N-CSRS 1 managedrskncsrs.htm N-CSRS Blu Giant, LLC

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 811-21853

 

Northern Lights Variable Fund Trust

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

17605 Wright Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68130

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

James Ash, Gemini Fund Services, LLC.

80 Arkay Drive Suite 110, Hauppauge, NY 11788

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 631-470-2619

 

Date of fiscal year end: 12/31

 

Date of reporting period: 06/30/15

 

Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

 

(TOPS LOGO)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Semi-Annual Report

 

 

 

June 30, 2015

 

 

 

TOPS® Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio

 

TOPS® Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio

 

TOPS® Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio

 

 

 

 

Each a series of the Northern Lights Variable Trust

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributed by Northern Lights Distributors, LLC

 

Member FINRA

 
 
A Message from the TOPS® Portfolio Management Team

 

Mid-Year 2015 Market Commentary

 

“Diversification Is Adding Value in 2015”

 

All TOPS® portfolios recorded modest positive returns for the first half of 2015, despite global market headwinds in the second quarter. Markets throughout the first half of the year seemed “directionless”, exhibiting frequent changes in direction, while not necessarily registering high levels of overall volatility. Equities performed much better than bonds overall, but the dispersion of returns within the asset classes was broad.

 

In this Commentary, we will discuss some important factors behind market returns as well as several topics that may impact future TOPS® strategies, including the following:

 

1)Equity diversification away from the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 added value in the first half

 

2)Shorter maturities were a plus, but international diversification was a negative for bond portfolios

 

3)Economic and geopolitical headlines made investors nervous as first quarter 2015 US GDP was negative; the Federal Reserve neared a policy change; Chinese stocks rocketed higher and plunged lower; and Greece approaches an important crossroads

 

First Half Market Returns and Economic Review

 

Diversification played a positive role in TOPS® year-to-date (YTD) returns as US mid-cap, US small-cap, international developed, emerging markets, and timber all outperformed the S&P 500 by significant margins. A pullback in commodity prices and a rise in interest rates led to negative quarterly results for the diversifiers of natural resources and US real estate investment trusts; however, current TOPS® target allocations to those asset classes are relatively small.

 

Specifically, for domestic equities, the S&P 500 total return was +1.23%, S&P MidCap 400 +4.20%, and the S&P SmallCap 600 +4.16% in the first half of the year. For International equities, the Morgan Stanley Capital International (“MSCI”) EAFE Index was +5.52 and MSCI Emerging Markets Index was +2.95.

 

The 10 year US Treasury (10UST) bond yield rose from 2.17% at the end of 2014 to 2.36% as of June 30, so the math of “rising yields equals falling prices” meant 10UST total returns were depressed. The longer the maturity, the greater the increase in yields during the quarter, so the TOPS® strategy of slightly shortened maturities in the rising interest rate environment added value. The return on the benchmark Barclays Aggregate Bond Index was -0.10%. Exposure to International Developed and Emerging Market fixed income negatively impacted performance.

 

Throughout the first 6 months, the S&P 500 traded within a plus-or-minus 3.5% band from where it ended in 2014. The two first half “corrections” (i.e., declines following an upswing) were only -5.4% and -3.6% from the new highs reached in 2015. This indicates that stocks reacted calmly to external stimulants. Of note, the bond market was relatively more volatile than stocks, as the 10UST rallied sharply in January (the yield fell to 1.68%) in response to weak economic data and geopolitical concerns. Yields quickly jumped higher as the USD rallied

 

06/30/2015

1

 

and speculation about Fed rate hikes took the 10UST above 2% only to subsequently sit in a 2.2% to 2.4% range for most of May and June.

 

There has definitely been no shortage of interesting economic and market mental exercises in 2015. While “directionless”, we would argue that the markets globally have been complicated and continue to be so. Despite solid footing, it could be argued that US equities faced an uphill battle coming into the year given heightened valuations.

 

As 2015 began, continued pressure mounted from reductions in US (and global) GDP forecasts, USD strength and expectation of the first Fed Funds’ interest rate increase in nine years. These factors combined to force many analysts to reduce their expectations for earnings (EPS) growth. Currently, valuations are at or above historic norms in the US and further gains from stocks would require continued growth in EPS. A key factor in EPS growth returning is for economic growth to reaccelerate, which is a strong possibility.

 

The international landscape is a bit more complex. Largely, international markets have an underlying tide that is flowing in the right direction. However, several headwinds have emerged including weakness in Greece and China.

 

Chinese stocks have been on a rollercoaster ride, to say the least. The Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite Index, an index of all stocks traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange wherein investors primarily are Chinese patriots purchasing what are called A-shares, started to ascend in May of 2014 at a value of just above 2000, after trading in a relatively flat trading pattern since the end of 2011. On June 12, 2015, the index stood just below 5170, growing by over 2.5 times in just over 1 year. To start July, the index dipped below 3700, a drop of nearly 30% in just over 2 weeks.

 

Significant volatility in Chinese A-shares comes amidst a landmark positive development released in May. With the increased availability of Chinese A-shares to certain outside investors, through government-issued quotas, Chinese A-shares have recently been considered by several different major index providers for inclusion. Most recently, the Financial Times Stock Exchange (“FTSE”) announced they will be adding some exposure to Chinese A-shares over the next year, while MSCI announced they expect to add A-shares in the foreseeable future.

 

Recent Chinese government actions suggest the government is very concerned about the reversal of the China bull market. China GDP growth reports may or may not be accurate, but clearly the rate of growth is slowing. The Chinese banks may or may not be overleveraged, but loan growth has clearly been exponential. China has directly intervened by pumping funds into specific stocks, cutting interest rates and cutting reserve requirements at the banks. If China fails to stabilize the A-share markets and economic growth, the impact on the global economy may be enough to impact US GDP and markets.

 

Greece has been dominating the financial headlines due to serious economic issues that started to spiral in mid-June. While the recent debt issues of Greece have been front of mind since 2010, it has become clear that an important crossroads has been reached. Greece has defaulted on a payment to the International Monetary Fund, making it the first developed nation to have done so since the founding of the international lender in 1944 (according to Yardeni Research). The bottom line is that we believe there likely is no conceivable scenario in which Greece can actually pay the debts it has accumulated and, for our purposes, there is no reason to try to establish who is at fault. The question is whether the resolution of this issue, whether by default or kicking the can down the road, impacts TOPS® portfolio strategies.

 

06/30/2015

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While we are concerned for the Greek people, the global impact is not significant from a numbers perspective. The economy of Greece is roughly half the size of Massachusetts. The biggest concern for global markets is contagion to other weaker economies, but contagion typically comes from surprises and confusion. Since the Greek debt situation has been studied for years, it should not be a surprise, and the confusion should only have short term impacts, so we do not expect to make portfolio changes based on Greece.

 

Our expectation is that day-to-day headline-related volatility is likely to continue in coming months. Nobody knows which of the above-mentioned factors will trend through the remainder of 2015, but the TOPS® portfolio management team is considering the potential impact of each as we evaluate potential portfolio strategies. As always, the TOPS® strategy for managing globally diversified ETF portfolios is focused on optimizing risk-adjusted returns and is, in our opinion, well suited for uncertain times. As such, we believe the portfolios are appropriately structured for the current situation.

 

Summary of the Milliman Managed Risk Strategy™ (MMRS)

 

The market took only 5 days into 2015 to generate enough volatility to trigger an increase in the hedge position, a decrease in equity exposure, for TOPS Managed Risk Growth. While the hedge position moved up and down with volatility throughout the month, levels finished at a peak of 30%. The TOPS Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio and Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio benefitted from diversification through fixed income, reducing the need for hedges to be significantly active. Oil price volatility and disappointing economic numbers were the primary drivers of volatility over the month. Intraday volatility was particularly high throughout the month.

 

February started out fairly volatile but then quieted throughout as concerns over Greece dissipated and oil prices stabilized. Realized volatility was very compressed by the end of the month. The hedge positions for TOPS® Managed Risk Growth started the month out at moderate levels after a volatile January, with a maximum hedge position of 35%, which subsequently reduced to minimum settings by mid-month.

 

March was a whipsaw month, where equity markets quickly moved upwards and downwards successively and couldn’t find their direction, and volatility was higher than in previous months. Economic indicators have been mixed, which has contributed to a more uncertain outlook with the overhand of European QE. The hedge position for the TOPS® Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio experienced some gyration throughout the month, whereas fixed income mitigated volatility where allocations were higher, which is why the hedge positions in the TOPS® Managed Risk Moderate Growth and Balanced Portfolios were not as active.

 

April and May, in contrast, were quiet months on the volatility front, with April marking the lowest month for realized volatility year-to-date. Investors continued to grapple with disparate economic data and its implications for a Fed rate hike.

 

Realized volatility was likewise quite during the first half of June, only to rise sharply during the last week of the month. Implied volatility also spiked to levels not seen since early February. As a result, the hedge position on the Growth model quickly reverted during this period to finish the month over 10% higher than where is started.

 

06/30/2015

3

 

In summary, after fluctuating significantly in the first quarter, realized volatility on the S&P 500 spent much of the second quarter trending downward. The first quarter volatility forced fairly substantial changes to the hedge positions for the Growth model, but the subsequent downward trend allowed hedge positions to revert to minimum positions for much of the second quarter. Hedge positions in the TOPS® Managed Risk Moderate Growth and Balanced models remained largely unchanged during the first half of the year, mainly due to the stability produced by higher fixed income allocations relative to the TOPS® Managed Risk Growth model. Given the spike in volatility the last week of June combined with upcoming corporate earnings, a Federal Reserve meeting and several economic data releases in July, the MMRS strategy stands ready to adjust as volatility changes with news.

 

The S&P 500® Index is an unmanaged composite of 500 large capitalization companies. This index is widely used by professional investors as a performance benchmark for large-cap stocks.

 

The S&P MidCap 400® measures the mid-cap segment of the U.S. equity market. The index is designed to be an investable portfolio of companies that meet specific inclusion criteria to ensure that they are liquid and financially viable.

 

The S&P SmallCap 600® measures the small cap segment of the U.S. equity market. The index is designed to be an investable portfolio of companies that meet specific inclusion criteria to ensure that they are liquid and financially viable.

 

The MSCI EAFE® Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the US & Canada. As of June 2007 the MSCI EAFE Index consisted of the following 21 developed market country indices: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

 

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure the combined equity market performance of the materials sector of emerging markets countries. Component securities include those of chemical companies, construction materials companies, containers and packaging companies, metals and mining companies, and paper and forest products companies.

 

The Barclays Capital Aggregate Bond Index is weighted according to market capitalization, which means the securities represented in the index are weighted according to the market size of the bond category. Treasury securities, mortgage-backed securities (MBS) foreign bonds , government agency bonds and corporate bonds are some of the categories included in the index. The bonds represented are medium term with an average maturity of about 4.57 years. In all, the index represents about 8,200 fixed-income securities with a total value of approximately $15 trillion (about 43% of the total U.S. bond market).

 

The Barclays Capital High Yield Very Liquid Index includes publicly issued U.S. dollar denominated, non -investment grade, fixed-rate, taxable corporate bonds that have a remaining maturity of at least one year, regardless of optionality, are rated high-yield (Ba1/BB+/BB+ or below) using the middle rating of Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch, respectively (before July 1, 2005, the lower of Moody’s and S&P was used), and have $600 million or more of outstanding face value.

 

The Barclays Capital U.S. Credit Bond Index measures the performance of investment grade corporate debt and agency bonds that are dollar denominated and have a remaining maturity of greater than one year.

 

The Barclays Capital Intermediate U.S. Treasury Index includes all publicly issued, U.S. Treasury securities that have a remaining maturity of greater than or equal to 1 year and less than 10 years, are rated investment grade, and have $250 million or more of outstanding face value.

 

06/30/2015

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The Barclays Capital U.S. Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS) Index includes all publicly issued, U.S. Treasury inflation-protected securities that have at least one year remaining to maturity, are rated investment grade, and have $250 million or more of outstanding face value.

 

You cannot invest directly in an index and unmanaged index returns do not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges. Past Performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

6307-NLD-7/30/2015

 

06/30/2015

5

 

TOPS® Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio

Portfolio Review (Unaudited)

June 30, 2015

 

The Portfolio’s performance figures* for the periods ended June 30, 2015, as compared to its benchmark:

 

         Three      
   Six  One  Year  Annualized Since  Annualized Since
   Months  Year  (Annualized)  Inception (6/9/11)**  Inception (5/1/12)***
Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio               
Class 1  1.11%  0.06%  6.11%  4.92%  N/A
Class 2  0.95%  (0.23)%  5.85%  4.67%  N/A
Class 3  0.94%  (0.26)%  5.99%  N/A  4.89%
Class 4  0.78%  (0.61)%  5.35%  N/A  4.26%
S&P 500 Total Return Index ****  1.23%  7.42%  17.31%  14.72%  15.34%

 

*The performance data quoted is historical. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance data quoted. The principal value and investment return of an investment will fluctuate so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or on the redemption of Portfolio shares, as well as other charges and expenses of the insurance contract or separate account. Per the fee table in the May 1, 2015 prospectus, the Portfolio’s total annual operating expense ratios including acquired fund fees and expenses, for Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, and Class 4 are 0.63%, 0.88%, 0.98%, and 1.23% respectively. For performance information current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-855-572-5945.

 

**Class 1 and Class 2’s inception date was June 9, 2011.

 

***Class 3 and Class 4’s inception date was May 1, 2012.

 

****The S&P 500 Total Return Index is an unmanaged market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest capitalized U.S. domiciled companies. Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends. Investors may not invest in the index directly; unlike the Portfolio’s returns, the Index does not reflect any fees or expenses.

 

Holdings by Asset Class as of June 30, 2015  % of Net Assets 
Equity Funds   45.0%
Debt Funds   43.2%
Other Assets/Cash & Cash Equivalents   11.8%
    100.0%

 

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments in this semi-annual report for a detailed analysis of the Portfolio’s holdings.

6

 

TOPS® Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio

Portfolio Review (Unaudited)

June 30, 2015

 

The Portfolio’s performance figures* for the periods ended June 30, 2015, as compared to its benchmark:

 

         Three      
   Six  One  Year  Annualized Since  Annualized Since
   Months  Year  (Annualized)  Inception (4/26/11)**  Inception (5/1/12)***
Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio               
Class 1  0.51%  (2.15)%  8.12%  4.74%  N/A
Class 2  0.34%  (2.43)%  7.85%  4.50%  N/A
Class 3  0.34%  (2.39)%  7.87%  N/A  6.09%
Class 4  0.25%  (2.66)%  7.79%  N/A  6.16%
S&P 500 Total Return Index ****  1.23%  7.42%  17.31%  13.15%  15.34%

 

*The performance data quoted is historical. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance data quoted. The principal value and investment return of an investment will fluctuate so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or on the redemption of Portfolio shares, as well as other charges and expenses of the insurance contract or separate account. Per the fee table in the May 1, 2015 prospectus, the Portfolio’s total annual operating expense ratios including acquired fund fees and expenses, for Class 1 , Class 2, Class 3, and Class 4 are 0.62%, 0.87%, 0.97%, and 1.22% respectively. For performance information current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-855-572-5945.

 

**Class 1 and Class 2’s inception date was April 26, 2011.

 

***Class 3 and Class 4’s inception date was May 1, 2012.

 

****The S&P 500 Total Return Index is an unmanaged market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest capitalized U.S. domiciled companies. Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends. Investors may not invest in the index directly; unlike the Portfolio’s returns, the Index does not reflect any fees or expenses.

 

Holdings by Asset Class as of June 30, 2015  % of Net Assets 
Equity Funds   76.5%
Debt Funds   11.7%
Other Assets/Cash & Cash Equivalents   11.8%
    100.0%

 

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments in this semi-annual report for a detailed analysis of the Portfolio’s holdings.

7

 

TOPS® Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio

Portfolio Review (Unaudited)

June 30, 2015

 

The Portfolio’s performance figures* for the periods ended June 30, 2015, as compared to its benchmark:

 

         Three      
   Six  One  Year  Annualized Since  Annualized Since
   Months  Year  (Annualized)  Inception (6/9/11)**  Inception (5/1/12)***
Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio               
Class 1  1.41%  (0.23)%  7.83%  5.86%  N/A
Class 2  1.25%  (0.50)%  7.53%  5.65%  N/A
Class 3  1.25%  (0.55)%  7.60%  N/A  6.01%
Class 4  1.09%  (0.88)%  7.12%  N/A  5.82%
S&P 500 Total Return Index ****  1.23%  7.42%  17.31%  14.72%  15.34%

 

*The performance data quoted is historical. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance data quoted. The principal value and investment return of an investment will fluctuate so that your shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Portfolio distributions or on the redemption of Portfolio shares, as well as other charges and expenses of the insurance contract or separate account. Per the fee table in the May 1, 2015 prospectus, the Portfolio’s total annual operating expense ratios including acquired fund fees and expenses, for Class 1 , Class 2, Class 3, and Class 4 are 0.63%, 0.88%, 0.98%, and 1.23% respectively. For performance information current to the most recent month-end, please call 1-855-572-5945.

 

**Class 1 and Class 2’s inception date was June 9, 2011.

 

***Class 3 and Class 4’s inception date was May 1, 2012.

 

****The S&P 500 Total Return Index is an unmanaged market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest capitalized U.S. domiciled companies. Index returns assume reinvestment of dividends. Investors may not invest in the index directly; unlike the Portfolio’s returns, the Index does not reflect any fees or expenses.

 

Holdings by Asset Class as of June 30, 2015  % of Net Assets 
Equity Funds   58.5%
Debt Funds   29.8%
Other Assets/Cash & Cash Equivalents   11.7%
    100.0%

 

Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments in this semi-annual report for a detailed analysis of the Portfolio’s holdings.

8

 

TOPS® Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)

 

Shares            Value 
                 
     EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS - 88.2%           
     DEBT FUNDS - 43.2%           
 2,248,498   FlexShares iBoxx 3-Year Target Duration TIPS Index Fund        $55,223,111 
 349,625   iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF         42,989,890 
 242,660   iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF         12,288,303 
 346,419   iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF         30,762,007 
 371,458   iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF         42,985,120 
 941,647   PIMCO 1-5 Year U.S. TIPS Index ETF         49,172,806 
 516,252   PowerShares Senior Loan Portfolio         12,281,635 
 803,847   SPDR Barclays Short Term Corporate Bond ETF         24,597,718 
 234,884   Vanguard Total International Bond ETF         12,300,875 
 315,937   WisdomTree Emerging Markets Local Debt Fund         12,280,471 
               294,881,936 
     EQUITY FUNDS - 45.0%           
 206,361   FlexShares Global Upstream Natural Resources Index Fund         6,141,304 
 240,042   Guggenheim Timber ETF         6,140,274 
 163,945   iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF         24,588,471 
 208,339   iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF         24,559,001 
 377,590   iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF         42,992,398 
 732,149   iShares S&P 500 Value ETF         67,511,459 
 440,071   SPDR Dow Jones International Real Estate ETF         18,421,372 
 218,289   SPDR Dow Jones REIT ETF         18,419,226 
 57,608   Vanguard Energy ETF         6,161,176 
 1,010,426   Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF         49,056,182 
 120,458   Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF         12,277,079 
 500,806   Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF         20,472,949 
 57,076   Vanguard Materials ETF         6,133,387 
 94,108   WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund         4,083,346 
               306,957,624 
     TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (Cost - $576,333,544)         601,839,560 
                 
     SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 12.0%           
     MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 11.8%           
 28,750,000   BlackRock Liquidity Funds TempFund Portfolio to yield 0.09% (a)         28,750,000 
 28,750,000   Federated Prime Cash Obligations Fund to yield 0.07% (a)         28,750,000 
 22,686,782   Invesco Short-Term Investments Trust - Liquid Assets Portfolio to yield 0.10% (a)         22,686,782 
               80,186,782 
                 
Principal      Coupon (b)  Maturity     
     U.S. TREASURY BILL - 0.2%           
$1,400,000   United States Treasury Bill (c)  0.00%  9/17/2015   1,400,000 
                 
     TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost - $81,586,782)         81,586,782 
                 
     TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 100.2% (Cost - $657,920,326) (d)        $683,426,342 
     OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES - NET - (0.2)%         (1,157,674)
     TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.0%        $682,268,668 

 

TIPS - Treasury Inflation Protected Security

 

ETF - Exchange Traded Fund

 

REIT - Real Estate Investment Trust

 

(a)Variable rate security, the money market rate shown represents the rate at June 30, 2015.

 

(b)Represents discount rate at time of purchase.

 

(c)All or a portion of this security held as collateral for futures contracts.

 

(d)Represents cost for financial reporting purposes. Aggregate cost for Federal tax purposes is $658,553,552 and differs from value by net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of securities as follows:

 

  Unrealized appreciation:  $34,356,958 
  Unrealized depreciation:   (9,484,168)
  Net unrealized appreciation:  $24,872,790 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

9

 

TOPS® Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)

 

 

       Unrealized 
Contracts      Depreciation 
         
     LONG FUTURES CONTRACTS     
 75   MSCI EAFE Index Mini September 2015     
     (Underlying Face Amount at Value $6,877,500)  $(136,935)
 103   MSCI Emerging Market Index Mini September 2015     
     (Underlying Face Amount at Value $4,940,910)   (44,290)
 55   Russell 2000 Index Mini September 2015     
     (Underlying Face Amount at Value $6,877,200)   (25,575)
 83   S&P 500 Index E-Mini September 2015     
     (Underlying Face Amount at Value $8,526,175)   (125,330)
 26   S&P Midcap 400 Index E-Mini September 2015     
     (Underlying Face Amount at Value $3,895,060)   (72,800)
           
     NET UNREALIZED DEPRECIATION OF LONG FUTURES CONTRACTS  $(404,930)

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

10

 

TOPS® Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)

 

Shares            Value 
                 
     EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS - 88.2%           
     DEBT FUNDS - 11.7%           
 1,373,184   FlexShares iBoxx 3-Year Target Duration TIPS Index Fund        $33,725,399 
 507,691   iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF         45,082,961 
 646,498   PIMCO 1-5 Year U.S. TIPS Index ETF         33,760,126 
 868,258   WisdomTree Emerging Markets Local Debt Fund (a)         33,749,188 
               146,317,674 
     EQUITY FUNDS - 76.5%           
 1,513,642   FlexShares Global Upstream Natural Resources Index Fund         45,045,986 
 440,012   Guggenheim Timber ETF (a)         11,255,507 
 825,185   iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF         123,761,246 
 1,143,758   iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF         134,826,193 
 1,283,524   iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF         146,142,043 
 1,461,930   iShares S&P 500 Value ETF         134,804,565 
 805,704   SPDR Dow Jones International Real Estate ETF         33,726,769 
 265,962   SPDR Dow Jones REIT ETF         22,441,874 
 105,512   Vanguard Energy ETF         11,284,508 
 3,928,226   Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF         190,715,372 
 220,653   Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF         22,488,954 
 1,375,644   Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF         56,236,327 
 104,556   Vanguard Materials ETF         11,235,588 
 258,639   WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund         11,222,346 
               955,187,278 
     TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (Cost - $988,912,259)         1,101,504,952 
                 
     SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 11.8%           
     MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 11.3%           
 40,000,000   BlackRock Liquidity Funds TempFund Portfolio to yield 0.09% (b)         40,000,000 
 40,000,000   Federated Prime Cash Obligations Fund to yield 0.07% (b)         40,000,000 
 61,698,648   Invesco Short-Term Investments Trust - Liquid Assets Portfolio to yield 0.10% (b)         61,698,649 
               141,698,649 
                 
Principal      Coupon (d)  Maturity     
     U.S. TREASURY BILL - 0.5%           
$5,770,000   United States Treasury Bill (c)  0.00%  9/17/2015   5,770,000 
                 
     TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost - $147,468,649)         147,468,649 
                 
     TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 100.0% (Cost - $1,136,380,908) (e)        $1,248,973,601 
     OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES - NET - (0.0)%         (552,365)
     TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.0%        $1,248,421,236 

 

TIPS - Treasury Inflation Protected Security

 

ETF - Exchange Traded Fund

 

REIT - Real Estate Investment Trust

 

(a)Affiliated company - TOPS Managed Risk Growth ETF holds in excess of 5% of outstanding voting securities of this exchange traded fund.

 

(b)Variable rate security, the money market rate shown represents the rate at June 30, 2015.

 

(c)All or a portion of this secuirty may be held as collateral for futures contracs.

 

(d)Represents discount rate at time of purchase.

 

(e)Represents cost for financial reporting purposes. Aggregate cost for Federal tax purposes is $1,137,189,283 and differs from value by net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of securities as follows:

 

  Unrealized appreciation:  $128,669,687 
  Unrealized depreciation:   (16,885,369)
  Net unrealized appreciation:  $111,784,318 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

11

 

TOPS® Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)

 

       Unrealized 
Contracts      Appreciation/(Depreciation) 
         
     SHORT FUTURES CONTRACTS     
 107   MSCI EAFE Index Mini September 2015     
     (Underlying Face Amount at Value $9,811,900)  $21,490 
 156   MSCI Emerging Market Index Mini September 2015     
     (Underlying Face Amount at Value $7,483,320)   (9,210)
 92   Russell 2000 Index Mini September 2015     
     (Underlying Face Amount at Value $11,503,680)   (22,300)
 89   S&P 500 Index E-Mini September 2015     
     (Underlying Face Amount at Value $9,142,525)    
 41   S&P Midcap 400 Index E-Mini September 2015     
     (Underlying Face Amount at Value $6,142,210)   9,400 
           
     NET UNREALIZED DEPRECIATION OF SHORT FUTURES CONTRACTS  $(620)

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

12

 

TOPS® Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)

 

Shares            Value 
                 
     EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS - 88.3%           
     DEBT FUNDS - 29.8%           
 2,546,404   FlexShares iBoxx 3-Year Target Duration TIPS Index Fund        $62,539,682 
 588,408   iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF         52,250,630 
 630,901   iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF         73,007,864 
 999,756   PIMCO 1-5 Year U.S. TIPS Index ETF         52,207,258 
 877,161   PowerShares Senior Loan Portfolio         20,867,660 
 1,706,905   SPDR Barclays Short Term Corporate Bond ETF         52,231,293 
 199,504   Vanguard Total International Bond ETF         10,448,025 
 536,693   WisdomTree Emerging Markets Local Debt Fund         20,861,257 
               344,413,669 
     EQUITY FUNDS - 58.5%           
 1,051,663   FlexShares Global Upstream Natural Resources Index Fund         31,297,491 
 407,769   Guggenheim Timber ETF (a)         10,430,731 
 557,045   iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF         83,545,609 
 707,827   iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF         83,438,647 
 916,484   iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF         104,350,868 
 1,130,784   iShares S&P 500 Value ETF         104,269,593 
 747,565   SPDR Dow Jones International Real Estate ETF         31,293,071 
 247,093   SPDR Dow Jones REIT ETF         20,849,707 
 97,871   Vanguard Energy ETF         10,467,303 
 2,572,558   Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF         124,897,691 
 204,627   Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF         20,855,584 
 850,634   Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF         34,773,918 
 96,934   Vanguard Materials ETF         10,416,528 
 159,865   WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund         6,936,542 
               677,823,283 
     TOTAL EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (Cost - $959,401,993)         1,022,236,952 
                 
     SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 11.9%           
     MONEY MARKET FUNDS - 11.6%           
 35,000,000   BlackRock Liquidity Funds TempFund Portfolio to yield 0.09% (b)         35,000,000 
 35,000,000   Federated Prime Cash Obligations Fund to yield 0.07% (b)         35,000,000 
 64,164,424   Invesco Short-Term Investments Trust - Liquid Assets Portfolio to yield 0.10% (b)         64,164,424 
               134,164,424 
                 
Principal      Coupon (d)  Maturity     
     U.S. TREASURY BILL - 0.3%           
$3,340,000   United States Treasury Bill (c)  0.00%  9/17/2015   3,340,000 
                 
     TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost - $137,504,424)         137,504,424 
                 
     TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 100.2% (Cost - $1,096,906,417) (e)        $1,159,741,376 
     OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES - NET - (0.2)%         (1,787,764)
     TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.0%        $1,157,953,612 

 

TIPS - Treasury Inflation Protected Security

 

ETF - Exchange Traded Fund

 

REIT - Real Estate Investment Trust

 

(a)Affiliated company - TOPS Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF holds in excess of 5% of outstanding voting securities of this exchange traded fund.

 

(b)Variable rate security, the money market rate shown represents the rate at June 30, 2015.

 

(c)All or a portion of this secuirty held as collateral for futures contracts.

 

(d)Represents discount rate at time of purchase.

 

(e)Represents cost for financial reporting purposes. Aggregate cost for Federal tax purposes is $1,097,823,496 and differs from value by net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of securities as follows:

 

  Unrealized appreciation:  $78,406,582 
  Unrealized depreciation:   (16,488,702)
  Net unrealized appreciation:  $61,917,880 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

13

 

TOPS® Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio

PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)

June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)

 

       Unrealized 
Contracts      Depreciation 
         
     LONG FUTURES CONTRACTS     
 177   MSCI EAFE Index Mini September 2015     
     (Underlying Face Amount at Value $16,230,900)  $(324,795)
 246   MSCI Emerging Market Index Mini September 2015     
     (Underlying Face Amount at Value $11,800,620)   (105,780)
 133   Russell 2000 Index Mini September 2015     
     (Underlying Face Amount at Value $16,630,320)   (61,845)
 173   S&P 500 Index E-Mini September 2015     
     (Underlying Face Amount at Value $17,771,425)   (260,798)
 76   S&P Midcap 400 Index E-Mini September 2015     
     (Underlying Face Amount at Value $11,385,560)   (212,040)
           
     NET UNREALIZED DEPRECIATION OF LONG FUTURES CONTRACTS  $(965,258)

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

14

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
Statements of Assets and Liabilities
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)

 

   Managed Risk   Managed Risk   Managed Risk 
   Balanced   Growth   Moderate Growth 
   ETF Portfolio   ETF Portfolio   ETF Portfolio 
Assets:               
Affiliated Investments in securities, at cost  $   $51,561,621   $9,981,039 
Unaffiliated Investments in securities, at cost   657,920,326    1,084,819,287    1,086,925,378 
Total Investments in securities, at cost   657,920,326    1,136,380,908    1,096,906,417 
                
Affiliated Investments in securities, at value  $   $45,004,695   $10,430,731 
Unaffiliated Investments in securities, at value   683,426,342    1,203,968,906    1,149,310,645 
Total Investments in securities, at value   683,426,342    1,248,973,601    1,159,741,376 
Deposits with Broker   506,135    362,055    1,205,773 
Receivable for securities sold   3,114,581    6,258,155    5,573,675 
Dividends receivable   1,028,342    3,206,799    2,220,330 
Receivable for Portfolio shares sold   503,192    263,459    244,144 
Total Assets   688,578,592    1,259,064,069    1,168,985,298 
Liabilities:               
Unrealized depreciation on futures contracts   404,930    620    965,258 
Payable for securities purchased   5,181,414    9,345,496    8,461,197 
Payable for Portfolio shares redeemed   322,254    559,277    922,212 
Accrued investment advisory fees   181,057    335,035    308,782 
Accrued distribution (12b-1) fees   159,918    290,727    271,311 
Administrative services fee payable   60,351    111,678    102,926 
Total Liabilities   6,309,924    10,642,833    11,031,686 
Net Assets  $682,268,668   $1,248,421,236   $1,157,953,612 
Components of Net Assets:               
Paid in capital  $623,629,452   $1,102,624,811   $1,039,267,731 
Undistributed net investment income   11,243,291    23,484,217    20,691,462 
Accumulated net realized gain on investments and futures contracts   22,294,838    9,720,135    36,124,718 
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and futures contracts   25,101,087    112,592,073    61,869,701 
Net Assets  $682,268,668   $1,248,421,236   $1,157,953,612 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

15

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (Continued)
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)

 

   Managed Risk   Managed Risk   Managed Risk 
   Balanced   Growth   Moderate Growth 
   ETF Portfolio   ETF Portfolio   ETF Portfolio 
                
Class 1 Shares:               
Net assets  $1,581,419   $39,252,433   $3,259,467 
Total shares of beneficial interest outstanding at end of year ($0 par value, unlimited shares authorized)   133,877    3,302,819    267,428 
                
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share               
(Net assets ÷ Total shares of beneficial interest outstanding)  $11.81   $11.88   $12.19 
                
Class 2 Shares:               
Net assets  $607,164,421   $1,008,917,461   $1,012,299,306 
Total shares of beneficial interest outstanding at end of year ($0 par value, unlimited shares authorized)   51,751,515    85,480,122    83,488,599 
                
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share               
(Net assets ÷ Total shares of beneficial interest outstanding)  $11.73   $11.80   $12.12 (a)
                
Class 3 Shares:               
Net assets  $59,986,992   $188,839,675   $131,799,153 
Total shares of beneficial interest outstanding at end of year ($0 par value, unlimited shares authorized)   5,084,157    16,063,427    10,885,613 
                
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share               
(Net assets ÷ Total shares of beneficial interest outstanding)  $11.80   $11.76   $12.11 
                
Class 4 Shares:               
Net assets  $13,535,836   $11,411,667   $10,595,686 
Total shares of beneficial interest outstanding at end of year ($0 par value, unlimited shares authorized)   1,168,501    967,165    879,824 
                
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share               
(Net assets ÷ Total shares of beneficial interest outstanding)  $11.58   $11.80   $12.04 

 

(a)NAV may not recalculate due to rounding of shares.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

16

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
Statements of Operations
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)

 

   Managed Risk   Managed Risk   Managed Risk 
   Balanced   Growth   Moderate Growth 
   ETF Portfolio   ETF Portfolio   ETF Portfolio 
Investment Income:               
Dividend income - Affiliated investments  $   $848,539   $ 
Dividend income - Unaffiliated investments   5,202,518    9,741,245    9,457,232 
Interest income   18,530    26,726    24,105 
Total Investment Income   5,221,048    10,616,510    9,481,337 
Expenses:               
Investment advisory fees   1,017,557    1,905,609    1,715,939 
Distribution fees (12b-1) - Class 2 Shares   754,450    1,282,529    1,250,256 
Distribution fees (12b-1) - Class 3 Shares   102,053    342,072    225,461 
Distribution fees (12b-1) - Class 4 Shares   38,474    29,042    31,241 
Administrative services fees   339,185    635,203    571,980 
Total Expenses   2,251,719    4,194,455    3,794,877 
Net Investment Income   2,969,329    6,422,055    5,686,460 
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments and Futures Contracts:               
Net realized gain (loss) on:               
Affiliated Investments       (600,751)   94,748 
Unaffiliated Investments   5,725,173    23,814,471    10,912,125 
Futures contracts   2,689,651    (18,284,511)   3,296,679 
    8,414,824    4,929,209    14,303,552 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:               
Affiliated Investments       (1,069,381)   456,874 
Unaffiliated Investments   (3,386,828)   (5,285,574)   (3,575,596)
Futures contracts   (1,646,733)   358,275    (2,665,058)
    (5,033,561)   (5,996,680)   (5,783,780)
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments and Futures Contracts   3,381,263    (1,067,471)   8,519,772 
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations  $6,350,592   $5,354,584   $14,206,232 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

17

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio 
   Six Months Ended     
   June 30, 2015   Year Ended 
   (Unaudited)   December 31, 2014 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:          
From Operations:          
Net investment income  $2,969,329   $8,274,054 
Net realized gain on investments and futures contracts   8,414,824    15,268,825 
Distributions of realized gains by underlying investment companies       5,643 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and futures contracts   (5,033,561)   (5,015,336)
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   6,350,592    18,533,186 
From Distributions to Shareholders:          
Net Investment Income:          
Class 1       (65,911)
Class 2       (5,433,435)
Class 3       (645,712)
Class 4       (93,702)
Net Realized Gains:          
Class 1       (44,006)
Class 2       (4,384,186)
Class 3       (457,552)
Class 4       (71,892)
Total distributions to shareholders       (11,196,396)
From Shares of Beneficial Interest:          
Proceeds from shares sold          
Class 1   119,999    953,341 
Class 2   52,116,656    146,292,155 
Class 3   5,608,605    28,027,807 
Class 4   2,347,552    6,589,238 
Reinvestment of distributions          
Class 1       109,917 
Class 2       9,817,621 
Class 3       1,103,264 
Class 4       165,594 
Cost of shares redeemed          
Class 1   (3,868,085)   (2,514,637)
Class 2   (43,585,317)   (99,487,147)
Class 3   (4,815,468)   (11,849,826)
Class 4   (206,733)   (779,937)
Net increase in net assets from share transactions of beneficial interest   7,717,209    78,427,390 
Total increase in net assets   14,067,801    85,764,180 
Net Assets:          
Beginning of period   668,200,867    582,436,687 
End of period  $682,268,668   $668,200,867 
Undistributed net investment income at end of period  $11,243,291   $8,273,962 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

18

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Continued)

 

   Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio 
   Six Months Ended     
   June 30, 2015   Year Ended 
   (Unaudited)   December 31, 2014 
SHARE ACTIVITY          
Class 1          
Shares Sold   10,093    81,054 
Shares Reinvested       9,492 
Shares Redeemed   (325,582)   (216,762)
Net decrease in shares of beneficial interest outstanding   (315,489)   (126,216)
           
Class 2          
Shares Sold   4,403,144    12,553,926 
Shares Reinvested       851,484 
Shares Redeemed   (3,683,487)   (8,568,294)
Net increase in shares of beneficial interest outstanding   719,657    4,837,116 
           
Class 3          
Shares Sold   470,756    2,391,802 
Shares Reinvested       95,110 
Shares Redeemed   (403,703)   (997,373)
Net increase in shares of beneficial interest outstanding   67,053    1,489,539 
           
Class 4          
Shares Sold   201,278    570,474 
Shares Reinvested       14,512 
Shares Redeemed   (17,658)   (67,894)
Net increase in shares of beneficial interest outstanding   183,620    517,092 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

19

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Continued)

 

   Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio 
   Six Months Ended     
   June 30, 2015   Year Ended 
   (Unaudited)   December 31, 2014 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:          
From Operations:          
Net investment income  $6,422,055   $17,069,338 
Net realized gain on investments and futures contracts   4,929,209    12,234,047 
Distributions of realized gains by underlying investment companies        
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and futures contracts   (5,996,680)   (13,306,982)
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   5,354,584    15,996,403 
From Distributions to Shareholders:          
Net Investment Income:          
Class 1       (401,424)
Class 2       (8,679,737)
Class 3       (2,159,398)
Class 4       (64,365)
Total distributions to shareholders       (11,304,924)
From Shares of Beneficial Interest:          
Proceeds from shares sold          
Class 1   1,222,855    5,583,716 
Class 2   81,811,890    217,753,024 
Class 3   6,935,296    93,581,678 
Class 4   4,367,243    4,336,086 
Reinvestment of distributions          
Class 1       401,424 
Class 2       8,679,737 
Class 3       2,159,398 
Class 4       64,365 
Cost of shares redeemed          
Class 1   (1,241,490)   (3,173,820)
Class 2   (106,610,771)   (88,945,750)
Class 3   (25,874,201)   (23,039,427)
Class 4   (435,196)   (1,525,887)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from share transactions of beneficial interest   (39,824,374)   215,874,544 
Total increase (decrease) in net assets   (34,469,790)   220,566,023 
Net Assets:          
Beginning of period   1,282,891,026    1,062,325,003 
End of period  $1,248,421,236   $1,282,891,026 
Undistributed net investment income at end of period  $23,484,217   $17,062,162 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

20

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Continued)

 

   Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio 
   Six Months Ended     
   June 30, 2015   Year Ended 
   (Unaudited)   December 31, 2014 
SHARE ACTIVITY          
Class 1          
Shares Sold   103,567    475,429 
Shares Reinvested       34,048 
Shares Redeemed   (104,080)   (264,636)
Net increase (decrease) in shares of beneficial interest outstanding   (513)   244,841 
           
Class 2          
Shares Sold   6,855,635    18,516,770 
Shares Reinvested       739,960 
Shares Redeemed   (8,931,953)   (7,538,904)
Net increase (decrease) in shares of beneficial interest outstanding   (2,076,318)   11,717,826 
           
Class 3          
Shares Sold   581,501    8,020,018 
Shares Reinvested       184,721 
Shares Redeemed   (2,175,874)   (1,935,234)
Net increase (decrease) in shares of beneficial interest outstanding   (1,594,373)   6,269,505 
           
Class 4          
Shares Sold   365,562    365,431 
Shares Reinvested       5,473 
Shares Redeemed   (36,247)   (131,429)
Net increase in shares of beneficial interest outstanding   329,315    239,475 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

21

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Continued)

 

   Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio 
   Six Months Ended     
   June 30, 2015   Year Ended 
   (Unaudited)   December 31, 2014 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:          
From Operations:          
Net investment income  $5,686,460   $15,007,036 
Net realized gain on investments and futures contracts   14,303,552    24,748,740 
Distributions of realized gains by underlying investment companies       11,821 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and futures contracts   (5,783,780)   (11,579,631)
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   14,206,232    28,187,966 
From Distributions to Shareholders:          
Net Investment Income:          
Class 1       (77,084)
Class 2       (9,404,677)
Class 3       (1,483,954)
Class 4       (82,499)
Net Realized Gains:          
Class 1       (73,850)
Class 2       (10,668,334)
Class 3       (1,521,081)
Class 4       (84,688)
Total distributions to shareholders       (23,396,167)
From Shares of Beneficial Interest:          
Proceeds from shares sold          
Class 1   1    1,323,684 
Class 2   104,069,116    235,598,976 
Class 3   13,212,869    51,051,039 
Class 4   1,675,631    7,597,285 
Reinvestment of distributions          
Class 1       150,934 
Class 2       20,073,011 
Class 3       3,005,035 
Class 4       167,187 
Cost of shares redeemed          
Class 1   (3,123,255)   (1,670,415)
Class 2   (76,088,893)   (102,455,270)
Class 3   (13,903,876)   (25,215,223)
Class 4   (706,533)   (342,814)
Net increase in net assets from share transactions of beneficial interest   25,135,060    189,283,429 
Total increase in net assets   39,341,292    194,075,228 
Net Assets:          
Beginning of period   1,118,612,320    924,537,092 
End of period  $1,157,953,612   $1,118,612,320 
Undistributed net investment income at end of period  $20,691,462   $15,005,002 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

22

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (Continued)

 

   Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio 
   Six Months Ended     
   June 30, 2015   Year Ended 
   (Unaudited)   December 31, 2014 
SHARE ACTIVITY          
Class 1          
Shares Sold   1    111,095 
Shares Reinvested       12,672 
Shares Redeemed   (255,673)   (136,028)
Net decrease in shares of beneficial interest outstanding   (255,672)   (12,261)
Class 2          
Shares Sold   8,507,043    19,564,960 
Shares Reinvested       1,691,070 
Shares Redeemed   (6,231,288)   (8,523,179)
Net increase in shares of beneficial interest outstanding   2,275,755    12,732,851 
           
Class 3          
Shares Sold   1,078,647    4,228,018 
Shares Reinvested       253,375 
Shares Redeemed   (1,136,858)   (2,052,921)
Net increase (decrease) in shares of beneficial interest outstanding   (58,211)   2,428,472 
           
Class 4          
Shares Sold   138,953    631,830 
Shares Reinvested       14,144 
Shares Redeemed   (57,614)   (27,879)
Net increase in shares of beneficial interest outstanding   81,339    618,095 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

23

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
Financial Highlights
Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio
 
Selected data based on a share outstanding throughout each period indicated.

 

   Class 1 Shares 
   Six Months Ended                 
   June 30, 2015   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Period Ended 
   (Unaudited)   December 31, 2014   December 31, 2013   December 31, 2012   December 31, 2011(a) 
                     
Net asset value, beginning of period  $11.68   $11.52   $10.75   $9.90   $10.00 
Income from investment operations:                         
Net investment income (b) (c)   0.05    0.18    0.17    0.23    0.25 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and futures contracts   0.08    0.20    0.70    0.63    (0.35)
Total income (loss) from investment operations   0.13    0.38    0.87    0.86    (0.10)
Less distributions from:                         
Net investment income       (0.13)   (0.10)   (0.01)    
Net realized gain       (0.09)            
Total distributions       (0.22)   (0.10)   (0.01)    
Net asset value, end of period  $11.81   $11.68   $11.52   $10.75   $9.90 
Total return (d)   1.11%   3.34%   8.08%   8.69%   (1.00)%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)  $1,581   $5,250   $6,632   $5,314   $685 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (e)   0.40% (f)   0.40%   0.40%   0.40%   0.40% (f)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (c)(e)   0.85% (f)   1.51%   1.51%   2.24%   4.47% (f)
Portfolio turnover rate   6% (g)   19%   25%   25%   10% (g)

 

(a)The Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio Class 1 commenced operations on June 9, 2011.

 

(b)Net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period.

 

(c)Recognition of net investment income by the Portfolio is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests.

 

(d)Total returns are historical and assume changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

(e)Does not include the expenses of the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests.

 

(f)Annualized.

 

(g)Not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

24

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
Financial Highlights
Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio
 
Selected data based on a share outstanding throughout each period indicated.

 

   Class 2 Shares 
   Six Months Ended                 
   June 30, 2015   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Period Ended 
   (Unaudited)   December 31, 2014   December 31, 2013   December 31, 2012   December 31, 2011(a) 
                     
Net asset value, beginning of period  $11.62   $11.47   $10.71   $9.89   $10.00 
Income (loss) from investment operations:                         
Net investment income (b) (c)   0.05    0.15    0.14    0.26    0.19 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and futures contracts   0.06    0.20    0.71    0.57    (0.30)
Total income (loss) from investment operations   0.11    0.35    0.85    0.83    (0.11)
Less distributions from:                         
Net investment income       (0.11)   (0.09)   (0.01)    
Net realized gain       (0.09)            
Total distributions       (0.20)   (0.09)   (0.01)    
Net asset value, end of period  $11.73   $11.62   $11.47   $10.71   $9.89 
Total return (d)   0.95%   3.06%   7.93%   8.39%   (1.10)%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)  $607,164   $592,975   $529,690   $346,206   $23,533 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (e)   0.65% (f)   0.65%   0.65%   0.65%   0.65% (f)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (c) (e)   0.89% (f)   1.32%   1.30%   2.49%   3.46% (f)
Portfolio turnover rate   6% (g)   19%   25%   25%   10% (g)

 

(a)The Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio Class 2 commenced operations on June 9, 2011.

 

(b)Net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period.

 

(c)Recognition of net investment income by the Portfolio is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests.

 

(d)Total returns are historical and assume changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

(e)Does not include the expenses of the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests.

 

(f)Annualized.

 

(g)Not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

25

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
Financial Highlights
Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio
 
Selected data based on a share outstanding throughout each period indicated.

 

   Class 3 Shares 
   Six Months Ended             
   June 30, 2015   Year Ended   Year Ended   Period Ended 
   (Unaudited)   December 31, 2014   December 31, 2013   December 31, 2012(a) 
                 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $11.69   $11.56   $10.83   $10.42 
Income from investment operations:                    
Net investment income (b) (c)   0.05    0.15    0.22    0.19 
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and futures contracts   0.06    0.20    0.61    0.22 
Total income from investment operations   0.11    0.35    0.83    0.41 
Less distributions from:                    
Net investment income       (0.13)   (0.10)    
Net realized gain       (0.09)        
Total distributions       (0.22)   (0.10)    
Net asset value, end of period  $11.80   $11.69   $11.56   $10.83 
Total return (d)   0.94%   3.00%   7.65%   3.93%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                    
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)  $59,987   $58,657   $40,788   $16 (h)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (e)   0.75% (f)   0.75%   0.75%   0.75% (f)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (c) (e)   0.80% (f)   1.25%   1.93%   2.72% (f)
Portfolio turnover rate   6% (g)   19%   25%   25% (g)

 

(a)The Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio Class 3 commenced operations on May 1, 2012.

 

(b)Net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period.

 

(c)Recognition of net investment income by the Portfolio is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests.

 

(d)Total returns are historical and assume changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

(e)Does not include the expenses of the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests.

 

(f)Annualized.

 

(g)Not annualized.

 

(h)Actual net assets, not truncated.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

26

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
Financial Highlights
Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio
 
Selected data based on a share outstanding throughout each period indicated.

 

   Class 4 Shares 
   Six Months Ended             
   June 30, 2015   Year Ended   Year Ended   Period Ended 
   (Unaudited)   December 31, 2014   December 31, 2013   December 31, 2012(a) 
                 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $11.49   $11.39   $10.69   $10.42 
Income (loss) from investment operations:                    
Net investment income (b) (c)   0.03    0.13    0.13    0.76 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and futures contracts   0.06    0.18    0.67    (0.49) (d)
Total income from investment operations   0.09    0.31    0.80    0.27 
Less distributions from:                    
Net investment income       (0.12)   (0.10)    
Net realized gain       (0.09)        
Total distributions       (0.21)   (0.10)    
Net asset value, end of period  $11.58   $11.49   $11.39   $10.69 
Total return (e)   0.78%   2.69%   7.47%   2.59%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                    
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)  $13,536   $11,319   $5,327   $284 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (f)   1.00% (g)   1.00%   1.00%   1.00% (g)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (c) (f)   0.58% (g)   1.08%   1.16%   10.49% (g)
Portfolio turnover rate   6% (h)   19%   25%   25% (h)

 

(a)The Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio Class 4 commenced operations on May 1, 2012.

 

(b)Net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period.

 

(c)Recognition of net investment income by the Portfolio is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests.

 

(d)The amount of net gain (loss) from securities (both realized and unrealized) per share does not accord with the amounts reported in the Statements of Operations due to the timing of purchases and redemptions of Portfolio shares during the period.

 

(e)Total returns are historical and assume changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

(f)Does not include the expenses of the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests.

 

(g)Annualized.

 

(h)Not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

27

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
Financial Highlights
Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio
 
Selected data based on a share outstanding throughout each period indicated.

 

   Class 1 Shares 
   Six Months Ended                 
   June 30, 2015   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Period Ended 
   (Unaudited)   December 31, 2014   December 31, 2013   December 31, 2012   December 31, 2011(a) 
                     
Net asset value, beginning of period  $11.82   $11.77   $10.22   $9.43   $10.00 
Income (loss) from investment operations:                         
Net investment income (b) (c)   0.08    0.19    0.18    0.21    0.36 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and futures contracts   (0.02)   (0.02)   1.48    0.59    (0.93)
Total income (loss) from investment operations   0.06    0.17    1.66    0.80    (0.57)
Less distributions from:                         
Net investment income       (0.12)   (0.11)   (0.01)    
Net asset value, end of period  $11.88   $11.82   $11.77   $10.22   $9.43 
Total return (d)   0.51%   1.49%   16.32%   8.45%   (5.70)%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)  $39,252   $39,059   $36,004   $24,123   $9,242 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (e)   0.40% (f)   0.40%   0.40%   0.40%   0.40% (f)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (c) (e)   1.29% (f)   1.64%   1.66%   2.12%   5.59% (f)
Portfolio turnover rate   6% (g)   14%   15%   8%   28% (g)

 

(a)The Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio Class 1 commenced operations on April 26, 2011.

 

(b)Net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period.

 

(c)Recognition of net investment income by the Portfolio is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests.

 

(d)Total returns are historical and assume changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

(e)Does not include the expenses of the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests.

 

(f)Annualized.

 

(g)Not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

28

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
Financial Highlights
Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio
 
Selected data based on a share outstanding throughout each period indicated.

 

   Class 2 Shares 
   Six Months Ended                 
   June 30, 2015   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Period Ended 
   (Unaudited)   December 31, 2014   December 31, 2013   December 31, 2012   December 31, 2011(a) 
                     
Net asset value, beginning of period  $11.76   $11.71   $10.19   $9.42   $10.00 
Income (loss) from investment operations:                         
Net investment income (b) (c)   0.06    0.17    0.15    0.24    0.34 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and futures contracts   (0.02)   (0.02)   1.47    0.54    (0.92)
Total income (loss) from investment operations   0.04    0.15    1.62    0.78    (0.58)
Less distributions from:                         
Net investment income       (0.10)   (0.10)   (0.01)    
Net asset value, end of period  $11.80   $11.76   $11.71   $10.19   $9.42 
Total return (d)   0.34%   1.31%   15.96%   8.24%   (5.80)%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)  $1,008,917   $1,029,438   $888,391   $573,528   $25,393 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (e)   0.65% (f)   0.65%   0.65%   0.65%   0.65% (f)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (c) (e)   1.02% (f)   1.41%   1.40%   2.43%   5.18% (f)
Portfolio turnover rate   6% (g)   14%   15%   8%   28% (g)

 

(a)The Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio Class 2 commenced operations on April 26, 2011.

 

(b)Net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period.

 

(c)Recognition of net investment income by the Portfolio is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests.

 

(d)Total returns are historical and assume changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

(e)Does not include the expenses of the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests.

 

(f)Annualized.

 

(g)Not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

29

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
Financial Highlights
Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio
 
Selected data based on a share outstanding throughout each period indicated.

 

   Class 3 Shares 
   Six Months Ended             
   June 30, 2015   Year Ended   Year Ended   Period Ended 
   (Unaudited)   December 31, 2014   December 31, 2013   December 31, 2012(a) 
                 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $11.72   $11.70   $10.15   $9.95 
Income from investment operations:                    
Net investment income (b) (c)   0.05    0.16    0.26    0.17 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and futures contracts   (0.01)   (0.02)   1.40    0.03 
Total income from investment operations   0.04    0.14    1.66    0.20 
Less distributions from:                    
Net investment income       (0.12)   (0.11)    
Net asset value, end of period  $11.76   $11.72   $11.70   $10.15 
Total return (d)   0.34%   1.18%   16.43%   2.01%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                    
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)  $188,840   $206,885   $133,241   $15 (h)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (e)   0.75% (f)   0.75%   0.75%   0.75% (f)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (c) (e)   0.90% (f)   1.35%   2.28%   2.67% (f)
Portfolio turnover rate   6% (g)   14%   15%   8% (g)

 

(a)The Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio Class 3 commenced operations on May 1, 2012.

 

(b)Net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period.

 

(c)Recognition of net investment income by the Portfolio is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests.

 

(d)Total returns are historical and assume changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

(e)Does not include the expenses of the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests.

 

(f)Annualized.

 

(g)Not annualized.

 

(h)Actual net assets, not truncated.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

30

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
Financial Highlights
Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio
 
Selected data based on a share outstanding throughout each period indicated.

 

   Class 4 Shares 
   Six Months Ended             
   June 30, 2015   Year Ended   Year Ended   Period Ended 
   (Unaudited)   December 31, 2014   December 31, 2013   December 31, 2012(a) 
                 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $11.77   $11.77   $10.28   $9.95 
Income (loss) from investment operations:                    
Net investment income (b) (c)   0.05    0.14    0.17    0.47 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and futures contracts   (0.02)   (0.04)   1.43    (0.14) (d)
Total income from investment operations   0.03    0.10    1.60    0.33 
Less distributions from:                    
Net investment income       (0.10)   (0.11)    
Net asset value, end of period  $11.80   $11.77   $11.77   $10.28 
Total return (e)   0.25%   0.88%   15.64%   3.32%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                    
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)  $11,412   $7,510   $4,689   $151 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (f)   1.00% (g)   1.00%   1.00%   1.00% (g)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (c)(f)   0.84% (g)   1.16%   1.48%   6.97% (g)
Portfolio turnover rate   6% (h)   14%   15%   8% (h)

 

(a)The Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio Class 4 commenced operations on May 1, 2012.

 

(b)Net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period.

 

(c)Recognition of net investment income by the Portfolio is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests.

 

(d)The amount of net gain (loss) from securities (both realized and unrealized) per share does not accord with the amounts reported in the Statements of Operations due to the timing of purchases and redemptions of Portfolio shares during the period.

 

(e)Total returns are historical and assume changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

(f)Does not include the expenses of the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests.

 

(g)Annualized.

 

(h)Not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

31

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
Financial Highlights
Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio
 
Selected data based on a share outstanding throughout each period indicated.

 

   Class 1 Shares 
   Six Months Ended                 
   June 30, 2015   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Period Ended 
   (Unaudited)   December 31, 2014   December 31, 2013   December 31, 2012   December 31, 2011(a) 
                     
Net asset value, beginning of period  $12.02   $11.93   $10.68   $9.82   $10.00 
Income (loss) from investment operations:                         
Net investment income (b) (c)   0.06    0.20    0.18    0.25    0.14 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and futures contracts   0.11    0.18    1.17    0.62    (0.32)
Total income (loss) from investment operations   0.17    0.38    1.35    0.87    (0.18)
Less distributions from:                         
Net investment income       (0.15)   (0.10)   (0.01)    
Net realized gain       (0.14)            
Total distributions       (0.29)   (0.10)   (0.01)    
Net asset value, end of period  $12.19   $12.02   $11.93   $10.68   $9.82 
Total return (d)   1.41%   3.16%   12.66%   8.88%   (1.80)%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)  $3,259   $6,286   $6,389   $6,068   $20 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (e)   0.40% (f)   0.40%   0.40%   0.40%   0.40% (f)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (c) (e)   1.07% (f)   1.65%   1.57%   2.46%   2.39% (f)
Portfolio turnover rate   6% (g)   19%   25%   12%   7% (g)

 

(a)The Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio Class 1 commenced operations on June 9, 2011.

 

(b)Net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period.

 

(c)Recognition of net investment income by the Portfolio is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests.

 

(d)Total returns are historical and assume changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

(e)Does not include the expenses of the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests.

 

(f)Annualized.

 

(g)Not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

32

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
Financial Highlights
Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio
 
Selected data based on a share outstanding throughout each period indicated.

 

   Class 2 Shares 
   Six Months Ended                 
   June 30, 2015   Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended   Period Ended 
   (Unaudited)   December 31, 2014   December 31, 2013   December 31, 2012   December 31, 2011(a) 
                     
Net asset value, beginning of period  $11.97   $11.90   $10.67   $9.83   $10.00 
Income (loss) from investment operations:                         
Net investment income (b) (c)   0.06    0.18    0.17    0.27    0.21 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and futures contracts   0.09    0.15    1.15    0.58    (0.38)
Total income (loss) from investment operations   0.15    0.33    1.32    0.85    (0.17)
Less distributions from:                         
Net investment income       (0.12)   (0.09)   (0.01)    
Net realized gain       (0.14)            
Total distributions       (0.26)   (0.09)   (0.01)    
Net asset value, end of period  $12.12   $11.97   $11.90   $10.67   $9.83 
Total return (d)   1.25%   2.81%   12.39%   8.66%   (1.70)%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                         
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)  $1,012,299   $971,963   $814,589   $514,568   $39,430 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (e)   0.65% (f)   0.65%   0.65%   0.65%   0.65% (f)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (c) (e)   1.01% (f)   1.46%   1.49%   2.57%   3.78% (f)
Portfolio turnover rate   6% (g)   19%   25%   12%   7% (g)

 

(a)The Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio Class 2 commenced operations on June 9, 2011.

 

(b)Net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period.

 

(c)Recognition of net investment income by the Portfolio is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests.

 

(d)Total returns are historical and assume changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

(e)Does not include the expenses of the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests.

 

(f)Annualized.

 

(g)Not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

33

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
Financial Highlights
Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio
 
Selected data based on a share outstanding throughout each period indicated.

 

   Class 3 Shares 
   Six Months Ended             
   June 30, 2015   Year Ended   Year Ended   Period Ended 
   (Unaudited)   December 31, 2014   December 31, 2013   December 31, 2012(a) 
                 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $11.96   $11.91   $10.67   $10.39 
Income from investment operations:                    
Net investment income (b) (c)   0.05    0.16    0.25    0.20 
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and futures contracts   0.10    0.17    1.09    0.08 
Total income from investment operations   0.15    0.33    1.34    0.28 
Less distributions from:                    
Net investment income       (0.14)   (0.10)    
Net realized gain       (0.14)        
Total distributions       (0.28)   (0.10)    
Net asset value, end of period  $12.11   $11.96   $11.91   $10.67 
Total return (d)   1.25%   2.75%   12.57%   2.69%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                    
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)  $131,799   $130,856   $101,414   $15 (h)
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (e)   0.75% (f)   0.75%   0.75%   0.75% (f)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (c) (e)   0.91% (f)   1.36%   2.17%   2.95% (f)
Portfolio turnover rate   6% (g)   19%   25%   12% (g)

 

(a)The Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio Class 3 commenced operations on May 1, 2012.

 

(b)Net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period.

 

(c)Recognition of net investment income by the Portfolio is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests.

 

(d)Total returns are historical and assume changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

(e)Does not include the expenses of the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests.

 

(f)Annualized.

 

(g)Not annualized.

 

(h)Actual net assets, not truncated.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

34

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
Financial Highlights
Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio
 
Selected data based on a share outstanding throughout each period indicated.

 

   Class 4 Shares 
   Six Months Ended             
   June 30, 2015   Year Ended   Year Ended   Period Ended 
   (Unaudited)   December 31, 2014   December 31, 2013   December 31, 2012(a) 
                 
Net asset value, beginning of period  $11.91   $11.89   $10.70   $10.39 
Income (loss) from investment operations:                    
Net investment income (b) (c)   0.04    0.16    0.18    0.58 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and futures contracts   0.09    0.14    1.11    (0.27) (d)
Total income from investment operations   0.13    0.30    1.29    0.31 
Less distributions from:                    
Net investment income       (0.14)   (0.10)    
Net realized gain       (0.14)        
Total distributions       (0.28)   (0.10)    
Net asset value, end of period  $12.04   $11.91   $11.89   $10.70 
Total return (e)   1.09%   2.50%   12.07%   2.98%
Ratios and Supplemental Data:                    
Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)  $10,596   $9,508   $2,145   $77 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (f)   1.00% (g)   1.00%   1.00%   1.00% (g)
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (c)(f)   0.67% (g)   1.37%   1.56%   8.19% (g)
Portfolio turnover rate   6% (h)   19%   25%   12% (h)

 

(a)The Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio Class 4 commenced operations on May 1, 2012.

 

(b)Net investment income has been calculated using the average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period.

 

(c)Recognition of net investment income by the Portfolio is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests.

 

(d)The amount of net gain (loss) from securities (both realized and unrealized) per share does not accord with the amounts reported in the Statements of Operations due to the timing of purchases and redemptions of Portfolio shares during the period.

 

(e)Total returns are historical and assume changes in share price and reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

 

(f)Does not include the expenses of the underlying investment companies in which the Portfolio invests.

 

(g)Annualized.

 

(h)Not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

35

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)
 
1.ORGANIZATION

 

The TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios (each a “Portfolio”, collectively the “Portfolios”) is comprised of three different actively managed portfolios. Each Portfolio is a diversified series of shares of beneficial interest of Northern Lights Variable Trust (the “Trust”), a statutory trust organized under the laws of the State of Delaware on November 2, 2005, and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company. The Portfolios are intended to be funding vehicles for variable annuity contracts and flexible premium variable life insurance policies offered by the separate accounts of various insurance companies. The assets of each Portfolio are segregated and a shareholder’s interest is limited to the Portfolio in which shares are held. Each Portfolio pays its own expenses. The investment objective of each Portfolio is as follows:

 

Portfolio Primary Objective
   
Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio Income and capital appreciation with less volatility than the fixed income and equity markets as a whole.
   
Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio Capital appreciation with less volatility than the equity markets as a whole.
   
Managed Risk Moderate Growth Portfolio Capital appreciation with less volatility than the equity markets as a whole.

 

The Portfolios currently offer four classes of shares: Class 1 Shares, Class 2 Shares, Class 3 Shares and Class 4 Shares. Each class of shares of the Portfolios has identical rights and privileges except with respect to arrangements pertaining to shareholder servicing or distribution, class-related expenses, voting rights on matters affecting a single class of shares, and the exchange privilege of each class of shares. The Portfolios’ share classes differ in the fees and expenses charged to shareholders. The Portfolios’ income, expenses (other than class specific distribution fees) and realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated proportionately each day based upon the relative net assets of each class.

 

2.SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Portfolios in the 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 in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Portfolios follow the specialized accounting and reporting requirements under GAAP that are applicable to investment companies.

 

Securities Valuation – Securities listed on an exchange are valued at the last reported sale price at the close of the regular trading session of the primary 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 (“NOCP”). 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. Futures and options on futures are valued at the final settled price or, in the absence of a settled price, at the last sale price on the day of valuation.

 

Valuation of Funds of Funds – The Portfolios may invest in portfolios of open-end investment companies (the “underlying funds”). Open-end investment companies are valued at their respective net asset values as reported by such investment companies. Open-end investment companies 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 based on the methods established by the board of directors of the open-end funds.

36

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)
 

A Portfolio may hold securities, such as private placements, interests in commodity pools, other non-traded securities or temporarily illiquid securities, for which market quotations are not readily available or are determined to be unreliable. These securities will be valued at their fair market value as determined using the “fair value” procedures approved by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”). The Board has delegated execution of these procedures to a fair value team composed of one or more representatives from each of the (i) Trust, (ii) administrator, and (iii) Advisor and/or Sub-Advisor. The team may also enlist third party consultants such as an audit firm, valuation consultant or financial officer of a security issuer on an as-needed basis to assist in determining a security-specific fair value. The Board reviews and ratifies the execution of this process and the resultant fair value prices at least quarterly to assure the process produces reliable results.

 

Fair Valuation Process – As noted above, the fair value team is composed of one or more representatives from each of the (i) Trust, (ii) administrator, and (iii) advisor and/or sub-advisor. The applicable investments are valued collectively via inputs from each of these groups. 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 advisor or sub-advisor, the prices or values available do not represent the fair value of the instrument. Factors which may cause the advisor or sub-advisor 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; (iv) securities with respect to which an event that will affect 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 Portfolio’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 securities, such as private placements or non-traded securities are valued via inputs from the advisor or sub-advisor 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 the advisor or sub-advisor is unable to obtain a current bid from such independent dealers or other independent parties, the fair value team 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 Portfolio’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.

 

Each Portfolio utilizes various methods to measure the fair value of all 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 the Portfolios have the ability to access.

 

Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument 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 the Portfolios’ 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.

37

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)
 

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

 

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

 

The 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 June 30, 2015 for each Portfolio’s investments measured at fair value:

 

TOPS Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio

 

Assets*  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Exchange Traded Funds  $601,839,560   $   $   $601,839,560 
Short-Term Investments   80,186,782    1,400,000        81,586,782 
Total  $682,026,342   $1,400,000   $   $683,426,342 

 

Liabilities*  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Long Futures Contracts **  $404,930   $   $   $404,930 

 

TOPS Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio

 

Assets*  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Exchange Traded Funds  $1,101,504,952   $   $   $1,101,504,952 
Short-Term Investments   141,698,649    5,770,000        147,468,649 
Total  $1,243,203,601   $5,770,000   $   $1,248,973,601 

 

Liabilities*  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Short Futures Contracts **  $620   $   $   $620 

 

TOPS Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio

 

Assets*  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Exchange Traded Funds  $1,022,236,952   $   $   $1,022,236,952 
Short-Term Investments   134,164,424    3,340,000        137,504,424 
Total  $1,156,401,376   $3,340,000   $   $1,159,741,376 

 

Liabilities*  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Long Futures Contracts **  $965,258   $   $   $965,258 

 

The Portfolios did not hold any Level 3 securities during the six months ended June 30, 2015.

 

There were no transfers into or out of any level during the six months ended June 30, 2015.

 

It is the Portfolios’ policy to record transfers between levels at the end of the period.

 

*Refer to the Portfolios of Investments for security classifications.

 

**Cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts is reported in the above table.

38

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)
 

Security Transactions and Related Income Security transactions are accounted for on 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. 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 and distributions from net realized capital gains if any, are declared and paid annually. Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on ex-date and are determined in accordance with Federal income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. These “book/tax” differences are considered either temporary (e.g., deferred losses, capital loss carryforwards) 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. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets, results from operations or net asset values per share of the Portfolios.

 

Federal Income Tax – It is each Portfolio’s policy to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company by complying with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code that are applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income and net realized gains to shareholders. Therefore, no Federal income tax provision is required.

 

Each Portfolio will 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 each Portfolio’s tax positions, and has concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax positions taken in each Portfolio’s 2011-2013 tax returns or expected to be taken in each Portfolio’s 2014 tax returns. Each Portfolio identified its major tax jurisdictions as U.S. Federal, Nebraska and foreign jurisdictions where the Portfolios make significant investments. The Portfolios are not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next twelve months.

 

Futures Contracts – The Portfolios are subject to equity price risk in the normal course of pursuing their investment objectives. The Portfolios may purchase or sell futures contracts to hedge against market risk and to reduce return volatility. Initial margin deposits required upon entering into futures contracts are satisfied by the segregation of specific securities or cash as collateral for the account of the broker (each Portfolio’s agent in acquiring the futures position). During the period the futures contracts are open, changes in the value of the contracts are recognized as unrealized gains or losses by “marking to market” on a daily basis to reflect the market value of the contracts at the end of each day’s trading. Variation margin payments are received or made depending upon whether unrealized gains or losses are incurred. When the contracts are closed, a Portfolio recognizes a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds from, or cost of, the closing transaction and the Portfolio’s basis in the contract. If a Portfolio were unable to liquidate a futures contract and/or enter into an offsetting closing transaction, the Portfolio would continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the value of the contracts and continue to be required to maintain the margin deposits on the futures contracts. Each Portfolio segregates liquid securities having a value at least equal to the amount of the current obligation under any open futures contract. Risks may exceed amounts recognized in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. With futures, there is minimal counterparty credit risk to a Portfolio since futures are exchange traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange traded futures, guarantees the futures against default.

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2015, the Portfolios had the following realized gains (loss) from futures contracts reported in the Statements of Operations.

 

Portfolio  Realized Gain (Loss) 
Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio  $2,689,651 
Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio   (18,284,511)
Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio   3,296,679 

39

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)
 

For the six months ended June 30, 2015, the Portfolios had the following change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from futures contracts.

 

Portfolio  Appreciation (Depreciation) 
Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio  $(1,646,733)
Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio   358,275 
Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio   (2,665,058)
      

The notional value of the derivative instruments outstanding as of June 30, 2015 as disclosed in the Portfolio of Investments and the amounts of realized and changes in unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments during the period as disclosed above and within the Statement of Operations serve as indicators of the volume of derivative activity for the Portfolio.

 

Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets

 

It is the Portfolio’s policy to recognize a net asset or liability equal to the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts. During the six months ended June 30, 2015, the Portfolio is subject to a master netting arrangement for the futures. The following table shows additional information regarding the offsetting of assets and liabilities at June 30, 2015.

 

Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio

 

               Gross Amounts Not Offset in     
               the Statement of Assets &     
Liabilities:              Liabilities     
           Net Amounts             
       Gross   of Liabilities             
       Amounts   Presented in             
   Gross   Offset in the   the             
   Amounts of   Statement   Statement of       Cash     
   Recognized   of Assets &   Assets &   Financial   Collateral   Net 
Description  Liabilities   Liabilities   Liabilities   Instruments   Pledged   Amount 
Futures                              
Contracts  $404,930 (1)  $ (1)  $404,930   $404,930 (2)  $   $ 
Total  $404,930   $   $404,930   $   $   $ 

 

(1)Gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation as presented in the Portfolio of Investments

 

(2)The amount is limited to the net derivative balance and, accordingly, does not include excess collateral pledged

 

Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio

 

               Gross Amounts Not Offset in     
               the Statement of Assets &     
Liabilities:              Liabilities     
           Net Amounts             
       Gross   of Liabilities             
       Amounts   Presented in             
   Gross   Offset in the   the             
   Amounts of   Statement   Statement of       Cash     
   Recognized   of Assets &   Assets &   Financial   Collateral   Net 
Description  Liabilities   Liabilities   Liabilities   Instruments   Pledged   Amount 
Futures                              
Contracts  $31,510 (1)  $30,890 (1)  $620   $620 (2)  $   $ 
Total  $31,510   $30,890   $620   $620   $   $ 
                               
(1)Gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation as presented in the Portfolio of Investments

 

(2)The amount is limited to the net derivative balance and, accordingly, does not include excess collateral pledged

40

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)
 

Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio

 

               Gross Amounts Not Offset in     
               the Statement of Assets &     
Liabilities:              Liabilities     
           Net Amounts             
       Gross   of Liabilities             
       Amounts   Presented in             
   Gross   Offset in the   the             
   Amounts of   Statement   Statement of       Cash     
   Recognized   of Assets &   Assets &   Financial   Collateral   Net 
Description  Liabilities   Liabilities   Liabilities   Instruments   Pledged   Amount 
Futures                              
Contracts  $965,258 (1)  $ (1)  $965,258   $965,258 (2)  $   $ 
Total  $965,258   $   $965,258   $   $   $ 

 

(1)Gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation as presented in the Portfolio of Investments

 

(2)The amount is limited to the net derivative balance and, accordingly, does not include excess collateral pledged

 

Exchange Traded Funds – The Portfolios may invest in exchange traded funds (“ETFs”). ETFs are a type of index fund bought and sold on a securities exchange. An ETF trades like common stock and represents a fixed portfolio of securities designed to track the performance and dividend yield of a particular domestic or foreign market index. A Portfolio may purchase an ETF to gain exposure to a portion of the U.S. or a foreign market. The risks of owning an ETF generally reflect the risks of owning the underlying securities they are designed to track, although the lack of liquidity on an ETF could result in it being more volatile. Additionally, ETFs have fees and expenses that reduce their value.

 

Expenses – Expenses of the Trust that are directly identifiable to a specific portfolio are charged to that portfolio. Expenses, which are not readily identifiable to a specific portfolio, are allocated in such a manner as deemed equitable, taking into consideration the nature and type of expense and the relative sizes of the portfolios 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 Portfolios enter into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties and which provide general indemnities. Each Portfolio’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Portfolios that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Portfolios expect the risk of loss due to these warranties and indemnities to be remote.

 

3.INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2015, cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of portfolio securities, other than short-term investments, were as follows:

 

Portfolio  Purchases   Sales 
Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio  $49,081,451   $38,833,837 
Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio   71,177,495    117,774,228 
Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio   93,742,397    65,358,540 

41

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)
 
4.INVESTMENTS IN AFFILIATED COMPANIES

 

An affiliated company is a company in which a Portfolio has ownership of at least 5% of the voting securities. Companies that are affiliates of the Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio and Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio at June 30, 2015 are noted in each Portfolio’s Portfolio of Investments. Transactions during the period with companies that are affiliates or were affiliates at the beginning of the period are as follows:

 

TOPS Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio

 

                          Change in     
                  Dividends       Unrealized     
      Value- Beginning of           Credited to   Realized Gain   Appreciation/   Value-End of 
CUSIP  Description  Year   Purchases   Sales Proceeds   Income   (Loss)   (Depreciation)   Year 
18383Q879  Guggenheim Timber ETF  $11,558,480   $339,132   $1,274,129   $   $151,248   $480,776   $11,255,507 
97717X867  WisdomTree Emerging Markets Local Debt Fund   35,041,136    3,863,845    2,853,637    848,539    (751,999)  $(1,550,157)   33,749,188 
Total     $46,599,616   $4,202,977   $4,127,766   $848,539   $(600,751)  $(1,069,381)  $45,004,695 

 

TOPS Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio

 

                          Change in     
                  Dividends       Unrealized     
      Value- Beginning of           Credited to       Appreciation/   Value-End of 
CUSIP  Description  Year   Purchases   Sales Proceeds   Income   Realized Gains   (Depreciation)   Year 
18383Q879  Guggenheim Timber ETF  $10,051,625   $542,509   $715,025   $   $94,748   $456,874   $10,430,731 

 

5.INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT / TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

 

ValMark Advisers, Inc. serves as the Portfolios’ investment advisor (the “Advisor”). The Advisor has engaged Milliman Financial Risk Management, LLC as the Portfolios’ Sub-Advisor (the “Sub-Advisor”). Pursuant to an advisory agreement with the Trust, the Advisor, under the oversight of the Board, directs the daily operations of the Portfolios and supervises the performance of administrative and professional services provided by others. As compensation for its services and the related expenses borne by the Advisor, the Portfolios pay the Advisor a management fee, computed on average daily net assets and accrued daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.30% of each Portfolio’s average daily net assets. Pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement between the Advisor and Sub-Advisor, on behalf of the Managed Risk Portfolios, the Advisor, not the Portfolios, pays the Sub-Advisor a fee, which is computed and accrued daily and paid monthly. For the six months ended June 30, 2015, the Portfolios paid the following in advisory fees.

 

Portfolio  Advisory Fees 
Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio  $1,017,557 
Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio   1,905,609 
Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio   1,715,939 

 

The Trust, with respect to the Portfolios, has adopted the Trust’s Master Distribution and Shareholder Servicing Plan (“12b-1 Plan” or “Plan”) for each of Class 2 shares, Class 3 shares and Class 4 shares. The fee is calculated at an annual rate of 0.25%, 0.35% and 0.60% of the average daily net assets attributable to each Portfolio’s Class 2 shares, Class 3 shares and Class 4 shares, respectively, and is paid to Northern Lights Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor”) to provide compensation for ongoing shareholder servicing and distribution related activities and/or maintenance of each Portfolio’s shareholder accounts, not otherwise required to be provided by the Advisor. For the six months ended June 30, 2015, the Portfolios paid the following in distribution fees.

42

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)

 

Portfolio  Distribution Fees 
Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio  $894,977 
Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio   1,653,643 
Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio   1,506,958 

 

In addition, certain affiliates of the Distributor provide services to the Portfolios as follows:

 

Gemini Fund Services, LLC (“GFS”), an affiliate of the Distributor, provides administration, fund accounting, and transfer agent services to the Portfolios. Pursuant to the terms of an administrative servicing agreement with GFS, each Portfolio pays to GFS a monthly fee for all operating expenses of the Portfolio, which is calculated by each Portfolio on its average daily net assets. Operating expenses include but are not limited to Fund Accounting, Fund Administration, Transfer Agency, Legal Fees, Audit Fees, Compliance Services, Shareholder Reporting Expense, Trustees fees and Custody Fees. For the six months ended June 30, 2015, the Trustees received fees in the amount $4,900 on behalf of each Portfolio.

 

The approved entities may be affiliates of GFS and the Distributor. GFS provides a Principal Executive Officer and a Principal Financial Officer to the Portfolios.

 

Northern Lights Compliance Services, LLC (“NLCS”), an affiliate of GFS 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 GFS under the administrative servicing agreement.

 

Blu Giant, LLC (“Blu Giant”), an affiliate of GFS and the Distributor, provides EDGAR conversion and filing services as well as print management services for the Portfolios on an ad-hoc basis. For the provision of these services, Gemcom receives customary fees from GFS under the administrative servicing agreement.

 

6.CONTROL OWNERSHIP

 

The beneficial ownership, either directly or indirectly, of more than 25% of the voting securities of a Portfolio creates presumption of the control of the Portfolio, under section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act. As of June 30, 2015, ownership percentages of the holders of the voting securities of each Portfolio that may be deemed to control the Portfolio was as follows:

 

Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio   
    
Ohio National Life Insurance Company  82%
    
Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio   
    
Ohio National Life Insurance Company  66%
    
Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio   
    
Ohio National Life Insurance Company  80%

 

The Trust has no knowledge as to whether all or any portion of the shares owned of record are also owned beneficially.

43

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
June 30, 2015 (Unaudited)
 
7.DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS AND TAX COMPONENTS OF CAPITAL

 

The tax character of distributions paid for the following years was as follows:

 

   For the year ended December 31, 2014   For the year ended December 31, 2013 
   Ordinary   Long-Term       Ordinary   Long-Term     
Fund  Income   Capital Gains   Total   Income   Capital Gains   Total 
Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio  $6,238,760   $4,957,636   $11,196,396   $4,011,218   $   $4,011,218 
                               
Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio   11,304,924        11,304,924    7,872,996        7,872,996 
                               
Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio   11,048,214    12,347,953    23,396,167    6,606,700        6,606,700 

 

As of December 31, 2014, the components of accumulated earnings/(deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

   Undistributed   Undistributed   Capital Loss   Post   Unrealized   Total 
   Ordinary   Long-Term   Carry   October   Appreciation/   Accumulated 
Fund  Income   Capital Gains   Forwards   Loss   (Depreciation)   Earnings/(Deficits) 
Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio  $8,483,505   $15,545,500   $   $   $28,259,619   $52,288,624 
                               
Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio   17,062,162    5,240,406            118,139,273    140,441,841 
                               
Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio   15,005,002    24,438,045            65,036,602    104,479,649 

 

The difference between book basis and tax basis unrealized appreciation, undistributed ordinary income and accumulated net realized gain from investments is primarily attributable to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales and the mark-to-market on open Section 1256 contracts.

 

8.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 concluded that there are no subsequent events requiring adjustment or disclosure in the financial statements.

44

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
EXPENSE EXAMPLES (Unaudited)
June 30, 2015
 

As a shareholder of the Portfolios, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees; and other Portfolio expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in a Portfolio and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from January 1, 2015 through June 30, 2015.

 

Actual Expenses

 

The “Actual” expenses line in the table below provides 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 table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on each Portfolio’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Portfolio’s 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, or other expenses charged by your insurance contract or separate account. 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.

 

               Hypothetical
               (5% return before
         Actual  expenses)
                   
   Portfolio’s     Ending  Expenses  Ending  Expenses
   Annualized  Beginning  Account  Paid  Account  Paid
   Expense  Account Value  Value  During  Value  During
Class 1  Ratio  1-1-15  6-30-15  Period*  6-30-15  Period*
Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio  0.40%  $1,000.00  $1,011.10  $1.99  $1,022.81  $2.01
Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio  0.40%  $1,000.00  $1,005.10  $1.99  $1,022.81  $2.01
Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio  0.40%  $1,000.00  $1,014.10  $2.00  $1,022.81  $2.01

45

 

TOPS® Managed Risk ETF Portfolios
EXPENSE EXAMPLES (Unaudited)(Continued)
June 30, 2015

 

               Hypothetical
               (5% return before
         Actual  expenses)
                   
   Portfolio’s     Ending  Expenses  Ending  Expenses
   Annualized  Beginning  Account  Paid  Account  Paid
   Expense  Account Value  Value  During  Value  During
Class 2  Ratio  1-1-15  6-30-15  Period*  6-30-15  Period*
Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio  0.65%  $1,000.00  $1,009.50  $3.24  $1,021.57  $3.26
Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio  0.65%  $1,000.00  $1,003.40  $3.23  $1,021.57  $3.26
Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio  0.65%  $1,000.00  $1,012.50  $3.24  $1,021.57  $3.26
                   
               Hypothetical
               (5% return before
         Actual  expenses)
                   
   Portfolio’s  Beginning  Ending  Expenses  Ending  Expenses
   Annualized  Account  Account  Paid  Account  Paid
   Expense  Value  Value  During  Value  During
Class 3  Ratio  1-1-15  6-30-15  Period *  6-30-15  Period*
Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio  0.75%  $1,000.00  $1,009.40  $3.74  $1,021.08  $3.76
Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio  0.75%  $1,000.00  $1,003.40  $3.73  $1,021.08  $3.76
Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio  0.75%  $1,000.00  $1,012.50  $3.74  $1,021.08  $3.76
                   
               Hypothetical
               (5% return before
         Actual  expenses)
                   
   Portfolio’s  Beginning  Ending  Expenses  Ending  Expenses
   Annualized  Account  Account  Paid  Account  Paid
   Expense  Value  Value  During  Value  During
Class 4  Ratio  1-1-15  6-30-15  Period *  6-30-15  Period*
Managed Risk Balanced ETF Portfolio  1.00%  $1,000.00  $1,007.80  $4.98  $1,019.84  $5.01
Managed Risk Growth ETF Portfolio  1.00%  $1,000.00  $1,002.50  $4.97  $1,019.84  $5.01
Managed Risk Moderate Growth ETF Portfolio  1.00%  $1,000.00  $1,010.90  $4.99  $1,019.84  $5.01

 

*Expenses are equal to the average account value over the period, multiplied by each Portfolio’s annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the number of days in the period (181) divided by the number of days in the fiscal year (365).

46

 

PRIVACY NOTICE

 

Northern Lights Variable Trust

Rev. February 2014

 

FACTS WHAT DOES NORTHERN LIGHTS VARIABLE TRUST 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 Variable Trust chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

 

Reasons we can share your
personal information:
Does Northern Lights Variable
Trust 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 1-402-493-4603

47

 

PRIVACY NOTICE

 

Northern Lights Variable Trust

 

Page 2  

 

What we do:

 

How does Northern Lights Variable Trust 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 Variable Trust 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 Variable Trust does not share with our affiliates.

Nonaffiliates

Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.

 

●     Northern Lights Variable Trust 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 Variable Trust doesn’t jointly market.

48

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Page Intentionally Left Blank

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

49

 

PROXY VOTING POLICY

 

Information regarding how the Portfolios voted proxies relating to portfolio securities for the most recent twelve month period ended June 30 as well as a description of the policies and procedures that the Portfolios use to determine how to vote proxies is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-855-572-5945 or by referring to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS

 

Each Portfolio files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Form N-Q is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC (1-800-SEC-0330). The information on Form N-Q is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-855-572-5945.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
INVESTMENT ADVISOR
ValMark Advisers, Inc.
130 Springside Drive
Akron, OH 44333
 
INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISOR
Milliman Financial Risk Management, LLC
71 S. Wacker Drive, 31st Floor
Chicago, IL 60606
 
ADMINISTRATOR
Gemini Fund Services, LLC
80 Arkay Drive, Suite 110
Hauppauge, New York 11788

 

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

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 Registrant’s last fiscal half-year that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12. Exhibits.

 

(a)(1) Not applicable.

 

(a)(2) Certifications required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (and Item 11(a)(2) of Form N-CSR) are filed herewith.

 

(a)(3) Not applicable for open-end investment companies.

 

(b) Certifications required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (and Item 11(b) of Form N-CSR) are filed herewith.

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

(Registrant) Northern Lights Variable Fund Trust

 

By (Signature and Title)

/s/ Andrew B. Rogers

Andrew B. Rogers, Principal Executive Officer

 

Date 08/21/15

 

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/ Andrew B. Rogers

Andrew B. Rogers, Principal Executive Officer

 

Date 08/21/15

 

 

By (Signature and Title)

/s/ Kevin E. Wolf

Kevin E. Wolf, Principal Financial Officer

 

Date 08/21/15