Transfer out of Level 3 | – | (987,982 | ) | – | – | (987,982 | ) | |||||||||||||
Balance as of March 31, 2019 | $ | 316,952 | $ | 1,363,717 | $ | 963,988 | $ | 35,473 | $ | 2,680,130 | ||||||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) included in the Statement of Operations attributable to Level 3 investments held at March 31, 2019 | $ | (122,133 | ) | $ | (22,754 | ) | $ | (1,292 | ) | $ | 19,816 | $ | (126,363 | ) |
Information about Level 3 measurements as of March 31, 2019:
Asset Class | Market Value | Valuation Technique(s) | Unobservable Input(s)(a) | Value/Range | ||||||
Common Stock | $ | 316,952 | Market Analysis, Discounted Cash Flow Analysis | Discount Rate, EBITDA Multiple | 13.4%-15.8%/4.75x-7.5x | |||||
Bank Loans | $ | 1,176,727 | Third-Party Vendor Pricing Service | Vendor Quotes | N/A | |||||
Bank Loans | $ | 186,990 | Market Analysis | Market Data of Similar Companies | N/A | |||||
High Yield Bonds | $ | 963,988 | Market Analysis | Market Data of Similar Companies | N/A | |||||
Warrants | $ | 35,473 | Market Analysis, Discounted Cash Flow Analysis | Discount Rate, EBITDA Multiple | 12.4%/6.87x |
(a) A change to the unobservable input may result in a significant change to the value of the investment as follows:
Unobservable Input | Impact to Value if Input Increases | Impact to Value if Input Decreases |
Market Data of Similar Companies | Increase | Decrease |
Vendor Quotes | Increase | Decrease |
Discount Rate | Decrease | Increase |
EBITDA Multiple | Increase | Decrease |
Intrinsic Value | Increase | Decrease |
Cash & Cash Equivalents: The Fund considers its investment in a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insured interest bearing account to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus any accrued interest. The Fund maintains cash balances, which, at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Fund maintains these balances with a high quality financial institution.
Concentration of Credit Risk:The Fund places its cash with a banking institution, which is insured by FDIC. The FDIC limit is $250,000. At various times throughout the year, the amount on deposit may exceed the FDIC limit and subject the Fund to a credit risk. The Fund does not believe that such deposits are subject to any unusual risk associated with investment activities.
Trust Expenses:Some expenses of the Trust can be directly attributed to the Fund. Expenses that cannot be directly attributed to the Fund are apportioned among all funds in the Trust based on average net assets of each fund, including Trustees’ fees and expenses.
Fund Expenses:Some expenses can be directly attributed to the Fund and are apportioned among the classes based on average net assets of each class.
Class Expenses:Expenses that are specific to a class of shares are charged directly to that share class. Fees provided under the distribution (Rule 12b-1) and/or shareholder service plans for a particular class of the Fund are charged to the operations of such class.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 19 |
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Federal Income Taxes:The Fund complies with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and intends to distribute substantially all of its net taxable income and net capital gains, if any, each year so that it will not be subject to excise tax on undistributed income and gains. The Fund is not subject to income taxes to the extent such distributions are made.
As of and during the six months ended March 31, 2019, the Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying financial statements. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to tax liabilities as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. The Fund files U.S. federal, state and local income tax returns as required. The Fund’s tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return for federal purposes and four years for most state returns. The Fund’s administrator has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years and has concluded that as of March 31, 2019, no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements related to these tax positions.
Investment Transactions and Investment Income:Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the investments are purchased or sold (trade date basis) for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are reported on an identified cost basis. Interest income, which includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, is accrued and recorded as earned using the effective yield method. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date, or for certain foreign securities, as soon as information is available to the Fund. All of the realized and unrealized gains and losses and net investment income are allocated daily to each class in proportion to its average daily net assets.
Distributions to Shareholders:The Fund normally pays dividends, if any, monthly, and distributes capital gains, if any, on an annual basis. Income dividend distributions are derived from interest and other income the Fund receives from its investments, including short term capital gains. Long term capital gain distributions are derived from gains realized when the Fund sells a security it has owned for more than one year. The Fund may make additional distributions and dividends at other times if its investment advisor has determined that doing so may be necessary for the Fund to avoid or reduce taxes. Net investment income/(loss) and net realized gain/(loss) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes.
Loan Assignments:The Fund acquires loans via loan assignments. The Fund considers loans acquired via assignment to be investments in debt instruments. When the Fund purchases loans from lenders via assignment, the Fund will acquire direct rights against the borrower on the loan except that under certain circumstances such rights may be more limited than those held by the assigning lender.
Loans and debt instruments are subject to credit risk. Credit risk relates to the ability of the borrower under such fixed income instruments to make interest and principal payments as they become due.
As of March 31, 2019, the Fund held $5,486,264, or 33.47% of the Fund’s net assets, in loans acquired via assignment.
Liquidity Risk:Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are difficult to sell. The Fund may not be able to sell these investments at the best prices or at the value the Fund places on them. In such a market, the value of such investments, and as a result the Fund’s share price, may fall dramatically, even during periods of declining interest rates. Investments that are illiquid or that trade in lower volumes may be more difficult to value. The market for high yield securities in particular may be less liquid than higher quality fixed income securities, and therefore these securities may be harder to value or sell at an acceptable price, especially during times of market volatility or decline.
Restricted securities:Restricted securities are securities that may only be resold upon registration under federal securities laws or in transactions exempt from such registration. In some cases, the issuer of restricted securities has agreed to register such securities for resale, at the issuer’s expense, either upon demand by a fund or in connection with another registered offering of the securities. Many restricted securities may be resold in the secondary market in transactions exempt from registration. Such restricted securities may be determined to be liquid. The Fund will not incur any registration costs upon such resale. The Fund’s restricted securities are valued at the price provided by pricing services or dealers in the secondary market or, if no market prices are available, at the fair value price as determined by the Fund’s Adviser or pursuant to the Fund’s fair value policy, subject to oversight by the Board. The Fund has acquired certain securities, the sale of which is restricted under applicable provisions of the Securities Act of 1933. It is possible that the fair value price may differ significantly from the amount that may ultimately be realized in the near term, and the difference could be material.
20 | www.ddjcap.com |
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
The below securities restricted from resale as of March 31, 2019:
Acquisition Date | Shares or Principal Amount | Amortized Cost | Fair Value | |||||||||||
American Tire Distributor (Common Stock) | 12/21/18 | 2,940 | $ | 62,534 | $ | 62,887 | ||||||||
Material Sciences Corp. FLT% or PIK 2.00% 01/09/2024 | 7/9/18 | 107,945 | $ | 107,945 | $ | 107,945 | ||||||||
Material Sciences Corp., Strike Price: $0.01, Expires 12/22/2036 (Warrants) | 12/22/16 | 3,369 | $ | 5,988 | $ | 35,473 | ||||||||
Real Alloy Holding, Inc. (Common Stock) | 5/31/18 | 3 | $ | 103,329 | $ | 112,496 | ||||||||
Real Alloy Holding, Inc. 3M US L + 10.00% or PIK L + 12.00%, 1.00% Floor 11/28/2023 | 5/31/18 | 118,182 | $ | 118,182 | $ | 118,182 | ||||||||
Sportnet 10.250% 01/15/2025 | 12/27/17 | 100,000 | $ | 98,694 | $ | 105,000 | ||||||||
Specialty Steel Holdco, Inc. (Common Stock) | 11/15/17 | 1 | $ | 133,875 | $ | 141,569 | ||||||||
Specialty Steel Holdco, Inc. 11.620% 11/15/2022 | 11/15/17 | 210,000 | $ | 210,000 | $ | 210,000 |
Restricted securities under Rule 144A, including the aggregate value and percentage of net assets of the Fund, have been identified in the Portfolio of Investments.
3. TAX BASIS INFORMATION
Tax Basis of Distributions to Shareholders:The character of distributions made during the period from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Also, due to the timing of dividend distributions, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the fiscal year in which the income or realized gain were recorded by the Fund. The amounts and characteristics of tax basis distributions are estimated at the time of distribution and composition of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) are finalized at fiscal year-end. Accordingly, tax basis balances have not been determined as of the date of the semi-annual report.
The tax character of distributions paid by the Fund for the fiscal years ended September 30 were as follows:
Distributions Paid From: | 2018 | 2017 | ||||||
Ordinary Income | $ | 982,156 | $ | 762,130 | ||||
Capital Gains | 15,755 | – | ||||||
Total | $ | 997,911 | $ | 762,130 |
Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation on Investments:As of March 31, 2019, the aggregate costs of investments, gross unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) and net unrealized appreciation for Federal tax purposes were as follows:
Gross unrealized appreciation (excess of value over tax cost) | $ | 197,245 | ||
Gross unrealized depreciation (excess of tax cost over value) | (370,719 | ) | ||
Net unrealized appreciation | (173,474 | ) | ||
Cost of investments for income tax purposes | $ | 16,321,427 |
4. SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of securities, excluding short-term securities, during the six months ended March 31, 2019 were as follows:
Purchases of Securities | Proceeds from Sales of Securities | |||||||
$ | 8,569,477 | $ | 2,336,554 |
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 21 |
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
5. BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
The capitalization of the Trust consists of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with no par value per share. Holders of the shares of the Fund have one vote for each share held and a proportionate fraction of a vote for each fractional share. All shares issued and outstanding are fully paid and are transferable and redeemable at the option of the shareholder. Shares have no pre-emptive rights. Neither the Fund nor any of its creditors has the right to require shareholders to pay any additional amounts solely because the shareholder owns the shares.
Shares redeemed within 60 days of purchase may incur a 1.00% short-term redemption fee deducted from the redemption amount. For the six months ended March 31, 2019, the redemption fees charged by the Fund, if any, are presented in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.
Transactions in common shares were as follows: | ||||||||
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Year Ended September 30, 2018 | |||||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||
Shares sold | 157,579 | 164,309 | ||||||
Dividends reinvested | 25,550 | 68,135 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (544 | ) | (16,270 | ) | ||||
Net increase in shares outstanding | 182,585 | 216,174 | ||||||
Class I | ||||||||
Shares sold | – | 779,553 | ||||||
Dividends reinvested | 3,739 | 21,650 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | – | (798,363 | ) | |||||
Net increase in shares outstanding | 3,739 | 2,840 | ||||||
Class II | ||||||||
Shares sold | 530,691 | 216,025 | ||||||
Dividends reinvested | 16,873 | 6,921 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (85,368 | ) | (107,689 | ) | ||||
Net increase in shares outstanding | 462,196 | 115,257 |
Control is defined by the 1940 Act as the beneficial ownership, either directly or through one or more controlled companies, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a company. Approximately 59% of the shares outstanding are held by one omnibus account of shareholders of record. Share transaction activities of these shareholders could have a material impact on the Fund.
6. MANAGEMENT AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Investment Advisory:DDJ Capital Management, LLC (“DDJ” or the “Adviser”), subject to the authority of the Board, is responsible for the overall management and administration of the Fund’s business affairs. The Adviser manages the investments of the Fund in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective, policies and limitations and investment guidelines established jointly by the Adviser and the Board.
Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser, the Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee of 0.70% based on the Fund’s average daily net assets. The management fee is paid on a monthly basis. The Board may extend the Advisory Agreement for additional one-year terms. The Board and the shareholders of the Fund may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 30 days’ written notice. The Adviser may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 60 days’ written notice.
Pursuant to a fee waiver letter agreement (the “Fee Waiver Agreement”), the Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the amount of the Fund’s Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses, exclusive of Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees, Shareholder Servicing expenses, acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage expenses, interest expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses, to 0.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets of each of the Institutional Class, Class I and Class II shares. The Fee Waiver Agreement is in effect through January 31, 2020. The Adviser will be permitted to recover, on a class-by-class basis, expenses it has borne through the Fee Waiver Agreement only to the extent that the Fund's expenses in later periods do not exceed the lesser of: (1) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser waives or limits the expenses; or (2) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser seeks to recover the expenses; provided, however, that the Fund will not be obligated to reimburse any such expenses borne by the Adviser more than three years after the date on which the fee or expense was waived or limited or assumed and paid by the Adviser, as calculated on a monthly basis. The Adviser may not discontinue this waiver without the approval by the Trust's Board. Fees waived or reimbursed for the six months ended March 31, 2019 are disclosed in the Statement of Operations.
22 | www.ddjcap.com |
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
As of March 31, 2019, the balance of recoupable expenses was as follows:
Expiring in 2019 | Expiring in 2020 | Expiring in 2021 | Expiring in 2022 | |||||||||||||
Institutional Class | $ | 156,461 | $ | 267,174 | $ | 234,535 | $ | 115,552 | ||||||||
Class I | 11,885 | 26,613 | 54,953 | 9,274 | ||||||||||||
Class II | 1,942 | 4,896 | 21,371 | 43,024 |
Such amounts include waived advisory fees (with respect to each of the aforementioned three Classes of the Fund's shares) of $50,807, $2,595 and $694, respectively expiring in 2019; $48,952, $4,857 and $899, respectively expiring in 2020; and $54,305, $17,070 and $5,464, respectively expiring in 2021. For the six months ended March 31, 2019, the fee waivers and/or reimbursements were $115,552, $9,274 and $43,024 for the Institutional Class, Class I shares and Class II shares, respectively. This includes waived advisory fees of $31,281, $2,498 and $12,291, respectively.
Administrator:ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS”) (an affiliate of ALPS Distributors, Inc.) serves as administrator to the Fund. The Fund has agreed to pay expenses incurred in connection with its administrative activities. Pursuant to the Administration, Bookkeeping and Pricing Services Agreement with the Trust, ALPS will provide operational services to the Fund including, but not limited to, fund accounting and fund administration, and will generally assist in the Fund’s operations. The Fund’s administration fee is accrued on a daily basis and paid monthly. The officers and an Interested Trustee of the Trust are employees of ALPS. Administration fees paid by the Fund for the six months ended March 31, 2019 are disclosed in the Statement of Operations.
ALPS is reimbursed by the Fund for certain out of pocket expenses.
Transfer Agent:ALPS serves as transfer agent for the Fund under a Transfer Agency and Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Fund plus fees for open accounts and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.
Compliance Services:ALPS provides services as the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer to monitor and test the policies and procedures of the Fund in conjunction with requirements under Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act pursuant to a Chief Compliance Officer Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Fund and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.
Distribution:ALPS Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”) (an affiliate of ALPS) acts as the principal underwriter of the Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with the Trust. Shares of the Fund are offered on a continuous basis through the Distributor, as agent of the Fund. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any particular amount of shares and is not entitled to any compensation for its services as the Fund’s principal underwriter pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.
The Fund has adopted a Distribution and Services Plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for its Class II shares. The Plan allows the Fund to use Class II assets to pay fees in connection with the distribution and marketing of Class II shares and/or the provision of shareholder services to Class II shareholders. The Plan permits payment for services in connection with the administration of plans or programs that use Class II shares of the Fund, if any, as their funding medium and for related expenses. The Plan permits the Fund to make total payments at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to its Class II shares. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s Class II assets, if any, on an ongoing basis, over time they will increase the cost of an investment in the Class II shares, if any, and Class II Plan fees may cost an investor more than other types of sales charges. Plan fees are shown as distribution and service fees on the Statement of Operations.
The Fund has adopted a shareholder services plan (“Shareholder Services Plan”) with respect to the Fund’s Class I and Class II shares. Under the Shareholder Services Plan, the Fund is authorized to pay banks and their affiliates and other institutions, including broker-dealers and Fund affiliates (“Participating Organizations”), an aggregate fee in an amount not to exceed on an annual basis 0.15% of the average daily net asset value of the Class I shares and Class II shares, respectively, attributable to or held in the name of a Participating Organization for its clients as compensation for providing shareholder service activities, which do not include distribution services, pursuant to an agreement with a Participating Organization. Shareholder Services Plan fees are included with distribution and service fees on the Statement of Operations. The Fund's Class I and Class II Shareholder Services Plan fees are currently accruing at 0.10% of the average daily net asset value of each share class, respectively, on an annual basis.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 23 |
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
7. TRUSTEES
As of March 31, 2019, there were four Trustees, three of whom are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”). Effective October 1, 2018, the Independent Trustees of the Trust will receive a quarterly retainer of $8,000, plus $4,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair will receive a quarterly retainer of $1,250 and the Independent Chair will receive a quarterly retainer of $2,500. Previously, the Independent Trustees of the Trust received a quarterly retainer of $6,000, plus $4,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair received a quarterly retainer of $1,250 and the Independent Chair received a quarterly retainer of $2,500. The Independent Trustees are also reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings.
8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Fund may make commitments pursuant to bridge loan facilities. In this case, such commitments typically remain off balance sheet as it is more likely than not, based on the good faith judgement of the Adviser, that such bridge facility will not ever fund. At March 31, 2019, the Fund has $320,000 in bridge facility commitments.
9. INDEMNIFICATIONS
Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts with service providers that may contain general indemnification clauses which may permit indemnification to the extent permissible under applicable law. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as such exposure would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.
10. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, which changes the fair value measurement disclosure requirements of FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. The update to Topic 820 includes new, eliminated, and modified disclosure requirements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods. Early adoption is permitted for any eliminated or modified disclosures. The Fund has elected to early adopt the eliminated and modified disclosures effective with the financial statements prepared as of March 31, 2019.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities, which provides guidance related to the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities purchased at a premium. Specifically, it requires the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Fund has adopted and applied ASU 2017-08 on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the beginning of the period of adoption. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2017-08, as of January 1, 2019, the amortized cost basis of investments was reduced by $7,933 and unrealized appreciation of investments was increased by $7,933. The adoption of ASU 2017-08 has no impact on beginning net assets, the current period results from operations, or any prior period information presented in the financial statements. Management has evaluated the impact of this ASU and has adopted the changes into these financial statements.
11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Subsequent events after the date of the Statements of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that there were no subsequent events to report through the issuance of these financial statements.
24 | www.ddjcap.com |
DDJ Opportunistic High Yield Fund | Additional Information |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
1. PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND VOTING RECORD
A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, (i) by calling the Fund (toll-free) at 1-844-363-4898 or (ii) on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) at http://www.sec.gov.
Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund (toll-free) at 1-844-363-4898 or (ii) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
2. PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 25 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Shareholder Letter | 1 |
Portfolio Update | 6 |
Disclosure of Fund Expenses | 8 |
Consolidated Portfolio of Investments | 9 |
Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 18 |
Consolidated Statement of Operations | 19 |
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets | 20 |
Consolidated Financial Highlights | 22 |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 29 |
Additional Information | 43 |
Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), paper copies of the Insignia Macro Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Fund’s website at www.insigniafunds.com, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.
Beginning on January 1, 2019, you may, notwithstanding the availability of shareholder reports online, elect to receive all future shareholder reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. If you invest directly with a Fund, you can call 1-855-674-4642 to let the Fund know you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports.
If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from a Fund electronically anytime by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by enrolling at www.insigniafunds.com.
Insignia Macro Fund | Shareholder Letter |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Market Summary
For the six month period-ended March 31, 2019, global capital markets generally moved higher. Investors have been heavily focused on implications of monetary policy from global central banks. The U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) made a large shift to monetary policy in January as they noted slower than anticipated growth. Inflation data also weakened in January and fell further from the Fed’s 2% target. As a result of the slower growth and inflation, the Fed expressed that they would likely be patient with further interest rate hikes. In addition, the Fed indicated they expect to finish the balance sheet unwind in either the third or fourth quarter of 2019. Other central banks including the European Central Bank (“ECB”) and the Bank of Japan (“BOJ”) continue to have accommodative monetary policies.
Commodities have performed better in the first quarter of 2019 as risk assets have rebounded. WTI crude oil has been one of the better performing commodities as OPEC compliance has remained strong and oil inventories have drifted lower. U.S. equities have outperformed thus far in 2019 as the U.S. economy has been viewed as more stable than many European and Asia economies. Emerging markets equities have lagged U.S. equities as economic data out of Asia has been softer than many investors had expected. In fixed income, bond indices in the U.S. have moved higher as the Fed has turned more dovish. Bond indices in the U.K. and Europe have performed generally in-line with U.S bonds. To the surprise of many investors, emerging markets currencies have outperformed developed market currencies thus far in 2019.
Fund Overview
The Insignia Macro Fund (the “Fund”) allocates to managers across a broad spectrum of global macro/managed futures strategies. These managers include traders who employ a quantitative approach, discretionary macro managers whose top-down global economic analysis drives their trading themes and momentum-based trend followers. The Fund’s primary underlying exposures are in very liquid markets including commodities, currencies, equities and fixed income. The Fund’s objective is long-term risk-adjusted total return. As such, the Fund is designed to complement investors’ existing investment portfolios.
The Fund provides global macro/managed futures exposure through investments in Commodity Trading Advisors (CTAs). As mentioned, we generally invest in three sub-strategies of managers: quantitative, discretionary macro and trend followers. As of March 31, 2019, the quantitative, factor-based managers made up 68.60% of the Fund. These managers take positions that are not solely based on price. They may look at economic data and other factors in determining which markets and direction in which they trade. As of March 31, 2019, the discretionary macro managers made up 35.67% of the Fund. The managers take positions based on their current views of global economic activity. As of March 31, 2019, the Fund does not have an allocation to trend following managers. Trend following managers tend to be price-based and take positions as their trading models identify trends over various time periods. We view the current macroeconomic environment to be challenging for trend following managers. We will continue to evaluate the current environment and will look to allocate to trend following managers when we believe the environment becomes more favorable.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 1 |
Insignia Macro Fund | Shareholder Letter |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Global Macro/Managed Futures Strategy Exposure
The global macro/managed futures managers are selected by Meritage Capital, LLC (the “Adviser”) to gain exposure to the global macro/managed futures managers, sub strategies and programs are subject to change at any time, and any such change may alter the Fund’s access and percentage exposures to each such manager, sub-strategy and program. Although the Fund intends to pursue its global macro/managed futures strategy by investing up to 25% of its total assets in a wholly-owned subsidiary, the Fund may also make global macro/managed futures investments directly, outside of such subsidiary.
Performance Review
For the six month period-ended March 31, 2019, the Insignia Macro Fund (I Shares) return was -0.79% while the HFRI Macro (Total) Index returned -0.70%. Across the Fund, three of the four managers reported positive performance for the six month period-ended March 31, 2019. The primary detractor to the Fund’s performance was Quantitative Investment Management (QIM), down -9.83%. The largest contributor to the Fund’s positive performance was Millburn Commodity Program, earning +6.50%. Also noteworthy, H2O Asset Management returned +4.44%.
Our managers have done a good job navigating the macroeconomic environment over the last 6 months as volatility returned to the global markets late in 2018. The volatility in the fourth quarter of 2018 provided an opportunity for our managers to take advantage of the dislocation and outperform the S&P 500 Index which finished the fourth quarter down -13.52%. Three out of four of our managers posted positive performance in the fourth quarter of 2018. This performance was consistent with our expectations that global macro managers should provide diversification during times of broader market volatility.
Market Outlook
We have seen volatility return to global markets over the last 6 months which has increased investor appetite for global macro exposure. We believe the combination of dispersion in economic data across geographies and geopolitical risk in global markets has created a more favorable environment for macro strategies. Looking ahead, we anticipate that there will be more volatility across markets, which should bode well for both systematic and discretionary strategies within the Fund.
2 | www.insigniafunds.com |
Insignia Macro Fund | Shareholder Letter |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
As of March 31, 2019, the Fund’s composition remains diversified primarily across a complementary roster of quantitative and discretionary macro managers. We have conviction in our current manager roster, and are continuing to monitor our investable universe and look for interesting opportunities across both discretionary and quantitative strategies.
We believe the Insignia Macro Fund is well-positioned as we look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead across the investment landscape. We remain focused on our mission of compounding wealth through delivering superior, risk-adjusted returns. Thank you for your continuing support and for investing in the Insignia Macro Fund.
Sincerely, | |
Joe Wade
Chief Investment Officer
Portfolio Manager
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 3 |
Insignia Macro Fund | Shareholder Letter |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Advice, articles and commentary included herein do not constitute an opinion and are not intended or written to be used, and they cannot be used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer.
Performance may vary based on fees specific to the share class in which you are invested, timing of your investment and high-water marks. More information is available upon request.
The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) was developed by and is the exclusive property of MSCI and Standard & Poor’s. “Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS), “GICS” and “GICS Direct” are service marks of Standard & Poor’s and MSCI . “GICS” is a trademark of MSCI and Standard & Poor’s.
BLOOMBERG is a trademark and service mark of Bloomberg Finance L.P.
Definitions of statistics and indices used are below. An investor cannot invest directly into an index.
A Commodity Trading Advisor (CTA) is a US financial regulatory term for an individual or organization who is retained by a fund or individual client to provide advice and services related to trading in futures contracts, commodity options and/or swaps.
Deleveraging is when a company or individual attempts to decrease its total financial leverage. The most direct way for an entity to deleverage is to immediately pay off any existing debt on its balance sheet. If unable to do this, the company or individual may be in a position that increases its risk of default.
Discretionary Macro Strategy deploys directional positions at the asset class level to express a positive or negative top-down view on a market, using a methodology that applies priced-based trend-following algorithms to the trading of futures contracts. Of all of the strategies, discretionary macro provides the most flexibility, including the ability to express either long or short views, across any asset class, and in any region.
Quantitative Strategy uses computer-based models to inform investor decisions on whether to buy or sell securities. This strategy offers de-correlation benefits in that managers are not stock picking and instead relying on a computer's dispassionate assessment of price and value criteria.
Standard Deviation is the measure of dispersion of a set of data from its mean. It measures the absolute variability of a distribution; the higher the dispersion or variability, the greater is the standard deviation and greater will be the magnitude of the deviation of the value from their mean.
Trend-Following Strategy seeks to capitalize on momentum or price trends across global asset classes by taking either long or short positions as a trend is underway. Price trends are created when investors are slow to act on new information or sell prematurely and hold on to losing investments to long. Price trends continue when investors continue to buy an investment that is going up in price or sell an investment that is going down in price.
Volatility is a statistical measure of the dispersion of returns for a given security or market index. Volatility can either be measured by using the standard deviation or variance between returns from that same security or market index. Commonly, the higher the volatility, the riskier the security.
Diversification does not eliminate the risk of experiencing investment losses.
The views and information discussed in this commentary are as of the date of publication, are subject to change, and may not reflect the writer’s current views. The views expressed are those of the Fund’s adviser only, and represent an assessment of market conditions at a specific point in time, are opinions only and should not be relied upon as investment advice regarding a particular investment or markets in general. Such information does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell specific securities or investment vehicles. It should not be assumed that any investment will be profitable or will equal the performance of the fund(s) or any securities or any sectors mentioned in this letter. The subject matter contained in this letter has been derived from several sources believed to be reliable and accurate at the time of compilation. Neither the Fund nor the Adviser accepts any liability for losses either direct or consequential caused by the use of this information.
4 | www.insigniafunds.com |
Insignia Macro Fund | Shareholder Letter |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Not FDIC Insured – No Bank Guarantee – May Lose Value
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
ALPS Distributors, Inc. is not affiliated with Meritage Capital, LLC or Sage Advisory Services, Ltd.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 5 |
Insignia Macro Fund | Portfolio Update |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Average Annual Total Returns (as of March 31, 2019)
3 Month | 6 Month | 1 Year | 3 Year | 5 Year | Since Inception* | |
Insignia Macro Fund - Class A - NAV | -2.14% | -0.56% | 0.79% | -1.39% | 0.65% | 0.50% |
Insignia Macro Fund - Class A - LOAD | -7.52% | -6.02% | -4.71% | -3.24% | -0.49% | -0.57% |
Insignia Macro Fund - Class I - NAV | -2.14% | -0.49% | 0.87% | -1.32% | 0.71% | 0.56% |
HFRI Macro (Total) Index(a) | 2.90% | 0.52% | 0.28% | 0.11% | 1.28% | 1.16% |
S&P 500® Total Return Index(b) | 13.65% | -1.72% | 9.50% | 13.51% | 10.91% | 10.75% |
The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and value of the Fund shares will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Fund performance current to the most recent month-end is available by calling (855) 674-4642 or by visiting www.insigniafunds.com.
* | Fund's inception date is December 31, 2013. |
(a) | The HFRI Macro (Total) Index is an equally weighted performance index. It uses the HFR database and consists only of macro funds with a minimum of US$50 million AUM or a 12-month track record and that report assets in USD. It is calculated and rebalanced monthly and shown net of all fees and expenses. It is an index comprising investment managers that trade a broad range of strategies in which the investment process is predicated on movements in underlying economic variables and the impact these have on equity, fixed income, hard currency and commodity markets. Managers employ a variety of techniques, both discretionary and systematic analysis, combinations of top down and bottom up theses, quantitative and fundamental approaches and long and short term holding periods. Investors cannot invest directly in an index. |
(b) | S&P 500® Total Return Index is the Standard & Poor's composite index of 500 stocks, a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices. |
Returns of less than 1 year are cumulative.
Indices are not actively managed and do not reflect deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.
The returns shown above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemption of Fund shares.
Maximum Offering Price (MOP) for Class A shares includes the Fund’s maximum sales charge of 5.50%. Performance shown at NAV does not include these sales charges and would have been lower had it been taken into account. If you invest $1 million or more, either as a lump sum or through the Fund's accumulation or letter of intent programs, you can purchase Class A shares without an initial sales charge (Load); however, a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge ("CDSC") of 1.00% may apply to Class A shares redeemed within the first 18 months after a purchase in excess of $1 million. The total annual operating expenses and total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or reimbursement you may pay as an investor in the Fund’s Class A and Class I shares (as reported in the January 28, 2019 Prospectus) are 2.87% and 2.56% and 2.00% and 1.75%, respectively. The Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit expenses through January 31, 2020.
6 | www.insigniafunds.com |
Insignia Macro Fund | Portfolio Update |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Performance of $10,000 Initial Investment(as of March 31, 2019)
The graph shown above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund since inception. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All returns reflect reinvested dividends, but do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
Asset Allocation(as a % of Net Assets)*
Corporate Bond | 51.03% |
Asset-Backed Securities | 11.33% |
Government Bond | 10.25% |
Collateralized Loan Obligations | 2.57% |
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities | 0.18% |
Short Term Security and Other Net Assets | 24.64% |
Total | 100.00% |
* | Holdings are subject to change, and may not reflect the current or future position of the portfolio. Tables present indicative values only. |
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 7 |
Insignia Macro Fund | Disclosure of Fund Expenses |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Examples. As a shareholder of the Insignia Macro Fund (the “Fund”), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including applicable redemption fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees and other Fund expenses. The following examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested on October 1, 2018 and held through March 31, 2019.
Actual Expenses. The first line under each class in 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 “Expenses Paid During Period October 1, 2018 – March 31, 2019” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes. The second line under each class in 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 mutual 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 Fund costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as redemption fees. Therefore, the second line under each class in the table below 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 transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
Beginning Account Value October 1, 2018 | Ending Account Value March 31, 2019 | Expense Ratio(a)(b) | Expenses Paid, and During Period October 1, 2018 - March 31, 2019(c) | |
Class A | ||||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $994.40 | 2.00% | $9.94 |
Hypothetical (5% return beforeexpenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,014.71 | 2.00% | $10.05 |
Class I | ||||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $995.10 | 1.75% | $8.70 |
Hypothetical (5% return beforeexpenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,016.11 | 1.75% | $8.80 |
(a) | The Fund's expense ratios have been annualized based on the Fund's most recent fiscal half-year expenses. |
(b) | Includes expenses of the Insignia Macro Cayman Fund (wholly-owned subsidiary). |
(c) | Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (182), divided by 365. |
8 | www.insigniafunds.com |
Insignia Macro Fund | Consolidated Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount | Value (Note 2) | |||||||
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (11.33%) | ||||||||
Automobile (6.74%) | ||||||||
CarMax Auto Owner Trust | ||||||||
Series 2016-2, 1.520%, 10/15/2019 | $ | 39,628 | $ | 39,474 | ||||
Series 2015-4, 1.560%, 05/15/2019 | 48,442 | 48,359 | ||||||
Ford Credit Auto Owner Trust | ||||||||
Series 2016-A, 1.390%, 07/15/2020 | 11,949 | 11,938 | ||||||
Ford Credit Floorplan Master Owner Trust | ||||||||
Series 2016-5, 1M US L + 0.46%, 11/15/2019(a) | 170,000 | 170,273 | ||||||
Honda Auto Receivables Trust | ||||||||
Series 2016-4, 1.210%, 12/18/2019 | 195,179 | 193,967 | ||||||
Hyundai Auto Receivables Trust | ||||||||
Series 2016-A, 1.560%, 09/15/2020 | 79,353 | 79,202 | ||||||
Series 2017-B, 1.570%, 08/17/2020 | 18,164 | 18,139 | ||||||
Mercedes-Benz Auto Receivables Trust | ||||||||
Series 2016-1, 1.260%, 11/15/2019 | 62,092 | 61,786 | ||||||
Nissan Auto Receivables Owner Trust | ||||||||
Series 2016-C, 1.180%, 11/15/2019 | 71,849 | 71,419 | ||||||
Series 2016-A, 1.340%, 10/15/2020 | 65,212 | 65,039 | ||||||
Series 2016-A, 1M US L + 0.64%, 06/15/2019(a) | 125,000 | 125,105 | ||||||
Toyota Auto Receivables Owner Trust | ||||||||
Series 2016-D, 1.230%, 10/15/2020 | 191,193 | 190,294 | ||||||
World Omni Auto Receivables Trust | ||||||||
Series 2015-B, 1.490%, 12/15/2020 | 9,313 | 9,307 | ||||||
Total Automobile | 1,084,302 | |||||||
Credit Card (4.59%) | ||||||||
Capital One Multi-Asset Execution Trust | ||||||||
Series 2016-A3, 1.340%, 06/15/2019 | 320,000 | 319,122 | ||||||
Chase Issuance Trust | ||||||||
Series 2016-A2, 1.370%, 06/15/2019 | 420,000 | 418,905 | ||||||
Total Credit Card | 738,027 | |||||||
TOTAL ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (Cost $1,822,813) | 1,822,329 | |||||||
CORPORATE BONDS (51.03%) | ||||||||
Communications (4.09%) | ||||||||
AT&T, Inc., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
3M US L + 0.93%, 06/30/2020(a) | 455,000 | 458,345 | ||||||
Warner Media LLC, Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
2.100%, 06/01/2019 | 200,000 | 199,732 | ||||||
Total Communications | 658,077 |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 9 |
Insignia Macro Fund | Consolidated Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount | Value (Note 2) | |||||||
Consumer Discretionary (0.65%) | ||||||||
General Motors Co., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
3M US L + 0.80%, 08/07/2020(a) | $ | 105,000 | $ | 104,887 | ||||
Consumer Staples (5.93%) | ||||||||
Constellation Brands, Inc., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
2.000%, 11/07/2019 | 173,000 | 172,079 | ||||||
Dollar Tree, Inc., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
3M US L + 0.70%, 04/17/2020(a) | 105,000 | 105,024 | ||||||
JM Smucker Co., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
2.500%, 03/15/2020 | 115,000 | 114,715 | ||||||
Kraft Heinz Foods Co., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
3M US L + 0.42%, 08/09/2019(a) | 200,000 | 200,089 | ||||||
Tyson Foods, Inc., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
3M US L + 0.55%, 06/02/2020(a) | 285,000 | 284,822 | ||||||
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
2.700%, 11/18/2019 | 78,000 | 77,948 | ||||||
Total Consumer Staples | 954,677 | |||||||
Energy (2.58%) | ||||||||
Enbridge Energy Partners LP, Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
5.200%, 03/15/2020 | 76,000 | 77,667 | ||||||
EnLink Midstream Partners LP, Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
2.700%, 04/01/2019 | 130,000 | 130,000 | ||||||
Phillips 66, Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
3M US L + 0.60%, 02/26/2021(a) | 75,000 | 75,002 | ||||||
Williams Cos., Inc., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
5.250%, 03/15/2020 | 130,000 | 132,798 | ||||||
Total Energy | 415,467 | |||||||
Financials (25.14%) | ||||||||
Air Lease Corp., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
2.125%, 01/15/2020 | 210,000 | 208,909 | ||||||
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
2.750%, 01/15/2020 | 100,000 | 99,847 | ||||||
American Express Credit Corp., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
Series F, 3M US L + 1.05%, 09/14/2020(a) | 195,000 | 197,039 | ||||||
Bank of America Corp., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
3M US L + 1.00%, 04/24/2023(a) | 290,000 | 292,405 | ||||||
Barclays Bank PLC, Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
Series GMTN, 3M US L + 0.55%, 08/07/2019(a) | 180,000 | 180,188 | ||||||
Branch Banking & Trust Co., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
3M US L + 0.45%, 01/15/2020(a) | 250,000 | 250,675 | ||||||
Charles Schwab Corp., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
3M US L + 0.32%, 05/21/2021(a) | 115,000 | 114,996 |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
10 | www.insigniafunds.com |
Insignia Macro Fund | Consolidated Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount | Value (Note 2) | |||||||
Financials (continued) | ||||||||
Citigroup, Inc., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
3M US L + 1.07%, 12/08/2021(a) | $ | 290,000 | $ | 293,376 | ||||
Credit Suisse AG, Unsecured | ||||||||
5.400%, 01/14/2020 | 260,000 | 264,745 | ||||||
Digital Realty Trust LP, Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
3.400%, 10/01/2020 | 15,000 | 15,113 | ||||||
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
Series FRN, 3M US L + 1.77%, 02/25/2021(a) | 340,000 | 348,369 | ||||||
International Lease Finance Corp., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
5.875%, 04/01/2019 | 145,000 | 145,000 | ||||||
Jefferies Group LLC, Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
8.500%, 07/15/2019 | 130,000 | 132,050 | ||||||
JPMorgan Chase & Co., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
3M US L + 1.48%, 03/01/2021(a) | 120,000 | 122,272 | ||||||
Morgan Stanley, Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
2.800%, 06/16/2020 | 140,000 | 140,149 | ||||||
Nasdaq, Inc., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
5.550%, 01/15/2020 | 135,000 | 137,822 | ||||||
Senior Housing Properties Trust, Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
3.250%, 05/01/2019 | 195,000 | 195,026 | ||||||
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
3M US L + 1.68%, 03/09/2021(a) | 285,000 | 291,169 | ||||||
Synchrony Financial, Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
2.700%, 02/03/2020 | 40,000 | 39,955 | ||||||
Toronto-Dominion Bank, Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
3M US L + 0.15%, 10/24/2019(a) | 245,000 | 245,123 | ||||||
Ventas Realty LP / Ventas Capital Corp., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
2.700%, 04/01/2020 | 135,000 | 134,734 | ||||||
Wells Fargo & Co., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
2.125%, 04/22/2019 | 195,000 | 194,943 | ||||||
Total Financials | 4,043,905 | |||||||
Health Care (4.32%) | ||||||||
Allergan Funding SCS, Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
3M US L + 1.225%, 03/12/2020(a) | 395,000 | 398,490 | ||||||
Becton Dickinson and Co., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
3M US L + 0.875%, 12/29/2020(a) | 98,000 | 98,011 | ||||||
Shire Acquisitions Investments Ireland DAC, Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
1.900%, 09/23/2019 | 80,000 | 79,663 | ||||||
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
3M US L + 0.75%, 03/19/2021(a) | 120,000 | 119,638 | ||||||
Total Health Care | 695,802 |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 11 |
Insignia Macro Fund | Consolidated Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount | Value (Note 2) | |||||||
Industrials (3.79%) | ||||||||
Spirit AeroSystems, Inc., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
3M US L + 0.80%, 06/15/2021(a) | $ | 200,000 | $ | 198,866 | ||||
United Technologies Corp., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
3M US L + 0.35%, 11/01/2019(a) | 410,000 | 410,589 | ||||||
Total Industrials | 609,455 | |||||||
Materials (2.72%) | ||||||||
Eastman Chemical Co., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
2.700%, 01/15/2020 | 43,000 | 42,977 | ||||||
Monsanto Co., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
2.125%, 07/15/2019 | 80,000 | 79,639 | ||||||
Vulcan Materials Co., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
3M US L + 0.60%, 06/15/2020(a) | 210,000 | 209,741 | ||||||
3M US L + 0.65%, 03/01/2021(a) | 105,000 | 104,933 | ||||||
Total Materials | 437,290 | |||||||
Technology (1.81%) | ||||||||
Equifax, Inc., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
3M US L + 0.87%, 08/15/2021(a) | 214,000 | 212,744 | ||||||
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., Senior Unsecured | ||||||||
3.600%, 10/15/2020 | 78,000 | 78,755 | ||||||
Total Technology | 291,499 | |||||||
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS (Cost $8,197,119) | 8,211,059 | |||||||
MORTGAGE BACKED SECURITIES (2.75%) | ||||||||
Commercial (0.18%) | ||||||||
COMM Mortgage Trust | ||||||||
Series 2014-CR18, 2.924%, 06/15/2019 | 29,352 | 29,309 | ||||||
U.S. Government Agency (2.57%) | ||||||||
Fannie Mae Connecticut Avenue Securities | ||||||||
Series 2017-C05, 1M US L + 0.55%, 01/25/2030(a) | 145,758 | 145,696 | ||||||
Series 2018-C05, 1M US L + 0.72%, 01/25/2031(a) | 84,303 | 84,312 | ||||||
Freddie Mac Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes | ||||||||
Series 2018-HQA1, 1M US L + 0.70%, 09/25/2030(a) | 182,426 | 182,374 | ||||||
Total U.S. Government Agency | 412,382 | |||||||
TOTAL MORTGAGE BACKED SECURITIES (Cost $441,795) | 441,691 |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
12 | www.insigniafunds.com |
Insignia Macro Fund | Consolidated Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount | Value (Note 2) | |||||||
U.S. TREASURY NOTES & BONDS (10.25%) | ||||||||
U.S. Treasury Note | ||||||||
0.875%, 06/15/2019 | $ | 285,000 | $ | 284,070 | ||||
0.875%, 09/15/2019 | 1,155,000 | 1,147,015 | ||||||
1.375%, 12/15/2019 | 220,000 | 218,414 | ||||||
TOTAL U.S. TREASURY NOTES & BONDS (Cost $1,648,539) | 1,649,499 | |||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (75.36%) (Cost $12,110,266) | $ | 12,124,578 | ||||||
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (24.64%) | 3,965,138 | (b) | ||||||
NET ASSETS (100.00%) | $ | 16,089,716 |
(a) | Floating or variable rate security. The reference rate is described below. The rate in effect as of March 31, 2019 is based on the reference rate plus the displayed spread as of the securities last reset date. |
(b) | Includes cash which is being held as collateral for swap contracts. |
Investment Abbreviations:
LIBOR - London Interbank Offered Rate
Libor Rates:
1M US L - 1 Month LIBOR as of March 31, 2019 was 2.49%
3M US L - 3 Month LIBOR as of March 31, 2019 was 2.60%
Common Abbreviations:
GMTN - Global Medium Term Notes.
For Fund compliance purposes, the Fund's industry classifications refer to any one or more of the industry sub-classifications used by one or more widely recognized market indices or ratings group indices, and/or as defined by Fund management. This definition may not apply for purposes of this report, which may combine industry sub-classifications for reporting ease. Industries are shown as a percentage of the Fund's net assets. (Unaudited)
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 13 |
Insignia Macro Fund | Consolidated Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
TOTAL RETURN SWAP CONTRACTS
Total return swap with Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch. The swap provides exposure to the total returns on a basket of independent managers that is calculated on a daily basis with reference to a customized index that is also proprietary to Deutsche Bank. The basket is comprised of a diversified collection of global macroeconomic and managed futures trading strategies including discretionary and systematic trading programs. Under the terms of the swap, the Adviser has the ability to periodically adjust the notional level of the swap, the allocation to each manager and the mix of trading programs. The swap was effective on March 5, 2014 and has a term of five years unless earlier terminated. As of April 23, 2019 the swap term was renewed for five years through April 30, 2024 unless early terminated. Early termination may be triggered by either party without penalty. In addition, the swap provides for a 0.50% fee paid to Deutsche Bank in exchange for the return on the custom basket. (Net Asset Value $16,835,918) (Total Investment $13,874,865)
Exposure by Manager Underlying Manager | Exposure | Strategy Description |
H2O Asset Management | 35.67% | Discretionary Macro | Fundamental |
QMS Capital Management | 29.50% | Quantitative | Fundamental & Technical Models |
Quantitative Investment Mgmt. | 20.78% | Quantitative | Technical Models |
Millburn Ridgefield Corporation | 18.32% | Quantitative | Technical Models |
The following positions in the Index are not owned directly by the Fund, but rather, the positions in the Index are owned by an affiliated entity of the counterparty, Deutsche Bank.
Custom Index Exposure by Type | ||||||||||||||
Number of Contracts | Notional Value | Percentage Value | Expiration Date | |||||||||||
Agricultural Futures | ||||||||||||||
Long | ||||||||||||||
Live Cattle Future | 3.98 | 189,532 | 0.15 | % | 6/28/19 | |||||||||
3.98 | 189,532 | 0.15 | % | |||||||||||
Short | ||||||||||||||
Corn Future | 47.48 | 862,002 | 0.69 | % | 5/14/19 | |||||||||
Soybeans Future | 11.17 | 495,947 | 0.40 | % | 5/14/19 | |||||||||
Wheat Future | 13.92 | 324,349 | 0.26 | % | 7/12/19 | |||||||||
72.57 | 1,682,298 | 1.35 | % | |||||||||||
Base Metal Futures | ||||||||||||||
Long | ||||||||||||||
Copper Future | 6.20 | 455,504 | 0.37 | % | 7/29/19 | |||||||||
6.20 | 455,504 | 0.37 | % | |||||||||||
Short | ||||||||||||||
Copper Future | 2.90 | 212,868 | 0.17 | % | 5/29/19 | |||||||||
2.90 | 212,868 | 0.17 | % |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
14 | www.insigniafunds.com |
Insignia Macro Fund | Consolidated Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Number of Contracts | Notional Value | Percentage Value | Expiration Date | |||||||||||
Bond Futures | ||||||||||||||
Long | ||||||||||||||
10 year Italian Bond Future | 22.61 | 3,283,979 | 2.65 | % | 6/6/19 | |||||||||
10 year US Treasury Notes Future | 23.77 | 2,952,699 | 2.38 | % | 6/19/19 | |||||||||
2 year US Treasury Notes Future | 23.34 | 4,973,375 | 4.01 | % | 6/28/19 | |||||||||
3 year Australian Treasury Bond Future | 10.84 | 2,402,916 | 1.94 | % | 6/17/19 | |||||||||
Euro-BOBL Future | 10.87 | 1,624,117 | 1.31 | % | 6/6/19 | |||||||||
Euro-BUXL Future | 0.88 | 188,326 | 0.15 | % | 6/6/19 | |||||||||
Ultra Long-Term T Bond Future | 3.15 | 528,421 | 0.43 | % | 6/19/19 | |||||||||
95.46 | 15,953,833 | 12.87 | % | |||||||||||
Short | ||||||||||||||
10 year Australian Treasury Bond Future | 4.17 | 3,216,157 | 2.59 | % | 6/17/19 | |||||||||
10 year Canadian Govt Bond Future | 24.59 | 2,559,896 | 2.06 | % | 6/19/19 | |||||||||
2 year Euro-Schatz Future | 99.16 | 12,463,149 | 10.04 | % | 6/6/19 | |||||||||
30 year US Treasury Bonds Future | 14.01 | 2,095,288 | 1.69 | % | 6/19/19 | |||||||||
5 year US Treasury Notes Future | 41.01 | 4,750,855 | 3.83 | % | 6/28/19 | |||||||||
Euro-BUND Future | 16.42 | 3,065,417 | 2.47 | % | 6/6/19 | |||||||||
Long Gilt Future | 7.65 | 1,288,524 | 1.04 | % | 6/26/19 | |||||||||
207.01 | 29,439,286 | 23.72 | % | |||||||||||
Energy Futures | ||||||||||||||
Long | ||||||||||||||
Brent Crude Monthly Future | 79.44 | 5,361,623 | 4.32 | % | 4/30/19 | |||||||||
Gasoil Monthly Future | 3.09 | 187,000 | 0.15 | % | 5/10/19 | |||||||||
Gasoline RBOB Future | 12.93 | 1,010,591 | 0.81 | % | 5/31/19 | |||||||||
Light Sweet Crude Oil (WTI) Future | 14.46 | 868,877 | 0.70 | % | 5/21/19 | |||||||||
NY Harbour ULSD Future | 3.30 | 273,281 | 0.22 | % | 4/30/19 | |||||||||
113.22 | 7,701,372 | 6.20 | % |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 15 |
Insignia Macro Fund | Consolidated Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Number of Contracts | Notional Value | Percentage Value | Expiration Date | |||||||||||
Short | ||||||||||||||
Brent Crude Monthly Future | 58.22 | 3,907,040 | 3.15 | % | 5/31/19 | |||||||||
Brent Crude Monthly Future | 9.07 | 606,307 | 0.49 | % | 6/28/19 | |||||||||
Brent Crude Monthly Future | 3.89 | 258,932 | 0.21 | % | 7/31/19 | |||||||||
Gasoline RBOB Future | 11.54 | 908,900 | 0.73 | % | 4/30/19 | |||||||||
Light Sweet Crude Oil (WTI) Future | 20.37 | 1,221,704 | 0.98 | % | 4/22/19 | |||||||||
103.09 | 6,902,883 | 5.56 | % | |||||||||||
Equity Futures | ||||||||||||||
Long | ||||||||||||||
DAX Index Future | 3.31 | 1,070,384 | 0.86 | % | 6/21/19 | |||||||||
DJ EURO STOXX Banks Future | 295.79 | 1,479,105 | 1.19 | % | 6/21/19 | |||||||||
DJ STOXX 600 Automobiles & Parts Future | 7.58 | 198,245 | 0.16 | % | 6/21/19 | |||||||||
EURO STOXX 50 Index Future | 14.90 | 546,182 | 0.44 | % | 6/21/19 | |||||||||
Hang Seng Index | 2.36 | 437,572 | 0.35 | % | 4/29/19 | |||||||||
S&P Canada 60 Index Future | 2.50 | 358,265 | 0.29 | % | 6/20/19 | |||||||||
SPI 200 Index | 4.17 | 456,605 | 0.37 | % | 6/20/19 | |||||||||
TOPIX Future | 5.65 | 815,021 | 0.66 | % | 6/13/19 | |||||||||
336.26 | 5,361,379 | 4.32 | % | |||||||||||
Short | ||||||||||||||
CME E-Mini Russell 2000 Index | 22.87 | 1,757,667 | 1.42 | % | 6/21/19 | |||||||||
E-Mini Nasdaq-100 | 12.50 | 1,842,901 | 1.49 | % | 6/21/19 | |||||||||
E-Mini S&P 500 | 34.57 | 4,886,487 | 3.94 | % | 6/21/19 | |||||||||
69.94 | 8,487,055 | 6.85 | % | |||||||||||
FX Futures | ||||||||||||||
Short | ||||||||||||||
EUR/USD | 7.76 | 1,095,234 | 0.88 | % | 6/17/19 | |||||||||
GBP/USD | 3.83 | 312,903 | 0.25 | % | 6/17/19 | |||||||||
JPY/USD | 4.99 | 565,980 | 0.46 | % | 6/17/19 | |||||||||
16.58 | 1,974,117 | 1.59 | % |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
16 | www.insigniafunds.com |
Insignia Macro Fund | Consolidated Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Number of Contracts | Notional Value | Percentage Value | Expiration Date | |||||||||||
Interest Rate Futures | ||||||||||||||
Long | ||||||||||||||
3 month Sterling | 18.34 | 2,962,216 | 2.39 | % | 3/18/20 | |||||||||
18.34 | 2,962,216 | 2.39 | % | |||||||||||
Short | ||||||||||||||
3 month Euro (EURIBOR) | 15.84 | 4,457,244 | 3.59 | % | 3/16/20 | |||||||||
90 Day Bank Accepted Bill Future | 11.25 | 1,924,993 | 1.55 | % | 9/12/19 | |||||||||
Eurodollar | 22.09 | 5,394,356 | 4.35 | % | 3/16/20 | |||||||||
49.18 | 11,776,593 | 9.49 | % | |||||||||||
Precious Metal Futures | ||||||||||||||
Long | ||||||||||||||
Gold | 1.54 | 200,207 | 0.16 | % | 6/26/19 | |||||||||
1.54 | 200,207 | 0.16 | % | |||||||||||
Short | ||||||||||||||
Silver | 4.00 | 302,928 | 0.24 | % | 5/29/19 | |||||||||
4.00 | 302,928 | 0.24 | % |
Unrealized Appreciation | ||||
$ | 20,789 |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 17 |
Insignia Macro Fund | Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
ASSETS: | ||||
Investments, at value (Cost $12,110,266) | $ | 12,124,578 | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | 524,375 | |||
Unrealized appreciation on swap contracts | 20,789 | |||
Deposit with broker for swap contracts (Note 3) | 3,491,163 | |||
Advance receipt on swap contract | 3,050,000 | |||
Receivable for investments sold | 346,435 | |||
Dividends and interest receivable | 51,878 | |||
Receivable due from adviser | 10,733 | |||
Prepaid expenses and other assets | 16,410 | |||
Total Assets | 19,636,361 | |||
LIABILITIES: | ||||
Payable for administration and transfer agency fees | 42,729 | |||
Payable for advance payment on swap contract | 3,050,000 | |||
Payable for swap contract payments | 318,667 | |||
Payable for shares redeemed | 110,288 | |||
Payable for distribution and service fees | 68 | |||
Payable for printing | 611 | |||
Payable for professional fees | 14,611 | |||
Payable for trustees' fees and expenses | 514 | |||
Payable to Chief Compliance Officer fees | 5,873 | |||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | 3,284 | |||
Total Liabilities | 3,546,645 | |||
NET ASSETS | $ | 16,089,716 | ||
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF: | ||||
Paid-in capital (Note 7) | $ | 16,523,946 | ||
Total distributable earnings | (434,230 | ) | ||
NET ASSETS | $ | 16,089,716 | ||
PRICING OF SHARES | ||||
Class A : | ||||
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share | $ | 9.59 | ||
Net Assets | $ | 301,533 | ||
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding | 31,437 | |||
Maximum offering price per share (NAV/0.945, based on maximum sales charge of 5.50% of the offering price) | $ | 10.15 | ||
Class I : | ||||
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share | $ | 9.59 | ||
Net Assets | $ | 15,788,183 | ||
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding | 1,645,731 |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
18 | www.insigniafunds.com |
Insignia Macro Fund | Consolidated Statement of Operations |
For the Six Months ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
INVESTMENT INCOME: | ||||
Interest | $ | 205,857 | ||
Total Investment Income | 205,857 | |||
EXPENSES: | ||||
Investment advisory fees (Note 8) | 118,335 | |||
Administration fees | 95,483 | |||
Distribution fees | ||||
Class A | 382 | |||
Custody fees | 7,452 | |||
Legal fees | 5,039 | |||
Audit and tax fees | 11,477 | |||
Transfer agent fees | 23,642 | |||
Trustees fees and expenses | 977 | |||
Registration and filing fees | 19,139 | |||
Chief Compliance Officer fees | 17,539 | |||
Insurance fees | 175 | |||
Other expenses | 4,732 | |||
Total Expenses | 304,372 | |||
Less fees waived/reimbursed by investment adviser | ||||
Class A | (2,184 | ) | ||
Class I | (135,577 | ) | ||
Total fees waived/reimbursed by investment adviser (Note 8) | (137,761 | ) | ||
Net Expenses | 166,611 | |||
NET INVESTMENT INCOME | 39,246 | |||
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS: | ||||
Net realized gain/(loss) on: | ||||
Investments | 12,666 | |||
Swap contracts | (212,433 | ) | ||
Net realized loss | (199,767 | ) | ||
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on: | ||||
Investments | (22,319 | ) | ||
Swap contracts | 104,623 | |||
Net change | 82,304 | |||
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENTS | (117,463 | ) | ||
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | $ | (78,217 | ) |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 19 |
Insignia Macro Fund | Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets |
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Year Ended September 30, 2018 | |||||||
OPERATIONS: | ||||||||
Net investment income/(loss) | $ | 39,246 | $ | (65,412 | ) | |||
Net realized loss on investments | (199,767 | ) | (3,542,966 | ) | ||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments | 82,304 | 4,077,312 | ||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | (78,217 | ) | 468,934 | |||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS | ||||||||
Class A | (179 | ) | (1,449 | ) | ||||
Class I | (25,849 | ) | (175,482 | ) | ||||
Total distributions | (26,028 | ) | (176,931 | ) | ||||
BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (Note 7): | ||||||||
Class A | ||||||||
Shares sold | 295 | 95,078 | ||||||
Dividends reinvested | 124 | 1,033 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (23,216 | ) | (180,091 | ) | ||||
Redemption fees | – | 952 | ||||||
Net decrease from beneficial share transactions | (22,797 | ) | (83,028 | ) | ||||
Class I | ||||||||
Shares sold | 27,513 | 204,522 | ||||||
Dividends reinvested | 18,238 | 160,222 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (4,596,013 | ) | (27,180,015 | ) | ||||
Redemption fees | – | 114 | ||||||
Net decrease from beneficial share transactions | (4,550,262 | ) | (26,815,157 | ) | ||||
Net decrease in net assets | (4,677,304 | ) | (26,606,182 | ) | ||||
NET ASSETS: | ||||||||
Beginning of period | 20,767,020 | 47,373,202 | ||||||
End of period | $ | 16,089,716 | $ | 20,767,020 |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
20 | www.insigniafunds.com |
Page Intentionally Left Blank
Insignia Macro Fund - Class A | Consolidated Financial Highlights |
For a share outstanding through the periods presented.
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD |
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS: |
Net investment income/(loss)(b) |
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments and swap contracts |
Total from investment operations |
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: |
From net investment income |
From net realized gains on investments |
Total Distributions |
REDEMPTION FEES (Note 7) |
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE |
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD |
TOTAL RETURN(c) |
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: |
Net assets, end of period (in 000s) |
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS |
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver |
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver |
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver |
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(h) |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Insignia Macro Fund - Class A | Consolidated Financial Highlights |
For a share outstanding through the periods presented.
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Year Ended September 30, 2018 | For the Year Ended September 30, 2017 | For the Year Ended September 30, 2016 | For the Year Ended September 30, 2015 | For the Period Ended September 30, 2014(a) | |||||||||||||||||
$ | 9.65 | $ | 9.57 | $ | 9.90 | $ | 10.82 | $ | 10.42 | $ | 10.00 | |||||||||||
0.01 | (0.04 | ) | (0.09 | ) | (0.13 | ) | (0.16 | ) | (0.08 | ) | ||||||||||||
(0.06 | ) | 0.13 | (0.23 | ) | (0.21 | ) | 0.61 | 0.50 | ||||||||||||||
(0.05 | ) | 0.09 | (0.32 | ) | (0.34 | ) | 0.45 | 0.42 | ||||||||||||||
(0.01 | ) | (0.04 | ) | (0.01 | ) | (0.60 | ) | (0.04 | ) | – | ||||||||||||
– | – | – | – | (0.01 | ) | – | ||||||||||||||||
(0.01 | ) | (0.04 | ) | (0.01 | ) | (0.60 | ) | (0.05 | ) | – | ||||||||||||
– | 0.03 | – | 0.02 | – | – | |||||||||||||||||
(0.06 | ) | 0.08 | (0.33 | ) | (0.92 | ) | 0.40 | 0.42 | ||||||||||||||
$ | 9.59 | $ | 9.65 | $ | 9.57 | $ | 9.90 | $ | 10.82 | $ | 10.42 | |||||||||||
(0.56 | %) | 1.29 | %(d) | (3.25 | %) | (3.12 | %)(e) | 4.34 | % | 4.20 | % | |||||||||||
$ | 302 | $ | 326 | $ | 407 | $ | 319 | $ | 274 | $ | 85 | |||||||||||
3.49 | %(f) | 2.87 | % | 2.20 | % | 2.20 | % | 2.40 | % | 80.48 | %(f) | |||||||||||
2.00 | %(f) | 2.00 | % | 2.00 | % | 2.00 | % | 1.96 | %(g) | 1.75 | %(f) | |||||||||||
0.15 | %(f) | (0.42 | %) | (0.95 | %) | (1.26 | %) | (1.44 | %) | (1.03 | %)(f) | |||||||||||
34 | % | 70 | % | 129 | % | 132 | % | 119 | % | 43 | % |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 23 |
Insignia Macro Fund - Class A | Consolidated Financial Highlights |
For a share outstanding through the periods presented.
(a) | Commenced operations on January 2, 2014. |
(b) | Calculated using the average shares method. |
(c) | Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. |
(d) | 0.21% of the Fund's total return consists of a reimbursement by related parties for a valuation correction. Excluding this item, total return would have been 1.08%. |
(e) | In 2016, the Fund's total return consists of a voluntary reimbursement by the adviser for a realized investment loss. Excluding this item, total return would not change as the impact is less than 0.005%. |
(f) | Annualized. |
(g) | Contractual expense limitations changed from 1.75% to 2.00% effective February 1, 2015. |
(h) | Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized. |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Page Intentionally Left Blank
Insignia Macro Fund - Class I | Consolidated Financial Highlights |
For a share outstanding through the periods presented.
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD |
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS: |
Net investment income/(loss)(b) |
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments and swap contracts |
Total from investment operations |
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: |
From net investment income |
From net realized gains on investments |
Total Distributions |
REDEMPTION FEES (Note 7) |
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE |
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD |
TOTAL RETURN(d) |
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: |
Net assets, end of period (in 000s) |
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS |
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver |
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver |
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver |
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(i) |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Insignia Macro Fund - Class I | Consolidated Financial Highlights |
For a share outstanding through the periods presented.
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Year Ended September 30, 2018 | For the Year Ended September 30, 2017 | For the Year Ended September 30, 2016 | For the Year Ended September 30, 2015 | For the Period Ended September 30, 2014(a) | |||||||||||||||||
$ | 9.65 | $ | 9.58 | $ | 9.90 | $ | 10.82 | $ | 10.42 | $ | 10.00 | |||||||||||
0.02 | (0.02 | ) | (0.07 | ) | (0.10 | ) | (0.13 | ) | (0.06 | ) | ||||||||||||
(0.07 | ) | 0.14 | (0.24 | ) | (0.21 | ) | 0.59 | 0.48 | ||||||||||||||
(0.05 | ) | 0.12 | (0.31 | ) | (0.31 | ) | 0.46 | 0.42 | ||||||||||||||
(0.01 | ) | (0.05 | ) | (0.01 | ) | (0.61 | ) | (0.05 | ) | – | ||||||||||||
– | – | – | – | (0.01 | ) | – | ||||||||||||||||
(0.01 | ) | (0.05 | ) | (0.01 | ) | (0.61 | ) | (0.06 | ) | – | ||||||||||||
– | 0.00 | (c) | 0.00 | (c) | 0.00 | (c) | 0.00 | (c) | 0.00 | (c) | ||||||||||||
(0.06 | ) | 0.07 | (0.32 | ) | (0.92 | ) | 0.40 | 0.42 | ||||||||||||||
$ | 9.59 | $ | 9.65 | $ | 9.58 | $ | 9.90 | $ | 10.82 | $ | 10.42 | |||||||||||
(0.49 | %) | 1.26 | %(e) | (3.09 | %) | (3.06 | %)(f) | 4.39 | % | 4.20 | % | |||||||||||
$ | 15,788 | $ | 20,441 | $ | 46,966 | $ | 58,178 | $ | 64,252 | $ | 24,017 | |||||||||||
3.24 | %(g) | 2.56 | % | 1.95 | % | 1.94 | % | 2.17 | % | 3.62 | %(g) | |||||||||||
1.75 | %(g) | 1.75 | % | 1.75 | % | 1.75 | % | 1.69 | %(h) | 1.50 | %(g) | |||||||||||
0.42 | %(g) | (0.22 | %) | (0.72 | %) | (1.01 | %) | (1.18 | %) | (0.85 | %)(g) | |||||||||||
34 | % | 70 | % | 129 | % | 132 | % | 119 | % | 43 | % |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 27 |
Insignia Macro Fund - Class I | Consolidated Financial Highlights |
For a share outstanding through the periods presented.
(a) | Commenced operations on January 2, 2014. |
(b) | Calculated using the average shares method. |
(c) | Less than $0.005 per share. |
(d) | Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. |
(e) | 0.31% of the Fund's total return consists of a reimbursement by related parties for a valuation correction. Excluding this item, total return would have been 0.95%. |
(f) | In 2016, the Fund's total return consists of a voluntary reimbursement by the adviser for a realized investment loss. Excluding this item, total return would not change as the impact is less than 0.005%. |
(g) | Annualized. |
(h) | Contractual expense limitations changed from 1.50% to 1.75% effective February 1, 2015. |
(i) | Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized. |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
28 | www.insigniafunds.com |
Insignia Macro Fund | Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
1. ORGANIZATION
ALPS Series Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust consists of multiple separate portfolios or series. This semi-annual report describes the Insignia Macro Fund (the “Fund”). The Fund’s primary investment objective is to seek long-term risk-adjusted total return and is classified as diversified under the 1940 Act. The Fund currently offers Class A shares and Class I shares. Each share class has identical rights to earnings, assets and voting privileges, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) may establish additional funds and classes of shares at any time in the future without shareholder approval.
Basis of Consolidation: Insignia Global Macro Offshore Ltd. (the “Subsidiary”), a Cayman Islands exempted company, was incorporated on September 27, 2013 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Fund. The Subsidiary acts as an investment vehicle for the Fund in order to affect certain commodity-related investments on behalf of the Fund. The Fund is the sole shareholder of the Subsidiary, and it is intended that the Fund will remain the sole shareholder and will continue to wholly own and control the Subsidiary. Under the Articles of Association of the Subsidiary, shares issued by the Subsidiary confer upon a shareholder the right to vote at general meetings of the Subsidiary and certain rights in connection with any winding-up or repayment of capital, as well as the right to participate in the profits or assets of the Subsidiary. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in shares of the Subsidiary. As a wholly owned subsidiary of the Fund, the investments of the Subsidiary are included in the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments, Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Highlights of the Fund. All investments held by the Subsidiary are disclosed in the accounts of the Fund. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Subsidiary will be subject to the same investment restrictions and limitations, and follow the same compliance policies and procedures, as the Fund when viewed on a consolidation basis. As of March 31, 2019, net assets of the Fund were $16,089,716, of which $3,231,183, or 20.08%, represented the Fund’s ownership of all issued shares and voting rights of the Subsidiary. The Fund and the Subsidiary are "commodity pools" under the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act, and Meritage Capital, LLC ("Meritage Capital" or the "Adviser") is a "commodity pool operator" registered with and regulated by the CFTC.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accompanying consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for investment companies (“U.S. GAAP”). The Fund is considered an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies in the Financial Accounting Standards Board AccountingStandards Codification Topic 946. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in preparation of its consolidated financial statements.
Investment Valuation: The Fund generally values its securities based on market prices determined at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 29 |
Insignia Macro Fund | Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Over-the-counter swap contracts for which market quotations are readily available are valued based on quotes received from independent pricing services or dealers that make markets in such securities. Total return swap contracts are stated at fair value daily based on the underlying futures, foreign currency, forward currency and options contracts constituting the contracts' stated index, taking into account fees and expenses associated with the swap agreement.
Redeemable securities issued by open-end registered investment companies are valued at the investment company’s applicable net asset value with the exception of exchange-traded open-end investment companies, which are priced as equity securities.
The market price for debt obligations is generally the price supplied by an independent third-party pricing service approved by the Board, which may use a matrix, formula or other objective method that takes into consideration quotations from dealers, market transactions in comparable investments, market indices and yield curves. If vendors are unable to supply a price, or if the price supplied is deemed to be unreliable, the market price may be determined using quotations received from one or more broker dealers that make a market in the security.
When such prices or quotations are not available, or when the Fair Value Committee appointed by the Board believes that they are unreliable, securities may be priced using fair value procedures approved by the Board.
Fair Value Measurements: The Fund discloses the classification of its fair value measurements following a three-tier hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on the best information available.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments as of the end of the reporting period. When inputs used fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The designated input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with these investments. These inputs are categorized in the following hierarchy under applicable financial accounting standards:
Level 1 – | Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments, unrestricted assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date; |
Level 2 – | Quoted prices which are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable (either directly or indirectly); and |
Level 3 – | Significant unobservable prices or inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date. |
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Insignia Macro Fund | Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of March 31, 2019:
Investments in Securities at Value* | Level 1 - Quoted and Unadjusted Prices | Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs | Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs | Total | ||||||||||||
Asset-Backed Securities | $ | – | $ | 1,822,329 | $ | – | $ | 1,822,329 | ||||||||
Corporate Bonds | – | 8,211,059 | – | 8,211,059 | ||||||||||||
Mortgage Backed Securities | – | 441,691 | – | 441,691 | ||||||||||||
U.S. Treasury Notes & Bonds | – | 1,649,499 | – | 1,649,499 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | – | $ | 12,124,578 | $ | – | $ | 12,124,578 |
Valuation Inputs | ||||||||||||||||
Other Financial Instruments | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
Assets | ||||||||||||||||
Total Return Swap | ||||||||||||||||
Contracts | $ | – | $ | 20,789 | $ | – | $ | 20,789 | ||||||||
TOTAL | $ | – | $ | 20,789 | $ | – | $ | 20,789 |
There were no Level 3 securities held during the period.
Cash & Cash Equivalents: The Fund considers its investment in a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insured interest bearing account to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus any accrued interest. The Fund maintains cash balances, which, at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Fund maintains these balances with a high quality financial institution.
Concentration of Credit Risk: The Fund places its cash with a banking institution, which is insured by FDIC. The FDIC limit is $250,000. At various times throughout the year, the amount on deposit may exceed the FDIC limit and subject the Fund to a credit risk. The Fund does not believe that such deposits are subject to any unusual risk associated with investment activities.
Trust Expenses: Some expenses of the Trust can be directly attributed to the Fund. Expenses that cannot be directly attributed to the Fund are apportioned among all funds in the Trust based on average net assets of each fund.
Fund Expenses: Some expenses can be directly attributed to the Fund and are apportioned among the classes based on average net assets of each class.
Class Expenses: Expenses that are specific to a class of shares are charged directly to that share class. Fees provided under the distribution (Rule 12b-1) and/or shareholder service plans for a particular class of the Fund are charged to the operations of such class.
Federal Income Taxes: The Fund complies with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and intends to distribute substantially all of its net taxable income and net capital gains, if any, each year so that it will not be subject to excise tax on undistributed income and gains. The Fund is not subject to income taxes to the extent such distributions are made.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 31 |
Insignia Macro Fund | Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
As of and during the six months ended March 31, 2019, the Fund did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to tax liabilities as income tax expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Fund files U.S. federal, state and local income tax returns as required. The Fund’s tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return for federal purposes and four years for most state returns. The Fund’s administrator has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years and has concluded that as of March 31, 2019, no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s consolidated financial statements related to these tax positions. For tax purposes, the Subsidiary is an exempt Cayman Islands investment company and has received an undertaking from the Government of the Cayman Islands exempting it from all local income, profits, and capital gains taxes. No such taxes are levied in the Cayman Islands at the present time. For U.S. income tax purposes, the Subsidiary is a controlled foreign corporation ("CFC") and as such is not subject to U.S. income tax. However, as a wholly-owned CFC, the net income and capital gain of the CFC, to the extent of its earnings and profits, will be included each year in the Fund's taxable income.
Investment Transactions and Investment Income: Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the investments are purchased or sold (trade date basis) for financial reporting purposes. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are reported on an identified cost basis. Interest income, which includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, is accrued and recorded as earned using the effective yield method. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date, or for certain foreign securities, as soon as information is available to the Fund. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the Fund's understanding of the applicable country's tax rules and rates. All of the realized and unrealized gains and losses and net investment income are allocated daily to each class in proportion to its daily net assets.
Foreign Securities: The Fund may directly purchase securities of foreign issuers. Investing in securities of foreign issuers involves special risks not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers. The risks include possible re-evaluation of currencies, the inability to repatriate foreign currency, less complete financial information about companies and possible future adverse political and economic developments. Moreover, securities of many foreign issuers and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of securities of comparable U.S. issuers.
Foreign Currency: Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts at the date of valuation. Purchases and sales of investment securities and income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts on the respective dates of such transactions.
The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments.
32 | www.insigniafunds.com |
Insignia Macro Fund | Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Reported net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund's books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities at fiscal period-end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.
Foreign Exchange Transactions: The Fund may enter into foreign currency spot contracts to facilitate transactions in foreign securities or to convert foreign currency receipts into U.S. dollars. A foreign currency spot contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell currencies at the current market rate, for settlement generally within two business days. The U.S. dollar value of the contracts is determined using current currency exchange rates supplied by a pricing service. The contract is marked-to-market daily for settlements beyond one day and any change in market value is recorded as an unrealized gain or loss. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value on the open and close date. Losses may arise from changes in the value of the foreign currency, or if the counterparties do not perform under the contract’s terms. The maximum potential loss from such contracts is the aggregate face value in U.S. dollars at the time the contract was opened.
Distributions to Shareholders: The Fund normally pays dividends, if any, and distributes capital gains, if any, on an annual basis. Income dividend distributions are derived from interest and other income the Fund receives from its investments, including short term capital gains. Long term capital gain distributions are derived from gains realized when the Fund sells a security it has owned for more than one year. The Fund may make additional distributions and dividends at other times if its portfolio manager or managers believe doing so may be necessary for the Fund to avoid or reduce taxes. Net investment income/(loss) and net realized gain/(loss) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes.
3. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
The Fund’s investment objectives permit the Fund to enter into various types of derivatives contracts, including, but not limited to, total return swaps and structured notes. In doing so, the Fund will employ strategies in differing combinations to permit it to increase, decrease, or change the level or types of exposure to market factors. Central to those strategies are features inherent in derivatives that make them more attractive for this purpose than equity or debt securities; they require little or no initial cash investment, they can focus exposure on only certain selected risk factors, and they may not require the ultimate receipt or delivery of the underlying security (or securities) to the contract. This may allow the Fund to pursue its objectives more quickly and efficiently than if it were to make direct purchases or sales of securities capable of affecting a similar response to market factors.
Risk of Investing in Derivatives: The Fund’s use of derivatives can result in losses due to unanticipated changes in the market risk factors and the overall market. In instances where the Fund is using derivatives to decrease, or hedge, exposures to market risk factors for securities held by the Fund, there are also risks that those derivatives may not perform as expected resulting in losses for the combined or hedged positions.
Derivatives may have little or no initial cash investment relative to their market value exposure and therefore can produce significant gains or losses in excess of their cost. This use of embedded leverage allows the Fund to increase its market value exposure relative to its net assets and can substantially increase the volatility of the Fund’s performance.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 33 |
Insignia Macro Fund | Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Additional associated risks from investing in derivatives also exist and potentially could have significant effects on the valuation of the derivative and the Fund. Typically, the associated risks are not the risks that the Fund is attempting to increase or decrease exposure to, per its investment objective, but are the additional risks from investing in derivatives.
Examples of these associated risks are liquidity risk, which is the risk that the Fund will not be able to sell or close out the derivative in a timely manner, and counterparty credit risk, which is the risk that the counterparty will not fulfill its obligation to the Fund. In addition, use of derivatives may increase or decrease exposure to the following risk factors:
Equity Risk: Equity risk relates to the change in value of equity securities as they relate to increases or decreases in the general market. Associated risks can be different for each type of derivative and are discussed by each derivative type in the notes that follow.
Commodity Risk: Exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. Prices of various commodities may also be affected by factors, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and other regulatory developments, which are unpredictable. The prices of commodities can also fluctuate widely due to supply and demand disruptions in major producing or consuming regions.
Foreign Currency Risk: Currency trading involves significant risks, including market risk, interest rate risk, country risk, counterparty credit risk and short sale risk. Market risk results from the price movement of foreign currency values in response to shifting market supply and demand.
Interest Rate Risk: Interest rate risk is the risk that fixed income securities will decline in value because of changes in interest rates. As nominal interest rates rise, the value of fixed income securities held by the Fund are likely to decrease. Securities with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, and are usually more volatile than equity securities.
Swap Contracts: The Fund enters into swap transactions to seek to increase total return. A total return swap entered into by the Fund is a derivative contract that transfers the market risk of underlying portfolios of futures, foreign currency, forward currency and options contracts (considered the "index" within each total return swap contract) between counterparties. The "notional amount" of each total return swap agreement is the agreed upon amount or value of the index used for calculating the returns that the parties to a swap agreement have agreed to exchange. Risks may arise as a result of the failure of the counterparty to the swap contract to comply with the terms of the swap contract. The loss incurred by the failure of a counterparty is generally limited to the net payment to be received by the Fund and/or the termination value at the end of the contract.
The Fund considers the creditworthiness of each counterparty to a contract in evaluating potential credit risk. Additionally, risks may arise from unanticipated movements in interest rates or in the value of the underlying reference asset or index. Entering into these agreements involves, to varying degrees, market risk, liquidity risk and elements of credit, legal and documentation risk that are not directly reflected in the amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
34 | www.insigniafunds.com |
Insignia Macro Fund | Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
The Fund may pay or receive cash as collateral on these contracts which may be recorded as an asset and/or liability. The Fund must set aside liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures, to cover its obligations under these contracts. Swaps are marked-to-market daily and changes in value, including the accrual of periodic amounts of interest, are recorded daily based on the value of the index on which the total return swap is referenced, as defined within the total return swap agreement between the counterparties. The composition of the index may vary based on how the underlying portfolio of futures, foreign currency, forward currency and options contracts is traded. OTC swap payments received or paid at the beginning of the measurement period represent premiums paid or received upon entering into the swap agreement to compensate for differences between the stated terms of the swap agreement and prevailing market conditions (credit spreads, interest rates, and other relevant factors).
Generally, the basis of the OTC swaps is the unamortized premium received or paid. The periodic swap payments received or made by the Fund are recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as realized gains or losses, respectively. Cash settlement transfers are recorded as prepaid swap premiums on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities and are recognized as realized gains and losses at the termination of the swap. Any upfront fees paid are recorded as assets and any upfront fees received are recorded as liabilities. When the swap is terminated, the Fund will record a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds from (or cost of) the closing transaction and the Fund’s basis in the contract, if any. In addition, changes in notional value and any cash holding adjustments, which represent voluntary realizations by a Fund of swap value at any point in time, are also presented as net realized gain or loss on swap contracts on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. A corresponding asset or liability for "advance receipt on swap contracts" or "advance payment on swap contracts", respectively, is recorded on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities for the gain or loss realized on changes in notional value. Total return swaps outstanding at year- end, if any, are listed after the Fund's Consolidated Portfolio of Investments.
The Fund invests in total return swaps to obtain exposure to a security or market without owning such security or investing directly in that market. Total return swaps are agreements in which there is an exchange of cash flows whereby one party commits to make payments based on the total return (coupons plus capital gains/losses) of an underlying instrument in exchange for fixed or floating rate interest payments. To the extent the total return of the instrument or index underlying the transaction exceeds or falls short of the offsetting interest rate obligation, the Fund will receive a payment from or make a payment to the counterparty. Swap agreements held at March 31, 2019 are disclosed in the Consolidated Portfolio of Investments.
The average notional value of the Fund’s swap positions for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019 was $18,768,871.
Derivative Instruments: The following tables disclose the amounts related to the Fund’s use of derivative instruments.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 35 |
Insignia Macro Fund | Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
The effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of March 31, 2019:
Derivatives Not Accounted for As Hedging Instruments | Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location | Asset Derivatives Gross Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | Liability Derivatives Gross Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |||||||
Commodity Contracts (total return swap contracts) | Unrealized appreciation on swap contracts | $ | 20,789 | $ | – | |||||
Total | $ | 20,789 | $ | – |
The effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the six months ended March 31, 2019:
Derivatives Not Accounted for As Hedging Instruments | Consolidated Statement of Operations Location | Realized Loss on Derivatives Recognized | Change in Unrealized Appreciation on Derivatives Recognized | |||||||
Commodity Contracts (total return swap contracts) | Net realized gain/(loss) on Swap contracts/ Change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) on Swap contracts | $ | (212,433 | ) | $ | 104,623 | ||||
Total | $ | (212,433 | ) | $ | 104,623 |
4. OFFSETTING AGREEMENTS
Certain derivative contracts are executed under standardized netting agreements. A derivative netting arrangement creates an enforceable right of set-off that becomes effective, and affects the realization of settlement on individual assets, liabilities and collateral amounts, only following a specified event of default or early termination. Default events may include the failure to make payments or deliver securities timely, material adverse changes in financial condition or insolvency, the breach of minimum regulatory capital requirements, or loss of license, charter or other legal authorization necessary to perform under the contract. The Fund may manage counterparty risk by entering into enforceable collateral arrangements with counterparties. These agreements mitigate counterparty credit risk by providing for a single net settlement with a counterparty of all financial transactions covered by the agreement in an event of default as defined under such agreement.
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Insignia Macro Fund | Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
The following table presents derivative financial instruments that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements, collateral arrangements or other similar agreements as of March 31, 2019.
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets | Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities | Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities | Financial Instruments(a) | Cash Collateral Received(a) | Net Amount Receivable | |||||||||||||||||||
Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Return Swap Contracts | $ | 20,789 | $ | – | $ | 20,789 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 20,789 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 20,789 | $ | – | $ | 20,789 | $ | – | $ | – | $ | 20,789 |
(a) | These amounts are limited to the derivative liability balance and, accordingly, do not include excess collateral pledged. |
5. TAX BASIS INFORMATION
Tax Basis of Distributions to Shareholders: The character of distributions made during the period from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Also, due to the timing of dividend distributions, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the fiscal year in which the income or realized gain were recorded by the Fund. The amounts and characteristics of tax basis distributions are estimated at the time of distribution and composition of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) are finalized at fiscal year-end. Accordingly, tax basis balances have not been determined as of the date of the semi-annual report.
The tax characters of distributions paid by the Fund for the fiscal years ended September 30 were as follows:
Distributions Paid From: | 2018 | 2017 | ||||||
Ordinary Income | $ | 176,931 | $ | 86,591 | ||||
Total | $ | 176,931 | $ | 86,591 |
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 37 |
Insignia Macro Fund | Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation on Investments and Derivative Instruments: As of March 31, 2019, the aggregate cost of investments, gross unrealized appreciation / (deprecation) and net unrealized depreciation of investments and derivative instruments for Federal tax purposes were as follows:
Gross unrealized appreciation (excess of value over tax cost)(a) | $ | 16,489,568 | ||
Gross unrealized depreciation (excess of tax cost over value)(a) | (16,454,467 | ) | ||
Net unrealized appreciation | $ | 35,101 | ||
Cost of investments for income tax purposes | $ | 12,110,266 |
(a) | Includes appreciation/(depreciation) on Total Return Swap Contracts. |
6. SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of securities, excluding short-term securities, during the six months ended March 31, 2019 were as follows:
Purchases of Securities | Proceeds From Sales of Securities | |||||||
$ | 2,328,013 | $ | 6,487,268 |
Purchases and sales of U.S. Government Obligations during the six months ended March 31, 2019 were as follows:
Purchases of Securities | Proceeds From Sales of Securities | |||||||
$ | 2,422,856 | $ | 1,253,378 |
7. BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
The capitalization of the Trust consists of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with no par value per share. Holders of the shares of the Fund have one vote for each share held and a proportionate fraction of a vote for each fractional share. All shares issued and outstanding are fully paid and are transferable and redeemable at the option of the shareholder. Shares have no pre-emptive rights. Neither the Fund nor any of its creditors has the right to require shareholders to pay any additional amounts solely because the shareholder owns the shares.
Shares redeemed within 60 days of purchase may incur a 1.00% short-term redemption fee deducted from the redemption amount. For the six months ended March 31, 2019, the redemption fees charged by the Fund are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets.
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Insignia Macro Fund | Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Transactions in common shares were as follows:
Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Year Ended September 30, 2018 | |||||||
Class A: | ||||||||
Shares sold | 31 | 9,914 | ||||||
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders | 13 | 108 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (2,369 | ) | (18,787 | ) | ||||
Net decrease from share transactions | (2,325 | ) | (8,765 | ) | ||||
Class I: | ||||||||
Shares sold | 2,856 | 21,584 | ||||||
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders | 1,886 | 16,795 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (476,984 | ) | (2,825,188 | ) | ||||
Net decrease from share transactions | (472,242 | ) | (2,786,809 | ) |
Control is defined by the 1940 Act as the beneficial ownership, either directly or through one or more controlled companies, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a company. The Fund has two unaffiliated shareholder representing approximately 89% of total Fund Class I shares and three unaffiliated shareholders representing approximately 99% of total Fund Class A shares. Share transaction activities of this shareholder could have a material impact on the Fund.
8. MANAGEMENT AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Investment Advisory: Meritage Capital, LLC (“Meritage Capital” or the “Adviser”), subject to the authority of the Board, has served as the Fund’s investment adviser since Fund inception and is responsible for the overall management and administration of the Fund’s business affairs. The Adviser has delegated a portion of the daily management of the Fund to Sage Advisory Services, Ltd. Co. (“Sage” or the “Sub-Adviser”). Effective May 3, 2018, the Adviser was acquired by an affiliated holding company of Brown Advisory, LLC, a SEC-registered investment adviser. At the Board Meeting, the Board also approved interim investment advisory agreements between the Adviser and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and interim investment sub-advisory agreement among the Advisor, the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Sub-Adviser (the “Interim Advisory Agreements”). The Interim Advisory Agreements were effective for the earlier of 150 days from the close of the Transaction on May 3, 2018 or the date of shareholder approval of the New Advisory Agreements. The Interim Advisory Agreements were similar in all material respects to the prior advisory agreements. Any shareholder who owned shares of the Fund as of the close of business on May 7, 2018 received notice of the meeting and was entitled to vote to approve new investment advisory and investment sub-advisory agreements at the meeting. Under the new agreements, the Adviser continues to provide investment advisory services to the Fund and the Sub-Adviser will continue to provide sub-advisory services for the Fund's fixed income strategy, both subject to the oversight of the Board, under terms that are similar in all material respects to the prior investment advisory and sub-advisory agreements and for the same fees that are currently in effect. The Fund Shareholder Meeting occurred on July 6, 2018 and all measures passed. The Adviser and the Sub-Adviser continue to manage the investments of the Fund in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective, policies and limitations and investment guidelines established jointly by the Adviser and the Board.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 39 |
Insignia Macro Fund | Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser, the Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee of 1.25% based on the Fund’s average daily net assets during the month. Pursuant to an Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement”), the Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser an annual sub-advisory management fee of 0.10% for the first $25 million, 0.18% for the subsequent $25 million and 0.10% once assets have reached over $50 million, with a minimum annual fee of $25,000. These management fees are based on the assets they manage and are paid on a quarterly basis. The Adviser is required to pay all fees due to the Sub-Adviser out of the management fee the Adviser receives from the Fund. The initial term for both the Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement was two years. The Board may extend the Advisory Agreement and/or the Sub-Advisory Agreement for additional one-year terms. The Board, shareholders of the Fund or the Adviser may terminate the Advisory Agreement or the Sub-Advisory Agreement upon 60 days’ notice.
Pursuant to a fee waiver letter agreement (the “Fee Waiver Agreement”), the Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the amount of the Fund’s Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses, exclusive of Distribution and Service (12b-1) fees, Shareholder Service Fees, Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, brokerage expenses, interest expenses, taxes and extraordinary expenses, to 1.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for Class A and Class I shares. The Fee Waiver Agreement is in effect through January 31, 2020. The Adviser will be permitted to recover, on a class-by-class basis, expenses it has borne through the Fee Waiver Agreement only to the extent that the Fund's expenses in later periods do not exceed the lesser of: (1) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser waives or limits the expenses; or (2) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser seeks to recover the expenses; provided, however, that the Fund will not be obligated to reimburse any such expenses borne by the Adviser more than three years after the date on which the fee or expense was waived or limited or assumed and paid by the Adviser, as calculated on a monthly basis. The Adviser may not discontinue the Fee Waiver Agreement without the approval by the Fund’s Board.
For the six months ended March 31, 2019, the fee waivers and/or reimbursements were $2,184 and $135,577 for the Class A and Class I, respectively.
As of March 31, 2019, the balances of recoupable expenses for each class were as follows:
Expiring in 2019 | Expiring in 2020 | Expiring in 2021 | Expiring 2022 | |||||||||||||
Class A | $ | 352 | $ | 791 | $ | 2,922 | $ | 2,184 | ||||||||
Class I | 68,648 | 108,036 | 235,081 | 135,577 |
Administrator: ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS”) (an affiliate of ALPS Distributors, Inc.) serves as administrator to the Fund. The Fund has agreed to pay expenses incurred in connection with its administrative activities. Pursuant to the Administration, Bookkeeping and Pricing Services Agreement with the Trust, ALPS will provide operational services to the Fund including, but not limited to, fund accounting and fund administration and generally assist in the Fund’s operations. The Fund’s administration fee is accrued on a daily basis and paid monthly. The officers of the Trust and an Interested Trustee are employees of ALPS. Administration fees paid by the Fund for the six months ended March 31, 2019 are disclosed in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. ALPS is reimbursed by the Fund for certain out-of-pocket expenses.
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Insignia Macro Fund | Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Transfer Agent: ALPS serves as transfer agent for the Fund under a Transfer Agency and Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Fund plus fees for open accounts and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.
Compliance Services: ALPS provides services as the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer to monitor and test the policies and procedures of the Fund in conjunction with requirements under Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act pursuant to a Chief Compliance Officer Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Fund and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.
Distribution: ALPS Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”) (an affiliate of ALPS) acts as the principal underwriter of the Fund’s shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with the Trust. Shares of the Fund are offered on a continuous basis through the Distributor, as agent of the Fund. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any particular amount of shares and is not entitled to any compensation for its services as the Fund’s principal underwriter pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.
The Fund has adopted a separate plan of distribution for Class A shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Plan”). The Plan allows the Fund to use Class A assets to pay fees in connection with the distribution and marketing of Class A shares and/or the provision of shareholder services to Class A shareholders. The Plan permits payment for services in connection with the administration of plans or programs that use Class A shares of the Fund as their funding medium and for related expenses. The Plan permits the Fund to make total payments at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of a Fund’s average daily net assets attributable to its Class A shares. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund’s Class A assets on an ongoing basis, over time they will increase the cost of an investment in Class A shares, and Plan fees may cost an investor more than other types of sales charges. Plan fees are shown as distribution and service fees on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
9. TRUSTEES
As of March 31, 2019, there were four Trustees, three of whom are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”).Effective October 1, 2018, the Independent Trustees of the Trust will receive a quarterly retainer of $8,000, plus $4,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair will receive a quarterly retainer of $1,250 and the Independent Chair will receive a quarterly retainer of $2,500. Previously, the Independent Trustees of the Trust received a quarterly retainer of $6,000, plus $4,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair received a quarterly retainer of $1,250 and the Independent Chair received a quarterly retainer of $2,500. The Independent Trustees are also reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 41 |
Insignia Macro Fund | Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
10. INDEMNIFICATIONS
Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts with service providers that may contain general indemnification clauses which may permit indemnification to the extent permissible under applicable law. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.
11. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, which changes the fair value measurement disclosure requirements of FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. The update to Topic 820 includes new, eliminated, and modified disclosure requirements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods. Early adoption is permitted for any eliminated or modified disclosures. The Fund has elected to early adopt the eliminated and modified disclosures effective with the financial statements prepared as of March 31, 2019.
12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Subsequent events after the date of the Statements of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date of the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that there were no subsequent events to report through the issuance of these financial statements.
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Insignia Macro Fund | Additional Information |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
1. PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND VOTING RECORD
A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, (i) by calling the Fund (toll-free) at 1-855-674-4642 or (ii) on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) at http://www.sec.gov.
Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund (toll-free) at 1-855-674-4642 or (ii) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
2. PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 43 |
Table of Contents
Shareholder Letter | 1 |
Portfolio Update | |
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund | 5 |
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund | 7 |
Disclosure of Fund Expenses | 9 |
Portfolios of Investments | |
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund | 11 |
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund | 18 |
Statements of Assets and Liabilities | 24 |
Statements of Operations | 26 |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets | |
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund | 28 |
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund | 29 |
Financial Highlights | 30 |
Notes to Financial Statements | 38 |
Additional Information | 51 |
Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Funds’ annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Funds’ website at www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.
Beginning on January 1, 2019, you may, notwithstanding the availability of shareholder reports online, elect to receive all future shareholder reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. If you invest directly with a Fund, you can call 1-833-7-CANYON to let the Fund know you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports.
If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from a Fund electronically anytime by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by enrolling at www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com.
Seven Canyons Advisors | Shareholder Letter |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Dear Fellow Shareholders:
Despite the frightful headlines (trade war with China, failure of N. Korean treaty), I expect the economy to continue its slow growth of the past decade. While the market has been much more volatile than the economy, moving forward in fits and starts, it too has continued to move up and to the right over the past decade. My mantra is that the economy drives the market. As long as the economy keeps giving positive cues to the market, I expect the market to continue to be healthy. There are, however, two possible disruptions to this otherwise sunny scenario.
The first has to do with the rise of automated trading, including the growth of exchange-traded funds (ETFs). According to one estimate, 25% of all trading is driven by algorithms, and an additional 50% is driven by “automatic” ETF transactions. This means that instead of market prices being determined by the interaction of human buyers and sellers, they are increasingly determined by the interaction of computers. Many have debated the significance of this shift in how market prices are determined. No conclusive answer has been reached. However, there are numerous examples of the short term impact that such robotic trading can have on the market. The first episode was the 20% one-day market tumble in 1987 driven by automated program trading. Prior to the decline, the economy was displaying some warning signs, but on balance it was fine. Despite the mid-year market hiccup, Gross National Product (GNP) grew and the market returned over 5% for the year.
A more recent example was the “flash crash” of 2011. Within a few minutes, the market fell by 5%, only to recover minutes later. It was far worse for some individual stocks, which plunged 20% and then bounced back moments later. Both the program trading-induced decline of 1987 and the flash crash are examples of clear air turbulence. Some of you may have experienced clear air turbulence in an airplane flying smoothly in calm air then suddenly dropping hundreds of feet. The experience is disturbing, but only lasts for a few moments. Soon the plane is again flying smoothly thru calm air. Similarly these disconcerting market panics last only a short time before the market reverts to normal.
My concern is that the increasing automation of the market’s price-setting function will lead to further instances of clear air turbulence. Last year, for example, we had two. In both episodes, the backdrop was a reasonably well behaved economy. First, near the end of January the market started to drop. Within a few days it had fallen 10%, and most FANG stocks had fallen 20%. Later in the year they fully recovered. While this episode hasn’t been officially linked to automated trading, the swiftness and severity of the decline were unusual and likely reflective of automated trading. Similarly, in December the market plunged 15% before it reversed, fully recovering its loss in the early months of this year. Again, there has been no official linkage to automated trading, but I strongly believe that clear air turbulence was at play.
Why is this a concern? Take the market crash of ‘08 as an example. Arguably, clear air turbulence played a role. But woe to those investors (like myself) who treated the initial decline as an opportunity to buy the dip, which proved to be but a preview of the real deal. The early drop led to a full scale market rout and global financial crisis (GFC) due to serious economic problems emanating from the financial sector.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 1 |
Seven Canyons Advisors | Shareholder Letter |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
The second potential disruption stems from the unanticipated consequences of the never-before-tried monetary policy implemented post the GFC. For years, economists have offered the same prescription for treating an economic decline severe enough to induce panic in the markets: Quickly use monetary policy to quell the panic, and then implement fiscal policy to salve the economic wounds. Post the GFC, the first leg of the prescription was implemented, and monetary policy curbed the panic. But when fiscal policy proved restricted in scale, authorities chose to continue their easy money policy well after panic had subsided.
While the Federal Reserve (the "Fed") is solely responsible for monetary policy, fiscal policy is a group project involving the president and both houses of congress. Fiscal policy in the fall of ‘08 was especially complicated as we were in the midst of an election while the markets were coming apart. Ultimately some fiscal actions were implemented, but they were limited in scope. Impatient policy makers continued to rely on monetary policy rather than roll up their sleeves for the hard task of enacting appropriate fiscal policies such as tax cuts. Only when President Trump was elected and the economy had fully recovered were tax cuts carried out. Many believe that these cuts came so late in the economic cycle that they were inappropriate.
As the Fed tries to unwind the enormous amount of easy money, the nature of its dilemma is becoming clear. The Fed was able to implement several rate hikes with the goal of forcing rates to a level reflective of the state of the economy. Before the Fed was able to accomplish this goal, market weakness led them to back down. The goal of the monetary policy post the GFC was explicitly stated as forcing money into risky assets to stimulate investment. While this generally worked to a degree, the dominant effect was to increase the price of risky assets such as stocks. Now fear of falling asset prices may hinder effective monetary policy. We are in no man’s land. Nobody really knows the ultimate impact of normalizing our monetary policy.
Putting this all together, we have a sunny scenario with two potential disruptions. How significant are potential disruptions? No one knows. But investors whose optimism stems from a strong economy should be aware of disruptions which could lead to market weakness in spite of the steady economy.
As a summary of activity in the Seven Canyons World Innovators and Seven Canyons Strategic Income Funds, let me provide excerpts from the Fund commentaries we post on the website every quarter.
World Innovators Fund (excerpt from quarterly commentary):
It seems noteworthy that, unlike the last quarter of 2018, it was mostly companies from developed markets (DM) that made our top 10 contributions list this quarter. We think this says more about the sharp sell off in DM in the December quarter than it does about emerging market (EM) assets. After the sharp rebound in DM stocks, we believe the more attractive valuations remain in EM countries. Since moving the Fund to our new home at SCA, we have swung from being under to overweight EM versus the benchmark. So far so good. The change of direction with emerging markets is in part a reaction to great businesses being sold at very attractive prices after the 2018 EM fire sale, but equal credit goes to our better resources here at SCA. We have a small tight-knit team that has been ferociously vetting old and new ideas, and Spencer Stewart’s extensive experience investing in small-cap emerging market companies helped us get up the curve fast. We can’t count on such positive contributions from our EM investments every quarter, but we are confident that we are buying great business at historically great prices -- a strategy that reliably pays off in the long run.
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Seven Canyons Advisors | Shareholder Letter |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Strategic Income Fund (excerpt from quarterly commentary):
You’ve often heard me say that I’m looking for companies who have the ability and the willingness to pay a growing stream of dividends. Over the past year, the median dividend growth rate for the stocks we hold in our portfolio was 12%. While this far exceeded the growth rate of WASIX, it reflects the fact that the companies we own did better over the past 12 months than their stock market performance suggests.
In closing, I want to tell you how much I appreciate your willingness to invest alongside us in our Seven Canyons World Innovators (WAGTX/WIGTX) and Seven Canyons Strategic Income (WASIX) funds. I look forward to a profitable future together.
Sam Stewart
Partner
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 3 |
Seven Canyons Advisors | Shareholder Letter |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
DEFINITIONS
FANG Stocks - Facebook, Amazon, Netflix and Google (now Alphabet, Inc.) stocks
DISCLOSURES
This letter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security, strategy, or investment product. The expressed views and opinions presented are for informational purposes only, are based on current market conditions, and are subject to change without notice. Although information and statistics contained herein have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable and are accurate to the best of our knowledge, Seven Canyons Advisors cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy, validity, timeliness, or completeness of such information and statistics made available to you for any particular purpose. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
All investing involves risk. Investments in securities of foreign companies involve additional risks, including less liquidity, currency-rate fluctuations, political and economic instability and differences in financial reporting standards and securities market regulation. Investing in small and micro-cap funds will be more volatile and loss of principal could be greater than investing in large cap or more diversified funds.
An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. To obtain a Prospectus, which contains this and other information, visit our website at www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com or call us at 1-801-349-2718. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.
© 2019 Seven Canyons. All rights reserved. Seven Canyons Funds are distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc. (ADI).
ADI SCE000132
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Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund | Portfolio Update |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Performance of a Hypothetical $10,000 Initial Investment(March 31, 2009 through March 31, 2019)
The graph shown above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Investor Class. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All returns reflect reinvested dividends, but do not reflect the deduction of fees or taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
Average Annual Total Returns(as of March 31, 2019)
1 Year | 5 Year | 10 Year | Since Inception* | |
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund - Investor | 3.86% | 4.00% | 13.09% | 6.48% |
S&P 500 Total Return Index(a) | 9.50% | 10.91% | 15.92% | 8.48% |
Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate Bond Index(b) | 4.48% | 2.74% | 3.77% | 4.14% |
The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and value of the Fund shares will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Fund performance current to the most recent month-end is available by calling (801) 349-2718 or by visiting www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com.
* | The Fund commenced operations on February 1, 2006. The Predecessor Fund, Wasatch Strategic Income Fund, managed by Wasatch Advisors, Inc., was reorganized into the Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund on September 10, 2018. Seven Canyons Advisors, LLC has been the Fund’s investment adviser since September 10, 2018. Fund performance prior to September 10, 2018 is reflective of the past performance of the Predecessor Fund. |
(a) | The S&P 500® Total Return Index is the Standard & Poor's composite index of 500 stocks, a widely recognized, unmanaged index of common stock prices. |
(b) | The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, MBS (agency fixed-rate and hybrid ARM pass-throughs), ABS, and CMBS (agency and non-agency). The index is not actively managed and does not reflect any deductions for fees, expenses or taxes. |
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 5 |
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund | Portfolio Update |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Returns of less than 1 year are cumulative.
Indices are not actively managed and do not reflect deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.
The returns shown above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemption of Fund shares.
The total annual operating expenses and total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or reimbursement you may pay as an investor in the Fund’s Investor Class (as reported in the January 28, 2019 Prospectus) are 1.77% and 1.43%, respectively. The Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit expenses through January 31, 2020.
Top Ten Equity Holdings(as a % of Net Assets)*
Mastercard, Inc. | 4.58% |
Visa, Inc. | 4.56% |
Comcast Corp. | 4.09% |
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. | 3.92% |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | 3.88% |
Canadian National Railway Co. | 3.23% |
Magellan Midstream Partners LP | 2.97% |
Suncor Energy, Inc. | 2.87% |
Star Asia Capital Corp. | 2.19% |
Home Depot, Inc. | 2.11% |
Top Ten Holdings | 34.40% |
Sector Allocation(as a % of Net Assets)*
Financials | 25.75% |
Information Technology | 18.75% |
Industrials | 11.11% |
Consumer Discretionary | 10.80% |
Energy | 7.27% |
Health Care | 7.20% |
Communication Services | 5.62% |
Consumer Staples | 4.57% |
Real Estate | 3.08% |
Materials | 2.21% |
Cash | 3.64% |
Total | 100.00% |
* | Holdings are subject to change, and may not reflect the current or future position of the portfolio. |
6 | www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com |
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund | Portfolio Update |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Performance of a Hypothetical $10,000 Initial Investment(March 31, 2009 through March 31, 2019)
The graph shown above represents historical performance of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Investor Class. Due to differing expenses, performance of the Institutional Class will vary. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Returns do not reflect the deduction of fees, sales charges, or taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares.
Average Annual Total Returns(as of March 31, 2019)
1 Year | 5 Year | 10 Year | SinceInception* | |
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund - Investor | -2.82% | 6.48% | 16.40% | 7.96% |
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund - Institutional | -2.56% | 6.66% | 16.50% | 8.01% |
MSCI All Country World Index IMI(a) | 1.97% | 6.33% | 12.27% | 5.66% |
The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Investment return and value of the Fund shares will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance may be lower or higher than performance data quoted. Fund performance current to the most recent month-end is available by calling (801) 349-2718 or by visiting www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com.
* | Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund – Investor Class has an inception date of December 19, 2000. Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund – Institutional Class has an inception date of February 1, 2016. Performance for the Institutional Class prior to 2/1/2016 is based on the performance of the Investor Class. Performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class prior to 2/1/2016 uses the actual expenses of the Fund’s Investor Class without any adjustments. For any such period of time, the performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class would have been substantially similar to, yet higher than, the performance of the Fund’s Investor Class, because the shares of both classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, but the classes bear different expenses. The Predecessor Fund, Wasatch World Innovators Fund, managed by Wasatch Advisors, Inc., was reorganized into the Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund on September 10, 2018. Seven Canyons Advisors, LLC has been the Fund’s investment adviser since September 10, 2018. Fund performance prior to September 10, 2018 is reflective of the past performance of the Predecessor Fund. |
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 7 |
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund | Portfolio Update |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
(a) | The MSCI ACWI (All Country World Index) IMI (Investable Market Index) is designed to measure the equity market performance of large, mid, and small cap securities across developed and emerging markets throughout the world. |
Returns of less than 1 year are cumulative.
Indices are not actively managed and do not reflect deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. An investor cannot invest directly in an index.
The returns shown above do not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or redemption of Fund shares.
The total annual operating expenses and total annual operating expenses after fee waivers and/or reimbursement you may pay as an investor in the Fund’s Investor Class and Institutional Class shares (as reported in the January 28, 2019 Prospectus) are 1.95% and 1.75% and 1.95% and 1.55%, respectively. The Fund’s investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit expenses through January 31, 2020.
Top Ten Equity Holdings(as a % of Net Assets)*
Nintendo Co., Ltd. | 3.70% |
Abcam PLC | 3.60% |
DiaSorin SpA | 3.23% |
Computer Programs & Systems, Inc. | 2.98% |
Electronic Arts, Inc. | 2.95% |
Sarana Menara Nusantara Tbk PT | 2.86% |
Japan Animal Referral Medical Center Co., Ltd. | 2.51% |
Tecan Group AG | 2.35% |
Gamma Communications PLC | 2.34% |
BioMerieux | 2.34% |
Top Ten Holdings | 28.86% |
Sector Allocation(as a % of Net Assets)*
Health Care | 29.29% |
Communication Services | 21.38% |
Information Technology | 7.80% |
Consumer Discretionary | 7.14% |
Industrials | 4.37% |
Consumer Staples | 3.78% |
Financials | 1.52% |
Cash | 24.72% |
Total | 100.00% |
* | Holdings are subject to change, and may not reflect the current or future position of the portfolio. |
8 | www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com |
Seven Canyons Advisors | Disclosure of Fund Expenses |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Example. As a shareholder of the Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund or Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund (the “Funds”), you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. The following examples are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a Fund 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 on October 1, 2018 and held through March 31, 2019.
Actual Expenses. The first line under each class in the following table 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 “Expenses Paid During Period October 1, 2018 - March 31, 2019” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes. The second line under each class in the following table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on a Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in a Fund and other mutual 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 Fund costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, the second line under each class in the table below 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 transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 9 |
Seven Canyons Advisors | Disclosure of Fund Expenses |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Beginning Account Value October 1, 2018 | Ending Account Value March 31, 2019 | Expense Ratio(a) | Expenses Paid During Period October 1, 2018 - March 31, 2019(b) | |
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund | ||||
Investor Class | ||||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $953.10 | 0.95% | $4.63 |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,020.19 | 0.95% | $4.78 |
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund | ||||
Investor Class | ||||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $935.60 | 1.75% | $8.45 |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,016.21 | 1.75% | $8.80 |
Institutional Class | ||||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $936.80 | 1.55% | $7.48 |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,017.20 | 1.55% | $7.80 |
(a) | Each Fund's expense ratios have been annualized based on the Fund's most recent fiscal half-year expenses. |
(b) | Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio shown above for the applicable class, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number of days in the most recent fiscal half year (182), divided by 365. |
10 | www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com |
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Shares | Value (Note 2) | |||||||
COMMON STOCKS (96.26%) | ||||||||
Air Freight & Logistics (0.92%) | ||||||||
FedEx Corp. | 1,800 | $ | 326,538 | |||||
Airport Services (1.80%) | ||||||||
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico SAB de CV, Class B | 39,000 | 345,751 | ||||||
TAV Havalimanlari Holding AS | 70,000 | 293,032 | ||||||
Total Airport Services | 638,783 | |||||||
Apparel Retail (1.00%) | ||||||||
Ross Stores, Inc. | 3,800 | 353,780 | ||||||
Asset Management & Custody Banks (8.90%) | ||||||||
Ameriprise Financial, Inc. | 3,650 | 467,565 | ||||||
Apollo Investment Corp. | 17,000 | 257,380 | ||||||
Ares Capital Corp. | 41,724 | 715,150 | ||||||
Fondul Proprietatea SA, GDR(a) | 20,000 | 216,000 | ||||||
FS KKR Capital Corp. | 44,000 | 266,200 | ||||||
KKR & Co., Inc., Class A | 10,094 | 237,108 | ||||||
Solar Capital, Ltd. | 32,817 | 683,906 | ||||||
Solar Senior Capital, Ltd. | 18,000 | 308,880 | ||||||
Total Asset Management & Custody Banks | 3,152,189 | |||||||
Auto Parts & Equipment (2.01%) | ||||||||
Aptiv PLC | 4,800 | 381,552 | ||||||
Selamat Sempurna Tbk PT | 2,900,000 | 329,916 | ||||||
Total Auto Parts & Equipment | 711,468 | |||||||
Broadcasting (0.93%) | ||||||||
CBS Corp., Class B | 6,900 | 327,957 | ||||||
Fox Corp., Class B(b) | 33 | 1,196 | ||||||
Total Broadcasting | 329,153 | |||||||
Cable & Satellite (4.09%) | ||||||||
Comcast Corp., Class A | 36,200 | 1,447,276 | ||||||
Coal & Consumable Fuels (0.51%) | ||||||||
NAC Kazatomprom JSC, GDR(a)(b) | 13,000 | 182,000 | ||||||
Construction Materials (1.13%) | ||||||||
Tecnoglass, Inc. | 55,000 | 400,400 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 11 |
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Shares | Value (Note 2) | |||||||
Consumer Finance (2.70%) | ||||||||
SLM Corp. | 26,600 | $ | 263,606 | |||||
Transaction Capital, Ltd. | 282,940 | 349,048 | ||||||
Unifin Financiera SAB de CV SOFOM ENR | 160,000 | 344,808 | ||||||
Total Consumer Finance | 957,462 | |||||||
Data Processing & Outsourced Services (9.13%) | ||||||||
Mastercard, Inc., Class A | 6,885 | 1,621,073 | ||||||
Visa, Inc. | 10,325 | 1,612,662 | ||||||
Total Data Processing & Outsourced Services | 3,233,735 | |||||||
Department Stores (0.97%) | ||||||||
Matahari Department Store Tbk PT | 641,700 | 184,309 | ||||||
Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk PT | 2,332,000 | 158,851 | ||||||
Total Department Stores | 343,160 | |||||||
Diversified Banks (7.59%) | ||||||||
Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero Tbk PT | 1,303,000 | 376,991 | ||||||
Grupo Financiero Galicia SA, ADR | 10,400 | 265,408 | ||||||
Halyk Savings Bank of Kazakhstan JSC, GDR(a) | 16,251 | 188,512 | ||||||
HDFC Bank, Ltd., ADR | 3,100 | 359,321 | ||||||
Sberbank of Russia PJSC, Sponsored ADR | 29,000 | 384,540 | ||||||
Secure Trust Bank PLC | 21,621 | 390,724 | ||||||
Security Bank Corp. | 105,000 | 345,934 | ||||||
TBC Bank Group PLC | 18,610 | 374,244 | ||||||
Total Diversified Banks | 2,685,674 | |||||||
Diversified REITs (3.32%) | ||||||||
Colony Capital, Inc. | 75,000 | 399,000 | ||||||
Star Asia Capital Corp.(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)(g) | 355,714 | 775,457 | ||||||
Total Diversified REITs | 1,174,457 | |||||||
Diversified Support Services (0.49%) | ||||||||
Clipper Logistics PLC | 50,000 | 173,226 | ||||||
Drug Retail (1.41%) | ||||||||
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. | 7,900 | 499,833 | ||||||
Financial Exchanges & Data (1.00%) | ||||||||
MSCI, Inc. | 91 | 18,094 | ||||||
OTC Markets Group, Inc., Class A | 10,000 | 337,000 | ||||||
Total Financial Exchanges & Data | 355,094 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
12 | www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com |
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Shares | Value (Note 2) | |||||||
Health Care Services (1.36%) | ||||||||
CVS Health Corp. | 8,900 | $ | 479,977 | |||||
Home Improvement Retail (2.11%) | ||||||||
Home Depot, Inc. | 3,900 | 748,371 | ||||||
Homebuilding (0.78%) | ||||||||
Dom Development SA | 13,000 | 274,262 | ||||||
Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines (0.86%) | ||||||||
Extended Stay America, Inc. | 17,000 | 305,150 | ||||||
Hypermarkets & Super Centers (1.19%) | ||||||||
Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc. | 6,689,000 | 422,919 | ||||||
Industrial Gases (1.07%) | ||||||||
Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corp. | 25,000 | 380,312 | ||||||
Industrial Machinery (2.36%) | ||||||||
Skellerup Holdings, Ltd. | 254,000 | 364,975 | ||||||
Snap-on, Inc. | 3,000 | 469,560 | ||||||
Total Industrial Machinery | 834,535 | |||||||
Integrated Oil & Gas (2.87%) | ||||||||
Suncor Energy, Inc. | 31,300 | 1,014,407 | ||||||
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail (1.04%) | ||||||||
Naspers, Ltd., Class N | 1,600 | 369,500 | ||||||
IT Consulting & Other Services (3.92%) | ||||||||
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A | 19,150 | 1,387,418 | ||||||
Leisure Products (0.98%) | ||||||||
Photo-Me International PLC | 334,000 | 347,145 | ||||||
Managed Health Care (3.88%) | ||||||||
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | 5,550 | 1,372,293 | ||||||
Mortgage REITs (3.36%) | ||||||||
Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. | 91 | 1,180 | ||||||
Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc., Class A | 150 | 5,184 | ||||||
Great Ajax Corp. | 53,600 | 736,464 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 13 |
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Shares | Value (Note 2) | |||||||
Mortgage REITs (continued) | ||||||||
Starwood Property Trust, Inc. | 20,000 | $ | 447,000 | |||||
Total Mortgage REITs | 1,189,828 | |||||||
Movies & Entertainment (0.00%) | ||||||||
Walt Disney Co. | 1 | 65 | ||||||
Oil & Gas Storage & Transportation (3.89%) | ||||||||
Golar LNG Partners LP | 25,000 | 322,750 | ||||||
Magellan Midstream Partners LP | 17,371 | 1,053,204 | ||||||
Total Oil & Gas Storage & Transportation | 1,375,954 | |||||||
Packaged Foods & Meats (1.00%) | ||||||||
Grupo Herdez SAB de CV | 159,000 | 354,121 | ||||||
Personal Products (0.87%) | ||||||||
Herbalife Nutrition, Ltd.(b) | 5,800 | 307,342 | ||||||
Pharmaceuticals (1.97%) | ||||||||
CSPC Pharmaceutical Group, Ltd. | 218,000 | 405,455 | ||||||
Hypera SA | 44,000 | 291,059 | ||||||
Total Pharmaceuticals | 696,514 | |||||||
Railroads (3.23%) | ||||||||
Canadian National Railway Co. | 12,767 | 1,142,901 | ||||||
Retail REITs (1.96%) | ||||||||
Simon Property Group, Inc. | 3,800 | 692,398 | ||||||
Semiconductor Equipment (1.59%) | ||||||||
BE Semiconductor Industries NV | 13,855 | 368,653 | ||||||
Micro-Mechanics Holdings, Ltd. | 155,000 | 194,429 | ||||||
Total Semiconductor Equipment | 563,082 | |||||||
Semiconductors (4.11%) | ||||||||
Microchip Technology, Inc. | 8,300 | 688,568 | ||||||
QUALCOMM, Inc. | 3,500 | 199,605 | ||||||
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Sponsored ADR | 13,815 | 565,862 | ||||||
Total Semiconductors | 1,454,035 | |||||||
Specialty Stores (1.05%) | ||||||||
Tractor Supply Co. | 3,800 | 371,488 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
14 | www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com |
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Value | ||||||||
Shares | (Note 2) | |||||||
Trading Companies & Distributors (1.41%) | ||||||||
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., Class A | 6,000 | $ | 496,260 | |||||
Triton International, Ltd. | 100 | 3,110 | ||||||
Total Trading Companies & Distributors | 499,370 | |||||||
Transport-Services (0.90%) | ||||||||
Jetpak Top Holding AB(b) | 68,000 | 317,608 | ||||||
Wireless Telecommunication Services (0.60%) | ||||||||
Safaricom PLC | 782,800 | 213,950 | ||||||
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $29,629,253) | 34,079,173 | |||||||
MUTUAL FUND (1.00%) | ||||||||
Invesco Dynamic Pharmaceuticals ETF | 5,400 | 351,918 | ||||||
TOTAL MUTUAL FUND (Cost $353,644) | 351,918 | |||||||
RIGHTS (0.10%) | ||||||||
Personal Products (0.10%) | ||||||||
Herbalife Nutrition, Ltd.(c)(d)(e)(f)(g) | 14,761 | 34,393 | ||||||
TOTAL RIGHTS (Cost $–) | 34,393 |
Value | ||||||||||||
7 Day Yield | Shares | (Note 2) | ||||||||||
SHORT TERM INVESTMENT (2.45%) | ||||||||||||
State Street Institutional US Government Money Market Fund | 2.293 | % | 867,935 | 867,935 | ||||||||
867,935 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENT (Cost $867,935) | 867,935 | |||||||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (99.81%) (Cost $30,850,832) | $ | 35,333,419 | ||||||||||
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (0.19%) | 68,406 | |||||||||||
NET ASSETS (100.00%) | $ | 35,401,825 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 15 |
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
(a) | Securities were purchased pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, which exempts securities offered and sold outside of the United States from registration. Such securities cannot be sold in the United States without either an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, or pursuant to an exemption from registration. As of March 31, 2019, the market value of those securities was $586,512 representing 1.66% of net assets. |
(b) | Non-income producing security. |
(c) | Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in the ordinary course of business in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At period end, the aggregate market value of those securities was $809,850, representing 2.29% of net assets. |
(d) | Fair valued security under the procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. |
(e) | As a result of the use of significant unobservable inputs to determine fair value, these investments have been classified as Level 3 assets. See also note 2 to the financial statements for additional information. |
(f) | Security deemed to be restricted as of March 31, 2019. As of March 31, 2019, the market value of restricted securities in the aggregate was $809,850, representing 2.29% of the Fund’s net assets. Additional information on restricted securities can be found in the Notes to Quarterly Portfolio of Investments. |
(g) | Security deemed to be illiquid under the procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. As of March 31, 2019, the market value of illiquid securities in the aggregate was $809,850, representing 2.29% of the Fund’s net assets. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
16 | www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com |
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
At March 31, 2019, Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund's investments, excluding short-term investments, were in the following countries:
Country | % of Net Assets |
Argentina | 0.8 |
Bermuda | 0.0(a) |
Brazil | 0.8 |
Canada | 6.3 |
China | 1.2 |
Colombia | 1.2 |
Georgia | 1.1 |
Great Britain | 4.1 |
India | 1.0 |
Indonesia | 3.0 |
Ireland | 1.1 |
Japan | 1.1 |
Kazakhstan | 0.5 |
Kenya | 0.6 |
Mexico | 3.0 |
Netherlands | 1.1 |
New Zealand | 1.1 |
Philippines | 2.2 |
Poland | 0.8 |
Romania | 0.6 |
Russia | 1.1 |
Singapore | 0.6 |
South Africa | 2.1 |
Sweden | 0.9 |
Taiwan | 1.6 |
Turkey | 0.9 |
United States | 61.2 |
100.0 |
(a) | Less than .005%. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 17 |
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Shares | Value (Note 2) | |||||||
COMMON STOCKS (75.12%) | ||||||||
Aerospace & Defense (2.19%) | ||||||||
Avon Rubber PLC | 169,189 | $ | 2,864,684 | |||||
Agricultural Products (0.44%) | ||||||||
BISI International Tbk PT | 5,700,000 | 574,403 | ||||||
Airport Services (0.00%) | ||||||||
AGP Corp. | 300 | 1,962 | ||||||
Alternative Carriers (2.34%) | ||||||||
Gamma Communications PLC | 240,710 | 3,066,156 | ||||||
Apparel, Accessories & Luxury Goods (1.61%) | ||||||||
Levi Strauss & Co.(a) | 60,000 | 1,413,000 | ||||||
Mavi Giyim Sanayi Ve Ticaret AS(b)(c) | 100,000 | 691,597 | ||||||
Total Apparel, Accessories & Luxury Goods | 2,104,597 | |||||||
Application Software (3.77%) | ||||||||
eGain Corp.(a) | 159,281 | 1,664,487 | ||||||
Miroku Jyoho Service Co., Ltd. | 55,000 | 1,409,862 | ||||||
PCA Corp. | 20,000 | 529,820 | ||||||
Silverlake Axis, Ltd. | 1,650,000 | 657,443 | ||||||
Tracsis PLC | 80,000 | 666,855 | ||||||
Total Application Software | 4,928,467 | |||||||
Biotechnology (3.98%) | ||||||||
Abcam PLC | 319,000 | 4,715,718 | ||||||
Bioventix PLC | 10,000 | 494,931 | ||||||
Total Biotechnology | 5,210,649 | |||||||
Broadcasting (0.66%) | ||||||||
Surya Citra Media Tbk PT | 7,395,500 | 859,519 | ||||||
Computer & Electronics Retail (1.89%) | ||||||||
GAME Digital PLC(a)(d) | 7,200,000 | 2,480,387 | ||||||
Construction Machinery & Heavy Trucks (0.50%) | ||||||||
Morita Holdings Corp. | 40,000 | 656,862 | ||||||
Consumer Electronics (0.49%) | ||||||||
Roku, Inc.(a) | 10,000 | 645,100 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
18 | www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com |
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Shares | Value (Note 2) | |||||||
Data Processing & Outsourced Services (2.05%) | ||||||||
My EG Services Bhd | 4,068,500 | $ | 1,405,165 | |||||
Pagseguro Digital, Ltd., Class A(a) | 43,000 | 1,283,550 | ||||||
Total Data Processing & Outsourced Services | 2,688,715 | |||||||
Distillers & Vintners (0.59%) | ||||||||
Becle SAB de CV | 500,000 | 767,378 | ||||||
Electrical Components & Equipment (0.16%) | ||||||||
FineTek Co., Ltd. | 75,000 | 210,250 | ||||||
Electronic Equipment & Instruments (1.49%) | ||||||||
Catapult Group International, Ltd.(a) | 1,941,126 | 1,295,599 | ||||||
Eroad, Ltd.(a) | 360,152 | 657,306 | ||||||
Total Electronic Equipment & Instruments | 1,952,905 | |||||||
Financial Exchanges & Data (1.39%) | ||||||||
Infront ASA | 684,658 | 1,825,765 | ||||||
Food Retail (0.68%) | ||||||||
BIM Birlesik Magazalar AS | 65,000 | 888,351 | ||||||
Health Care Equipment (6.41%) | ||||||||
Ambu A/S, Class B | 25,000 | 661,493 | ||||||
BioMerieux | 37,000 | 3,058,901 | ||||||
DiaSorin SpA | 42,000 | 4,226,082 | ||||||
Mizuho Medy Co., Ltd. | 8,000 | 197,780 | ||||||
Surgical Innovations Group PLC(a) | 5,400,000 | 249,680 | ||||||
Total Health Care Equipment | 8,393,936 | |||||||
Health Care Facilities (3.70%) | ||||||||
Japan Animal Referral Medical Center Co., Ltd.(a) | 130,000 | 3,284,310 | ||||||
Medikaloka Hermina Tbk PT(a)(c) | 2,800,000 | 666,573 | ||||||
Mitra Keluarga Karyasehat Tbk PT(a)(c) | 6,499,700 | 890,057 | ||||||
Total Health Care Facilities | 4,840,940 | |||||||
Health Care Services (1.03%) | ||||||||
Integrated Diagnostics Holdings PLC(b)(c) | 291,891 | 1,342,699 | ||||||
Health Care Supplies (4.03%) | ||||||||
Advanced Medical Solutions Group PLC | 700,000 | 2,885,579 | ||||||
Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd. | 2,100 | 49,379 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 19 |
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Shares | Value (Note 2) | |||||||
Health Care Supplies (continued) | ||||||||
Ypsomed Holding AG | 18,245 | $ | 2,336,166 | |||||
Total Health Care Supplies | 5,271,124 | |||||||
Health Care Technology (2.98%) | ||||||||
Computer Programs & Systems, Inc. | 131,500 | 3,904,235 | ||||||
Home Improvement Retail (0.46%) | ||||||||
Italtile, Ltd. | 643,393 | 601,979 | ||||||
Industrial Machinery (1.51%) | ||||||||
Grupo Rotoplas SAB de CV | 520,000 | 543,837 | ||||||
Skellerup Holdings, Ltd. | 1,000,000 | 1,436,910 | ||||||
Total Industrial Machinery | 1,980,747 | |||||||
Interactive Home Entertainment (7.66%) | ||||||||
Electronic Arts, Inc.(a) | 38,000 | 3,861,940 | ||||||
Nintendo Co., Ltd. | 17,000 | 4,840,928 | ||||||
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.(a) | 14,000 | 1,321,180 | ||||||
Total Interactive Home Entertainment | 10,024,048 | |||||||
IT Consulting & Other Services (0.49%) | ||||||||
TechMatrix Corp. | 38,700 | 646,338 | ||||||
Leisure Facilities (0.40%) | ||||||||
Goals Soccer Centres PLC(a) | 1,492,500 | 528,743 | ||||||
Leisure Products (2.28%) | ||||||||
Bandai Namco Holdings, Inc. | 32,000 | 1,498,511 | ||||||
Photo-Me International PLC | 1,427,659 | 1,483,845 | ||||||
Total Leisure Products | 2,982,356 | |||||||
Life Sciences Tools & Services (4.39%) | ||||||||
BBI Life Sciences Corp.(c) | 2,185,500 | 687,671 | ||||||
Horizon Discovery Group PLC(a) | 1,019,600 | 1,978,688 | ||||||
Tecan Group AG | 13,035 | 3,073,681 | ||||||
Total Life Sciences Tools & Services | 5,740,040 | |||||||
Movies & Entertainment (5.19%) | ||||||||
AFC Ajax NV(a) | 100,000 | 1,906,976 | ||||||
Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA | 300,000 | 2,756,140 | ||||||
OL Groupe SA(a) | 269,465 | 885,658 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
20 | www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com |
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Shares | Value (Note 2) | |||||||
Movies & Entertainment (continued) | ||||||||
Spotify Technology SA(a) | 9,000 | $ | 1,249,200 | |||||
Total Movies & Entertainment | 6,797,974 | |||||||
Packaged Foods & Meats (2.04%) | ||||||||
Grupo Herdez SAB de CV | 1,200,000 | 2,672,608 | ||||||
Pharmaceuticals (2.79%) | ||||||||
Benchmark Holdings PLC(a) | 272,500 | 181,008 | ||||||
Merck KGaA | 25,000 | 2,850,648 | ||||||
Ouro Fino Saude Animal Participacoes SA | 77,000 | 614,568 | ||||||
Total Pharmaceuticals | 3,646,224 | |||||||
Publishing (2.01%) | ||||||||
New York Times Co. | 80,000 | 2,628,000 | ||||||
Wireless Telecommunication Services (3.52%) | ||||||||
Safaricom PLC | 3,135,000 | 856,838 | ||||||
Sarana Menara Nusantara Tbk PT | 68,000,000 | 3,748,595 | ||||||
Total Wireless Telecommunication Services | 4,605,433 | |||||||
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $91,028,866) | 98,333,574 | |||||||
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP INTEREST (0.13%) | ||||||||
Greenspring Global Partners II LP(a)(b)(e)(f)(g) | 1 | 167,281 | ||||||
TOTAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP INTEREST (Cost $211,184) | 167,281 | |||||||
RIGHTS (0.03%) | ||||||||
Personal Products (0.03%) | ||||||||
Herbalife Nutrition, Ltd.(a)(b)(e)(f)(g)(h) | 19,023 | 44,324 | ||||||
TOTAL RIGHTS (Cost $–) | 44,324 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 21 |
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
7 Day Yield | Shares | Value (Note 2) | ||||||||||
SHORT TERM INVESTMENT (22.28%) | ||||||||||||
State Street Institutional US Government Money Market Fund | 2.293 | % | 29,162,210 | 29,162,210 | ||||||||
29,162,210 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENT (Cost $29,162,210) | 29,162,210 | |||||||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (97.56%) (Cost $120,402,260) | $ | 127,707,389 | ||||||||||
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (2.44%) | 3,197,517 | |||||||||||
NET ASSETS (100.00%) | $ | 130,904,906 |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
(b) | Securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be sold in the ordinary course of business in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At period end, the aggregate market value of those securities was $2,245,901, representing 1.72% of net assets. |
(c) | Securities were purchased pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, which exempts securities offered and sold outside of the United States from registration. Such securities cannot be sold in the United States without either an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, or pursuant to an exemption from registration. As of March 31, 2019, the market value of those securities was $4,278,597 representing 3.27% of net assets. |
(d) | Affiliated Company. See Note 9 in Notes to Financial Statements. |
(e) | Fair valued security under the procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. |
(f) | Security deemed to be restricted as of March 31, 2019. As of March 31, 2019, the market value of restricted securities in the aggregate was $211,605, representing 0.16% of the Fund’s net assets. Additional information on restricted securities can be found in the Notes to Quarterly Portfolio of Investments. |
(g) | Security deemed to be illiquid under the procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. As of March 31, 2019, the market value of illiquid securities in the aggregate was $211,605, representing 0.16% of the Fund’s net assets. |
(h) | As a result of the use of significant unobservable inputs to determine fair value, these investments have been classified as Level 3 assets. See also note 2 to the financial statements for additional information. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
22 | www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com |
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund | Portfolio of Investments |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
At March 31, 2019, Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund’s investments, excluding short-term investments, were in the following countries:
Country | % of Net Assets |
Australia | 1.3 |
Brazil | 1.9 |
China | 0.7 |
Denmark | 0.7 |
Egypt | 1.4 |
France | 4.0 |
Germany | 5.7 |
Great Britain | 21.9 |
Indonesia | 6.8 |
Italy | 4.3 |
Japan | 13.3 |
Kenya | 0.9 |
Malaysia | 1.4 |
Mexico | 4.0 |
Netherlands | 1.9 |
New Zealand | 2.1 |
Norway | 1.9 |
Singapore | 0.7 |
South Africa | 0.6 |
Sweden | 1.3 |
Switzerland | 5.5 |
Taiwan | 0.2 |
Turkey | 1.6 |
United States | 15.9 |
100.0 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 23 |
Seven Canyons Advisors | Statements of Assets and Liabilities |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
SEVEN CANYONS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND | SEVEN CANYONS WORLD INNOVATORS FUND | |||||||
ASSETS: | ||||||||
Investments, at value (Cost $30,850,832 and $117,394,554) | $ | 35,333,419 | $ | 125,227,002 | ||||
Investments in affiliates, at value (Cost $– and $3,007,706) | – | 2,480,387 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | – | 55,783 | ||||||
Foreign currency, at value (Cost $12,711 and $70,777, respectively) | 12,732 | 70,771 | ||||||
Receivable for investments sold | 157,227 | 4,777,139 | ||||||
Receivable for shares sold | 141,955 | 62,283 | ||||||
Dividends and interest receivable | 47,517 | 222,062 | ||||||
Other assets | 21,113 | 26,069 | ||||||
Total Assets | 35,713,963 | 132,921,496 | ||||||
LIABILITIES: | ||||||||
Payable to custodian | 65,080 | – | ||||||
Payable for administration and transfer agency fees | 27,758 | 92,519 | ||||||
Payable for investments purchased | 69,529 | 1,611,564 | ||||||
Payable for shares redeemed | 121,062 | 113,552 | ||||||
Payable to adviser | 15,526 | 164,312 | ||||||
Payable for printing | 517 | 4,637 | ||||||
Payable for professional fees | 11,661 | 16,829 | ||||||
Payable to Chief Compliance Officer fees | 507 | 2,771 | ||||||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | 498 | 10,406 | ||||||
Total Liabilities | 312,138 | 2,016,590 | ||||||
NET ASSETS | $ | 35,401,825 | $ | 130,904,906 | ||||
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF: | ||||||||
Paid-in capital (Note 5) | $ | 32,086,725 | $ | 124,596,417 | ||||
Total distributable earnings | 3,315,100 | 6,308,489 | ||||||
NET ASSETS | $ | 35,401,825 | $ | 130,904,906 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
24 | www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com |
Seven Canyons Advisors | Statements of Assets and Liabilities |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
SEVEN CANYONS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND | SEVEN CANYONS WORLD INNOVATORS FUND | |||||||
PRICING OF SHARES | ||||||||
Investor Class: | ||||||||
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share | $ | 12.03 | $ | 16.09 | ||||
Net Assets | $ | 35,401,825 | $ | 124,615,758 | ||||
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding | 2,943,996 | 7,743,344 | ||||||
Institutional Class: | ||||||||
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share | N/A | $ | 16.29 | |||||
Net Assets | N/A | $ | 6,289,148 | |||||
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding | N/A | 386,116 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 25 |
Seven Canyons Advisors | Statements of Operations |
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
SEVEN CANYONS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND | SEVEN CANYONS WORLD INNOVATORS FUND | |||||||
INVESTMENT INCOME: | ||||||||
Dividends from unaffiliated issuers | $ | 574,497 | $ | 982,013 | ||||
Foreign taxes withheld | (15,521 | ) | (64,701 | ) | ||||
Total Investment Income | 558,976 | 917,312 | ||||||
EXPENSES: | ||||||||
Investment advisory fees (Note 6) | 125,171 | 1,016,520 | ||||||
Administration fees | 23,089 | 83,903 | ||||||
Custody fees | 8,303 | 31,524 | ||||||
Legal fees | 1,254 | 4,927 | ||||||
Audit and tax fees | 9,972 | 9,972 | ||||||
Transfer agent fees | 40,862 | 126,113 | ||||||
Trustees fees and expenses | 1,610 | 6,319 | ||||||
Registration and filing fees | 4,004 | 10,668 | ||||||
Printing fees | 1,067 | 7,787 | ||||||
Chief Compliance Officer fees | 4,054 | 15,892 | ||||||
Insurance fees | 24 | 90 | ||||||
Repayment of previously waived fees | ||||||||
Institutional Class | – | 2,250 | ||||||
Other expenses | 2,402 | 3,986 | ||||||
Total Expenses | 221,812 | 1,319,951 | ||||||
Less fees waived/reimbursed by investment adviser (Note 6) | ||||||||
Investor Class | (52,040 | ) | (128,801 | ) | ||||
Institutional Class | – | (13,103 | ) | |||||
Total fees waived/reimbursed by investment adviser (Note 6) | (52,040 | ) | (141,904 | ) | ||||
Net Expenses | 169,772 | 1,178,047 | ||||||
NET INVESTMENT INCOME/(LOSS) | 389,204 | (260,735 | ) | |||||
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS AND FOREIGN CURRENCY: | ||||||||
Net realized gain/(loss) on: | ||||||||
Affiliated Investments | – | (846,957 | ) | |||||
Unaffiliated Investments | 93,485 | 3,824,001 | ||||||
Foreign currency transactions | (14,194 | ) | (137,312 | ) | ||||
Net realized gain | 79,291 | 2,839,732 | ||||||
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on: | ||||||||
Unaffiliated Investments | (2,399,949 | ) | (14,344,343 | ) | ||||
Affiliated Investments | – | 111,781 | ||||||
Translation of asset and liabilities denominated in foreign currency | (373 | ) | 341 | |||||
Net change | (2,400,322 | ) | (14,232,221 | ) |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
26 | www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com |
Seven Canyons Advisors | Statements of Operations |
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
SEVEN CANYONS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND | SEVEN CANYONS WORLD INNOVATORS FUND | |||||||
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENTS AND FOREIGN CURRENCY | (2,321,031 | ) | (11,392,489 | ) | ||||
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | $ | (1,931,827 | ) | $ | (11,653,224 | ) |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 27 |
Seven Canyons | |
Strategic Income Fund | Statements of Changes in Net Assets |
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Year Ended September 30, 2018(a) | |||||||
OPERATIONS: | ||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 389,204 | $ | 862,493 | ||||
Net realized gain on investments | 79,291 | 4,715,250 | ||||||
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments | (2,400,322 | ) | (318,885 | ) | ||||
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | (1,931,827 | ) | 5,258,858 | |||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS | ||||||||
Investor Class | (310,595 | ) | (1,098,927 | ) | ||||
Total distributions | (310,595 | ) | (1,098,927 | ) | ||||
BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (Note 5): | ||||||||
Investor Class | ||||||||
Shares sold | 1,135,185 | 16,148,550 | ||||||
Dividends reinvested | 304,352 | 1,082,568 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (3,413,550 | ) | (26,818,552 | ) | ||||
Redemption fees | 366 | 695 | ||||||
Net decrease from beneficial share transactions | (1,973,647 | ) | (9,586,739 | ) | ||||
Net decrease in net assets | (4,216,069 | ) | (5,426,808 | ) | ||||
NET ASSETS: | ||||||||
Beginning of period | 39,617,894 | 45,044,702 | ||||||
End of period | $ | 35,401,825 | $ | 39,617,894 |
(a) | Effective September 10, 2018, the Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund merged into the ALPS Series Trust. The Fund was previously advised by Wasatch Advisors, Inc., and was recognized as the Wasatch Strategic Income Fund. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
28 | www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com |
Seven Canyons | |
World Innovators Fund | Statements of Changes in Net Assets |
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Year Ended September 30, 2018(a) | |||||||
OPERATIONS: | ||||||||
Net investment loss | $ | (260,735 | ) | $ | (1,317,710 | ) | ||
Net realized gain on investments | 2,839,732 | 40,070,906 | ||||||
Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments | (14,232,221 | ) | (13,956,881 | ) | ||||
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | (11,653,224 | ) | 24,796,315 | |||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS | ||||||||
Investor Class | (29,476,916 | ) | (27,785,763 | ) | ||||
Institutional Class | (1,390,437 | ) | (635,561 | ) | ||||
Total distributions | (30,867,353 | ) | (28,421,324 | ) | ||||
BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (Note 5): | ||||||||
Investor Class | ||||||||
Shares sold | 3,619,080 | 41,810,867 | ||||||
Dividends reinvested | 28,546,551 | 27,070,171 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (20,290,288 | ) | (102,936,752 | ) | ||||
Redemption fees | 279 | 12,022 | ||||||
Net increase/(decrease) from beneficial share transactions | 11,875,622 | (34,043,692 | ) | |||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||
Shares sold | 1,896,389 | 4,386,142 | ||||||
Dividends reinvested | 1,301,695 | 621,806 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (2,996,476 | ) | (848,095 | ) | ||||
Redemption fees | 547 | – | ||||||
Net increase from beneficial share transactions | 202,155 | 4,159,853 | ||||||
Net decrease in net assets | (30,442,800 | ) | (33,508,848 | ) | ||||
NET ASSETS: | ||||||||
Beginning of period | 161,347,706 | 194,856,554 | ||||||
End of period | $ | 130,904,906 | $ | 161,347,706 |
(a) | Effective September 10, 2018, the Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund merged into the ALPS Series Trust. The Fund was previously advised by Wasatch Advisors, Inc., and was recognized as the Wasatch Strategic Income Fund. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 29 |
Seven Canyons | |
Strategic Income Fund – Investor Class | Financial Highlights |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD |
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS: |
Net investment income(b) |
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments |
Total from investment operations |
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: |
From net investment income |
From net realized gains on investments |
Tax return of capital |
Total Distributions |
REDEMPTION FEES |
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE |
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD |
TOTAL RETURN(d) |
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: |
Net assets, end of period (in 000s) |
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS |
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver |
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver |
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver |
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(f) |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
30 | www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com |
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund – Investor Class | Financial Highlights |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Year Ended September 30, 2018(a) | For the Year Ended September 30, 2017 | For the Year Ended September 30, 2016 | For the Year Ended September 30, 2015 | For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 | |||||||||||||||||
$ | 12.74 | $ | 11.78 | $ | 10.62 | $ | 10.49 | $ | 12.63 | $ | 11.08 | |||||||||||
0.13 | 0.21 | 0.16 | 0.26 | 0.30 | 0.32 | |||||||||||||||||
(0.74 | ) | 1.04 | 1.12 | 0.49 | (1.38 | ) | 1.74 | |||||||||||||||
(0.61 | ) | 1.25 | 1.28 | 0.75 | (1.08 | ) | 2.06 | |||||||||||||||
(0.10 | ) | (0.29 | ) | (0.12 | ) | (0.23 | ) | (0.44 | ) | (0.35 | ) | |||||||||||
– | – | – | (0.35 | ) | (0.62 | ) | (0.16 | ) | ||||||||||||||
– | – | – | (0.04 | ) | – | – | ||||||||||||||||
(0.10 | ) | (0.29 | ) | (0.12 | ) | (0.62 | ) | (1.06 | ) | (0.51 | ) | |||||||||||
0.00 | (c) | 0.00 | (c) | – | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||
(0.71 | ) | 0.96 | 1.16 | 0.13 | (2.14 | ) | 1.55 | |||||||||||||||
$ | 12.03 | $ | 12.74 | $ | 11.78 | $ | 10.62 | $ | 10.49 | $ | 12.63 | |||||||||||
(4.69 | %) | 10.71 | % | 12.09 | % | 7.38 | % | (9.54 | %) | 18.94 | % | |||||||||||
$ | 35,402 | $ | 39,618 | $ | 45,045 | $ | 55,112 | $ | 88,661 | $ | 94,958 | |||||||||||
1.24 | %(e) | 1.08 | % | 1.10 | % | 1.04 | % | 0.95 | % | 0.96 | % | |||||||||||
0.95 | %(e) | 0.95 | % | 0.95 | % | 0.95 | % | 0.95 | % | 0.95 | % | |||||||||||
2.18 | %(e) | 1.71 | % | 1.12 | % | 2.50 | % | 2.51 | % | 2.59 | % | |||||||||||
34 | % | 72 | % | 34 | % | 45 | % | 78 | % | 69 | % |
(a) | Effective September 10, 2018, the Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund merged into the ALPS Series Trust. The Fund was previously advised by Wasatch Advisors, Inc., and was recognized as the Wasatch Strategic Income Fund. |
(b) | Calculated using the average shares method. |
(c) | Less than $0.005 per share. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 31 |
Seven Canyons | |
Strategic Income Fund – Investor Class | Financial Highlights |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented
(d) | Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. |
(e) | Annualized. |
(f) | Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
32 | www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com |
Page Intentionally Left Blank
Seven Canyons | |
World Innovators Fund – Investor Class | Financial Highlights |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD |
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS: |
Net investment loss(b) |
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments |
Total from investment operations |
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: |
From net realized gains on investments |
Total Distributions |
REDEMPTION FEES |
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE |
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD |
TOTAL RETURN(d) |
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: |
Net assets, end of period (in 000s) |
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS |
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver |
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver |
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver |
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(f) |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
34 | www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com |
Seven Canyons | |
World Innovators Fund – Investor Class | Financial Highlights |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Year Ended September 30, 2018(a) | For the Year Ended September 30, 2017 | For the Year Ended September 30, 2016 | For the Year Ended September 30, 2015 | For the Year Ended September 30, 2014 | |||||||||||||||||
$ | 22.59 | $ | 22.75 | $ | 19.32 | $ | 20.17 | $ | 22.62 | $ | 23.15 | |||||||||||
(0.04 | ) | (0.14 | ) | (0.13 | ) | (0.12 | ) | (0.21 | ) | (0.24 | ) | |||||||||||
(1.93 | ) | 3.30 | 4.26 | 1.90 | 0.30 | 0.91 | ||||||||||||||||
(1.97 | ) | 3.16 | 4.13 | 1.78 | 0.09 | 0.67 | ||||||||||||||||
(4.53 | ) | (3.32 | ) | (0.70 | ) | (2.63 | ) | (2.54 | ) | (1.20 | ) | |||||||||||
(4.53 | ) | (3.32 | ) | (0.70 | ) | (2.63 | ) | (2.54 | ) | (1.20 | ) | |||||||||||
0.00 | (c) | 0.00 | (c) | – | – | – | – | |||||||||||||||
(6.50 | ) | (0.16 | ) | 3.43 | (0.85 | ) | (2.45 | ) | (0.53 | ) | ||||||||||||
$ | 16.09 | $ | 22.59 | $ | 22.75 | $ | 19.32 | $ | 20.17 | $ | 22.62 | |||||||||||
(6.44 | %) | 14.77 | % | 22.23 | % | 8.97 | % | 0.32 | % | 2.69 | % | |||||||||||
$ | 124,616 | $ | 153,187 | $ | 191,021 | $ | 193,826 | $ | 186,272 | $ | 253,311 | |||||||||||
1.95 | %(e) | 1.82 | % | 1.83 | % | 1.78 | % | 1.76 | % | 1.73 | % | |||||||||||
1.75 | %(e) | 1.81 | % | 1.83 | % | 1.78 | % | 1.76 | % | 1.73 | % | |||||||||||
(0.43 | %)(e) | (0.65 | %) | (0.57 | %) | (0.66 | %) | (0.76 | %) | (0.89 | %) | |||||||||||
71 | % | 159 | % | 91 | % | 112 | % | 100 | % | 111 | % |
(a) | Effective September 10, 2018, the Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund merged into the ALPS Series Trust. The Fund was previously advised by Wasatch Advisors, Inc., and was recognized as the Wasatch Strategic Income Fund. |
(b) | Calculated using the average shares method. |
(c) | Less than $0.005 per share. |
(d) | Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. |
(e) | Annualized. |
(f) | Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 35 |
Seven Canyons
World Innovators Fund – Institutional Class | Financial Highlights |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD |
INCOME/(LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS: |
Net investment income/(loss)(b) |
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments |
Total from investment operations |
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: |
From net realized gains on investments |
Total Distributions |
REDEMPTION FEES |
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN NET ASSET VALUE |
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD |
TOTAL RETURN(d) |
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: |
Net assets, end of period (in 000s) |
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS |
Operating expenses excluding reimbursement/waiver |
Operating expenses including reimbursement/waiver |
Net investment income including reimbursement/waiver |
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE(f) |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
36 | www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com |
Seven Canyons
World Innovators Fund – Institutional Class | Financial Highlights |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Presented
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Year Ended September 30, 2018(a) | For the Year Ended September 30, 2017 | For the Period Ended September 30, 2016 | |||||||||||
$ | 22.78 | $ | 22.87 | $ | 19.36 | $ | 17.54 | |||||||
(0.02 | ) | (0.05 | ) | (0.09 | ) | 0.00 | (c) | |||||||
(1.94 | ) | 3.28 | 4.30 | 1.82 | ||||||||||
(1.96 | ) | 3.23 | 4.21 | 1.82 | ||||||||||
(4.53 | ) | (3.32 | ) | (0.70 | ) | – | ||||||||
(4.53 | ) | (3.32 | ) | (0.70 | ) | – | ||||||||
0.00 | (c) | – | – | – | ||||||||||
(6.49 | ) | (0.09 | ) | 3.51 | 1.82 | |||||||||
$ | 16.29 | $ | 22.78 | $ | 22.87 | $ | 19.36 | |||||||
(6.32 | %) | 15.03 | % | 22.55 | % | 10.38 | % | |||||||
$ | 6,289 | $ | 8,160 | $ | 3,836 | $ | 5,977 | |||||||
1.96 | %(e) | 2.05 | % | 2.22 | % | 3.69 | %(e) | |||||||
1.55 | %(e) | 1.55 | % | 1.55 | % | 1.55 | %(e) | |||||||
(0.22 | %)(e) | (0.23 | %) | (0.29 | %) | 0.01 | %(e) | |||||||
71 | % | 159 | % | 91 | % | 112 | % |
(a) | Effective September 10, 2018, the Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund merged into the ALPS Series Trust. The Fund was previously advised by Wasatch Advisors, Inc., and was recognized as the Wasatch Strategic Income Fund. |
(b) | Calculated using the average shares method. |
(c) | Less than $0.005 per share. |
(d) | Assumes an initial investment on the business day before the first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Total returns are for the period indicated and have not been annualized. Total returns would have been lower had certain expenses not been waived during the period. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. |
(e) | Annualized. |
(f) | Portfolio turnover rate for periods less than one full year have not been annualized. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 37 |
Seven Canyons Advisors | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
1. ORGANIZATION
ALPS Series Trust (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust, is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust consists of multiple separate portfolios or series. This semi-annual report describes the Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund and Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund (each individually the “Fund” or collectively the “Funds”). The Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund’s primary investment objective is to capture current income and the Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund’s primary investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Funds are each classified as diversified under the 1940 Act. The Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund currently offers Investor Class shares and the Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund currently offers Investor Class and Institutional Class shares. Each share class has identical rights to earnings, assets and voting privileges, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) may establish additional funds and classes of shares at any time in the future without shareholder approval.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for investment companies (“U.S. GAAP”). Each Fund is considered an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies in the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by each Fund in preparation of its financial statements.
Investment Valuation:Each Fund generally values its securities based on market prices determined at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on each day the NYSE is open for trading.
For equity securities and mutual funds that are traded on an exchange, the market price is usually the closing sale or official closing price on that exchange. In the case of equity securities not traded on an exchange, or if such closing prices are not otherwise available, the securities are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and ask prices on such day.
Redeemable securities issued by open-end registered investment companies are valued at the investment company’s applicable net asset value, with the exception of exchange-traded open-end investment companies, which are priced as equity securities.
When such prices or quotations are not available, or when the Fair Value Committee appointed by the Board believes that they are unreliable, securities may be priced using fair value procedures approved by the Board.
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Seven Canyons Advisors | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Fair Value Measurements:The Funds disclose the classification of their fair value measurements following a three-tier hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability that are developed based on the best information available.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Funds’ investments as of the end of the reporting period. When inputs used fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The designated input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with these investments. These inputs are categorized in the following hierarchy under applicable financial accounting standards:
Level 1 – | Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments, unrestricted assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access at the measurement date; |
Level 2 – | Quoted prices which are not active, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable (either directly or indirectly); and |
Level 3 – | Significant unobservable prices or inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) where there is little or no market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date. |
The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds’ investments as of March 31, 2019:
SEVEN CANYONS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND
Investments in Securities at Value* | Level 1 - Unadjusted Quoted Prices | Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs | Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs | Total | ||||||||||||
Common Stocks | ||||||||||||||||
Diversified REITs | $ | 399,000 | – | $ | 775,457 | $ | 1,174,457 | |||||||||
Other | 32,904,716 | – | – | 32,904,716 | ||||||||||||
Mutual Fund | 351,918 | – | – | 351,918 | ||||||||||||
Rights | – | – | 34,393 | 34,393 | ||||||||||||
Short Term Investment | 867,935 | – | – | 867,935 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 34,523,569 | $ | – | $ | 809,850 | $ | 35,333,419 |
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 39 |
Seven Canyons Advisors | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
SEVEN CANYONS WORLD INNOVATORS FUND
Investments in Securities at Value* | Level 1 - Unadjusted Quoted Prices | Level 2 - Other Significant Observable Inputs | Level 3 - Significant Unobservable Inputs | Total | ||||||||||||
Common Stocks | 97,804,831 | 528,743 | – | 98,333,574 | ||||||||||||
Limited Partnership Interest(a) | – | – | – | 167,281 | ||||||||||||
Rights | – | – | 44,324 | 44,324 | ||||||||||||
Short Term Investment | 29,162,210 | – | – | 29,162,210 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 126,967,041 | $ | 528,743 | $ | 44,324 | $ | 127,707,389 |
* | For a detailed Industry breakdown, see the accompanying Portfolio of Investments. |
(a) | Certain investments measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value levels. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation to the amounts presented in the Portfolio of Investments. |
Fund | Fair Value at 3/31/2019 | Unfunded Commitments | Redemption Frequency (if currently eligible) | Redemption Notice Period | ||||||||||||
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund | ||||||||||||||||
Limited Partnership Interest(a) | $ | 167,281 | $ | – | – | – |
(a) | The fair value of this limited partnership interest has been estimated using the net asset value of the Fund’s Limited Partner Capital Account. This limited partnership interest can never be redeemed. Distributions from the limited partnership will be received as the underlying investments are liquidated. It is estimated that the underlying assets of the limited partnership will be liquidated over the next one to five years. The final purchase commitment was made on March 31, 2017 for Greenspring Global Partners II-B, L.P. |
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Seven Canyons Advisors | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
The following is a reconciliation of assets in which Level 3 inputs were used in determining value:
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund | Common Stocks | Rights | Total | |||||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2018 | $ | 775,456 | $ | 50,926 | $ | 826,382 | ||||||
Change in Unrealized | ||||||||||||
Appreciation/(Depreciation) | 1 | (16,533 | ) | (16,532 | ) | |||||||
Purchases | – | – | – | |||||||||
Transfer into Level 3 | – | – | – | |||||||||
Transfer out of Level 3 | – | – | – | |||||||||
Balance as of March 31, 2019 | $ | 775,457 | $ | 34,393 | $ | 809,850 | ||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) included in the Statements of Operations attributable to Level 3 investments held at March 31, 2019 | $ | 1 | $ | (16,533 | ) | $ | (16,532 | ) |
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund | Rights | Total | ||||||
Balance as of September 30, 2018 | $ | 65,629 | $ | 65,629 | ||||
Change in Unrealized | ||||||||
Appreciation/(Depreciation) | (21,305 | ) | (21,305 | ) | ||||
Purchases | – | – | ||||||
Transfer into Level 3 | – | – | ||||||
Transfer out of Level 3 | – | – | ||||||
Balance as of March 31, 2019 | $ | 44,324 | $ | 44,324 | ||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) included in the Statements of Operations attributable to Level 3 investments held at March 31, 2019 | $ | (21,305 | ) | $ | (21,305 | ) |
Quantitative information about Level 3 measurements as of March 31, 2019:
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund
Asset Class | Market Value | Valuation Technique(s) | Unobservable Input(s)(a) | Value/Range | |||||||
Common Stock | $ | 775,457 | Last Trade | Last Trade | 100% | ||||||
Rights | $ | 34,393 | Probability of take out | Probability of take out | 8% | ||||||
Premium of take out | Premium of take out | 20% |
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 41 |
Seven Canyons Advisors | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund
Asset Class | Market Value | Valuation Technique(s) | Unobservable Input(s)(a) | Value/Range | |||||||
Rights | $ | 44,324 | Probability of take out | Probability of take out | 8% | ||||||
Premium of take out | Premium of take out | 20% |
(a) | A change to the unobservable input may result in a significant change to the value of the investment as follows: A change to a multiple may affect the fair value of an investment. Generally, a decrease in this multiple will result in a decrease in the fair value of the investment. |
Cash & Cash Equivalents:The Funds consider their investment in a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured interest bearing account to be cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost plus any accrued interest. The FDIC limit is $250,000. At various times throughout the year or period, the amount on deposit may exceed the FDIC limit and subject the Funds to a credit risk. The Funds do not believe that such deposits are subject to any unusual risk associated with investment activities.
Trust Expenses:Some expenses of the Trust can be directly attributed to a Fund. Expenses that cannot be directly attributed to a Fund are apportioned among all funds in the Trust based on average net assets of each fund, including Trustees’ fees and expenses.
Fund Expenses:Some expenses can be directly attributed to a Fund and are apportioned among the classes based on average net assets of each class.
Class Expenses:Expenses that are specific to a class of shares are charged directly to that share class.
Federal Income Taxes:The Funds comply with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and intend to distribute substantially all of their net taxable income and net capital gains, if any, each year so that it will not be subject to excise tax on undistributed income and gains. The Funds are not subject to income taxes to the extent such distributions are made.
As of and during the six month period ended March 31, 2019, the Funds did not have a liability for any unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying financial statements. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to tax liabilities as income tax expense in the Statements of Operations. The Funds file U.S. federal, state and local income tax returns as required. The Funds’ tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return for federal purposes and four years for most state returns. The Funds’ administrator has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years and has concluded that as of March 31, 2019, no provision for income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements related to these tax positions.
Investment Transactions and Investment Income:Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the investments are purchased or sold (trade date basis for financial reporting purposes). Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are reported on an identified cost basis. Interest income, which includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, is accrued and recorded as earned. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date, or for certain foreign securities, as soon as information is available to the Fund. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends are paid (a portion of which may be reclaimable) or provided for in accordance with the applicable country’s tax rules and rates and are disclosed in the Statements of Operations. All of the realized and unrealized gains and losses and net investment income are allocated daily to each class in proportion to its average daily net assets.
42 | www.sevencanyonsadvisors.com |
Seven Canyons Advisors | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Foreign Securities:The Fund may directly purchase securities of foreign issuers. Investing in securities of foreign issuers involves special risks not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers. The risks include possible re-evaluation of currencies, the inability to repatriate foreign currency, less complete financial information about companies and possible future adverse political and economic developments. Moreover, securities of many foreign issuers and their markets may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than those of securities of comparable U.S. issuers.
Foreign Currency Translation:Values of investments denominated in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars using the current exchange rates each business day (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time). Purchases and sales of investments and dividend income are translated into U.S. dollars using the current prevailing exchange rate on the transaction date. The effect of changes in foreign exchange rates on realized and unrealized gains or losses on securities is reflected as a component of such gains or losses. Transactions in foreign denominated assets may involve greater risks than domestic transactions.
Foreign Exchange Transactions:The Funds may enter into foreign currency spot contracts to facilitate transactions in foreign securities or to convert foreign currency receipts into U.S. dollars. A foreign currency spot contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell currencies at the current market rate, for settlement generally within two business days. The U.S. dollar value of the contracts is determined using current currency exchange rates supplied by a pricing service. The contract is marked-to-market daily for settlements beyond one day and any change in market value is recorded as an unrealized gain or loss. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value on the open and close date. Losses may arise from changes in the value of the foreign currency, or if the counterparties do not perform under the contract’s terms. The maximum potential loss from such contracts is the aggregate face value in U.S. dollars at the time the contract was opened.
Distributions to Shareholders:The Funds normally pay dividends, if any, quarterly, and distribute capital gains, if any, on an annual basis. Income dividend distributions are derived from interest and other income a Fund receives from its investments, including short term capital gains. Long term capital gain distributions are derived from gains realized when a Fund sells a security it has owned for more than one year. The Funds may make additional distributions and dividends at other times if its investment advisor has determined that doing so may be necessary for the Fund to avoid or reduce taxes. Net investment income/(loss) and net realized gain/(loss) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes.
Restricted Securities:Restricted securities are securities that may only be resold upon registration under federal securities laws or in transactions exempt from such registration. In some cases, the issuer of restricted securities has agreed to register such securities for resale, at the issuer’s expense, either upon demand by a fund or in connection with another registered offering of the securities. Many restricted securities may be resold in the secondary market in transactions exempt from registration. Such restricted securities may be determined to be liquid. The Funds will not incur any registration costs upon such resale. The Funds’ restricted securities are valued at the price provided by pricing services or dealers in the secondary market or, if no market prices are available, at the fair value price as determined by the Fund’s Adviser or pursuant to the Fund’s fair value policy, subject to oversight by the Board. The Funds have acquired certain securities, the sale of which is restricted under applicable provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”). It is possible that the fair value price may differ significantly from the amount that may ultimately be realized in the near term, and the difference could be material. Refer to Note 8 (Restricted Securities) for more information regarding Rule 144A of the Securities Act.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 43 |
Seven Canyons Advisors | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Repurchase Agreements:The Funds may engage in repurchase transactions. Under the terms of a typical repurchase agreement, a fund takes possession of an underlying debt obligation subject to an obligation of the seller to repurchase and the fund to resell the obligation at an agreed upon price and time. The market value of the collateral must be at least equal at all times to the total amount of the repurchase obligation, including interest. Generally, in the event of counterparty default, the fund has the right to use the collateral to offset losses incurred.
3. TAX BASIS INFORMATION
Tax Basis of Distributions to Shareholders:The character of distributions made during the period from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Also, due to the timing of dividend distributions, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the fiscal year in which the income or realized gain were recorded by the Funds. The amounts and characteristics of tax basis distributions are estimated at the time of distribution and composition of distributable earnings/(accumulated losses) are finalized at fiscal year-end. Accordingly, tax basis balances have not been determined as of the date of the semi-annual report.
The tax character of distributions paid by the Funds for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 were as follows:
Ordinary Income | Long-Term Capital Gains | |||||||
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund | $ | 1,098,927 | $ | – | ||||
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund | 2,887,529 | 25,533,795 |
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Seven Canyons Advisors | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation on Investments:As of March 31, 2019, the aggregate costs of investments, gross unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) and net unrealized appreciation for Federal tax purposes were as follows:
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund | Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund | |||||||
Gross unrealized appreciation (excess of value over tax cost) | $ | 4,769,670 | $ | 8,323,633 | ||||
Gross unrealized depreciation (excess of tax cost over value) | (3,282,137 | ) | (15,965,724 | ) | ||||
Net appreciation on foreign currency and derivatives | – | – | ||||||
Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | $ | 1,487,533 | $ | (7,642,091 | ) | |||
Cost of investments for income tax purposes | $ | 31,960,756 | $ | 131,348,901 |
4. SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of securities, excluding short-term securities, during the six month period ended March 31, 2019 were as follows:
Purchases of Securities | Proceeds from Sales of Securities | |||||||
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund | $ | 11,676,752 | $ | 12,370,480 | ||||
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund | 80,566,512 | 118,745,290 |
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 45 |
Seven Canyons Advisors | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
5. BENEFICIAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS
The capitalization of the Trust consists of an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with no par value per share. Holders of the shares of the Funds have one vote for each share held and a proportionate fraction of a vote for each fractional share. All shares issued and outstanding are fully paid and are transferable and redeemable at the option of the shareholder. Shares have no pre-emptive rights. Neither the Funds nor any of their creditors have the right to require shareholders to pay any additional amounts solely because the shareholder owns the shares.
Shares redeemed within 60 days of purchase may incur a 2.00% redemption fee deducted from the redemption amount. For the six month period ended March 31, 2019, the redemption fees charged by the Fund, if any, are presented in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.
Transactions in common shares were as follows:
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) | For the Year Ended September 30, 2018 | |||||||
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund | ||||||||
Investor Class | ||||||||
Shares sold | 96,823 | 1,342,592 | ||||||
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders | 27,464 | 88,658 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (290,620 | ) | (2,144,223 | ) | ||||
Net decrease in shares outstanding | (166,333 | ) | (712,973 | ) | ||||
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund | ||||||||
Investor Class | ||||||||
Shares sold | 213,837 | 1,881,378 | ||||||
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders | 1,978,278 | 1,271,497 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (1,230,797 | ) | (4,766,873 | ) | ||||
Net increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding | 961,318 | (1,613,998 | ) | |||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||
Shares sold | 111,653 | 200,017 | ||||||
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to shareholders | 89,157 | 29,016 | ||||||
Shares redeemed | (172,998 | ) | (38,497 | ) | ||||
Net increase in shares outstanding | 27,812 | 190,536 |
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Seven Canyons Advisors | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
6. MANAGEMENT AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Investment Advisory:Seven Canyons Advisors, LLC (the “Adviser”), subject to the authority of the Board, is responsible for the overall management and administration of the Funds’ business affairs. The Adviser manages the investments of the Funds in accordance with each Fund’s investment objective, policies and limitations and investment guidelines established jointly by the Adviser and the Board. Effective September 10, 2018, Seven Canyons became the Adviser to both Funds. Although the new Funds have different investment advisors, the portfolio manager(s) for the Funds and investment objectives are the same. The Funds also have substantially similar principal investment strategies and principal risks. Any shareholders that owned shares of the funds as of the close of business on June 29, 2018, voted to approve the new Seven Canyons Investment Advisory Agreements at the meeting. Under the new Agreements, the Advisor will provide advisory services to the Funds, subject to the oversight of the Board. The Funds’ Shareholder Meeting occurred on August 30, 2018 and all measures past.
Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser, the Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee of 0.70% based on the Fund’s average daily net assets, and the Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee of 1.50% based on the Fund’s average daily net assets. The management fees are paid on a monthly basis. The Board may extend the Advisory Agreements for additional one-year term. The Board and shareholders of the Funds may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 30 day written notice. The Adviser may terminate the Advisory Agreement upon 60 days’ written notice.
Pursuant to a fee waiver letter agreement (the “Fee Waiver Agreement”), the Adviser has contractually agreed to limit the amount of the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses, exclusive of interest, dividend expense on short sales/interest expense, taxes, brokerage commissions, other investment related costs, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of business, for the Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund Investor Class shares and Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund Investor Class shares and Institutional Class shares, to 0.95%, 1.75% and 1.55%, respectively, of each Funds’ average daily net assets of each class of shares. The Fee Waiver Agreement is in effect through January 31, 2020. The Adviser will be permitted to recover, on a class-by-class basis, expenses it has borne through the Fee Waiver Agreement only to the extent that each Fund’s expenses in later periods do not exceed the lesser of: (1) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser waives or limits the expenses; or (2) the contractual expense limit in effect at the time the Adviser seeks to recover the expenses; provided, however, that the Fund will not be obligated to reimburse any such expenses borne by the Adviser more than three years after the date on which the fee or expense was waived or limited or assumed and paid by the Adviser, as calculated on a monthly basis. The Adviser may not discontinue this waiver without the approval by the Trust’s Board. Fees waived or reimbursed for the six month period ended March 31, 2019 are disclosed in the Statements of Operations.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 47 |
Seven Canyons Advisors | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
As of March 31, 2019, the balance of recoupable expenses was as follows:
Expiring in 2021 | Expiring in 2022 | |||||||
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund | 8,181 | 52,040 | ||||||
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund | 23,137 | 141,482 |
Prior to September 10, 2018, Wasatch Advisors, Inc. (“Wasatch”) served as the investment adviser to the Predecessor Funds pursuant to a prior investment advisory agreement between the Wasatch Funds Trust and Wasatch, under which Wasatch was entitled to receive an annual fee of 0.70% and 1.50% for Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund and Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund, respectively, computed daily and paid monthly. Wasatch had contractually agreed to waive Its fees and/or reimburse certain Funds should a Fund’s operating expenses (exclusive of interest, dividend expense on short sales/interest expense, taxes, brokerage commissions, other investment related costs, acquired fund fees and expenses, and extraordinary expenses such as litigation and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of business), exceed an annual limitation of 0.95 % for Investor Class of the Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund, and 1.95% and 1.55% for Investor Class and Institutional Class of the Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund, respectively. Wasatch was able to recover previously waived expenses through September 10, 2018.
Administrator:ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS”) (an affiliate of ALPS Distributors, Inc.) serves as administrator to each Fund. The Funds have agreed to pay expenses incurred in connection with its administrative activities. Pursuant to the Administration, Bookkeeping and Pricing Services Agreement with the Trust, ALPS will provide operational services to each Fund including, but not limited to, fund accounting and fund administration, and will generally assist in the Funds’ operations. The Funds’ administration fee is accrued on a daily basis and paid monthly. The officers and an Interested Trustee of the Trust are employees of ALPS. Administration fees paid by each Fund for the six month period ended March 31, 2019 are disclosed in the Statements of Operations. ALPS is reimbursed by the Funds for certain out of pocket expenses.
Transfer Agent:ALPS serves as transfer agent for each Fund under a Transfer Agency Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Funds plus fees for open accounts and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.
Compliance Services:Effective September 10, 2018, ALPS provides services as each Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer to monitor and test the policies and procedures of the Funds’ in conjunction with requirements under Rule 38a-1 of the 1940 Act pursuant to a Chief Compliance Officer Services Agreement with the Trust. Under this agreement, ALPS is paid an annual fee for services performed on behalf of the Funds and is reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.
Distribution:ALPS Distributors, Inc. (the “Distributor”) (an affiliate of ALPS) acts as the principal underwriter of the Funds’ shares pursuant to a Distribution Agreement with the Trust. Shares of the Funds are offered on a continuous basis through the Distributor, as agent of the Funds. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any particular amount of shares and is not entitled to any compensation for its services as the Funds’ principal underwriter pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.
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Seven Canyons Advisors | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
7. TRUSTEES
As of March 31, 2019, there were four Trustees, three of whom are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust (the “Independent Trustees”). Effective October 1, 2018, the Independent Trustees of the Trust will receive a quarterly retainer of $8,000, plus $4,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair will receive a quarterly retainer of $1,250 and the Independent Chair will receive a quarterly retainer of $2,500. Previously, the Independent Trustees of the Trust received a quarterly retainer of $6,000, plus $4,000 for each regular Board or Committee meeting attended and $2,000 for each special telephonic or in-person Board or Committee meeting attended. Additionally, the Audit Committee Chair received a quarterly retainer of $1,250 and the Independent Chair received a quarterly retainer of $2,500. The Independent Trustees are also reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses relating to attendance at meetings.
8. RESTRICTED SECURITIES
The Funds may own investments that were purchased through private placement transactions or under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) and cannot be sold without prior registration under the Securities Act or may be limited due to certain restrictions. These securities are generally deemed to be illiquid and are valued at fair value as determined by a designated Pricing Committee of the Advisor (“Pricing Committee”), comprised of personnel of the Adviser, with oversight by the Board and in accordance with Board-approved Pricing Policies and Procedures. If and when such securities are registered, the costs of registering such securities are paid by the issuer. At March 31, 2019, the Funds held the following restricted securities:
Fund | Security Type | Acquisition Date | Cost | Fair Value | % of Net Assets | |||||||||||
Seven Canyons Strategic Income Fund | ||||||||||||||||
Herbalife Nutrition, Ltd. | Rights | 10/13/17 | $ | – | $ | 34,393 | 0.10 | % | ||||||||
Star Asia Capital Corp. | Common Stocks | 2/22/07-5/11/15 | 572,597 | 775,457 | 2.19 | % | ||||||||||
$ | 572,597 | $ | 809,850 | 2.29 | % | |||||||||||
Seven Canyons World Innovators Fund | ||||||||||||||||
Greenspring Global Partners II LP | Limited Partnership Interest | 10/10/13- 3/31/17 | $ | 211,184 | $ | 167,281 | 0.13 | % | ||||||||
Herbalife Nutrition, Ltd. | Rights | 10/13/17 | – | 44,324 | 0.03 | % | ||||||||||
$ | 211,184 | $ | 211,605 | 0.16 | % |
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 49 |
Seven Canyons Advisors | Notes to Financial Statements |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
Restricted securities under Rule 144a, including the aggregate value and percentage of net assets of each Fund, have been identified in the Portfolios of Investments.
9. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
If a Fund’s holding represents ownership of 5% or more of the voting securities of a company, the company is deemed to be an affiliate as defined by the 1940 Act. The following Funds conducted transactions during the six month period ended March 31, 2019 with an “affiliated company” as so defined:
World Innovators Fund
Security Name | Share Balance as of September 30, 2018 | Purchases | Sales | Share Balance as of March 31, 2019 | Market Value as of March 31, 2019 | Dividends | Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) | Realized Gain/Loss | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
GAME Digital PLC | 11,300,000 | – | (4,100,000 | ) | 7,200,000 | $ | 2,480,387 | $ | – | $ | 111,781 | $ | (846,957 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
$ | 2,480,387 | $ | – | $ | 111,781 | $ | (846,957 | ) |
10. INDEMNIFICATIONS
Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and Trustees are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust enters into contracts with service providers that may contain general indemnification clauses which may permit indemnification to the extent permissible under applicable law. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as such exposure would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred.
11. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, which changes the fair value measurement disclosure requirements of FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. The update to Topic 820 includes new, eliminated, and modified disclosure requirements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods. Early adoption is permitted for any eliminated or modified disclosures. The Funds have elected to early adopt the eliminated and modified disclosures effective with the financial statements prepared as of March 31, 2019.
12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Subsequent events after the date of the Statements of Assets and Liabilities have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that there were no subsequent events to report through the issuance of these financial statements.
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Seven Canyons Advisors | Additional Information |
March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
1. PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND VOTING RECORD
A description of the policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, (i) by calling the Funds (toll-free) at 1-833-722-6966 or (ii) on the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) at http://www.sec.gov.
Information regarding how each Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available (i) without charge, upon request, by calling the Funds (toll-free) at 1-833-722-6966 or (ii) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
2. PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
The Funds file their complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Funds’ Forms N-Q are available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov.
Semi-Annual Report | March 31, 2019 | 51 |
Must be accompanied or preceded by a prospectus.
ALPS Distributors, Inc. is the Distributor of the Funds.
Item 2. | Code of Ethics. |
Not applicable to this report.
Item 3. | Audit Committee Financial Expert. |
Not applicable to this report.
Item 4. | Principal Accountant Fees and Services. |
Not applicable to this report.
Item 5. | Audit Committee of Listed Registrants. |
Not applicable to the registrant.
Item 6. | Investments. |
(a) | Schedule of Investments is included as part of the Reports to Stockholders 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 the registrant.
Item 8. | Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies. |
Not applicable to the registrant.
Item 9. | Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers. |
Not applicable to the registrant.
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, where those changes were implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K, or this Item.
Item 11. | Controls and Procedures. |
(a) | The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have evaluated the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) within 90 days of this report and have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of that date. |
(b) | There was no change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. |
Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-end Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable.
Item 13.Exhibits.
(a)(1) | Not applicable to this report. |
(a)(2) | The certifications required by Rule 30a-2(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto as Exhibit 99.Cert. |
(a)(3) | None. |
(a)(4) | Not applicable to this report. |
(b) | The certifications by the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as required by Rule 30a-2(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto as Exhibit 99.906Cert. |
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.
ALPS SERIES TRUST
By: | /s/ Jeremy O. May | |
Jeremy O. May | ||
President (Principal Executive Officer) | ||
Date: | May 30, 2019 |
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 O. May | |
Jeremy O. May | ||
President (Principal Executive Officer) | ||
Date: | May 30, 2019 | |
By: | /s/ Kimberly R. Storms | |
Kimberly R. Storms | ||
Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) | ||
Date: | May 30, 2019 |