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 811-23066
Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450 Cincinnati, OH 45246
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
The Corporation Trust Company
1209 Orange Street Wilmington, DE 19801
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 631-470-2600
Date of fiscal year end: 5/31
Date of reporting period: 11/30/23
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
STERLING CAPITAL FOCUS EQUITY ETF |
LCG |
STERLING CAPITAL DIVERSE MULTI-MANAGER ACTIVE ETF |
DEIF |
Semi-Annual Report |
November 30, 2023 |
1-888-637-7798 |
www.sterlingcapital.com/etf |
This report and the financial statements contained herein are submitted for the general information of shareholders and are not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus. Nothing herein contained is to be considered an offer of sale or solicitation of an offer to buy shares of the Funds. Such offering is made only by prospectus, which includes details as to offering price and other material information. |
Distributed by Northern Lights Distributors LLC |
Member FINRA |
Sterling Capital Focus Equity ETF
PORTFOLIO REVIEW (Unaudited)
November 30, 2023
The Fund’s performance figures* for the periods ended November 30, 2023, compared to its benchmark:
Average Annual | |||
Annualized | |||
Fund/Index | Six-Months | 1 Year | Since Inception** |
Sterling Capital Focus Equity ETF | 7.40% | 22.20% | 1.19% |
Sterling Capital Focus Equity ETF - Market Price | 7.31% | 22.49% | 1.19% |
Russell 1000 Growth Index *** | 13.14% | 26.17% | 9.00% |
Performance figures include the change in value of the stocks in the index and the reinvestment of dividends. The index returns do not reflect expenses, which have been deducted from the Fund’s return. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Since November 2, 2020, market price returns are calculated using the closing price and account for distributions from the Fund. Prior to November 2, 2020, market price returns were calculated using the midpoint price and accounted for distributions from the Fund. The midpoint is the average of the bid-ask prices at 4:00 PM ET (when NAV is normally determined for most funds). The total operating expense ratio, as stated in the fee table in the Fund’s Prospectus dated September 28, 2023, is 0.59%. For performance information current to the most recent month-end table, please call 1-888-637-7798. THE FUND’S RETURNS REPRESENT PAST PERFORMANCE AND ARE NOT PREDICTIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS.
* | Performance data quoted is historical. |
** | Inception date is August 26, 2020. |
*** | The Russell 1000 Growth Index measures the performance of the large-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 1000 companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. You cannot invest directly in an index. |
Portfolio Composition as of November 30, 2023 | ||||
Sectors | % of Net Assets | |||
Software | 26.0 | % | ||
Technology Services | 14.4 | % | ||
IT Services | 10.5 | % | ||
Capital Markets | 8.4 | % | ||
Professional Services | 8.1 | % | ||
Healthcare Equipment & Supplies | 6.2 | % | ||
Healthcare Technology | 4.7 | % | ||
E-Commerce Discretionary | 4.6 | % | ||
Diversified Financial Services | 4.3 | % | ||
Internet Media & Services | 4.2 | % | ||
Other Industries | 8.5 | % | ||
Other Assets In Excess of Liabilities | 0.1 | % | ||
100.0 | % | |||
Please refer to the Schedule of Investments in this report for a detailed listing of the Fund’s holdings.
1
Sterling Capital Diverse Multi-Manager Active ETF
PORTFOLIO REVIEW (Unaudited)
November 30, 2023
The Fund’s performance figures* for the periods ended November 30, 2023, compared to its benchmark:
Average Annual | |||
Annualized | |||
Six-Months | 1 Year | Since Inception** | |
Sterling Capital Diverse Multi-Manager Active ETF | 7.90% | 3.83% | 0.50% |
Sterling Capital Diverse Multi-Manager Active ETF - Market Price | 7.76% | 4.13% | 0.52% |
Russell 1000 Total Return Index *** | 10.32% | 13.57% | (0.19)% |
Performance figures include the change in value of the stocks in the index and the reinvestment of dividends. The index returns do not reflect expenses, which have been deducted from the Fund’s return. The returns shown do not reflect deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. The market price returns are calculated using the closing price and account for distributions from the Fund. The midpoint is the average of the bid-ask prices at 4:00 PM ET (when NAV is normally determined for most funds). The total operating expense ratio, as stated in the fee table in the Fund’s Prospectus dated September 28, 2023, is 0.65%. For performance information current to the most recent month-end table, please call 1-888-637-7798. THE FUND’S RETURNS REPRESENT PAST PERFORMANCE AND ARE NOT PREDICTIVE OF FUTURE RESULTS.
* | Performance data quoted is historical. |
** | Inception date is December 13, 2021. |
*** | The Russell 1000 Total Return Index tracks the highest-ranking 1,000 stocks in the Russell 3000 Index. You cannot invest directly in an index. |
Portfolio Composition as of November 30, 2023 | ||||
Sectors | % of Net Assets | |||
Software | 10.7 | % | ||
Semiconductors | 10.2 | % | ||
Internet Media & Services | 7.5 | % | ||
Biotech & Pharma | 6.8 | % | ||
Health Care Facilities & Services | 5.3 | % | ||
Oil & Gas Producers | 4.1 | % | ||
Institutional Financial Services | 3.2 | % | ||
Insurance | 3.1 | % | ||
Medical Equipment & Devices | 2.8 | % | ||
Oil & Gas Services & Equipment | 2.8 | % | ||
Other Industries | 41.2 | % | ||
Other Assets In Excess of Liabilities | 2.3 | % | ||
100.0 | % | |||
Please refer to the Schedule of Investments in this report for a detailed listing of the Fund’s holdings.
2
STERLING CAPITAL FOCUS EQUITY ETF |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) |
November 30, 2023 |
Shares | Fair Value | |||||||
COMMON STOCKS — 99.9% | ||||||||
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE - 3.4% | ||||||||
14,537 | HEICO Corporation, Class A | $ | 1,997,529 | |||||
CAPITAL MARKETS - 8.4% | ||||||||
11,997 | S&P Global, Inc. | 4,988,713 | ||||||
COMMERCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES - 2.3% | ||||||||
17,358 | Casella Waste Systems, Inc., Class A(a) | 1,403,915 | ||||||
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES - 4.3% | ||||||||
4,934 | MSCI, Inc. | 2,569,874 | ||||||
E-COMMERCE DISCRETIONARY - 4.6% | ||||||||
18,936 | Amazon.com, Inc.(a) | 2,766,360 | ||||||
HEALTH CARE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES - 6.2% | ||||||||
7,940 | IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.(a) | 3,698,611 | ||||||
HEALTH CARE TECHNOLOGY - 4.7% | ||||||||
16,097 | Veeva Systems, Inc., Class A(a) | 2,805,868 | ||||||
INTERNET MEDIA & SERVICES - 4.2% | ||||||||
18,525 | Alphabet, Inc., Class C(a) | 2,480,868 | ||||||
IT SERVICES - 10.5% | ||||||||
33,769 | Okta, Inc.(a) | 2,264,211 | ||||||
54,963 | Shopify, Inc., Class A(a) | 4,002,406 | ||||||
6,266,617 | ||||||||
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - 8.1% | ||||||||
58,311 | CoStar Group, Inc.(a) | 4,842,145 | ||||||
ROAD & RAIL - 2.8% | ||||||||
4,259 | Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. | 1,657,007 | ||||||
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
3
STERLING CAPITAL FOCUS EQUITY ETF |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
November 30, 2023 |
Shares | Fair Value | |||||||
COMMON STOCKS — 99.9% (Continued) | ||||||||
SOFTWARE – 26.0% | ||||||||
11,320 | Atlassian Corp plc(a) | $ | 2,161,554 | |||||
4,849 | Cadence Design Systems, Inc.(a) | 1,325,086 | ||||||
4,548 | HubSpot, Inc.(a) | 2,246,394 | ||||||
5,023 | Microsoft Corporation | 1,903,265 | ||||||
3,859 | ServiceNow, Inc.(a) | 2,646,271 | ||||||
2,420 | Synopsys, Inc.(a) | 1,314,617 | ||||||
40,298 | Unity Software, Inc.(a) | 1,189,194 | ||||||
10,229 | Workday, Inc., Class A(a) | 2,769,194 | ||||||
15,555,575 | ||||||||
TECHNOLOGY SERVICES - 14.4% | ||||||||
741,669 | Adyen N.V. - ADR(a) | 8,633,027 | ||||||
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $61,041,419) | 59,666,109 | |||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 99.9% (Cost $61,041,419) | $ | 59,666,109 | ||||||
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES- 0.1% | 77,444 | |||||||
NET ASSETS - 100.0% | $ | 59,743,553 | ||||||
ADR | - American Depositary Receipt |
MSCI | - Morgan Stanley Capital International |
N.V. | - Naamioze Vennootschap |
PLC | - Public Limited Company |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
4
STERLING CAPITAL DIVERSE MULTI-MANAGER ACTIVE ETF |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) |
November 30, 2023 |
Shares | Fair Value | |||||||
COMMON STOCKS — 97.7% | ||||||||
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE - 1.7% | ||||||||
1,780 | General Dynamics Corporation | $ | 439,607 | |||||
4,910 | Hexcel Corporation | 340,312 | ||||||
16,644 | Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc., Class A(a) | 457,544 | ||||||
3,246 | Woodward, Inc. | 438,794 | ||||||
1,676,257 | ||||||||
ASSET MANAGEMENT - 2.0% | ||||||||
1,129 | Ameriprise Financial, Inc. | 399,113 | ||||||
11,380 | Charles Schwab Corporation (The) | 697,821 | ||||||
4,900 | Raymond James Financial, Inc. | 515,235 | ||||||
6,581 | Stifel Financial Corporation | 401,573 | ||||||
2,013,742 | ||||||||
AUTOMOTIVE - 0.4% | ||||||||
10,552 | BorgWarner, Inc. | 355,497 | ||||||
BANKING - 0.6% | ||||||||
10,617 | Fifth Third Bancorp | 307,362 | ||||||
26,410 | KeyCorporation | 327,220 | ||||||
634,582 | ||||||||
BIOTECH & PHARMA - 6.8% | ||||||||
1,383 | Amgen, Inc. | 372,912 | ||||||
1,120 | Biogen, Inc.(a) | 262,170 | ||||||
5,904 | Eli Lilly and Company | 3,489,501 | ||||||
5,775 | Gilead Sciences, Inc. | 442,365 | ||||||
10,526 | Merck & Co., Inc. | 1,078,704 | ||||||
907 | Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a) | 747,196 | ||||||
1,472 | Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(a) | 522,280 | ||||||
6,915,128 | ||||||||
CHEMICALS - 0.9% | ||||||||
2,034 | Albemarle Corporation | 246,663 | ||||||
4,349 | Eastman Chemical Company | 364,577 | ||||||
4,313 | International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. | 325,114 | ||||||
936,354 | ||||||||
COMMERCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES - 1.0% | ||||||||
4,866 | Republic Services, Inc. | 787,513 |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
5
STERLING CAPITAL DIVERSE MULTI-MANAGER ACTIVE ETF |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
November 30, 2023 |
Shares | Fair Value | |||||||
COMMON STOCKS — 97.7% (Continued) | ||||||||
COMMERCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES - 1.0% (Continued) | ||||||||
5,482 | Stericycle, Inc.(a) | $ | 257,490 | |||||
1,045,003 | ||||||||
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS - 1.0% | ||||||||
1,180 | Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. | 548,216 | ||||||
3,443 | Owens Corning | 466,802 | ||||||
1,015,018 | ||||||||
CONTAINERS & PACKAGING - 1.1% | ||||||||
8,598 | Ball Corporation | 475,383 | ||||||
2,032 | Packaging Corp of America | 341,396 | ||||||
8,603 | Sealed Air Corporation | 287,168 | ||||||
1,103,947 | ||||||||
DATA CENTER REIT - 0.5% | ||||||||
4,008 | Digital Realty Trust, Inc. | 556,230 | ||||||
DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIALS - 0.8% | ||||||||
3,109 | Dover Corporation | 438,867 | ||||||
4,709 | Emerson Electric Company | 418,630 | ||||||
857,497 | ||||||||
E-COMMERCE DISCRETIONARY - 2.4% | ||||||||
16,988 | Amazon.com, Inc.(a) | 2,481,778 | ||||||
ELECTRIC UTILITIES - 2.2% | ||||||||
4,898 | Consolidated Edison, Inc. | 441,359 | ||||||
9,132 | Eversource Energy | 542,532 | ||||||
10,668 | NextEra Energy, Inc. | 624,185 | ||||||
5,857 | Vistra Corporation | 207,396 | ||||||
4,331 | WEC Energy Group, Inc. | 362,158 | ||||||
2,177,630 | ||||||||
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT - 1.9% | ||||||||
5,660 | Carrier Global Corporation | 294,094 | ||||||
3,649 | Keysight Technologies, Inc.(a) | 495,862 | ||||||
10,013 | Sensata Technologies Holding plc | 325,523 | ||||||
5,055 | TE Connectivity Ltd. | 662,204 | ||||||
1,777,683 |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
6
STERLING CAPITAL DIVERSE MULTI-MANAGER ACTIVE ETF |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
November 30, 2023 |
Shares | Fair Value | |||||||
COMMON STOCKS — 97.7% (Continued) | ||||||||
ENTERTAINMENT CONTENT - 1.8% | ||||||||
48,086 | AppLovin Corporation(a) | $ | 1,802,263 | |||||
FOOD - 0.7% | ||||||||
10,406 | Conagra Brands, Inc. | 294,386 | ||||||
6,290 | McCormick & Company, Inc. | 407,780 | ||||||
702,166 | ||||||||
GAS & WATER UTILITIES - 0.5% | ||||||||
4,038 | American Water Works Company, Inc. | 532,370 | ||||||
HEALTH CARE FACILITIES & SERVICES - 5.3% | ||||||||
8,506 | Catalent, Inc.(a) | 330,458 | ||||||
2,190 | Cencora, Inc. | 445,380 | ||||||
3,157 | Cigna Group (The) | 829,912 | ||||||
4,291 | Henry Schein, Inc.(a) | 286,338 | ||||||
1,150 | Humana, Inc. | 557,589 | ||||||
2,007 | Laboratory Corp of America Holdings | 435,338 | ||||||
4,532 | UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | 2,506,061 | ||||||
5,391,076 | ||||||||
HOME & OFFICE PRODUCTS - 0.3% | ||||||||
6,018 | Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (The) | 334,962 | ||||||
HOME CONSTRUCTION - 2.2% | ||||||||
12,348 | DR Horton, Inc. | 1,576,469 | ||||||
9,924 | Masco Corporation | 600,898 | ||||||
2,177,367 | ||||||||
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS - 2.7% | ||||||||
11,717 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | 922,948 | ||||||
11,929 | Procter & Gamble Company (The) | 1,831,340 | ||||||
2,754,288 | ||||||||
INDUSTRIAL INTERMEDIATE PROD - 0.3% | ||||||||
1,485 | Valmont Industries, Inc. | 326,061 | ||||||
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
7
STERLING CAPITAL DIVERSE MULTI-MANAGER ACTIVE ETF |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
November 30, 2023 |
Shares | Fair Value | |||||||
COMMON STOCKS — 97.7% (Continued) | ||||||||
INDUSTRIAL REIT - 0.4% | ||||||||
14,209 | Americold Realty Trust, Inc. | $ | 401,120 | |||||
INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SERVICES - 0.6% | ||||||||
1,315 | United Rentals, Inc. | 625,966 | ||||||
INFRASTRUCTURE REIT - 0.4% | ||||||||
1,754 | SBA Communications Corporation, A | 433,168 | ||||||
INSTITUTIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES - 3.2% | ||||||||
9,470 | Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (The) | 457,590 | ||||||
4,173 | Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The) | 1,425,247 | ||||||
4,386 | Houlihan Lokey, Inc. | 472,460 | ||||||
4,386 | Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. | 499,302 | ||||||
5,628 | Morgan Stanley | 446,526 | ||||||
3,301,125 | ||||||||
INSURANCE - 3.1% | ||||||||
8,919 | MetLife, Inc. | 567,516 | ||||||
3,646 | Progressive Corporation (The) | 598,053 | ||||||
3,405 | Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. | 555,219 | ||||||
2,192 | RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. | 469,877 | ||||||
11,447 | Unum Group | 492,221 | ||||||
6,107 | Voya Financial, Inc. | 436,712 | ||||||
3,119,598 | ||||||||
INTERNET MEDIA & SERVICES - 7.5% | ||||||||
20,596 | Alphabet, Inc., Class C(a) | 2,758,216 | ||||||
11,266 | Meta Platforms, Inc., Class A(a) | 3,685,672 | ||||||
20,063 | Uber Technologies, Inc.(a) | 1,131,152 | ||||||
7,575,040 | ||||||||
LEISURE FACILITIES & SERVICES - 0.6% | ||||||||
3,756 | Darden Restaurants, Inc. | 587,701 | ||||||
MACHINERY - 0.9% | ||||||||
1,124 | Deere & Company | 409,597 |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
8
STERLING CAPITAL DIVERSE MULTI-MANAGER ACTIVE ETF |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
November 30, 2023 |
Shares | Fair Value | |||||||
COMMON STOCKS — 97.7% (Continued) | ||||||||
MACHINERY - 0.9% (Continued) | ||||||||
1,765 | Snap-on, Inc. | $ | 484,828 | |||||
894,425 | ||||||||
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT & DEVICES - 2.8% | ||||||||
3,758 | Agilent Technologies, Inc. | 480,272 | ||||||
1,129 | Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Class A(a) | 344,255 | ||||||
9,565 | DENTSPLY SIRONA, Inc. | 303,689 | ||||||
8,731 | GE HealthCare Technologies, Inc. | 597,724 | ||||||
8,180 | Hologic, Inc.(a) | 583,234 | ||||||
4,469 | Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. | 519,789 | ||||||
2,828,963 | ||||||||
OFFICE REIT - 0.3% | ||||||||
4,748 | Boston Properties, Inc. | 270,304 | ||||||
OIL & GAS PRODUCERS - 4.1% | ||||||||
32,370 | Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. | 2,162,317 | ||||||
16,773 | Coterra Energy, Inc. | 440,291 | ||||||
12,228 | Exxon Mobil Corporation | 1,256,305 | ||||||
6,052 | Murphy Oil Corporation | 258,844 | ||||||
4,117,757 | ||||||||
OIL & GAS SERVICES & EQUIPMENT - 2.8% | ||||||||
9,240 | ChampionX Corporation | 270,917 | ||||||
7,241 | Helmerich & Payne, Inc. | 262,341 | ||||||
45,055 | Schlumberger Ltd. | 2,344,662 | ||||||
2,877,920 | ||||||||
REAL ESTATE SERVICES - 0.6% | ||||||||
7,208 | CBRE Group, Inc., Class A(a) | 569,144 | ||||||
RENEWABLE ENERGY - 0.4% | ||||||||
2,790 | First Solar, Inc.(a) | 440,206 | ||||||
RETAIL - CONSUMER STAPLES - 0.7% | ||||||||
9,490 | Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.(a) | 408,829 | ||||||
2,396 | Target Corporation | 320,609 | ||||||
729,438 |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
9
STERLING CAPITAL DIVERSE MULTI-MANAGER ACTIVE ETF |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
November 30, 2023 |
Shares | Fair Value | |||||||
COMMON STOCKS — 97.7% (Continued) | ||||||||
RETAIL - DISCRETIONARY - 1.2% | ||||||||
1,292 | Lowe’s Companies, Inc. | $ | 256,888 | |||||
11,345 | TJX Companies, Inc. (The) | 999,608 | ||||||
1,256,496 | ||||||||
RETAIL REIT - 0.3% | ||||||||
15,495 | Kimco Realty Corporation | 299,363 | ||||||
SEMICONDUCTORS - 10.2% | ||||||||
3,971 | Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.(a) | 481,126 | ||||||
5,741 | Applied Materials, Inc. | 859,887 | ||||||
10,649 | ARM Holdings plc - ADR(a) | 654,914 | ||||||
2,104 | Broadcom, Inc. | 1,947,736 | ||||||
5,836 | Entegris, Inc. | 609,278 | ||||||
1,765 | Lam Research Corporation | 1,263,599 | ||||||
8,847 | NVIDIA Corporation | 4,137,742 | ||||||
3,917 | Skyworks Solutions, Inc. | 379,675 | ||||||
10,333,957 | ||||||||
SOFTWARE - 10.7% | ||||||||
10,914 | Akamai Technologies, Inc.(a) | 1,260,894 | ||||||
1,719 | ANSYS, Inc.(a) | 504,286 | ||||||
1,749 | Intuit, Inc. | 999,484 | ||||||
9,282 | Microsoft Corporation | 3,517,043 | ||||||
6,206 | Oracle Corporation | 721,199 | ||||||
2,745 | ServiceNow, Inc.(a) | 1,882,356 | ||||||
3,455 | Synopsys, Inc.(a) | 1,876,860 | ||||||
10,762,122 | ||||||||
SPECIALTY FINANCE - 1.7% | ||||||||
11,097 | Air Lease Corporation | 430,453 | ||||||
5,376 | American Express Company | 918,059 | ||||||
2,976 | GATX Corporation | 324,384 | ||||||
1,672,896 | ||||||||
STEEL - 0.6% | ||||||||
4,989 | Steel Dynamics, Inc. | 594,340 | ||||||
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
10
STERLING CAPITAL DIVERSE MULTI-MANAGER ACTIVE ETF |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
November 30, 2023 |
Shares | Fair Value | |||||||
COMMON STOCKS — 97.7% (Continued) | ||||||||
TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE - 0.7% | ||||||||
3,322 | Arrow Electronics, Inc.(a) | $ | 393,856 | |||||
6,135 | Lumentum Holdings, Inc.(a) | 262,578 | ||||||
656,434 | ||||||||
TECHNOLOGY SERVICES - 2.8% | ||||||||
1,349 | Accenture plc, Class A | 449,406 | ||||||
2,190 | Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. | 424,466 | ||||||
3,429 | Global Payments, Inc. | 399,273 | ||||||
3,031 | PayPal Holdings, Inc.(a) | 174,616 | ||||||
5,469 | Visa, Inc., Class A | 1,403,782 | ||||||
2,851,543 | ||||||||
TELECOMMUNICATIONS - 0.9% | ||||||||
4,041 | T-Mobile US, Inc.(a) | 607,969 | ||||||
8,771 | Verizon Communications, Inc. | 336,192 | ||||||
944,161 | ||||||||
TIMBER REIT - 0.6% | ||||||||
18,750 | Weyerhaeuser Company | 587,813 | ||||||
TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS - 0.4% | ||||||||
14,026 | CSX Corporation | 453,040 | ||||||
TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT - 1.4% | ||||||||
3,515 | Cummins, Inc. | 787,923 | ||||||
5,524 | Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation | 643,877 | ||||||
1,431,800 | ||||||||
WHOLESALE - CONSUMER STAPLES - 0.4% | ||||||||
5,117 | Sysco Corporation | 369,294 | ||||||
WHOLESALE - DISCRETIONARY - 0.3% | ||||||||
7,753 | LKQ Corporation | 345,241 | ||||||
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
11
STERLING CAPITAL DIVERSE MULTI-MANAGER ACTIVE ETF |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
November 30, 2023 |
Shares | Fair Value | |||||||
COMMON STOCKS — 97.7% (Continued) | ||||||||
WHOLESALE - DISCRETIONARY - 0.3% (Continued) | ||||||||
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $89,314,572) | $ | 98,897,274 | ||||||
TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 97.7% (Cost $89,314,572) | $ | 98,897,274 | ||||||
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES- 2.3% | 2,351,729 | |||||||
NET ASSETS - 100.0% | $ | 101,249,003 | ||||||
ADR | - American Depositary Receipt |
LTD | - Limited Company |
PLC | - Public Limited Company |
REIT | - Real Estate Investment Trust |
(a) | Non-income producing security. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
12
Sterling Capital ETFs |
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited) |
November 30, 2023 |
Sterling Capital | ||||||||
Sterling Capital | Diverse Multi- | |||||||
Focus Equity | Manager Active | |||||||
ETF | ETF | |||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Investment securities: | ||||||||
Securities at Cost | $ | 61,041,419 | $ | 89,314,572 | ||||
Securities at Value | $ | 59,666,109 | $ | 98,897,274 | ||||
Cash | 104,930 | 2,437,554 | ||||||
Dividends receivable | 14,952 | 133,379 | ||||||
TOTAL ASSETS | 59,785,991 | 101,468,207 | ||||||
LIABILITIES | ||||||||
Payable for securities purchased | — | 159,420 | ||||||
Investment advisory fee payable | 42,438 | 59,784 | ||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES | 42,438 | 219,204 | ||||||
NET ASSETS | $ | 59,743,553 | $ | 101,249,003 | ||||
Net Assets Consist of: | ||||||||
Paid in capital | $ | 68,984,809 | $ | 101,290,860 | ||||
Accumulated deficit | (9,241,256 | ) | (41,857 | ) | ||||
NET ASSETS | $ | 59,743,553 | $ | 101,249,003 | ||||
Net Asset Value Per Share: | ||||||||
Net Assets | $ | 59,743,553 | $ | 101,249,003 | ||||
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (a) | 2,300,000 | 4,075,000 | ||||||
Net asset value (Net Assets ÷ Shares Outstanding), offering price and redemption price per share | $ | 25.98 | $ | 24.85 | ||||
(a) | Unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest authorized, no par value. |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
13
Sterling Capital ETFs |
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) |
For the Six Months Ended November 30, 2023 |
Sterling | ||||||||
Capital | ||||||||
Sterling Capital | Diverse Multi- | |||||||
Focus Equity | Manager | |||||||
ETF | Active ETF | |||||||
INVESTMENT INCOME | ||||||||
Dividends (net of $0 and $3,625 foreign withholding taxes, respectively) | $ | 59,463 | $ | 665,610 | ||||
EXPENSES | ||||||||
Investment advisory fees | 176,586 | 320,356 | ||||||
NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS) | (117,123 | ) | 345,254 | |||||
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS | ||||||||
Net realized gain (loss) from: | ||||||||
Investments | (907,257 | ) | (1,362,589 | ) | ||||
Foreign currency transactions | — | (289 | ) | |||||
�� | ||||||||
Net realized gain on in-kind transactions | 936,928 | — | ||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on | ||||||||
Investments | 3,922,284 | 8,435,652 | ||||||
Foreign currency translations | — | 21 | ||||||
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS | 3,951,955 | 7,072,795 | ||||||
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | $ | 3,834,832 | $ | 7,418,049 | ||||
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
14
Sterling Capital ETFs |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
Sterling Capital Focus Equity ETF | ||||||||
For the | For the | |||||||
Six Months Ended | Year Ended | |||||||
November 30, 2023 | May 31, 2023 | |||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
FROM OPERATIONS: | ||||||||
Net investment loss | $ | (117,123 | ) | $ | (186,214 | ) | ||
Net realized loss on investment transactions | (907,257 | ) | (3,820,722 | ) | ||||
Net realized gain from in-kind transactions | 936,928 | 725,354 | ||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | 3,922,284 | 11,020,245 | ||||||
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | 3,834,832 | 7,738,663 | ||||||
FROM SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST: | ||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | 1,303,952 | 5,673,196 | ||||||
Payments for shares redeemed | (4,657,566 | ) | (7,286,438 | ) | ||||
Transaction Fees (Note 5) | 1,750 | 4,750 | ||||||
Net decrease in net assets from shares of beneficial interest | (3,351,864 | ) | (1,608,492 | ) | ||||
TOTAL INCREASE IN NET ASSETS | 482,968 | 6,130,171 | ||||||
NET ASSETS: | ||||||||
Beginning of Period | 59,260,585 | 53,130,414 | ||||||
End of Period | $ | 59,743,553 | $ | 59,260,585 | ||||
SHARE ACTIVITY | ||||||||
Shares Sold | 50,000 | 275,000 | ||||||
Shares Redeemed | (200,000 | ) | (350,000 | ) | ||||
Net decrease in shares of beneficial interest outstanding | (150,000 | ) | (75,000 | ) | ||||
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
15
Sterling Capital ETFs |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
Sterling Capital Diverse Multi-Manager | ||||||||
Active ETF | ||||||||
For the | For the | |||||||
Six Months Ended | Year Ended | |||||||
November 30, 2023 | May 31, 2023 | |||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
FROM OPERATIONS: | ||||||||
Net investment income | $ | 345,254 | $ | 1,298,632 | ||||
Net realized loss on investment transactions | (1,362,878 | ) | (6,699,418 | ) | ||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | 8,435,673 | (1,435,418 | ) | |||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | 7,418,049 | (6,836,204 | ) | |||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: | ||||||||
Total distributions paid | — | (1,423,600 | ) | |||||
FROM SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST: | ||||||||
Proceeds from shares sold | — | 1,749,675 | ||||||
Transaction Fees (Note 5) | — | 1,500 | ||||||
Net increase in net assets from shares of beneficial interest | — | 1,751,175 | ||||||
TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS | 7,418,049 | (6,508,629 | ) | |||||
NET ASSETS: | ||||||||
Beginning of Period | 93,830,954 | 100,339,583 | ||||||
End of Period | $ | 101,249,003 | $ | 93,830,954 | ||||
SHARE ACTIVITY | ||||||||
Shares Sold | — | 75,000 | ||||||
Net increase in shares of beneficial interest outstanding | — | 75,000 | ||||||
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
16
Sterling Capital ETFs |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
Per Share Data and Ratios for a Share of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout Each Period Presented |
Sterling Capital Focus Equity ETF | ||||||||||||||||
For the | For the | For the | For the | |||||||||||||
Six Months Ended | Year Ended | Year Ended | Period Ended | |||||||||||||
November 30, 2023 | May 31, 2023 | May 31, 2022 | May 31, 2021 * | |||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ | 24.19 | $ | 21.04 | $ | 27.58 | $ | 25.00 | ||||||||
Activity from investment operations: | ||||||||||||||||
Net investment loss (1) | (0.03 | ) | (0.07 | ) | (0.08 | ) | (0.03 | ) | ||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments | 1.82 | 3.22 | (6.46 | ) | 2.61 | |||||||||||
Total from investment operations | 1.79 | 3.15 | (6.54 | ) | 2.58 | |||||||||||
Net asset value, end of period | $ | 25.98 | $ | 24.19 | $ | 21.04 | $ | 27.58 | ||||||||
Market price, end of period | $ | 25.98 | $ | 24.21 | $ | 21.02 | $ | 27.60 | ||||||||
Total return (3) | 7.40 | % (2) | 14.97 | % | (23.71 | )% | 10.32 | % (2) | ||||||||
Net assets, end of period (000s) | $ | 59,744 | $ | 59,261 | $ | 53,130 | $ | 21,373 | ||||||||
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets | 0.59 | % (4) | 0.59 | % | 0.59 | % | 0.59 | % (4) | ||||||||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets | 0.59 | % (4) | 0.59 | % | 0.59 | % | 0.59 | % (4) | ||||||||
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets | (0.39 | )% (4) | (0.34 | )% | (0.29 | )% | (0.14 | )% (4) | ||||||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate (5) | 16 | % (2) | 19 | % | 39 | % | 32 | % (2) | ||||||||
* | The Sterling Capital Focus Equity ETF commenced operations on August 26, 2020. |
(1) | Per share amounts calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period. |
(2) | Not annualized. |
(3) | Total returns are historical in nature and assume changes in share price, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. |
(4) | Annualized. |
(5) | Portfolio turnover rate excludes portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of processing capital share transactions in Creation Units. (Note 5) |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
17
Sterling Capital ETFs |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
Per Share Data and Ratios for a Share of Beneficial Interest Outstanding Throughout the Period Presented |
Sterling Capital Diverse Multi-Manager Active ETF | ||||||||||||
For the | For the | For the | ||||||||||
Six Months Ended | Year Ended | Period Ended | ||||||||||
November 30, 2023 | May 31, 2023 | May 31, 2022 * | ||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ | 23.03 | $ | 25.08 | $ | 25.00 | ||||||
Activity from investment operations: | ||||||||||||
Net investment income (1) | 0.14 | 0.32 | 0.16 | |||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments (2) | 1.68 | (2.01 | ) | (0.07 | ) | |||||||
Total from investment operations | 1.82 | (1.69 | ) | 0.09 | ||||||||
Less distributions from: | ||||||||||||
Net investment income | — | (0.36 | ) | (0.01 | ) | |||||||
Net asset value, end of period | $ | 24.85 | $ | 23.03 | $ | 25.08 | ||||||
Market price, end of period | $ | 24.86 | $ | 23.07 | $ | 25.10 | ||||||
Total return (4) | 7.90 | % (3) | (6.76 | )% | 0.37 | % (3) | ||||||
Net assets, end of period (000s) | $ | 101,249 | $ | 93,831 | $ | 100,340 | ||||||
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets | 0.65 | % (5) | 0.65 | % | 0.65 | % (5) | ||||||
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets | 0.65 | % (5) | 0.65 | % | 0.65 | % (5) | ||||||
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets | 0.70 | % (5) | 1.39 | % | 1.35 | % (5) | ||||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate (6) | 45 | % (3) | 114 | % | 107 | % (3) | ||||||
* | The Sterling Capital Diverse Multi-Manager Active ETF commenced operations on December 13, 2021. |
(1) | Per share amounts calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period. |
(2) | Realized and unrealized gains 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 aggregate gains and losses in the Statement of Operations due to the timing of share transactions for the period. |
(3) | Not annualized. |
(4) | Total returns are historical in nature and assume changes in share price, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. |
(5) | Annualized. |
(6) | Portfolio turnover rate excludes portfolio securities received or delivered as a result of processing capital share transactions in Creation Units. (Note 5) |
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
18
STERLING CAPITAL ETFs |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) |
November 30, 2023 |
1. | ORGANIZATION |
The Sterling Capital Focus Equity ETF and the Sterling Capital Diverse Multi-Manager Active ETF (each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”) are each a non-diversified series of Northern Lights Fund Trust IV (the “Trust”), a trust organized under the laws of the State of Delaware on June 2, 2015, and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Sterling Capital Focus Equity ETF’s investment objective is long-term capital appreciation. The Sterling Capital Diverse Multi-Manager Active ETF’s investment objective is long- term capital appreciation through strategies managed by sub -advisers that are majority diverse-owned (i.e., greater than 50 percent owned and/or controlled by persons of designated diverse backgrounds, including women, racial minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and disabled individuals). The Sterling Capital Focus Equity ETF commenced operations on August 26, 2020 and the Sterling Capital Diverse Multi-Manager Active ETF commenced operations on December 13, 2021.
2. | SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds in preparation of their financial statements. These policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) . The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses for the year. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Funds follow the specialized accounting and reporting requirements under GAAP that are applicable to investment companies. The Funds are investment companies and accordingly follow the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services – Investment Companies”, including Accounting Standards Update 2013-08.
Security Valuation – The Funds record their investments at fair value. Securities listed on an exchange are valued at the last reported sale price at the close of the regular trading session of the exchange on the business day the value is being determined, or in the case of securities listed on NASDAQ at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price. In the absence of a sale, such securities shall be valued at the mean between the current bid and ask prices on the day of valuation. Short-term debt obligations having 60 days or less remaining until maturity, at time of purchase, may be valued at amortized cost which approximates fair value. Debt securities (other than short-term obligations) are valued each day by an independent pricing service approved by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) based on methods which include consideration of: yields or prices of securities of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type, indications as to values from dealers, and general market conditions or market quotations from a major market maker in the securities. Securities traded on a foreign exchange which has not closed by the valuation time or for which the official closing prices are not available at the time the net asset value per share (“NAV”) is determined may use alternative market prices provided by a pricing service.
The Funds may invest in portfolios of open -end or closed-end investment companies (the “Underlying Funds”). Mutual funds are valued at their respective NAV as reported by such investment companies. Exchange -traded funds (“ETFs”) are valued at the last reported sale price or official closing price. Mutual funds value securities in their portfolios for which market quotations are readily available at their market values (generally the last reported sale price) and all other securities and assets at their fair value to the methods established by the board of directors of the open-end funds. The shares of many closed-end investment companies and ETFs, after their initial public offering, frequently trade at a price per share, which is different than the NAV. The difference represents a market premium or market discount of such shares. There can be no assurances that the market discount or market premium on shares of any closed-end investment company or ETF purchased by the Funds will not change.
The Funds may hold investments, such as private investments, interests in commodity pools, other non-traded securities or temporarily illiquid securities, for which market quotations are not readily available or are determined
19
STERLING CAPITAL ETFs |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
November 30, 2023 |
to be unreliable. These securities are valued using the “fair value” procedures approved by the Board. The Board has designated the adviser as its valuation designee (the “Valuation Designee”) to execute these procedures. The Board may also enlist third party consultants such a valuation specialist at a public accounting firm, valuation consultant or financial officer of a security issuer on an as-needed basis to assist the Valuation Designee in determining a security-specific fair value. The Board is responsible for reviewing and approving fair value methodologies utilized by the Valuation Designee, approval of which shall be based upon whether the Valuation Designee followed the valuation procedures established by the Board.
Fair Valuation Process – Applicable investments are valued by the Valuation Designee pursuant to valuation procedures established by the Board. For example, fair value determinations are required for the following securities: (i) securities for which market quotations are insufficient or not readily available on a particular business day (including securities for which there is a short and temporary lapse in the provision of a price by the regular pricing source); (ii) securities for which, in the judgment of the Valuation Designee, the prices or values available do not represent the fair value of the instrument; factors which may cause the Valuation Designee to make such a judgment include, but are not limited to, the following: only a bid price or an asked price is available; the spread between bid and asked prices is substantial; the frequency of sales; the thinness of the market; the size of reported trades; and actions of the securities markets, such as the suspension or limitation of trading; (iii) securities determined to be illiquid; and (iv) securities with respect to which an event that affects the value thereof has occurred (a “significant event”) since the closing prices were established on the principal exchange on which they are traded, but prior to a Fund’s calculation of its net asset value. Specifically, interests in commodity pools or managed futures pools are valued on a daily basis by reference to the closing market prices of each futures contract or other asset held by a pool, as adjusted for pool expenses. Restricted or illiquid investments, such as private investments or non-traded securities are valued based upon the current bid for the security from two or more independent dealers or other parties reasonably familiar with the facts and circumstances of the security (who should take into consideration all relevant factors as may be appropriate under the circumstances) . If a current bid from such independent dealers or other independent parties is unavailable, the Valuation Designee shall determine the fair value of such security using the following factors: (i) the type of security; (ii) the cost at date of purchase; (iii) the size and nature of the Fund’s holdings; (iv) the discount from market value of unrestricted securities of the same class at the time of purchase and subsequent thereto; (v) information as to any transactions or offers with respect to the security; (vi) the nature and duration of restrictions on disposition of the security and the existence of any registration rights; (vii) how the yield of the security compares to similar securities of companies of similar or equal creditworthiness; (viii) the level of recent trades of similar or comparable securities; (ix) the liquidity characteristics of the security; (x) current market conditions; and (xi) the market value of any securities into which the security is convertible or exchangeable.
The Funds utilize various methods to measure the fair value of its investments on a recurring basis. GAAP establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods. The three levels of input are:
Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities that a Fund has the ability to access.
Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument in an inactive market, prices for similar instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, default rates and similar data.
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available, representing a Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available.
The availability of observable inputs can vary from security to security and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of security, whether the security is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets, and other characteristics particular to the security. To the extent that valuation is based on
20
STERLING CAPITAL ETFs |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
November 30, 2023 |
models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3.
The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety, is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The following tables summarize the inputs used as of November 30, 2023 for the Funds’ investments measured at fair value:
Sterling Capital Focus Equity ETF | ||||||||||||||||
Assets * | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
Common Stocks | $ | 59,666,109 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 59,666,109 | ||||||||
Total | $ | 59,666,109 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 59,666,109 | ||||||||
Sterling Capital Diverse Multi-Manager Active ETF | ||||||||||||||||
Assets * | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||||||||||
Common Stocks | $ | 98,897,274 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 98,897,274 | ||||||||
Total | $ | 98,897,274 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 98,897,274 |
The Funds did not hold any Level 2 or 3 securities during the period.
* | Please refer to the Schedule of Investments for industry classifications. |
Security Transactions and Related Income – Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Interest income is recognized on an accrual basis. Discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized on securities purchased over the lives of the respective securities using effective yield method. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Realized gains or losses from sales of securities are determined by comparing the identified cost of the security lot sold with the net sales proceeds.
Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders – Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid annually for each Fund. Distributable net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and distributed annually for each Fund. Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP and are recorded on the ex-dividend date. These “book/tax” differences are considered either temporary (e.g., deferred losses, capital loss carryforwards, etc.) or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the composition of net assets based on their federal tax-basis treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification. Any such reclassifications will have no effect on net assets, results of operations, or NAV per share of the Fund.
Federal Income Tax – The Funds comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and intends to distribute all of its taxable income to shareholders. Therefore, no provision for federal income tax is required.
The Funds recognize the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is “more likely than not” to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax position and has concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to the uncertain tax positions taken on returns filed for open tax years of May 31, 2021 through May 31, 2023 or expected to be taken on the Funds’ May 31, 2024 year-end tax return. The Funds identify their major tax jurisdictions as U.S. federal, Ohio and foreign jurisdictions where the Funds make significant investments. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related
21
STERLING CAPITAL ETFs |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
November 30, 2023 |
to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expenses in the Statement of Operations. During the six months ended November 30, 2023, the Funds did not incur any interest or penalties. The Funds are not aware of any tax positions for which there is reasonable possibility that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next twelve months.
Expenses – Expenses of the Trust that are directly identifiable to a specific fund are charged to that fund. Expenses which are not readily identifiable to a specific fund, are allocated in such a manner as deemed equitable, taking into consideration the nature and type of expense and the relative sizes of the funds in the Trust.
Indemnification – The Trust indemnifies its officers and trustees for certain liabilities that may arise from the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Funds enter into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties and which provide general indemnities. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Funds that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the risk of loss due to these warranties and indemnities appears to be remote.
3. | INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS |
For the six months ended November 30, 2023, cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of portfolio securities, other than in-kind transactions, short-term investments and U.S. government securities, amounted to the following:
Fund | Purchases | Sales | ||||||
Sterling Capital Focus Equity ETF | $ | 9,402,540 | $ | 9,606,578 | ||||
Sterling Capital Diverse Multi-Manager Active ETF | 44,345,701 | 43,642,647 |
For the six months ended November 30, 2023, cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of portfolio securities for in-kind transactions, amounted to the following:
Fund | Purchases | Sales | ||||||
Sterling Capital Focus Equity ETF | $ | 1,299,715 | $ | 4,643,228 | ||||
Sterling Capital Diverse Multi-Manager Active ETF | — | — |
4. | INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES |
Sterling Capital Management LLC (the “Adviser”) serves as the Funds’ investment adviser. Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with the Trust, on behalf of each Fund, the Adviser, under the oversight of the Board, oversees the daily operations of the Funds, manages each Fund’s portfolio and supervises the performance of administrative and professional services provided by others. As compensation for its services and the related expenses borne by the Adviser, each Fund pays the Adviser a management fee, computed and accrued daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.59% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for the Sterling Capital Focus Equity ETF and 0.65% of the Fund’s average daily net assets for the Sterling Capital Diverse Multi-Manager Active ETF. For the six months ended November 30, 2023, the Sterling Capital Focus Equity ETF incurred $176,586 in advisory fees and the Sterling Capital Diverse Multi-Manager Active ETF incurred $320,356 in advisory fees. Boston Common Asset Management, LLC, GQG Partners LLC and EARNEST Partners, LLC serve as the investment sub-advisers for the Sterling Capital Diverse Multi-Manager Active ETF (collectively the “Sub-Advisers”). Under the terms of such agreements, the Sub-Advisers receive customary fees from the Adviser.
Northern Lights Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) serves as the principal underwriter and national distributor for the shares of the Funds. The Trust, with respect to the Funds, has adopted the Trust’s ETF Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act (the “Plan”), which allows the Funds to pay the Distributor an annual fee for distribution
22
STERLING CAPITAL ETFs |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
November 30, 2023 |
and shareholder servicing expenses of up to 0.25% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. As of November 30, 2023, the Plan has not been activated. For the six months ended November 30, 2023, the Funds did not incur any distribution fees.
The Adviser’s unitary management fee is designed to pay each Fund’s expenses and to compensate the Adviser for providing services for the Fund. Out of the unitary management fee, the Adviser pays substantially all expenses of the Funds, including the costs of transfer agency, custody, fund administration, legal, audit and other services and independent Trustees’ fees, but not any front-end or contingent deferred loads; brokerage fees and commissions; any Rule 12b-l fees; acquired fund fees and expenses; fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short); taxes; and extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses (which may include indemnification of Fund officers and Trustees, contractual indemnification of Fund service providers (other than the Adviser)). The Adviser, and not the Funds’ shareholders, would benefit from any reduction in fees paid for third-party services, including reductions based on increases in net assets.
Ultimus Fund Services, LLC (“UFS”) – UFS, an affiliate of the Distributor, provides administration and fund accounting services to the Trust. Pursuant to separate servicing agreements with UFS, the Adviser pays UFS customary fees for providing administration and fund accounting services to the Funds. Certain officers of the Trust are also officers of UFS, and are not paid any fees directly by the Funds for serving in such capacities.
Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”) – NLCS, an affiliate of UFS and the Distributor, provides a Chief Compliance Officer to the Trust, as well as related compliance services, pursuant to a consulting agreement between NLCS and the Trust. Under the terms of such agreement, NLCS receives customary fees from the Adviser.
Blu Giant, LLC (“Blu Giant”) – Blu Giant, an affiliate of UFS and the Distributor, provides EDGAR conversion and filing services as well as print management services for the Funds on an ad-hoc basis. For the provision of these services, Blu Giant receives customary fees from the Adviser.
Each Trustee who is not affiliated with the Trust (“Independent Trustees”) or an adviser receives quarterly fees. For the six months ended November 30, 2023, the Independent Trustees received fees in the amount of $10,885 and $11,274, for the Sterling Capital Focus Equity ETF and the Sterling Capital Diverse Multi-Manager Active ETF, respectively, paid by the Adviser.
5. | CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS |
Shares are not individually redeemable and may be redeemed by the Funds at NAV only in large blocks known as “Creation Units.” Shares are created and redeemed by the Funds only in Creation Unit size aggregations of 25,000 shares. Only Authorized Participants or transactions done through an Authorized Participant are permitted to purchase or redeem Creation Units from the Funds. An Authorized Participant is either (i) a broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation or (ii) a DTC participant and, in each case, must have executed a Participant Agreement with the Distributor. Such transactions are generally permitted on an in-kind basis, with a balancing cash component to equate the transaction to the NAV per share of the Funds on the transaction date. Cash may be substituted equivalent to the value of certain securities generally when they are not available in sufficient quantity for delivery, not eligible for trading by the Authorized Participant or as a result of other market circumstances. In addition, each Fund generally imposes transaction fees on purchases and redemptions of the Fund’s shares to cover the custodial and other costs incurred by the Fund in effecting trades, which is payable to the custodian (“Fixed Fee”) . Purchases and redemptions of Creation Units for cash or involving cash-in-lieu are required to pay an additional variable charge to compensate the Fund and their ongoing shareholders for brokerage and market impact expenses relating to Creation Unit transactions (“Variable Charge,” and together with the Fixed Fee, the “Transaction Fees”). Transactions in capital shares for the Fund are disclosed in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.
23
STERLING CAPITAL ETFs |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
November 30, 2023 |
The Transaction Fees for the Funds are listed in the table below:
Fee for In-Kind and Cash | Maximum Additional Variable | |
Fund | Purchases | Charge for Cash Purchases* |
Sterling Capital Focus Equity ETF | $250 | 2.00% |
Sterling Capital Diverse Multi-Manager Actice ETF | $500 | 2.00% |
* | As a percentage of the amount invested. |
6. | AGGREGATE UNREALIZED APPRECIATION AND DEPRECIATION - TAX BASIS |
At November 30, 2023, the aggregate cost for federal tax purposes, which differs from fair value by net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of securities, are as follows:
Net Unrealized | ||||||||||||||||
Gross Unrealized | Gross Unrealized | Appreciation/ | ||||||||||||||
Fund | Tax Cost | Appreciation | Depreciation | Depreciation | ||||||||||||
Sterling Capital Focus Equity ETF | $ | 61,064,348 | $ | 5,371,901 | $ | (6,770,140 | ) | $ | (1,398,239 | ) | ||||||
Sterling Capital Diverse Multi-Manager Active ETF | 89,314,572 | 14,843,247 | (5,260,545 | ) | 9,582,702 |
7. | TAX COMPONENTS OF CAPITAL |
The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal year/period ended May 31, 2023 and the fiscal year period ended May 31, 2022 were as follows:
For the year/period ended May 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
Ordinary | Long-Term | Return of | ||||||||||||||
Fund | Income | Capital Gains | Capital | Total | ||||||||||||
Sterling Capital Focus Equity ETF | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||
Sterling Capital Diverse Multi-Manager Active ETF | 1,423,600 | — | — | 1,423,600 | ||||||||||||
For the period ended May 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||
Ordinary | Long-Term | Return of | ||||||||||||||
Fund | Income | Capital Gains | Capital | Total | ||||||||||||
Sterling Capital Focus Equity ETF | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||
Sterling Capital Diverse Multi-Manager Active ETF | 52,000 | — | — | 52,000 |
As of May 31, 2023, the components of accumulated earnings/ (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:
Undistributed | Post October Loss | Capital Loss | Other | Unrealized | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Ordinary | and | Carry | Book/Tax | Appreciation | Accumulated | |||||||||||||||||||
Fund | Income | Late Year Loss | Forwards | Differences | (Depreciation) | Earnings (Deficit) | ||||||||||||||||||
Sterling Capital Focus Equity ETF | $ | — | $ | (1,248,221 | ) | $ | (6,507,344 | ) | $ | — | $ | (5,320,523 | ) | $ | (13,076,088 | ) | ||||||||
Sterling Capital Diverse Multi-Manager Active ETF | 407,526 | (1,081,524 | ) | (7,442,382 | ) | — | 656,474 | (7,459,906 | ) |
The difference between book basis and tax basis undistributed net investment income, accumulated net realized gain/(loss), and unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) from investments is primarily attributable to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.
24
STERLING CAPITAL ETFs |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued) |
November 30, 2023 |
Late year losses incurred after December 31 within the fiscal year are deemed to arise on the first business day of the following fiscal year for tax purposes. The Sterling Capital Focus Equity ETF incurred and elected to defer such late year losses of $70,671.
Capital losses incurred after October 31 within the fiscal year are deemed to arise on the first business day of the following fiscal year for tax purposes. The Funds incurred and elected to defer such capital losses as follows:
Fund | Post October Losses | |||
Sterling Capital Focus Equity ETF | $ | 1,177,550 | ||
Sterling Capital Diverse Multi-Manager Active ETF | 1,081,524 |
At May 31, 2023, the Funds had capital loss carry forwards for federal income tax purposes available to offset future capital gains as follows:
Fund | Short-Term | Long-Term | Total | |||||||||
Sterling Capital Focus Equity ETF | $ | 5,269,816 | $ | 1,237,528 | $ | 6,507,344 | ||||||
Sterling Capital Diverse Multi-Manager Active ETF | 7,442,382 | — | 7,442,382 |
Permanent book and tax differences, primarily attributable to the book/tax basis treatment of net operating losses and tax adjustments for transfers in kind and adjustments for prior year tax returns resulted in reclassifications for the Funds for the fiscal year/period ended May 31, 2023 as follows:
Fund | Paid In Capital | Accumulated Earnings (Losses) | ||||||
Sterling Capital Focus Equity ETF | $ | 286,354 | $ | (286,354 | ) | |||
Sterling Capital Diverse Multi-Manager Active ETF | — | — |
8. | RECENT REGULATORY UPDATE |
On January 24, 2023, the SEC adopted rule and form amendments to require mutual funds and ETFs to transmit concise and visually engaging streamlined annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders that highlight key information. Other information, including financial statements, will no longer appear in a streamlined shareholder report but must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request, and filed on a semi-annual basis on Form N-CSR. The rule and form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. At this time, management is evaluating the impact of these amendments on the shareholder reports for the Funds.
9. | 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 no events or transactions occurred requiring adjustment or disclosure in the financial statements, other than the following:
The Board authorized an orderly liquidation of the Sterling Capital Diverse Multi-Manager Active ETF. On December 1, 2023, the Board determined that closing and liquidating the Sterling Capital Diverse Multi-Manager Active ETF was in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders.
The Sterling Capital Diverse Multi-Manager Active ETF ceased operations, liquidated its assets, and distributed the liquidation proceeds to shareholders on January 12, 2024.
On January 25, 2024, Wendy Wang resigned as Trustee of the Trust. Ms. Wang continues to serve as President of the Trust.
25
STERLING CAPITAL ETFs |
LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (Unaudited) |
November 30, 2023 |
The Funds have adopted and implemented a written liquidity risk management program as required by Rule 22e -4 (the “Liquidity Rule”) under the 1940 Act. The program is reasonably designed to assess and manage the Funds’ liquidity risk, taking into consideration, among other factors, the Funds’ investment strategies and the liquidity of their portfolio investments during normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions; their short and long-term cash flow projections; and their cash holdings and access to other funding sources.
During the six months ended November 30, 2023 the Trust’s Liquidity Risk Management Program Committee (the “Committee”) reviewed the Funds’ investments and determined that the Funds held adequate levels of cash and highly liquid investments to meet shareholder redemption activities in accordance with applicable requirements. Accordingly, the Committee concluded that (i) the Funds’ liquidity risk management program is reasonably designed to prevent violations of the Liquidity Rule and (ii) the Funds’ liquidity risk management program has been effectively implemented.
26
STERLING CAPITAL ETFs |
EXPENSE EXAMPLE (Unaudited) |
November 30, 2023 |
As a shareholder of each Fund you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested for the period of time as indicated in the table below.
Actual Expenses
The “Actual” line in the tables below provide information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information below, 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 table under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The “Hypothetical” line in the tables below provide information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Funds’ actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Funds’ actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balances or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as contingent deferred sales charges (loads), or redemption fees. Therefore, the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
Sterling Capital Focus Equity ETF
Beginning | Ending | Annualized | Expenses Paid | |
Account Value | Account Value | Expense | During Period | |
6/1/23 | 11/30/23 | Ratio | 6/1/23-11/30/23* | |
Actual | ||||
$1,000.00 | $1,074.00 | 0.59% | $3.06 | |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | ||||
$1,000.00 | $1,022.05 | 0.59% | $2.98 | |
Sterling Capital Diverse Multi-Manager Active ETF | ||||
Beginning | Ending | Annualized | Expenses Paid | |
Account Value | Account Value | Expense | During Period | |
6/1/23 | 11/30/23 | Ratio | 6/1/23-11/30/23* | |
Actual | ||||
$1,000.00 | $1,079.00 | 0.65% | $3.38 | |
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | ||||
$1,000.00 | $1,021.75 | 0.65% | $3.29 |
* | Expenses are equal to the average account value over the period, multiplied by the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the number of days in the period (183), divided by the number of days in the fiscal year (366). |
For more information about current performance, holdings, or historical premiums/discounts, please visit the Funds’ website at https://sterlingcapital.com/etf/.
27
PRIVACY NOTICE
Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
Rev. April 2021
FACTS | WHAT DOES NORTHERN LIGHTS FUND TRUST IV DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION? |
Why? | Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some, but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do. |
What? | The types of personal information we collect and share depends on the product or service that you have with us. This information can include:
● Social Security number and wire transfer instructions
● account transactions and transaction history
● investment experience and purchase history
When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice. |
How? | All financial companies need to share customers’ personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons Northern Lights Fund Trust IV chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing. |
Reasons we can share your personal information: | Does Northern Lights Fund Trust IV share information? | Can you limit this sharing? |
For our everyday business purposes - such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus. | YES | NO |
For our marketing purposes - to offer our products and services to you. | NO | We don’t share |
For joint marketing with other financial companies. | NO | We don’t share |
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes - information about your transactions and records. | NO | We don’t share |
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes - information about your credit worthiness. | NO | We don’t share |
For nonaffiliates to market to you | NO | We don’t share |
QUESTIONS? | Call 1-631-490-4300 |
28
PRIVACY NOTICE
Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
Page 2 |
What we do: | |
How does Northern Lights Fund Trust IV protect my personal information? | To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.
Our service providers are held accountable for adhering to strict policies and procedures to prevent any misuse of your nonpublic personal information. |
How does Northern Lights Fund Trust IV collect my personal information? | We collect your personal information, for example, when you ● open an account or deposit money
● direct us to buy securities or direct us to sell your securities
● seek advice about your investments
We also collect your personal information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies. |
Why can’t I limit all sharing? | Federal law gives you the right to limit only: ● sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness.
● affiliates from using your information to market to you.
● sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you.
State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing. |
Definitions | |
Affiliates | Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.
● Northern Lights Fund Trust IV has no affiliates. |
Nonaffiliates | Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.
● Northern Lights Fund Trust IV does not share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you. |
Joint marketing | A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.
● Northern Lights Fund Trust IV does not jointly market. |
29
PROXY VOTING POLICY
Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the twelve month period ended June 30 as well as a description of the policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies will be available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-888- 637-7798 or by referring to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
The Funds file their complete schedules of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to their reports on Form N-PORT, within sixty days after the end of the period. Form N-PORT reports are available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
ADVISER |
Sterling Capital Management LLC |
4350 Congress Street, Suite 1000 |
Charlotte, NC 28209 |
ADMINISTRATOR |
Ultimus Fund Solutions, LLC |
225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 450 |
Cincinnati, OH 45246 |
SCFETF-SAR23
(a) Include a copy of the report transmitted to stockholders pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Act (17 CFR 270.30e-1).
(b) Include a copy of each notice transmitted to stockholders in reliance on Rule 30e-3 under the Act (17 CFR 270.30e-3) that contains disclosures specified by paragraph (c)(3) of that rule. Not applicable
Item 2. Code of Ethics. Not applicable
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert. Not applicable
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services. Not applicable
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Companies. . Not applicable to open-end investment companies.
Item 6. Schedule of Investments. Schedule of investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers is included under Item 1.
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Funds. Not applicable to open-end investment companies.
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies. Not applicable to open-end investment companies.
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Funds. Not applicable to open-end investment companies.
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. None
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
(a) Based on an evaluation of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of filing date of this Form N-CSR, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Registrant have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures of the Registrant are reasonably designed to ensure that the information required in filings on Form N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported by the filing date, including that information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant’s management, including the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b) There were no significant changes in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. Not applicable.
Item 13. Exhibits.
(a)(1) Not applicable.
(a)(3) Not applicable for open-end investment companies.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
(Registrant) Northern Lights Fund Trust IV
By (Signature and Title)
/s/ Wendy Wang
Wendy Wang, Principal Executive Officer/President
Date 2/5/24
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By (Signature and Title)
/s/ Wendy Wang
Wendy Wang, Principal Executive Officer/President
Date 2/5/24
By (Signature and Title)
/s/ Sam Singh
Sam Singh, Principal Financial Officer/Treasurer
Date 2/5/24